Monday 6th June 2016 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

CBN Sells $2.188bn to Banks in Three Months Stanbic IBTC, Zenith, First Bank, GTBank lead

Obinna Chima

As the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continues with its demand management policy in foreign exchange

(forex) allocation to financial institutions, the returns on foreign exchange utilisation have shown that it sold a total of $2,177,999,996 to commercial and merchant banks as well

as the Bank of Industry (BoI) between March 1st and May 31st 2016. A breakdown of the weekly returns on forex utilisation compiled by THISDAY showed

that while in March 2016, the banking sector regulator sold a total of $921,352,549 to banks, and $669,405,241 in April, the financial institutions were allocated a total of $587,242,206

in May. The report however showed a gradual decline in the monthly forex sale by the central bank. The computation, however, did not capture total returns of

all commercial and merchant banks in the country, as their reports were not made available to THISDAY, while Continued on page 10

S'Court Asks Williams' Children to Settle Dispute over Estate...

Page 11

Monday 6 June, 2016 Vol 21. No 7711. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

Another 140,000 bpd Shut in as Agip, AITEO Close Operations in Bayelsa Navy asks communities to produce militants or face punitive action

Chineme Okafor in Abuja and Sylvester Idowu in Warri with agency report Nigeria’s crude oil production capacity has again dropped by 140,000 barrels per day (bpd) from the renewed activities of the Niger Delta Avengers

(NDA), a new militant group in the country’s Delta region. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported in Abuja yesterday that while the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) has shut its Bayelsa production facility which produces 65,000bpd,

indigenous operator, Aiteo, which operates the Nembe Creek Trunk Line, has also stopped its 75,000bpd facility in Bayelsa. According to the agency, earlier attacks on NAOC oilfield on May 18 and 24 resulted in the shutdown of

some 5,200 barrels of its equity share of oil output. It said a spokesperson for Agip confirmed the development in a short e-mail response to it. “The total deferred production due to the attack is 65,000 barrels of oil equivalent

daily,” read the e-mail sent to NAN. It further said: “I can confirm that. There is no further impact on production, since all production from the swamp area has already been stopped days ago.” According to crude

production figures provided by the oil firm, the country is losing about $3.12 million in revenue each day its facility remains out of production. Also, Shola Omole, Continued on page 11

Finally, Presidency Admits Buhari Has Ear Infection Travels to UK today for treatment

Iyobosa Uwugiaren and Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

The Presidency has confirmed speculations surrounding the state of health of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying he is suffering from ear infection and will travel today to the United Kingdom for treatment. A statement yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, said the president would today proceed on a 10-day leave, which he would spend

in London. "During the holiday, he will see an E.N.T. specialist for a persistent ear infection,” he said, explaining: "The president was examined by his Personal Physician and an E.N.T. Specialist in Abuja and was treated. Both Nigerian doctors recommended further evaluation purely as a precaution." Prior to the statement, reports had it that the president had an ear infection. While there was no official Continued on page 11

2016 Budget: FG Directs MDAs to Submit WELCOME TO ARGUNGU Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammed Mera; and the Kebbi State Project Priority List for Funding… Page 10 R-L: Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, during Ambode's visit to the emir's palace in Argungu, Kebbi State...recently

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

PAGE TEN

JNI, CAN, House Speaker Condemn killing of Trader in Kano John Shiklam in Kaduna, Damilola Oyedele in Abuja and Ugo Aliogo in Lagos For the killers of Madam Bridget Agbahime, who was murdered in Kano last week for alleged blasphemy, more knocks came yesterday as the Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, condemned the act describing it as barbaric and demanding justice. The JNI, headed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Saad Abubakar, in its statement signed by the Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, described the killing as criminal and not Islamic. "These ugly incidences utterly stand condemned and are regarded as criminal and unislamic, perpetrated by miscreants and criminals" the JNI said. The group said it was difficult to believe that such a dastardly act could happen in the name of religion, considering the various enlightenment programmes on interfaith and mutual coexistence being put in place by the Muslim scholars and the leadership. The JNI also commiserated with the family of the deceased

over the unfortunate incident and pray God to grant her eternal rest. It said: "The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, JNI calls on all to remain calm and avoid all actions that could lead to the breach of law and order. "The generality of Muslims are also implored to fervently pray for the restoration of peace and security in Nigeria bearing in mind that without Nigeria there will be no Nigerians.” The CAN in its statement signed by its spokesman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, dismissed allegations of blasphemy leveled against the deceased, explaining that information made available to CAN revealed that those who murdered Bridget went to perform ablution by her shop and she asked them to stop blocking the entrance to her shop. According to CAN, "From the information we gathered, Bridget never committed blasphemy as claimed by those who killed her. "Information reaching us indicate that one of her killers had been looking for her trouble very often and on that day he went to her shop and started his ablution right at the entrance of her shop and she complained and an

argument ensued. "The man suddenly started shouting Allahu Akbar and a mob surrounded her shop and descended on the woman. Frantic efforts were made to save her life by people who tried to rescue her but the mob overwhelmed them and we wonder where the police were when this thing was happening." Bridget's killers had alleged that she blasphemed Prophet Mohammed. But CAN said it was sad that people would wake up and kill a fellow human being like an animal, adding that such a dastard action should not be condoned in any civilised society. It noted that a similar incident happened in Kano some years ago when another Igbo trader was beheaded for the same allegations of blasphemy and said it was not enough for the Kano State government to announce that one of the killers of Bridget had been arrested. The Christian body said: "The government must ensure that the perpetrators of the evil act are brought to face justice and this time around, we will closely monitor to ensure that justice is done. "We cannot say we are Nigerians and some people will wake up and kill fellow

Nigerians at will in the name of religion and they are not brought to justice. "Our religious leaders must come out and preach the true tenets of religion, because this arrogance is getting too much." It urged Christians to remain peaceful and law abiding and pray for the progress of the country. In Abuja, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dogara, called on security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of Bridget's murderers. Dogara, according to a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mr. Turaki Hassan, yesterday condemned the murder, which he described as a grievous act of lawlessness and impunity. "We live in a society governed by clearly stated rules and laws. When such crimes of high magnitude, or any at all, are allowed to go unpunished for any reason, we risk descending into a state of lawlessness and anarchy where anyone can assume the role of judge, jury and executioner,” he said. “The rule of law must prevail. I urge all security agencies to ensure that they carry out a thorough investigation into the events that led to her untimely death and ensure that the

perpetrators of this crime are made to face the full wrath of the law,” the Speaker added. In its reaction, a group known as Aka Ikenga also condemned Bridget’s killing. The group in a statement signed by its President, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, stated that the masterminds of this murder should be charged to court promptly, adding that the act was a premeditated action under the pretext of religion. Uwazurike, therefore, called for justice to prevail, stressing that it would serve as a deterrent to other murderers planning to carry out similar attacks. “We demand most strenuously that they (murderers) be used as example so that other murders under the cover of religion would be stopped,” he said. He commended the state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Police Commissioner, Muhammad Katsina, for their prompt response during the crisis, while expressing shock that the Emir of the Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II, had not led the fight to stop the religious bigots. But speaking on the growing wave of violence in the country, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, called for an end to violence

nationwide. He spoke during a special mass to commence the activities marking this year’s edition of the World Environment Day at St Patrick’s Cathedral Awka yesterday, and frowned on the ease with which life was snuffed out of Nigerians at the slightest pretext in recent times and advised that there was a strong need for wisdom, calmness, patience and prayers at these times. “It is important to reiterate that nobody should lose his or her life under any circumstance and I condemn that very act in the strongest terms,” he said. On the recent face-off between the police and some youths who filed out to mark the Igbo Day in Nkpor, Idemili Local Government Area of the state, Obiano reiterated his regret over the loss of lives and said that as the chief security officer of the state, his priority was to secure lives and property. According to him, it was a great idea to celebrate Igbo Day, but the method adopted by the youths to mark it ought to be reappraised to avoid unnecessary conflict with the constituted authority, as that would defeat the aim of the event which is to draw attention to the developmental challenges of the South-east zone.

FG Directs MDAs to Submit Project Priority List for Funding Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja The federal government has directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to forward the list of on-going and new projects in order of priority for immediate funding. According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the directive is contained in a circular from the Ministry of Budget and National Planning and the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), made available yesterday in Abuja. In the circular signed by Mrs Fatima Mede, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, all MDAs are expected to submit their project list to the ministry. “Ministers are expected to

2016 Budget give necessary directives to their permanent secretaries to immediately commence procurement process as part of efforts toward ensuring effective implementation of the 2016 budget,’’ the statement said. “In this regard, all ministries should forward the list of projects in order of priority that requires immediate funding to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. This is to enable us to process and thereafter send the report to the Federal Ministry of Finance for release of funds,’’ it added. The report also quoted the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, as saying that the 2016 budget would be fully

and effectively implemented, advising all MDAs to accelerate procurement activities for all new and on-going projects and programmes as indicated in the 2016 budget. Lawal advised the ministries and agencies to carry out the directive in accordance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007. He said: “MDAs are accordingly directed to comply with the six weeks advertisement period stipulated in the procurement act to fasttrack the implementation of the 2016 budget, particularly for new programmes and projects. “In other words, prequalified evaluation process should not exceed 14 days, while financial evaluation process, notification of award and obtaining necessary approvals should

not exceed 30 days altogether. “Furthermore, MDAs are directed to advertise and invite bids for projects costing less than N100 million for goods and services and N300 million for works as such procurement do not require separate prequalification.’’ He added that the procedure would reduce the average processing time for open competitive bidding by at least 35 days and further accelerates implementation of the 2016 budget, and advised MDAs that had not commenced the implementation of their 2016 procurement plans as directed to proceed immediately, threatening that slowness in whatever form would not be tolerated. He advised accounting officers to ensure strict

compliance with the contents of the circular. The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, told journalists recently that the full implementation of the N6.03 trillion 2016 budget would depend on the ability of the federal government to meet its revenue targets. The minister, who spoke at the House of Representatives’ sectorial debate on economic diversification, said: “I cannot promise that every single agency would receive money appropriated for them (because) the budget is an estimate and funds would be released based on revenue.” She promised the legislators, however, that government was committed to ensuring that available funds were judiciously deployed, monitored and

it received from the central bank for sale to its customers showed that in March it got $102,279,505; April -$62,137,299 and May - $49,443,083. First Bank Nigeria Limited came in third with a total of $213,771,851. The breakdown showed that in March, First Bank was allocated $79,428,530, April -$74,673,190 and $59,670,131 in May. Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GT Bank) held the fourth position with a total allocation of $209,562,580. The bank was allocated $102,565,144 in March, $67,146,192 in April and $39,851,244 in May. Diamond Bank Plc came in fifth with a total forex allocation of $185,678,038. Meanwhile, the market is currently awaiting the modalities for the proposed flexible exchange rate to be introduced by the central bank. The CBN, which met with bank treasurers early last week,

also met with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the weekend as it continued to engage stakeholders on its policies. NLC Vice-President, Mr. Issa Aremu, who spoke at the forum, said among other things discussed at the meeting, labour requested "clarification on what this flexible exchange rate means for us and he said the modalities are still being worked out. But the bottom line is that it would not do prejudice to the value of the naira". But in his response, the acting Director of Communication at the CBN, Mr Isaac Okoroafor, said: "The modalities have not been released. The governor has explained that we have to find a way of creating some flexibility around the foreign exchange management as it is today and the details would be released in due course."

CBN SELLS $2.188BN TO BANKS IN THREE MONTHS Skye Bank Plc did not publish in April and May 2016. The report was sufficient, nonetheless, to show that actual demand for forex stood at almost $21.800 billion during the three months, given that the CBN only managed to meet about 10 per cent of banks’ demand for forex through its demand management policy. A top bank official had told THISDAY that the returns were not in any way reflective of total demands by the banks on behalf of their customers, adding that what the central bank was trying to address were the backlog of forex demands. “On average, our returns or allocations are just about 10 per cent of total demand, which means that the CBN is unable to meet forex demand on the official market. “It is for this reason that there is so much pressure on the parallel market, where

businesses that are unable to get their forex requirements met through the official window decide to turn to,” the bank CEO had explained. Forex allocations in the three months reviewed by THISDAY ranged from fuel importation, machinery, payment for syndicated loans, pharmaceutical imports, importation of industrial raw material all the way down to school fees and personal travelling allowances. Allocation for the payment of tuition fees overseas was one of the most numerous items. Also, other invisible items such as business and personal travel allowances, repatriation of capital, and divestments by foreign portfolio investors from the equities and bond markets accounted for a large chunk of forex purchases, in terms of volume. The Dangote Group, Bua Sugar, Rahamaniya Oil and

Gas, Forte Oil, Eterna Plc, and IATA which purchased $1.5 billion for ticket sales remittance, Matrix Energy Limited and Dozzy Oil were some of the biggest buyers of forex in the three months reviewed. Based on THISDAY’s computation, Stanbic IBTC got the highest forex allocation between March and May, with a total of $229,648,443. A breakdown of this showed that the bank got $100,590,105 in March, $62,939,062 in April and $66,119,366 in May. The bank sold the dollars it purchased from the central bank mostly to foreign portfolio investors exiting the Nigerian money and capital markets. Stanbic IBTC was followed by Zenith Bank Plc, whose computation showed that it was allocated a total of $213,859,887 in the three months under review. A breakdown of the dollars

backed by result measurement, saying that efforts were being intensified to boost revenue generation outside the sale of crude oil. Mrs. Adeosun added that in spite of the paucity of funds, MDAs were not required to lobby to access funds, adding that the funds would only be released after the needs had been determined and prioritised. She said that MDAs would only be able to access funds for capital projects after providing full details of planned expenditure. “You have to tell us what you want to do with the money, but for capital projects, we would measure,” the minister explained. To ensure that the revenue projections were met for better budget implementation, she said the federal government was looking to improve efficiency in collection of taxes, custom duties and levies.

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN UBA 0.43 4.72 FCMB 0.14 1.67 GTBANK 1.45 19.20 ZENITHBANK 1.04 14.95 SKYEBANK 0.07 1.22 TOP LOSERS NGN NGN UPL 0.23 4.41 TRANSEXPRESS 0.09 1.73 VITAFOAM 0.23 4.43 CHAMPBREW 0.14 2.74 AXAMANSARD 0.10 2.00 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦755.00 Volume: 243.801 million shares Value: N2.429 billion Deals: 3,942 As at yesterday 03/06/16 See details on Page 37

% 10 9.1 8.1 7.4 6.1 % 4.9 4.9 4.9 4.8 4.7

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

NEWS

S’Court Asks Williams’ Children to Settle Dispute over Estate The Supreme Court has advised the children of the late legal luminary, Chief F.R.A. Williams, to settle among themselves the dispute over how to share their father's estate. Last Thursday, the appeal filed by Williams' eldest son, Chief Ladi Williams (SAN), came up for hearing at the Supreme Court. But hope that the court would hear the appeal and deliver judgment quickly faded away as the justices of the court constituted to hear the appeal said they would not hear it. Rather, they mandated the warring Williams' children to work out a solution to the dispute among themselves. Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, who presided at the hearing, told them that the court would not hear the appeal. Justice Ngwuta said: "The only thing we want to hear from you is the report of settlement." He adjourned the appeal to November 7th, 2016 for the Williams' children to come and brief the court on the agreement reached by them to resolve the decade-long dispute.

Before adjourning the matter, the justices forced Ladi to embrace one of his younger brothers, Tokunbo Williams (SAN), who was the fourth respondent and was in court to defend the appeal. The justices advised them to involve all other parties so that they would be able to reach a solution that included everyone. In order to make sure that everyone was carried along in the negotiation to arrive at an out-of-court settlement, Ladi applied to the court to make an order to compel the remaining two children to come to court at the next adjourned date. The court agreed and made an order directing all the Williams' children to come to the court on November 7th, 2016. The justices were unhappy that despite the huge investment Williams made on his children, they had chosen to pay him back with avoidable quarrels over the estate he worked hard to leave behind for them. In the appeal, Ladi and Chief Kayode Williams are the appellants, while Folarin Williams and Tokunbo are the

respondents. Four of them were born by the same parents. Williams died on 29 March 2005 leaving behind four children. His wife pre-deceased. At the time of his death, it was believed that he did not make a will and was presumed to have died intestate, meaning that he died without leaving behind a valid will. Consequently, the four sons — the parties in the appeal — got together and entered into an agreement as to how the estate should be shared in view of the mistaken belief that their father died without making a will. In the appeal, Ladi and Kayode are asking the Supreme Court to hold that since their father made a will in 1954, the will should be upheld while an arrangement to refer the dispute over the estate to an arbitration should be discountenanced. They faulted the decision of the Court of Appeal in Lagos which held that the dispute be referred to arbitration. According to them, the issues involved were not issues that could be resolved by arbitration but by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Late FRA Williams

FINALLY, PRESIDENCY ADMITS BUHARI HAS EAR INFECTION confirmation, the inability of the president to embark on public outings as he confined himself to the State House gave credence to the speculation. On three recent occasions, the president cancelled official trips within and outside the country due to the infection and was represented at those events by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo. Last weekend, the vicepresident had to represent the president in Papua New Guinea where the 8th Summit of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States held. Osinbajo also represented the president at the 48th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which held in Dakar, Senegal. The president was again unable to travel to Lagos State to inaugurate some projects executed by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode despite elaborate preparations to

receive him, a development that shocked many members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-west even as he could not travel to Rivers State to kick-start the Ogoni clean-up project. At both occasions, he was represented by the vicepresident. Despite his health challenges, however, the president managed to attend the Jumat service and hosted some important visitors, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan as well as some clergymen on Friday. The president had been said to be having an infection in his left ear, a disease known as "Meniere's Disease’’, a claim the Presidency had denied last Saturday. But speculations persisted that Buhari was suffering from hearing impairment and routinely complained of severe pains and unusual sounds from that ear. According to Wikipedia,

Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that usually affects both hearing and balance. It is characterised by episodes of vertigo and by fluctuating or permanent tinnitus and hearing loss. The condition affects people differently. It can range in intensity from being a mild annoyance to a disabling disease. "The condition is named after the French physician Prosper Ménière, who in an article from 1861 described the main symptoms and was the first to suggest a single disorder for all of the symptoms, in the combined organ of balance and hearing in the inner ear,’’ Wikipedia stated. "The immediate cause of Ménière's disease is endolymphatic hydrops, an excess of fluid in the inner ear. The possible causes of endolymphatic hydrops, in turn, are not well understood. For this reason a causal treatment of endolymphatic

hydrops – and thus also for Ménière's disease – does not exist. "However, episodes of vertigo usually subside as the illness progresses or stabilises, and most patients learn to manage tinnitus and hearing loss. This even applies to patients who are affected in both ears from some point in the course of their lives.’’ The encyclopaedia added that Ménière's is characterised by recurrent episodes of vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus, saying though it often begins with a single symptom, the disease gradually progresses. It further stated: "The diagnosis of Ménière's disease is made only if patients complain of both episodic vertigo and episodic sensorineural hearing loss. While these symptoms could be related to a variety of earrelated illnesses, Ménière's disease is characterised by the occurrence of 2-3 symptoms at the same time, in discrete

episodes. "Conditions with partly similar symptoms – but no connection to Ménière's disease – include syphilis, Cogan's syndrome, autoimmune inner ear disease, dysautonomia, perilymph fistula, multiple sclerosis, acoustic neuroma, and both hypo- and hyperthyroidism. "Ménière's symptoms vary. Not all sufferers experience the same symptoms. However the classic presentation of Ménière's has the following three symptoms: vertigo attacks of rotational vertigo can be severe, incapacitating, unpredictable, and last anywhere from minutes to hours. "Generally the vertigo lasts no longer than 24 hours. For some, prolonged attacks can occur, lasting from several days to several weeks, often severely incapacitating the sufferer. This typically combines with increased tinnitus and temporary, albeit significant, hearing

loss. The hearing loss may improve once the attack has subsided, but often becomes progressively worse and permanent over time.’’ Tracing the cause, Wikipedia said Ménière's disease is linked to endolymphatic hydrops, an excess of fluid in the inner ear, adding that the membranous labyrinth, a system of membranes in the ear, contains a fluid called endolymph. In Ménière's disease, endolymph bursts from its normal channels in the ear and flows into other areas, causing damage. "This accumulation of fluid is referred to as hydrops. The membranes become dilated (stretched thin, like a balloon) when pressure increases and drainage is blocked. This may be related to swelling of the endolymphatic sac or other tissues in the vestibular system of the inner ear, which is responsible for the body's sense of balance,’’ it further stated.

vandals must have passed through the communities to perpetrate the condemnable act. He said: “The perpetrators must have passed through their villages or they are even from the villages. So, they know every intruder or anybody that is criminal among them. “That’s why I’m giving them time to come up with those behind this attack. The perpetrators must have come through the waters or land. They know those who pass through their communities, if not, we have to start controlling movement which I believe they will

find difficult.” But the leaders of the two communities were not pleased with the two options given to them, saying they were tasking since they could not be made to answer for the destruction of a property they had no direct control over. Chairman of Ogulagha community, Captain Solomon Prebor (rtd), who spoke on behalf of the communities, said they could not be held liable for the latest attack because the export line was not situated within their reach. He also denied that the communities knew those behind the attack of the Shell-operated trunk line.

ANOTHER 140,000 BPD SHUT IN AS AGIP, AITEO CLOSE OPERATIONS IN BAYELSA spokesman for Aiteo, said the Nembe Creek Trunk Line, which conveyed crude to Bonny export terminal but came under attack by NDA on May 28, had been shut. Omole explained that 75,000bpd of oil was deferred as the line remained out of service. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, had on Thursday in Vienna said Nigeria was producing 1.6 million barrels per day which excludes further production outages due to attack on Agip, Chevron and Shell. Meanwhile, the Commander of the NNS

Delta, Warri, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, has asked the two host communities within the 48-inch Forcados crude oil trunk line blown up by the NDA to produce the militants that blew up the trunk line or face the full weight of the law, including the deployment of the military to the area. The two communities that host the Forcados Export Terminal are Ogulagha and Odimodi in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. The naval boss told the leaders of the two communities yesterday that they either produce those

responsible for the destruction of the crude oil export trunk line in their domain or the military would be deployed to fish them out. Mohammed, who visited the site of the destruction at the weekend, noted that the failure of the communities to do as demanded would require security operatives to commence a military operation in the area. A situation, which he noted, might be uncomfortable to innocent people of the areas. Addressing representatives of the communities, the naval boss told them emphatically that the vandals who destroyed the critical oil

export facility were either members of the communities or had contacts among them. Based on his observation of the terrain, Mohammed said the vandals must have passed through the communities by land or by water. The Navy commander, who was briefed on arrival at the scene of the destruction by representatives of the host communities and a team of engineers, however, reassured the communities that his men were determined to go after the militants and flush them out of the region. Speaking with journalists shortly after the inspection, Mohammed insisted that the

MONDAY JUNE 6 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

News Editor Davidson Iriekpen Email davidson.iriekpen@thisdaylive.com, 08111813081

JNI, CAN, House Speaker Condemn Killing of Trader in Kano

John Shiklam in Kaduna, Damilola Oyedele inAbujaand Ugo Aliogo in Lagos For the killers of Madam Bridget Agbahime, who was murdered in Kano last week for alleged blasphemy, more knocks came yesterday as the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, condemned the act as barbaric and demanded justice.

The JNI, headed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Saad Abubakar, in its statement signed by the Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, described the killing as criminal and not Islamic. “These ugly incidences utterly stand condemned and are regarded as criminal and unislamic, perpetrated by miscreants and criminals” the JNI said. The group said it was difficult to believe that such a dastardly act could happen in the name of religion, considering the various

Again Gunmen Raid Home, Injure Sam Amuka,Vanguard’s Publisher Chiemelie Ezeobi About five suspected gunmen yesterday attacked the Lagos home of Vanguard Newspaper Publisher, Mr. Sam Amuka, injuring him and carting away some valuables, including an undisclosed amount of money. Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus, a superintendent of police, confirmed to THISDAY that “the command received a distress call about the robbery in the early hours of the morning and quickly mobilized its men and proceeded to the area to intervene. But our movement was hampered by the difficulties encountered in accessing the gates to the particular area where the robbery was taking place. “When we eventually gained access, the robbers had left. The commander rescued the victim and evacuated him to the hospital where he is currently recuperating. We have commenced investigations beginning with the interrogation of the domestic staff. We received a hint that the victim was billed to travel and had possibly withdrawn some undisclosed sum of money for the trip which may have been the target of the robbers. “We also learnt that three years ago a similar attack on the victim occurred when he was billed to travel and had withdrawn some money for the purpose. We want to assure you that we would leave no stone unturned to get to the root of this matter and bring the culprits to book,” she assured last night. When THISDAY visited his residence, it was learnt that Amuka, who was seriously manhandled by the suspected gunmen had gone to an undisclosed hospital for x-ray. It was also reliably gathered that yesterday’s incident was the fourth attack on his Anthony Village area home in recent times. Although there were private security guards stationed in his house, the gunmen were able to first subdue them before making entrance into the house. It was gathered that the gang had gained access into the house by scaling the fence before moving to incapacitate the security guards. They were said to have first tied both guards up before they also blindfolded them and left them in the company of one of the armed men. The other four were said to have gained entrance into the

main house by cutting off the burglary on one of the windows, after which they broke into the ceiling leading to Amuka’s bedroom. Upon gaining entrance, they confronted the publisher and repeatedly asked him to bring out the money or they will kill him off. When he couldn’t bring out the supposed money they were asking for, the gunmen, who were communicating amongst themselves in Hausa, all began man handling and battering him with dangerous objects. After ransacking his room and making away with some valuables, they were said to have left about 45 minutes later after they untied the guards and ordered them to unlock the main gate, before they zoomed off in an ash coloured car. Amuka was later rushed to a private hospital, where he is still receiving treatment When alerted, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Commander, Tunde Disu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), stormed the scene with a team of policemen. Initial attempts to chase the robbers proved abortive as all the gates leading to Amuka’s residence were all shut. It was gathered that it took the effort of the Anthony Village Divisional Police Officer, Chima Agha, a Superintendent of Police (SP), to clear the way but by then the gang had fled by then. Afterwards, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, who arrived at the scene with Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations, Mr Edgar Imohimi, assured that they were at the tail of the gunmen. The police detectives who came with the RRS commander later gathered the guards and other domestic staff for questioning. The police also deployed some heavily armed operatives stationing them both at Amuka’s house and the private hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. However, as at press time, THISDAY gathered from police sources that although five men went for the robbery, they were able to arrest 10 persons with possible links to the robbery. The suspects, it was also gathered, have been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, following a directive from the Inspector General of Police (IG), Solomon Arase.

enlightenment programmes on interfaith and mutual co-existence being put in place by the Muslim scholars and the leadership. The JNI also commiserated with the family of the deceased over the unfortunate incident and pray God to grant her eternal rest. It said: “The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, JNI calls on all to remain calm and avoid all actions that could lead to the breach of law and order. “The generality of Muslims are also implored to fervently pray for the restoration of peace and security in Nigeria bearing in mind that without Nigeria there will be no Nigerians.” The CAN in its statement signed by its spokesman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, dismissed allegations of blasphemy levelled against the deceased, explaining that information made available to CAN revealed that those who murdered Bridget went to do ablution by her shop and she asked them to stop blocking the entrance to her shop. According to CAN, “From the information we gathered, Bridget never committed blasphemy as claimed by those who killed her. “Information reaching us has shown that one of her killers had been looking for her trouble very often and on that day he went to her shop and started his ablution right at the entrance of her shop and she complained and argument ensued. “The man suddenly started shouting Allahu Akbar and a mob surrounded her shop and

descended on the woman. Frantic efforts were made to save her life by people who tried to rescue her but the mob overwhelmed them and we wonder where the police were when this thing was happening.” Bridget’s killers had alleged that she blasphemed Prophet Mohammed. But CAN said it was sad that people would wake up and kill a fellow human being like an animal, adding that such a dastard action should not be condoned in any civilised society. It noted that a similar incident happened in Kano some years ago when another Igbo trader was beheaded for the same allegations of blasphemy and said it was not enough for the Kano State government to announce that one of the killers of Bridget had been arrested. The Christian body said: “The government must ensure that the perpetrators of the evil act are brought to face justice and this time around, we will closely monitor to ensure that justice is done. “We cannot say we are Nigerians and some people will wake up and kill fellow Nigerians at will in the name of religion and they are not brought to justice. “Our religious leaders must come out and preach the true tenets of religion, because this arrogance is getting too much.” It urged Christians to remain peaceful and law abiding and pray for the progress of the country. In Abuja, the Speaker of the

House of Representatives, Hon. Dogara, called on security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of Bridget’s murderers. Dogara, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Mr. Turaki Hassan, yesterday condemned the murder, which he described as a grievous act of lawlessness and impunity. “We live in a society governed by clearly stated rules and laws. When such crimes of high magnitude, or any at all, are allowed to go unpunished for any reason, we risk descending into a state of lawlessness and anarchy where anyone can assume the role of judge, jury and executioner,” he said. “The rule of law must prevail. I urge all security agencies to ensure that they carry out a thorough investigation into the events that led to her untimely death and ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are made to face the full wrath of the law,” the Speaker added. In its reaction, a group known as Aka Ikenga also condemned Bridget’s killing. The group in a statement signed by its President, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, stated that the masterminds of this murder should be charged to court promptly, adding that the act was a premeditated action under the pretence of religion. Uwazurike, therefore, called for justice to prevail, stressing that it would serve as a deterrent to other murderers planning to carry out a similar attack.

“We demand most strenuously that they (murderers) be used as an example so that other murders under the cover of religion would be stopped,” he said. He commended the state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Police Commissioner, Muhammad Katsina, for their prompt response during the crisis, while expressing shock that the Emir of the Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II, had not led the fight to stop the religious bigots. But speaking on the growing wave of violence in the country, the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, called for an end to violence nationwide. He spoke during a special mass to commence the activities marking this year’s edition of the World Environment Day at St Patrick’s Cathedral Awka yesterday, and frowned on the ease with which life was snuffed out of Nigerians at the slightest pretext in recent times and advised that there was a strong need for wisdom, calmness, patience and prayers at these times. “It is important to reiterate that nobody should lose his or her life under any circumstance and I condemn that very act in the strongest terms,” he said. On the recent face-off between the police and some youths who filed out to mark the Igbo Day in Nkpor, Idemili Local Government Area of the state, Obiano reiterated his regret over the loss of lives and said that as the chief security officer of the state, his priority was to secure lives and property.

ISTHIS DAILYTIMES?

President Muhammadu Buhari (second left), sharing a joke with the Publisher of Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike (second right), and other newspaper publisherswhileacopyofDailyTimes isbeingpresentedtothepresidentduringavisitbythepublisherstothePresidentialVilla,Abuja...recently.

PDP National Leadership Caucus Meets over Makarfi, Sheriff Face-off Onyebuchi Ezigbo inAbuja In a bid to resolve the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the leaders of the party will today meet with concerned and aggrieved members. The intervention which is coming under the auspices of the national caucus of the party, would see the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting at the Ondo State Governor’s lodge today in Abuja while the National Assembly Caucus and Board of

Trustees (BoT) of the party will also be engaging the Makarfi-led caretaker committee and the Sheriff group. Making this known yesterday, the Director General of PDP Governors’ Forum, Osaro Onaiwu, said the agenda of the meeting is to resolve the crisis rocking the party. He added that a decision would also be taken on the forthcoming Edo State governorship election. Onaiwu said: “The leaders of

the party, the Governors’ Forum, National Assembly Caucus, BoT, Makarfi group and Sheriff group will meet tomorrow (today) to address the issue in the party. We want to resolve the crisis in party once and for all. We want to find lasting solution to the party. All parties involved are invited for this meeting. The forthcoming Edo State election will also be addressed.” The latest crisis began at the party national convention held in Port Harcourt on May 21, where

Sheriff was sacked as the national Chairman, the party constituted a caretaker committee headed by former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi, to head the party for a period of three months. Dissatisfied with this development, Sheriff had gone to challenge the action of the party, a situation that led to the party national secretariat to be sealed off by armed police men for about nine days before it was reopened last week.

T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

T H I S D AY • MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

COMMENT

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE REAL POLITICS OF WAGES

Chris Ngwodo argues that raising the minimum wage does not represent the greatest good for the greatest number

s the nation teeters on the brink of a recession, the federal government under pressure from organised labour is now mulling over increasing the minimum wage as a sop to the “masses.” Labour activists can justifiably cite the rate of inflation as a basis for an upward review of the minimum wage. However, even the minimum wage debate reflects the polemics of sharing the national cake and does not address the more pressing challenge of increasing national productivity. An increased minimum wage will be of limited impact as it will benefit only a fraction of the population. Most of Nigeria’s workforce is unemployed, or engage in seasonal labour or belong to those small businesses that employ less than 50 people which are exempted by the Labour Act from paying the minimum wage. This section of the workforce will bear the brunt of the inflation that is certain to result from a sharp increment in the minimum wage. Labour activists are right to link the minimum wage to inflation. They are also right to cite the widening chasm between the salaries of political functionaries and public sector workers. The outsized entitlements of political office-holders are a major motivation for labour activists to bargain hard for minimum wage increments. Their entirely justifiable argument is that the working class cannot continue to pay the price of the economic mismanagement wrought by the same elite who maintain hedonistic lifestyles at public expense. This administration must drastically cut the perks of public office and initiate an aggressive tax regime that compels the elite one per cent and their cronies to contribute their fair share to national growth. When governments are faced with hard choices in the course of managing scarce resources, their approach must be guided by a utilitarian calculus – “the greatest good for the greatest number.” Raising the minimum wage presently does not represent the greatest good for the greatest number. Many states are currently unable to pay the present wage of N18, 000 and since last year have required federal bailouts just to function. Raising the minimum wage would lead to massive public sector job cuts further spiking up unemployment. Labour cannot have its cake and eat it by insisting upon wage increments and zero retrenchments. The Buhari administration should amend the National Minimum Wage Act and decentralise wages enabling states to pay what they can afford. Wage structures should reflect regional variations in cost of living. Decentralising wages is more in keeping with our federal architecture and would create a new relational dynamic between labour and civil society on one hand and state governments on the other. By the same token, the federal government should decentralise the wages and entitlements of state government and local government functionaries. The Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal and Allocation Commission should set the salaries of state political functionaries as a fixed percentage of their states’

THE BUHARI ADMINISTRATION SHOULD AMEND THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE ACT AND DECENTRALISE WAGES ENABLING STATES TO PAY WHAT THEY CAN AFFORD. WAGE STRUCTURES SHOULD REFLECT REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN COST OF LIVING

GDPs. In effect, these officials would be earning commissions on the growth of their states. This would provide a personal incentive for functionaries to work hard to grow their states’ economies. States are at the heart of our public finance crisis. Since 1967, the creation of states has been guided by political expediency than by fiscal viability. Creating more states was another way of sharing the national cake. As the number of fiscally disabled territories has increased, so has the financial demand on the federal purse to fund them. For the most part, state civil services are less professional bureaucracies than welfare organs designed to funnel oil rents downwards. Indeed, state civil services are one of the most pungent examples of the dissonance between employment and actual productivity in Nigeria. The disbursement of federal funds to states without any accountability protocols or federally-determined objectives offers no incentives for state governments to use these resources judiciously. Without federal oversight, bailouts simply encourage slothful complacency by beggarly states. The Buhari administration should seize the opportunity afforded by the bailouts to recalibrate the federal government’s relationship with states. In exchange for bailout funds, the administration should set the states’ fiscal and budgetary priorities. Federal auditors should conduct fiscal and labour audits of states with a view to curbing foolish expenditures, cutting waste, and eliminating redundancy. Federalising state funds in this way is a necessary albeit short-term emergency measure. The answer to the challenge of raising national productivity is the devolution of powers and resources from the centre to states and municipalities. By concentrating resources in the central government, we have created extractive institutions that actually impede growth. Revenue channels such as property tax and value added tax should be in the states’ domain. There should be a 10 per cent increment in the derivation ratio every year for the next five years to terminate at the 50 per cent mark as obtained under the 1963 republican constitution. Phased annual increments in derivation will gradually wean states off federal subventions. We cannot return to the 1963 constitutional architecture of federating regions in one fell swoop. However, phased increments in derivation will compel fiscally-challenged states to merge into stronger more viable units which will in turn make for a stronger national economy. This is the only way that states can move from being welfare organs to productive hubs. If Buhari commits to this course, he will go down in history as Nigeria’s most radically transformative presidency Nigeria in 50 years. This big picture re-imagining and redesign of Nigeria’s political economy is what real change would look like. Nwodo (@chrisngwodo) is a writer, consultant and analyst

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND THE COMMUNICATION TAX BILL

t a time when Nigerians are groaning under the heavy burden of huge economic difficulties, the National Assembly is hell bent and poised to add to this hardship. As if the taxes and levies being charged businesses and individuals in the country are not enough, the National Assembly is debating the adoption of a Communication Service Tax Bill. This law, which has been challenged by consumer rights groups and stakeholders in the communication sector, stipulates that every communication subscriber will pay nine per cent as service tax for voice calls, MMS, data and Pay TV viewing, among other related services. Operators will in turn remit the charges collected from this new tax to the government coffers or face penalties. The CST will no doubt usher in a chain of unpleasant situations, one of which is limiting access to communication at a time when the world is pushing and encouraging adoption of communication services by all, irrespective of their socio-economic status. This development in the National Assembly shows that the lawmakers are yet to accept the global reality that affordable communication services will promote social inclusion and make financial services accessible to the unbanked. Undoubtedly, further taxation of electronic communication services will affect the lower income consumers the most. This class of people are already struggling due to the

The communication service tax is one too many, argues Azubuke Nwadialor

adverse economic situation and increased price pressures due to the fall in oil prices in the international market and the dwindling value of the naira. The National Assembly should rethink the introduction of the CST bill as increased cost of service caused by the impending tax will lead to a general reduction in the consumers’ buying power thereby forcing them to forego or reduce subscription to certain services. This is clearly a drawback for the milestone of 30 per cent broadband penetration which the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is working towards to meet the 2018 deadline set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The National Broadband Plan (NBP), which is driven by the NCC, is bound to suffer. Presently, Nigeria can only boast of 10 per cent broadband penetration, and affordability of broadband and related services is essential to speed up adoption to data services and ensure that the target is met in the next two years. The CST bill is counter-productive to the objectives of the NBP. The sponsors of the CST bill are yet to come to terms with the socio-economic impact of mobile penetration. Studies, from Cisco’s VNI Index in a report for the GSMA, find a strong relationship between mobile penetration and economic growth. The study shows that 10 per cent increase in mobile penetration increases Total Factor Productivity (TFP) by 4.2 per cent points. Studies by Leonard Waverman, which focuses on developing countries, also show that 10 per

cent mobile penetration could increase a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita growth by 1.2 per cent points. Every effort should therefore be geared towards providing people with more access to mobile services as only half the population of Nigeria is connected to communication services as affordability remains a key challenge to connect the unconnected. With the CST eating up the limited resources of the subscriber, the federal government’s sustainable development goals for social and economic inclusion cannot be achieved. Access to communication services is one of the major planks of those laudable goals. The CST bill may lead to invasion of subscriber’s privacy as it will grant government agents and consultants access to operator’s nodes for collection of electronic and physical data. For businesses, the CST will have dire impact on profitability given that the subscribers will have to cut down on their spending. With reduced profitability, operators will find it difficult to justify further investment in the sector and the associated risks will include job losses and poor quality of service, all of which will drag Nigeria back in the journey to making communication service a fundamental right of the citizen. The introduction of CST without first harmonising the existing multiple layers of taxes in the country will put pressure on the communication industry and discourage

investors. Various levels of government have imposed taxes and levies, which have weighed down on the telecommunications industry. The CST is one more tax too many. It is worthy of note that industry associations such as the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) have roundly rejected the bill and have jointly written a letter to the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun and Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, highlighting the dangers the new tax system portends for the industry. In 2014, the mobile ecosystem contributed $8.3 billion to the Nigerian economy. This, the group said, is set to increase as penetration of voice and broadband services grows. The proposed tax will therefore have adverse effect on the industry investment needed to improve and expand mobile connectivity across the country as well as relieve dependence on oil revenue. The CST bill will do the telecom subscribers, the investors and the Nigerian economy no good. What the nation needs are bills that would engender a reflection of the economy and usher in better standards of living for most Nigerians. Let us join hands to nip this satanic bill in the bud. Nwadialor, a consumer rights advocate, wrote from Enugu

T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6 , 2016

EDITORIAL RENEWED MILITANCY IN NIGER DELTA

The authorities should apply the carrot and the stick as the government’s stability is being tested militants were asked to submit their arms for amnesty. Meanwhile, the administration that followed awarded contracts worth billions of naira to a few militants and ethnic warlords. The policy angered those who were excluded from the largesse. As some of the contracts were not executed, some of the beneficiaries are now facing the wrath of the law. One of them has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). That is the backdrop to the present crisis. Unfortunately, what we have witnessed so far are mixed messages from the federal government. While the presidency threatened to treat the avengers like the Boko Haram terrorists, other officials announced that the state would enter into dialogue with them. For now, there is a full-scale military operation in some communities in the Niger Delta which has led to fatalities on both sides.

or weeks now, a violent militant group going by the name “Niger Delta Avengers” has been on the offensive, bombing and disrupting oil and gas production in the Niger Delta. By the last count, Nigeria was said to be losing almost half of its oil production on a daily basis while the onshore operations of most of the international oil companies in the Niger Delta had been crippled. In economic terms, this is a luxury we cannot afford, particular at a period like this. But of greater importance, the violence has opened yet another conflict with all the security implications at a time the nation is trying to end the menace of the Boko Haram violence in the Northeast. But who exactly are the avengers and what are they avenging? When the group started its violent activities about a month ago, it made 10 demands of the federal government that were not only political but which also gave them away as sympathetic towards a political tendency. Reacting, Adams Oshiomhole, Edo State Governor, said: “I don’t think the state should submit to blackmail from any quarters. I believe IN ECONOMIC TERMS, THE the responsibility of DAMAGE OF DISRUPTED the political elite is to OIL PRODUCTION WILL strengthen the bridge IMPACT MORE NEGATIVELY of unity; to discourage ON THE NIGER DELTA THAN preaching hatred; ANY OTHER REGION IN discourage amplifying NIGERIA weak points, and work to strengthen those points.” We share this view as we call on critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta to talk to the Avengers by making them realise not only the futility of their action but also the danger they pose to the communities and the environment. Beyond that, in economic terms, the damage of disrupted oil production will impact more negatively on the Niger Delta than any other region in Nigeria. We recall that under the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the Niger Delta

Letters to the Editor

T H I S DAY

EDITOR IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU DEPUTY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, MBAYILAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

he criminality of the Avengers has to be viewed in the context of a corrupt political environment and a weak state which has lost the monopoly of violence to criminal gangs - terrorists, kidnappers, herdsmen, armed robbers and other nihilist groups. Instead of equipping the police to secure the country, each successive government since 1999 has deployed armed soldiers to protect life and property. In the process, peace loving communities have been subjected to harassment and intimidation by armed troops. Without prejudice to the ongoing efforts at restoring order in the region, the current violence and sabotage of strategic installations in the Niger Delta renews the imperatives of Nigeria’s sovereignty. Whatever may be the limited grouse of these militants, the fact is that they are in a violent contest with the Nigerian state over aspects of national territory and economic activities. The responsibility of the state is therefore dual: first, to persuade these groups to seek more peaceful alternative ventilation for whatever may be their grouse and, second, to deploy such persuasive force as to deter further infrastructure damage without alienating the unarmed populace.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

THE THREATS FROM FOREIGN AIRLINES

have continued to read with interest, threats by some foreign airlines that they will stop flying into Nigeria as a result of their inability to remit their earnings from Nigeria. I read the threats with interest because some of these foreign nations still harbour illicit funds stolen from Nigeria. They have contributed substantially to the economic misfortunes of Nigeria as accomplices of thieves that stole funds from the federal government to lodge them in the vaults of some other nations, particularly the United Kingdom. I wish to advise the federal government not to take the threats of these foreign airlines on repatriation of profits from Nigeria seriously. Nigeria should only consider the requests of foreign companies wishing to repatriate their profits out of Nigeria only if it is ascertained that such foreign countries are not illegally holding in their economies illicit funds transferred from Nigeria into their countries. Specifically, all nations, specifically the United Kingdom that have proven to be accomplices in illegal transfer of Nigeria’s stolen funds to develop their economies should be prepared to help Nigeria by returning our stolen wealth. Therefore, British Airways should not be allowed to repatriate profits from Nigeria. All British companies should be similarly affected. Let our country enter into an agreement with the United Kingdom and its tax havens, Switzerland, the United States, as well as other nations that have held on to stolen funds that should ideally be returned to Nigeria to use part of the stolen funds being held in UK banks and vaults to settle IATA bills and similar issues. Nigeria should

be allowed to reconcile such funds and ask for interest payable on the withheld funds. All Nigeria needs to do is to write to the British prime minister to authorise him to settle the remittances that are due to British Airways from Nigeria’s funds held in Britain by David Cameron and co. since it has been established that Britain is holding funds that legitimately belong to Nigeria, and some of these funds have been in the economy of Britain for about three decades. The same approach should be used to settle airlines from the United States from Nigeria’s funds being held in that country. To me, this makes sense since Nigeria has the right to spend its hard-earned foreign currency the way it pleases. It will also go a long way in easing the current bottlenecks occasioned by scarcity of foreign currency in Nigeria. These foreign nations should not attempt to intimidate Nigeria with the threats of halting Overseas Development Assistance. The assistance that they are bragging about is by far smaller than funds illegally taken out of Nigeria to Western nations. The federal government must act in public interest. They cannot be holding Nigeria’s proven legitimate funds for decades to develop their economies while Nigeria is suffering as a result of illicit funds now resting in banks and financial institutions of foreign countries. Foreign governments holding Nigeria’s funds must realise that continued holding on to funds legitimately belonging to Nigerians is illegal and harmful to Nigeria’s economy.

These nations should respect sovereignty and international conventions and regulations. Efficient and immediate repatriation of funds belonging to Nigeria are very critical for Nigeria to be able to settle its creditors and other obligations. It is not reasonable for foreign nations to seize Nigeria’s funds illegally in their vaults and yet expect Nigeria to source for foreign currencies to settle IATA bills and related demands. Blocked funds in Europe and the United States are causing very significant economic challenges to Nigeria while the West countries, particularly Britain, are using Nigeria’s funds to develop their economies. This is one of the causes of the current forex problems that Nigeria is battling. It is definitely in the interest of both Nigeria and the developed world to ensure that Nigeria’s funds illicitly moved abroad are returned urgently and without conditionalities. The major point is: how can foreign nations illegally holding huge funds belonging to Nigeria in their economies expect that Nigeria will be comfortable at this period of economic crunch? Let all those foreign airlines and IATA boycott Nigeria and let all Nigerians resolve to stay at home to build our country. This is the price we must pay for a better tomorrow. Already, Liverpool Street Market in London is already feeling the impact of the noose on the neck of illicit funds traffickers. The situation is the same in Dubai and New York. The West must not be allowed to continue to fantastically rape our nation. Akin Babajide, Abuja

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

POLITICS

Group Politics Editor Olawale Olaleye Email wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com 08116759819 SMS ONLY

T H E M O N D AY D I S C O U R S E

For Nigeria, No Short Cut to Restructuring From the militants in the South-south to the Biafran agitators in the South-east and the brewing impunity in the North Central Kogi State, some of the challenges being faced by the Muhammadu Buhari administration have always been present and they point to one thing: the inevitability of restructuring, writes THISDAY Politics Desk

Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike and Osinbajo, when the Vice-president visisted Ogoniland to kick-off the clean-up

ormer Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, last week opened an old but relevant debate in the body polity. He reiterated the need for restructuring as a basic requisite for containing some of the pressing national questions. Atiku’s choice topic at a book launch in Abuja, the nation’s capital, titled: “We Are Biafrans”, further established and affirmed his understanding of the Nigerian situation and its apparent solutions. He said what Nigeria required most at present was to kick-start the process of restructuring the federation, which he claimed had become even more necessary with the increasing agitations and militancy across the country. He pointed out that the country’s economy was in a bad shape and expressed optimism that the government would eventually get the economy right. Atiku, who reckoned that a close observation of the policies of the present administration, especially on the issue of the renewed Niger Delta militancy and power sector crisis showed that there was little or no lesson learnt, added that President Muhammadu Buhari had tried to handle

two out of the five areas he promised the Nigerian people during the electioneering. “As some of you may know, I have for a long time advocated the need to restructure our federation. Our current structure and the practices it has encouraged have been a major impediment to the economic and political development of our country. When I was invited to chair this occasion, I immediately understood that the title of the book is a metaphor for the legitimate feelings of marginalisation by diverse segments of Nigerians that cut across the country. Agitations by many right-thinking Nigerians call for a restructuring and renewal of our federation to make it less centralised, less suffocating and less dictatorial in the affairs of our country’s constituent units and localities. “In short, it has not served Nigeria well, and at the risk of reproach, it has not served my part of the country, the North, well. The call for restructuring is even more relevant today in light of the governance and economic challenges facing us and the rising tide of agitations – some militant and violent – require a reset in our relationships as a

united nation,” he said. The former vice-president warned that the desire for one united Nigeria should not be taken for granted that every Nigerian is contented with the current structure of the federation or that they do not clamour for something different. According to him, “among the most devastating impact of our long dependence on oil resource is the corruption that has eaten into our fabric. The economy is really in bad shape and I want to believe that the government is trying to get the economy right.” A few weeks ago, a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro had also advanced a similar view. Obanikoro, who spoke during his graduation at the Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, the United States said, “Nigeria is not likely to record the much sought after change because the present structure of the country is anti-development. The problem is first of structure and then, leadership. For the country to make any meaningful development, it must start with restructuring. That is the way forward.” Continuing, Obanikoro argued that, “Perhaps, a return to the regional structure is

the way to go, where each region develops at its own pace and with the resources available to it. It is there and then, we can begin to savour development with keen competition amongst the regions to trump one another in terms of development and capacity building. And that is where the place of leadership comes in. Using the US case as a case study, Obanikoro said, “For example, the South of America is always slow to change unlike the North which is constantly on the fast lane. But neither the South nor the North is compelled to develop at a dictated pace but theirs. That’s why you find the North heavily developed and the South following gradually behind. But when you see the pace at which the South is also coming, you are certain that they might be slow really, they are certainly coming on steady and sure. “But the structure back home is badly skewed and does not encourage development. We were able to develop in the early fifties because the regional system was effective and encouraged the kind of development that suits each region, depending largely on

CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

POLITICS/ THE MONDAY DISCOURSE FOR NIGERIA, NO SHORT CUT TO RESTRUCTURING

Some of the militants in the Niger Delta...they have continued the havoc

the ability of the leaders to make good use of their resources. But what kind of structure allows for a region that provides about the 90 per cent of the resources a nation generates to be so backward? That can’t be development. Call it whatever, it is sure not development,” he said assuredly. As if waiting for some form of stimulation, the entire country has since commended Atiku, saying he just hit it right because the current state of the nation has further lent credence to his assertions. Some of the current agitations in most part of the country are generally seen as a pointer to the fact of his statement as they pertain to the current state of the nation. And in moving forward, a buy-in to the idea has become inevitable as a reflection of some of the realities that typify the Nigerian situation. Thus, from the poorly conceived revenue sharing formula to the badly skewed standing of the major ethnic groups as well as the modus operandi of the nation’s federal system, often dismissed as unitary federalism amongst other elements underscoring some of the current anomalies of the Nigerian state, the need for restructuring appears long overdue. But more recently, some happenings in the country have further exposed the nation’s fault lines and the inherent dangers in not addressing them as quickly as possible. The Rising Militancy Sometimes in Warri, the infamous oil city, you find a crowd gathering with excitement and you have no idea what’s going on. This happens so regularly these days until you find that the excitement is as a result of the activities of militants, who have been on the rampage in the creeks and along the mangrove rainforest for some weeks now. For most of the people, a resurgence of militancy in the area will most certainly sound the death knell on the economy of the city, which has been comatose since 2009, when the last of the oil companies operating in the city, Shell Petroleum Development Company, moved out following the last fratricidal war between the Ijaw and the Itsekiri people, a situation which has killed business in the town. But this is not all that is exciting the people. The activities of a new militant group have caught a lot of people napping. Many residents of the city have said goodbye to militancy as the last of such activities cost them so much. The Niger Delta Avengers, an unknown militant group made its presence known when it declared that it would make

the country ungovernable for President Buhari. The Avengers also threatened to make the country’s economy worse by acts of sabotage, particularly in the oil sector. The threat, made via a statement was in response to comments made by President Buhari during his visit to China that the militants would be treated as criminals. Buhari had said in China that oil saboteurs would be treated harshly like Boko Haram terrorists, a comment the group considered a denigration of the Niger Delta struggle and an indication that the federal government considered oil more important than the lives of people of the Niger Delta region. “The recent proclamation of the federal government to bombard the people of the Niger Delta, as stated in Beijing, China, is a clear indicator that President Buhari and his Northern brothers-led government scales the oil in the Niger Delta far more important than the lives of the Niger Deltans,” the group said. According to the group, “They never cared to see for themselves what the natives (Ogulagha people), the host community, are going through in the hands of SPDC as a result of the oil and gas exploration for decades. Ogulagha community is just one such case across the Niger Delta,” the statement added, saying the decision of the government to send the Minister of Environment and the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on a visit to the Forcados Terminal after it blew up showed the importance of the facility to the economic well-being of the country. “Bonny Export Terminal, Bonny Island in Rivers State, Chevron and Ugborodo community in Delta State are the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy, but they are all facing same hardship as the Ogulagha community, which hosts the Forcados Terminal. It is a slight on our struggle and quite embarrassing for the President to liken us to his kinsmen (Boko Haram), who are hell-bent on swimming in innocent blood until they Islamise the nation,” added the Niger Delta Avengers. The organisation also accused the president of deliberately ignoring the menacing activities of Fulani herdsmen, but paying attention to pipeline vandalism, which he wanted to use as a pretext to punish the Niger Delta Region. This, it argued, provided further proof that the federal government values oil more than the well-being of the people of the Niger Delta. While claiming it took no pleasure in violence, the group,

however, said it would continue to blow up more pipelines to protest the marginalisation of the Niger Delta. It dared the presidency to do its worst, saying “The presidency can go ahead and setup a permanent security force as stated by the Vice President, when he visited the SPDC, Forcados Terminal. We are not deterred by such threats as we are highly spirited and shall continue blowing up pipelines until the Niger Delta people are no longer marginalised by the Nigerian actors. Yes, the military has sworn to lay down their lives to protect Nigeria. We have on our part sworn to do whatever is necessary to safeguard the interest of the Niger Delta people.” The group also drew the attention of the federal government and the international community to the plight of their people and alleged that other forms of pipeline vandalism are encouraged by officials of the Nigerian armed forces. “We want the general public to note that the Nigerian Armed Forces collects three naira per litre of the sum accruing from the total number of barrels loaded by any vessel in all illegal bunkering activities referred to as ‘black oil business,” it claimed. It followed this up with a piece of advice to the Chinese government and the international community that any country that lends Nigeria money is doing so at its own risk. “There will be no litre of crude oil to service the loan deal they are planning to do. This also goes to the international oil companies in the country to adhere to our warnings and advise the federal government to heed our demands, especially the development of the Niger Delta Region,” the group concluded. But President Buhari has vowed to deal decisively with the seeming resurgence of oil theft, vandalism of pipelines and insecurity in the Niger Delta. Declaring that the Nigerian Armed Forces had already dealt “deadly blows” on Boko Haram, Buhari said the activities of oil thieves and vandals would soon be brought to an end, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu. “The oil thieves and abductors are a less problematic target. We will reorganise and deal with them,” he was quoted as saying. But the militants may have proved the president wrong on his assessment of the situation on the delta. However, following threats by the Avengers that the president would not leave Ogoniland alive, where he was billed to commence the cleanup of the oil spillage that had devastated the Ogoni area of Rivers state, the president canceled the trip.

The Avenger had issued a chilling warning to President Buhari he would be signing his death warrant by visiting Ogoniland while it also warned that any resident, who support the federal government against the group would be killed for “collaborating.” In a recording, a man is heard saying during a phone conversation with one of the hosts of the UK-based Radio Biafra that Buhari would be signing his death warrant by visiting the delta. “Buhari is trying to visit Ogoniland, but he should sign his death warrant before coming to Port Harcourt or try to visit any state of the Niger Delta community, Biafra land.” the suspected NDA member said. “We are starting a dance he cannot finish. We shall dance like vultures. He (Buhari) has dared to wake a sleeping lion, but I promise him this time around if he tries to step his foot in any community of the Niger Delta, in Biafraland, he will not go back alive. Any Niger Deltan, who will try to walk with Buhari shall also go to his grave that day. This is our assurance.” Niger Delta Avengers, which is now a force to reckon with in the region has caused serious havoc to the Nigerian economy by blowing up major pipelines owned by foreign oil companies. The group has further listed its conditions for peace. Following appeals from prominent Nigerians, organisations and pressure groups appealing to them to lay down their arms, the Niger Delta Avengers has listed conditions for peace in the region. In an email sent to select journalists, the group indicated its readiness to lay down their arms if their conditions are met by the Buhari administration. The group called for the immediate implementation of the report of the 2014 National Conference report, failure of which Nigeria will forcefully break-up. They also insisted that President Buhari, the directorgeneral of the State Secret Service and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva should apologise to the people of the region and family of the late Chief DSP Alamieyesegha for killing him with intimidation and harassment because of his party affiliation. “The ownership of oil blocks in Nigeria must reflect 60% for the oil producing people and 40% for the non-oil producing people. The only Nigerian Maritime University sited in the most appropriate and befitting place – Okerenkoko in Delta State, must start the 2015/2016 academic session immediately. The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi

CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

POLITICS/ THE MONDAY DISCOURSE FOR NIGERIA, NO SHORT CUT TO RESTRUCTURING

IPOB members during one of their protests

Amechi should apologise to the Ijaws and the entire Niger Delta people for his careless and reckless statement about the citing of the University in Okerenko. “Ogoniland and all oil polluted lands in the Niger Delta must be cleaned up, while compensation should be paid to all oil producing communities. Radio Biafra director and Independent Peoples of Biafra leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, should be released unconditionally. The Niger Delta Amnesty programme must be well funded and allowed to continue to run effectively. “All APC members indicted for corruption should be made to face trial like their counterparts in the Peoples Democratic Party. All oil multi-nationals and foreign investors should observe these demands as their business interest in the country will be first targeted.” However, former militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo had denied being responsible for pipeline bombings in the region. In an open letter addressed to President Buhari, Tompolo stated that he was not a member of Niger Delta Avengers. Even as this was going on, a new group has joined the fray. In a statement, the group cried that, “We have seen and noted that President Muhammadu Buhari (a.k.a. Pharaoh) is set for the final breakup of the country. Mr. Buhari should also know that we are also prepared and set for his proposal. The Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC) which is the highest organ of all the freedom fighting body has also endorsed some conditions. “After extensive and exhaustive deliberation by all Commanders of various groups in Yenagoa, the heart of the Niger Delta struggle met last night and as part of our mission, we are going to test six (6) of our MISSILES in the region. This is to show the federal government of our readiness of the American prediction. “There should be NO any form of helicopter to fly around in the region as we will not guarantee the safety of such object. The people of the Niger Delta region should not panic in the course of test-running the 6 missiles. We may also decide within the week to shut down the Nigerian satellite orbit, so that there will be no communication in the country if needs arise. “Within our three days operations, No airplane should fly out of the country because it can target such object no matter how small or big it may be. Our Fighter Expert Team shall be positioned in the six Niger Delta states, who have already arrived the region

from training through our country’s porous borders with our foreign partners, who are going to showcase what they have learnt in past on year. “Our struggle is not for any human blood, but we have been pushed to the wall for justice because our patience is running out on a daily basis as Nigerian uniformed men killing our innocent people continuously. Nigerian military should as a matter of urgency leave peacefully the Ijaw communities they are presently in, the next 48 hours under the guise of searching for the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) or else we should not be blamed of whatever catastrophe that may befall on such officers and the likely affected families of the officers should blame not the region. “We have consulted our war gods (deities) that enough is enough and that the time has come. Since the present Pharaoh of Nigeria, President Buhari is to preside over the disintegration of the country, it is a good omen. Henceforth, any attack on Ijaw communities or person(s) by the military or para-military body in the region, we will not hesitate to order our shoot-at-sight squad of any uniformed personnel in the region. “We ask all Service Chiefs including Minister of Defence to shamefully resign their positions because Nigeria has no security in whatever form. Bravo to our Foreign Marine Crack Team for their ability to shut down Nigerian obsolete surveillance equipment. “For the records, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) is not in Delta State; we only go there to strike and return safely to the struggle base, Bayelsa State. We further warn especially Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, Information Commissioner in Bayelsa State not to criticise our activities any longer or else he has a choice of leaving the planet earth anytime he made such statement(s). “All oil and gas operations should shut down immediately as our missiles testing will affect their equipment. We shall commence missile testing on Tuesday 7, June 2016 which coincide with the date of our training abroad. Since the present Pharaoh of Nigeria (Buhari) fails to address our demands, we promise Nigerians and the entire world that we are going to surprise them,” said the group in a statement signed by General Akotebe Darikoro (Commander, General Duties), General Torunanaowei Latei (Creeks Network Coordinator), General Agbakakuro Owei-Tauro (Pipelines Bleeding Expert) and General Pulokiri Ebiladei (Intelligence Bureau). In the midst of these, the British government has cautioned the federal government about

using force against the NDA. The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright cautioned the government over military option as a measure to tackle the resurgence of militancy and other criminality in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. Arkwright advocated dialogue as part of a comprehensive approach that should be adopted by the Nigerian government to address the situation, adding that force alone may not bring about a lasting solution to the Niger Delta issue. He said though there was the need to protect the investments, not just the British companies and international companies operating there, also Nigerian companies from acts of criminality going on in the region, hence the military should tread softly. The Biafran Agitation Until the movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) emerged in the 1990s, it was generally believed that the agitation for the Republic of Biafra had been buried when the civil war ended in 1970. But the campaign started by Chief Ralph Uwazuruike has blossomed to a groundswell of agitations for the resurrection of the defunct Republic of Biafra. The Biafra activists have been making their demands through protest marches mostly in the states of the South-east geopolitical zone and parts of Delta and Rivers States. The clamour for self-determination gathered momentum, when a group of activists led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu broke away from MASSOB and formed the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which has now taken the shine off the parent body. At present, three groups are involved in the campaign for Biafra’s independence – MASSOB, IPOB and the Biafra independent Movement (BIM), formed by Uwazuruike after he was pushed out of MASSOB. One common thread that runs through the modus operandi of the pro-Biafra groups is their non-violent posture in their agitation for recognition. Even at that, the Nigerian security agencies, especially the Army, have always given one reason or the other to turn pro-Biafra protests into some bloody shows. On February 9, 2016 several members of IPOB were killed by security agencies in Aba, the commercial city of Abia State during the protest for the release of the detained IPOB leader. A heavy casualty was also recorded at Onitsha in Anambra State. The aggressive posture of the security agencies towards the pro-Biafra movement is viewed as a reflection of the attitude of the Buhari administration

towards the idea of Biafra. Buhari belongs to the old generation of the Nigerian troops that fought the war that quenched the Biafran dream and has vowed to “crush” the resurgent separatist agitation. Indeed, his famous body language suggests that the name: “Biafra” rankles in his ear. But the belief that the fire of the current agitation for Biafra can be quenched with brutal force appears to be a pipe dream. If anything, it has rather stoked the embers as the senseless killings of unarmed, peaceful protesters have drawn more sympathisers to the Biafran cause. President Buhari’s policies since he came to power last year have propelled the Biafran movement with a fillip. The arrest of IPOB leader, Kanu in October 2015 has become a vexatious issue with the clamour for his release from detention, proving a potent rallying point for the activists. Kanu is facing a treason trial and though a competent court of jurisdiction had previously granted him bail, the Department of State Service has held on to him. To worsen matter, the president too has publicly defended the impunity of the security agency and did not feign his odium for Kanu and whatever he stands for. In all this, IPOB has consistently maintained its policy of non-violence. The spokespersons of the organisation, Emma Mmeju and Dr Clifford Iroanya have pointed out that the unprovoked killings of IPOB members were aimed at provoking the group to violence. According to the duo, the federal government has been desperately looking for evidence to tag IPOB a terrorist organisation and use the evidence to nail Kanu. “In spite of the callous killing and conspiracy of silence by cowardly eastern leaders, who have been cowed into submission, by Pharaoh and his minions, we remain unbowed, undaunted and resolute, the IPOB spokespersons said. The bloody encounter that marred the May 30 Biafra remembrance day in Onitsha has generated condemnations and even expression of solidarity with IPOB by several groups and individuals, who agreed that the pro-Biafra are fighting a just cause. Last Friday, representatives of 26 civil society groups from South-east and Southsouth met in Enugu and after reviewing the May 30 massacre at Onitsha agreed to enlarge the coalition of IPOB’s non-violence “by consulting wider on the need or otherwise for the two regions to endorse the non-violent agitation of IPOB for a referendum to decide the future of Nigeria. In their communiqué,

CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

POLITICS/ THE MONDAY DISCOURSE FOR NIGERIA, NO SHORT CUT TO RESTRUCTURING the groups agreed “to consult more widely and enlarge the coalition in other to take a definite decision on whether to publicly canvass support for IPOB in the light of the brutal suppression by the military”. The groups agreed to meet on June 27 in Umuahia to take a final decision. While it continues to mourn its slain members, IPOB appears to be tinkering with the idea of taking up arms to pursue its cause and defend its members against the onslaught by security agencies. “As we go back to drawing board to reconsider the continuation or otherwise of our non-violent credo, we assure those who came to power, only to sustain an unworkable structure, that the blood of our brothers, like the blood of Abel will continue to testify against them,” IPOB said, tacitly alluding to the imperative of a restructuring. Kogi’s Festering Impunity While the administration of the APC leadership in Kogi State under Governor Yahya Bello is battling legitimacy challenge from the running mate to the late Alhaji Abubakar Audu, who died at the tail end of the election that eventually brought him in as governor, Mr. James Faleke, who is in court seeking his removal, the governor has shown preference for illegality, somewhat, in the administration of the state, particularly his alleged interference in the state House of Assembly. In a drama that may not end any time soon, following Bello’s emergence as governor, the position of Alhaji Momoh Jimoh-Lawal as the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly was purportedly brought to an end as he was impeached along with two other principal officers. Jimoh-Lawal had to give way. He is from Ebira speaking Central senatorial district of the state, the same zone that produced the governor, whereas in Kogi as it is in other parts of the country, where a governor comes from one of the three districts, the posts of the deputy governor and speaker are shared between the remaining districts. In the state, politics, tribalism and sectionalism are intertwined. So, what is currently happening in the Assembly is not without precedent. The reason is because every election held in the state since it was created had produced an Igala governor (Kogi East senatorial district) but this has never gone down well with people from the Central (Ebira speaking part where the incumbent governor hails from) and West (Yoruba speaking zone where James Faleke, who is contesting the governorship with Bello comes from) but the people were usually pacified with top offices like the deputy governor, Speaker and ministers amongst others. This arrangement has sustained the mutual distrust among the ethnic groups and made visible, the differences that are peculiar to the diversity of the state. As a result, there has always been a subtle power tussle which struck heavily in the state House of Assembly in November 2012. Just as in the current situation, the National Assembly was compelled to shut down the Kogi Assembly following a protracted leadership crisis. The crisis culminated in a controversial impeachment of the Speaker, Hon Abdullahi Bello and other principal officers of the House by 12 of its 25 members in a secret meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2012. The minority lawmakers, who carried out the impeachment, allegedly did so with the backing of the erstwhile governor, Alhaji Idris Wada, who also denied involvement. The actions of the renegade impeachment lawmakers were condemned by civil society groups, the National Assembly, lawyers and every Nigerian who followed the illegality. Returning to the 2012 path, the House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at their plenary announced that they had taken over of the functions of the Kogi State House of Assembly as empowered by the provision of Section 11 (4) of the 1999 Constitution, which says the National Assembly could take over the functions of any state assembly that is enmeshed in crisis. Though slightly different this time around due to the differing dynamics, the recent sealing off of the Kogi Assembly was as a result of leadership tussle that has been on since December 2015, and which has paralysed the activities of the state legislature. The leadership face-off started on December 5, last year, shortly after the victory of the APC governorship candidate in the election, Alhaji Bello. Hon. Godwin Osuyi of PDP representing Ogori-Magongo constituency

Imam and some of his colleagues during a brainstorming session...can they pull this through

had led some other members of the House to impeach the speaker, which later failed following the intervention of the national leadership of PDP. As in 2012, commentators on the present leadership tussle in the assembly have alleged that the state government was behind the crisis. The embattled Speaker, Jimoh-Lawal, who himself got to the exalted position by ousting his predecessor in questionable circumstances, is also alleging that the governor was behind the whole crisis. Sometime in February this year, immediately after the swearing-in, it was alleged that the governor held a closed door meeting with Jimoh-Lawal and other members of the House over the possibility of being replaced with one of the seven (7) members of the APC in the assembly. The reason purportedly cited by Bello for this was because the Speaker and the governor came from the same senatorial district and as a result, the governor viewed it as unfair to the two senatorial districts, particularly the West, and as such insisted that for the sake of equity and fairness, the position should go to Kogi West senatorial district. Though unconfirmed sources alleged that after the meeting, the governor gave the Speaker N50 million and another N7.5 million each to the 14 PDP members in the assembly to give their support for his anointed candidate, Hon. Ahmed Imam Umar of Lokoja I constituency of APC. Governor Bello has however denied ever interfering in the affairs of the Kogi assembly or influencing them with money. In the same light, Jimoh-Lawal too has vehemently denied that money exchanged hands between him and the governor and the other PDP members in the house. When the national leadership of the PDP got wind of the development, it immediately summoned its members to Abuja for a meeting, where it was decided that the status quo must be maintained. With this, Jimoh-Lawal retained his position as the Speaker while all other principal officers of the house were also retained. At the meeting, the PDP lawmakers were instructed to prevent a situation where APC with seven members will take over the leadership of the house. But the situation took a more dramatic turn on February 16, when Hon. Friday Sani, a PDP member representing Igala-Mela Odolu state constituency led four other APC members to impeach Jimoh-Lawal. This was barely one week after the meeting

between the national leaders of the PDP and the 14 PDP members of the party in the legislature. It was alleged that before the purported impeachment of the Speaker, four lawmakers of the APC including the arrowhead, Sani had allegedly held a meeting with the deputy governor, Hon. Simon Achuba in his office, where the plan was hatched. While addressing newsmen after the impeachment, Sani justified their action by accusing the Speaker of incompetence and lack of capacity to lead the assembly. According to him, the assembly could not be led by anyone as a sole enterprise in which all house rules are ignored and the house remained closed perpetually. He insisted that he and his colleagues followed the due process in removing the Speaker, saying that fifteen members signed the impeachment notice as against seven members required to form quorum to remove the principal officers. “With the Court of Appeal ruling which sacked five of our members, reducing it to 20, only seven members are required to form quorum and we have more than that” he said. Sani said the assembly has for a long time remained inactive following the ineptitude of its leadership, saying the replacement was necessary for improved productivity, unity and togetherness. While the quagmire in the legislative arm is unresolved, another concern was how the N74.9 billion 2016 appropriation bill in the state will be passed since the House of Representatives had taken over all legislative duties of the state assembly, except for impeachment proceedings. But still grandstanding, on May 9, 2016, Governor Bello signed the state budget into law in disregard for the National Assembly which, few days earlier requested that the budget should be submitted to it since it has taken over of the functions of the assembly. Eventually, Bello’s 2016 budget was approved by the minority lawmakers and the concern among well-meaning citizens of the state and watchers alike is how the state government intends to bypass the provisions of the law in spending state funds that is obviously not appropriated for by a lawful body. This is irrespective of the fact that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, wrote a letter that many consider as being intended to achieve mischief to the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, advising him to reopen the assembly

on the grounds that the legislature could still function if the right legal steps were taken. This did not go down well with the National Assembly, who considered it offensive even as the lawlessness in Kogi State continued. The governor has thus continued with his unconstitutional actions with the aid of the minority lawmakers, who are confident that they enjoy federal and state supports while the majority lawmakers, who are currently on the run for fear of their lives, are unhappy about the activities of the governor, the minority lawmakers and their federal sponsors. While the debate about how the budget was signed was still on, what signaled that the unconstitutionality and impunity in the state was not about to abate came up, when Governor Bello, last week instigated the screening and secured approval for 15 commissioner-nominees with his renegade lawmakers. Expectedly, the Audu/Faleke political movement disagreed with the appointment of commissioners by Bello, describing it as an illegal act because the nominees were not screened and cleared by the House of Assembly led by the court-recognised Speaker, Momoh Jimoh-Lawal. “This is done not minding the court order. The G-5 has not actually obtained any stay of execution though they have applied. If these atrocious crime and criminality, impunity, disregard to rule of law and lawlessness reign unchecked, why will crime not be on the rise in the state? Why then are we wasting the state resources on security?” spokesperson of the Faleke group, Hon. Duro Meseko asked. It was widely reported that soldiers escorted the minority lawmakers to the assembly complex for its sitting. The Majority Leader of the G5 group, Friday Sani had last Monday toured the assembly complex in company with security men. During that tour, he assured journalists that his group would sit the following day. Though in line with the avowed position of the Commissioner of Police, Yakubu Usman, the assembly complex was barricaded but that was until the lawful G15 lawmakers were turned back. When the G5 caucus led by Umar Imam returned alongside some soldiers said to be ‘Army attaches,’ they engaged the policemen in a heated argument and cleared the way for the G5 to gain entrance, they prevented journalists from gaining access to the premises, the illegal G5 group sat and approved the governor’s commissioners.

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

FEATURES

Acting Features Editor Charles Ajunwa Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

Bakassi People Cry for Help The displaced people of Bakassi Peninsula in Cross River State whose original abode was ceded to Cameroun in 2008 are living in misery in their makeshift camps, writes Bassey Inyang

t about 1.39pm, Thursday, August 14, 2008, at the Peregrino Hall, Government Lodge, Calabar, Nigeria’s then Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoaka and his counterpart then at the Ministry of Justice, Professor Maurice Kamto, signed the dotted lines to formally handover the Bakassi Peninsula to the nation’s Central African neighbor, Cameroon By 1.45pm the entire handover process was over as the representatives of both countries exchanged the national flags of their respective nations to formally place Bakassi under the sovereignty of the Republic of Cameroon. Thence forth, the oil rich Bakassi Peninsula, with a territory of at least 3, 027 square kilometres, came under the complete sovereignty of Cameroon. All those who spoke praised Nigeria for respecting the decision of the court and for leading by example as the big brother of Africa. They also promised that the people of Bakassi who are affected by the handover of their territory to Cameroon would be adequately protected, resettled and catered for by the international community. The Chairman of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, Dr. Said Djannit said: “Progress has been achieved in Bakassi in the name of international law and peace between neighbours. By taking the courageous decision to resolve this border dispute, the leaders of Cameroon and Nigeria have acted in a manner consistent with their duty to their citizens and the international community. “I also take this opportunity to address the Bakassi people. I can assure you that you will not be left behind. The Green Tree Agreement guarantees the rights and protection of the people of Bakassi. Both parties have affirmed their commitment to protect those fundamental rights. The United Nations will assist in coordinating technical assistance for Bakassi, and several Member States, including those represented here today, have agreed to help in this process. “Today marks a great milestone in the history of our nation. We are saddled with the painful but important task of completing the implementation of the International Court of Justice judgment by handing over Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. “As painful as it is, we have a responsibility to keep our commitment to the International Community, promote international peace and cooperation and advance the cause of African brotherhood and good neighbourliness. “As contained in the Green Tree Agreement, they are entitled to every right and privilege as citizens of Cameroon and special arrangements should be made for their assimilation and protection of their fundamental rights,” Aondoaka had stated. Kamto had this to say about the handover and the fate of the Bakassi population: “Similarly, with respect to the entire Bakassi Peninsula, the Cameroon Government shall continue to provide the populations concerned with the facilities to ensure their wellbeing.” Then Acting Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Francis Adah, reechoed the provisions of the Green Tree Agreement and the nature of protection that it grants to Nigerians that are affected by the decision to surrender the territory to Cameroon. Adah said, “Specifically, Article 3 of the Agreement provides that Cameroon shall: not force Nigerian nationals living in Bakassi Peninsula to leave the zone or to change their nationality; respect their culture,

Bakassi people waiting for medical attention language and beliefs; respect their rights to continue their agricultural and fishing activities ; protect their property and their customary land rights ; not levy in any discriminatory manner any taxes and other dues on Nigerians living in the zone; and take every necessary measures to protect Nigeria nationals living in the zone from any harassment or harm.” However, the fate of the Bakassi people remains uncertain for about eight years

Since 2008 that Nigeria kept us here in this camp, we have been facing hardship from hunger, illness, and death. Criminals come here and they attack us with knives and guns rob us and even rape our women. Our women give birth here without any doctors and nurses to help and some of the women and children die because there is no money to buy medicine in Ikang and we don’t have money to take them to hospital

now when the former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, surrendered the territory to Cameroon following the October 10, 2002 judgement that declared that it was not a Nigerian territory. At Akwa Ikot Edem in the area designated as Bakassi Local Government Area, thousands of the displaced people of the territory are living there as refuges in a temporary accommodation provided for them some metres away from the Ikang Primary School where they stay under very inhuman conditions. Leader of the refugees in the camp, Chief Asuquo Etim who spoke to THISDAY, sums up the suffering encountered by the people thus: “Since 2008 that Nigeria kept us here in this camp, we have been facing hardship from hunger, illness, and death. Criminals come here and they attack us with knives and guns rob us and even rape our women. Our women give birth here without any doctors and nurses to help and some of the women and children die because there is no money to buy medicine in Ikang and we don’t have money to take them to hospital.” The Bakassi General Assembly (BGA) which has championed the resettlement of the people has said it over and again that the plight of the people would be easily addressed if they were resettled in Day Spring Island through the support of the federal government and the international community. The BGA championed by Chief Bassey Ita as its National President explained in the document that they have even explored the legal option of getting properly resettled. He had issued a press statement restating their support for resettlement in Day Spring Island. “Fearing that in the nearest future we would be politically irrelevant as you cannot be a landlord in another man’s land, we

headed for court asking Federal Government to properly re-settle and re-locate them unlike their brothers in Niger Delta. “We had gone to court asking for proper re-location as obtained elsewhere, where communities’ territories were ceded. In a suit no FHC/13/2007, we had prayed a proper re-settlement ad re-location as it was done to people of Lake Chad region. Again, we instituted another case at the Abuja Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Abdulahi Umar, along OAU Quarters in April 2008 and we obtained an order restraining the federal government of Nigeria from ceding Bakassi our home territory until the people are re-located to the same location they asked for.” It stated that at the moment “over 200 lives have been lost, hundreds of women rapped, our fishing nets burnt on the flimsy excuse that they have paid Nigeria Government for the movable and immovable property and that the Cameroon government had stopped Nigerian fishermen from fishing in their territorial waters.” In April 2008, the state government established a 15-man committee headed by Ita-Giwa to oversee the resettlement of the Bakassi people in a permanent place. Other members of the 15-menber committee included the state Commissioners for Lands and Housing; Works; Education; Social Welfare; Health; and the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state who will serve as Secretary. The rest were chairman of the State Border Development Commission; the State Security Adviser; as well as the State Economic Adviser; Chairman of Bakassi Local Government; the Paramount Ruler of Bakassi; Chief Eyo Ita; Hon. Patrick Antigha Ene, and the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly. Mr. Efiok Cobham, then deputy governor,

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

FEATURES

Bakassi people waiting for medical attention who inaugurated the committee, said they were saddled with the responsibility of drawing up an integrated plan for the proper resettlement of the displaced people of the state before August that year. “This is a very delicate and sensitive assignment which could make or mar the future of the thousands of the people that once lived comfortably in the land of their birth but are now faced with the psychological trauma of being resettled in a new environment. You will draw up a plan and implement a safe and hitch-free plan for the evacuation of Cross Riverians and other Nigerians in both the Cameroon occupied territories and those other territories that are to be handed over by August, 2008,” Cobham had stated. The finding and recommendations of the committee have been kept in abeyance since then and nothing positive has come out of it for the displaced people. However, prompted by the complaints of the displaced population, some palliatives have been provided to cushion whatever difficulties they are passing through. Between 2008 and 2010 the state government constructed some units at Ekpri Ikang for them. The houses include one-room (semidetached) bungalows; one bed –room (semidetached) bungalows; two bed –room (semidetached) bungalows; three bed room (semidetached) bungalows; and four bedrooms (detached) bungalows. But, the inmates of the camp complained that no sooner than the houses were allocated to them that some people chased them out of the houses and returned them to where they are located today. One of the displaced Bakassi refugees, Bassey Okon who recounted their experience in Ekpri Ikang said: “in 2008 after Bakassi was finally ceded, we were taken from one place to another; from Ikang Primary School to the council headquarters. After that they gave us N15,000 to start life afresh with our families. Imagine, I was given N15, 000 to cater for my family of five. Later they allocated the housing estate to us but one day they came and drove us out and re-allocated that same estate to people who were not refugees. “Due to the trauma, I went back to Bakassi Peninsula to see if I could make ends meet, and then Cameroon soldiers came and brutalised us and I returned to this camp in Akwa Ikot Edem.” Apparently unrelenting in giving succour to the Bakassi people, the current administration in the state led by Professor Ben Ayade, has embarked on some new measures to ensure they are properly resettled. The most recent is the announcement made by Ayade to the effect that another housing project valued at about N200 million will be constructed for the displaced persons in a location that would be more suitable for them. Announcing the resolve of the state government to implement the housing project while hosting the Chairman of Lafarge Africa, Mr. Bolaji Balogun and his management team in his office, Ayade said: “We are a responsible state that is sensible to the needs of our people. We want you to do a small pilot for the people of Bakassi returnees. I will like

A medical worker examining a child

Children playing in the camp to do a small commitment of the sum of N200 million to start the resettlement process. “These are people that we feel so emotional about, people that have been deprived and displaced from their heritage and there is nothing worse than that, that could happen to a man, and we want to find a permanent solution to their plight.” Ayade re-echoed the call of the Bakassi people for help from the international community when he played host in his office recently to the newly posted Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Rear Admiral James Oluwole. Recently, the Bakassi displaced persons who have been relying mainly on the goodwill of the state government and public spirited organisation to meet their needs, got some support for their health needs from the Ayade administration. During an official visit to the displaced people in their first camp, Ikang, May 12,

Let me equally say here that the task of resettling the displaced people of Bakassi who have chosen to move away from the area in their determination to remain part of their father land, is indeed enormous. Their needs which go far beyond shelter, food and security also require a rehabilitation of their entire lives which have been traumatised in many ways

this year, Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), Dr. Betta Edu, and her team rendered medical services to the camp dwellers, as they were treated for minor ailments and supplied with mosquito nets, relief materials and free malaria test. Edu also announced that the governor has mandated her department to ensure the establishment of a health centre in the camp for their medical needs. However, about 24-hours after she visited the displaced Bakassi people, and obviously traumatised by what she saw there, Edu wrote on her facebook wall : “I have not been myself since yesterday. I visited the IDPs in Bakassi camp 1...I was taken through 10 “fresh” graves of mothers and children at the camp...honestly they simple question that ran through my mind was “where did this people go wrong? Do they deserve this? “They took their Land, their oil, their source of livelihood (fishing), their identity, their pride...everything. Now those who stayed back have to pay for resident permit on their land...their women are raped every other day, the fisher men arrested and thrown into prision on their land. Guess what, education is luxury for their children...women and children sleep on bare floors exposed to unimaginable risk. “Yet there was a Green Tree Agreement, those who made the agreement and got the billions sleep in beautiful houses while these youngmen, women and children continue to die. The international community have suddenly turned a blind eye and when the UN team come they spend one hour, rush back and write reports that does not reflect the reality in Bakassi. “Our dear federal government have totally forgotten thee people. This nation has sealed its heart and eyes with hot iron. If they try to beg the federal government to keep to its agreement to provide basic amenities, Bakassi people are immediately tagged with one name or the other and subjected to even more harsh conditions. Well Cross Riverians are peaceful people. Bakassi people are peaceful people and will go about asking their due rights peacefully.

“I beg once more, let the federal government of Nigeria and the international community re-visist the issue of Bakassi...they are in urgent need of help!” Ayade’s perceived concern over the plight of the Bakassi people received commendation from the people of the area as stated on their behalf by their political leader, Mrs. Florence Ita-Giwa. A press statement issued on May 15, 2016 by Ita-Giwa, a former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Affairs, to that effect also restated the abandonment of the people of Bakassi to their current ill-fate since they were displaced from their original homeland. The statement read in part: I want to use this medium again to appreciate my governor, Ayade for speaking on behalf of the displaced people of Bakassi. “It is commendable because he is not just seated in the comfort of his home and office to talk about their plights but visits them and gather first-hand information about their sufferings. The people of Bakassi have suffered a lot perhaps because we are the minority and it is in the light of this that we express profound gratitude to him for all his good works and concerns for the Bakassi people. “I am also using this medium to call on the President Muhammadu Buhari to pay attention to the displaced people of Bakassi as he is doing to the IDPs in the Northeast. The rain season is here and it may get worse for them if they are not taken care of adequately.” Though, the state government seem to be doing its best to give the displaced people some ray of hope that a better tomorrow lies ahead for them, the federal government has not been forth-coming in terms of financial and material support to get them resettled in a permanent abode they call their own. The international community as represented by the United Nations Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission which has visited the state a number of times, has demonstrated eloquently that it was more interested addressing boundary issues related to both countries, while neglecting the suffering Bakassi people to their fate. Perhaps, Adah hit the nail on the head when he stated that given the enormity of the requirements needed to resettle the Bakassi people, the international community must get seriously involved. “Let me equally say here that the task of resettling the displaced people of Bakassi who have chosen to move away from the area in their determination to remain part of their father land, is indeed enormous. Their needs which go far beyond shelter, food and security also require a rehabilitation of their entire lives which have been traumatised in many ways. “This is where the international community also has a big role to play, not only in assisting with the provision of funds, but by helping in other ways to re-assure the displaced people that they remain accepted members of the world community. “Even with the support of the federal government, we cannot do too much for these people who have to start their lives anew for no fault of theirs,” Adah said.

IMAGES

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Lanre Tejuosho; Chairman Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of MAN (PMG-MAN), Mr. Okey Akpa; and the President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Alhaji Ahmed Yakassai, during the 2016 PMG-MAN Forum, in Abuja...recently

L-R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Doyen of Past Presidents, Institute of Directors, Chief (Mrs.) Toyin Olakunri; past President, IOD, Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere; and Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, after the governor’s investiture as a Fellow of the IOD, in Abuja...recently

L-R: Chair of Judges, 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature, Helon Habila; Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher; and Patron, Etisalat Prize for Literature, Dele Olojede, at a press conference to announce the call for entry for the 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature at Ikoyi, Lagos...recently

L-R: Marketing Manager, Peak, Dolapo Otegbayi; Chef of the competition, Niyi Williams; representative of Yaba College of Technology Secondary School, the winner of the cooking competition, Esther Adeniyi and Senior Brand Manager, Peak, Omolara Banjoko, during the Peak Milk World Milk Day at Ikeja, Lagos...recently

.L–R: Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Patricia Jemibewon; Marketing Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Cletus Onyebuoha; and ex-Nigerian international footballer, Henry Nwosu, during the 2016 COPA CocaCola Lagos grassroots final at the National Stadium Legacy Pitch, in Lagos...recently

L-R: Chairman, Zenith Bank PLC, Mr. Jim Ovia, and Chairman, Digital Africa Global Consult, Dr. Evan Woherem, during the Digital Africa Conference and Exhibition 2016, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja...recently

L-R: Lead Strategist/Group Executive Editor, DigitalSense Africa Ltd, Mr. Remmy Nweke; Deputy Director, Spectrum Administration, Nigeria Communications Commission, Mr. Oluwatoyin Asaju; Executive Director, Operations, DigitalSense Africa Ltd, Mrs. Nkemdillim Nweke; Assistant General Manager, Nigeria Communication Satellite Ltd, Ms. Ibiye Membere; and chairman of the occasion, Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, during the opening ceremony of the 2016 DigitalSense Forum Series, in Lagos...recently KOLAWOLE ALLI

L-R; Africa, Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered Bank, Funlola Oni; Head, Transaction Banking Nigeria and West Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Syed Khurrum Zaeem; Director, Risk Management, Central Bank of Nigeria, Folakemi Fatogbe; and Executive Principal/Head, Banks/Brokers, Financial Institutions, Standard Chartered Bank, Oloruntimilehin George, at the 2016 Standard Chartered Correspondent Banking Academy, in Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

T H I S D AY • MONDAY,JUNE 6, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

R A T E S 4.4583 9.1071

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

A S

11.0102 12.3790

A T

NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH 3-MONTH

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157

A P R I L 6.9949 7.2368 8.0819

6-MONTH 9-MONTH 12-MONTH

1 , 2 0 1 6 9.2061 9.5872 10.5042

EXCHANGE RATE N197 / 1 US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Ebonyi Suspends Manifest Charges

The Ebonyi state government has announced the suspension of the collection of manifest charges in all motor parks in the state. Governor David Umahi made this known to journalists after a meeting with the Association of Mass Transit Operators of Nigeria in the Government House, Abakaliki recently. He said: “It has been a fruitful meeting. During the meeting today (Tuesday), we took a number of decisions. And one of the decisions is thatwearenotabolishingthelawasanarmofgovernment(Executive), but we have the power to suspend it and then look at it again, and then go back to the House of Assembly to discuss the issues with them. “We have suspended manifest fees because it is giving problem to our people. So nobody should pay manifest fees from today onwards. The fee is hereby suspended.” He described the meeting as fruitful but stated that each private park owner in the state would pay a consolidated revenue fee as well as development and registration levies. “What we agreed also is that all the private park owners should henceforth pay a consolidated revenue of N3m and N500,000 development levy per year. For new park, registration remains N250,000,” the governor added. The meeting was convened to end the impasse over the payment of taxes demanded by the state’s Internal Revenue Board.

DECISION MAKERS

L-R: Group Managing Director, Arco Group, Mr. Alfred Okoigun; CEO, lnternational Energy Services Ltd, Dr. Diran Fawibe; President/Chairman of Council, lnstitute of Directors Nigeria, (loD), Mr. Samuel Akeju; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd); Co-founder & Executive Director, Sahara Group, Mr. Tonye Cole and Mr. Michael Faniran of Accenture Group, during the Annual Directors Conference 2016 by loD in Abuja …recently JULIUS ATOI

Equities Market Loses N2tn to Policy Inconsistency, Delays GoddyEgene Policy flip-flops by the government, dwindling poor corporate results by quoted companies and general downturn in the economy have led to a fall of N2 trillion in the value of the Nigerian equities market within the last one year, THISDAY checks have revealed. The value of the equities market stood at N11.512 trillion on June 3, 2015 but has dipped to N9.491 trillion as at June 3, 2016 as investors dumped shares on the back of policy inconsistency on the part of government, dwindling oil revenue and general challenging operating environment. Although the equities market has suffered decline

CAPITAL MARKET for the past two years, it was expected that the entry of a new administration would reverse the negative trend. For instance, the Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema had said that with greater clarity on policy direction, they anticipated the return of investors who had remained on the sidelines throughout 2015. “This return is predicated upon return of investor confidence as a result of: effective implementation and communication of the government’s economic blueprint; credibility in monetary policy stance; relative stability in the macro economy (oil price stability

above benchmark targets, increase in tax collection to gross domestic product among others) and improved security,” he said. However, these expectations have not been met, a development that has weakened investor demand for stocks. Some financial experts had said developments in the global oil market and foreign exchange policy would determine capital market’s performance in 2016. According to them, the decline in the nation’s bourse would continue if the price of crude oil continued to fall and government fails to move faster in policy implementation. The Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds Limited, GarbaKurfi, said oil price was

critical to stock market growth in 2016. He also added that the foreign exchange policy would be another determinant factor of the market’s direction. He said the current monetary policy should be adjusted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the current realities in the economy to achieve the desired growth and development. Kurfi said that the apex bank should be mindful of Nigeria’s foreign exchange policy to be pursued in 2016 to avoid heating up the economy. However, the CBN has not remained unclear about its forex policy and when it decided to adopt a flexible forex policy two weeks ago, it has not given Continued on page 24

Report: IoT Will Overtake Mobile Phones By 2018 Emma Okonji The latest edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report has revealed that the Internet of Things (IoT) will overtake mobile phones as the largest category of connected device by 2018. According to the report, between 2015 and 2021, the number of IoT connected devices is expected to grow 23 per cent annually, of which cellular IoT is forecast to have the highest growth rate. Of the 28 billion total devices that would be connected by 2021, close to 16 billion will be IoT devices.

TELECOMS Western Europe, according to the report, will lead the way in adding IoT connections – the number of IoT devices in this market is projected to grow 400 per cent by 2021. This will principally be driven by regulatory requirements, for example for intelligent utility meters, and a growing demand for connected cars including the EU e-call directive to be implemented in 2018, the report said. Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Ericsson, Rima Qureshi, said: “IoT is

now accelerating as device costs fall and innovative applications emerge. From 2020, commercial deployment of 5G networks will provide additional capabilities that are critical for IoT, such as network slicing and the capacity to connect exponentially more devices than is possible today.” Smartphone subscriptions continue to increase and are forecast to surpass those for basic phones in Q3 this year. By 2021, smartphone subscriptions will almost double from 3.4 billion to 6.3 billion. In 2016, a long anticipated milestone is being passed with commercial Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks supporting

downlink peak data speeds of 1 Gbps. Devices that support 1 Gbps are expected in the second half of 2016, initially in markets such as Japan, US, South Korea and China, but rapidly spreading to other regions. Mobile users will enjoy extremely fast time to content thanks to this enhanced technology, which will enable up to two thirds faster download speeds compared with the fastest technology available today, the report said. Further highlights from the Ericsson Mobility Report include: A global growth story on mobile broadband subscripContinued on page 24

Ireland Awards New Licensing Options

Ireland’s department of natural resources announced the offer of 14 new licensing options in the Irish offshore following the conclusion of the 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round. This second phase of awards follows on from the first phase, which was made in February this year. A total of 28 new Licensing Options have now been awarded under the 2015 Licensing Round, with Europa Oil and Gas, Faroe Petroleum and Providence Resources all as receiving acreage as operators in the second phase. “The industry response to the 2015 Round has been very positive, with a total of 43 applications for Licensing Options received by the deadline last September,” said Seán Kyne, the Minister of State for Natural Resources, in a government statement. “The response to the 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round is by far the largest number of applications received in any licensing round held in the Irish offshore. At a time of very low oil prices, the strong interest in the Round is very positive,” he added. “Industry’s response to the Round demonstrates the perceived positive prospectivity of Ireland’s offshore and highlights confidence intheIrishregulatoryprocessandtheabilityofindustrytodobusiness in Ireland,” Kyne continued.

GE, Saudi Aramco to Invest in Facility

GE Oil & Gas has signed an agreement with Saudi Aramco and Italy’s Cividale SpA to construct the Middle East and North Africa’s first-of-its-kind, high-end forging and casting manufacturing facility to serve the region’s energy and maritime industries.The companies will invest more than $400 million in the facility, which will be sited at Ras Al-Khair under the Royal Commission of Jubail and Yarbu industrial area. The facility is intended to establish a high-value supply chain that boosts exports and economic competitiveness. Scheduled to start operationsin2020,thefacilityisexpectedtocreate2,000permanent, direct jobs in Saudi Arabia once it reaches optimal capacity, and to trigger the growth of Saudi small and medium enterprises, GE said in a June 1 press statement. The production capacity of the plant has yet to be finalized, but is expected to range between 50,000 to 70,000 tons a year, a GE Oil & Gas spokesperson told Rigzone in an email statement. The memorandum of understanding follows a preliminary partnership between Saudi Aramco and Cividale, a producerinthesteelandcastironsector,toconductfeasibilitystudies for forging and casting manufacturing services in Saudi Arabia. “The feasibility assessment study underlines the strong potential for a world-class manufacturing facility for forging and casting services in the Kingdom,” said Antonio Valduga, president of Cividale, in the press statement. “Developing a full-fledged facility through the joint partnership will position Saudi Arabia as a technology and services hub for specialised equipment and services.”

“Resources are very scarce and consumers, now more than ever, want value for their money” Deputy Managing Director, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mohammed Balarabe

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD EQUITIES MARKET LOSES N2TN TO POLICY INCONSISTENCY, DELAYS

details on that pronouncement. The lack of clarity in the CBN’s forex policy led to a decline in the market last week as the early euphoria that greeted the policy pronouncement paled.

REPORT: IOT WILL OVERTAKE MOBILE PHONES BY 2018

tions that is projected to grow fourfold in the Middle East and Africa between 2015 and 2021; mobile data traffic in India will grow fifteen times by 2021; and despite being the most mature market, US mobile traffic will grow 50 per cent in 2016 alone, the report said. It added that data traffic would continue to grow unabated, and that global mobile data traffic grew 60 per cent between Q1 2015 and Q1 2016, due to rising numbers of smartphone subscriptions and increasing data consumption per subscriber. The report said by the end of 2021, around 90 per cent of mobile data traffic will be from smartphones. In the area of streaming, the report said teenage use of cellular data for smartphone video grew 127 per cent in just 15 months. This, and the fact that teens are the heaviest users of data for smartphone video streaming (Wi-Fi and cellular combined), makes them the most important group for cellular operators to monitor. The Ericsson Mobility Report is one of the leading analyses of mobile data traffic available, providing in-depth measurements from live networks spread around the globe. The report uses these measurements and analysis, together with internal forecasts and other relevant studies, to provide insights into current traffic and market trends in the networked society.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku Maritime Editor

John Iwori

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Linda Eroke (Labour) Eromosele Abiodun (Cap Mkt) Ejiofor Alike (Energy) James Emejo (Nation’s Capital) Obinna Chima (Money Mkt) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (AgriBusiness)

NEWS

Rencap, Cordros, Others Trade N56.2bn Shares in One Month Goddy Egene Top 10 leading stockbroking firms facilitated trading of 6.594 billion shares worth N56.230 billion in May, accounting for 55.21 per cent of total value traded in the month. Statistics obtained by THISDAY at the weekend showed that Rencap Securities (Nig) Limited led in value terms, trading N16.236 billion, representing 15.94 per cent. Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited followed with N9.443 billion, indicating 9.2 per cent, while EFCP Limited facilitated N6.092 billion or 5.9 per cent, while CSL Stockbrokers Limited accounted for N5.251 billion or 5.2 per cent. Cardinal Stone Securities Limited traded N4.335 billion, representing 4.2 per cent, just as Cordros Capital Limited traded N3.534 billion or 3.5 per cent. Investment One Stockbrokers International Limited occupied the seventh position with N3.458 billion or 3.4 per cent. FBN Securities Limited facilitated N3.063 billion, while Securities African Financial Limited traded N2.819 billion. Morgan Capital Securities Limited accounted for 1.996 billion. In volume terms, CSL Stockbrokers Limited led with 1.029 billion shares, followed by Rencap Securities with 975.859 million shares. Morgan Capital Securities Limited accounted

for 760.171 million shares. EFCP Limited recorded 673.260 million shares, just as Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers Limited traded 644.355 million shares. Cardinal Stone Securities Limited and Global Asset Management Limited accounted for 643.536 million and 609.871 million shares respectively. Cordros Capital Limited, FBN Securities Limited and Investment One Stockbrokers traded 439.963 million shares, 409.465 million

shares and 408.220 million shares in that order. The NSE had introduced the ranking of stock broking houses trading to stimulate competition in 2011. The exchange has also introduced similar initiatives ensure better performance of dealing members. The NSE launched the brokers oversight and supervision system also known as X-BOSS late last year in order to redefine and automate the level of compliance and market

regulation experience between it and the dealing member firms. The system will help automate the regulatory and oversight function of the NSE over its dealing members thus helping it to achieve regulatory efficiency as well as the exchange’s commitment to implementing global best practice, which will lead to improve transparency and drive operational excellence in the Nigerian capital market.

Head, Broker Dealer Regulation Department of NSE, Mr. OlufemiShobanjo had said the X-Boss would bring about automation of key regulatory functions with notification capabilities such as monitoring of capital and liquidity; development of a central information repository of dealing members and approved persons; controlled access to information on dealing members based on access rights granted and enhanced regulation based on global best practice.

DEEPENING FINANCIAL MARKETS

L-R:Head, Cash Management Operations, Citibank Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Chika Sanni; a former Secretary, Financial Market Dealers Association of Nigeria (FMDA), Mr. Wale Abe; and Senior Vice President and Divisional Head, Market Operations and Technology, FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, Dipo Odeyemi at the Treasury Support Workgroup’s Maiden Seminar in Lagos...recently

CBN: ‘We Have Refunded N27bn Illegally Charged Bank Customers’ Nume Ekeghe In continuation of its consultation with major stakeholders in the economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the weekend met with members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). At the meeting, the Consumer Protection Department of the CBN disclosed that it had resolved over 6,000 complaints by bank customers, just as it had refunded N26.998 billion to customers whose accounts were illegally charged by their respective financial institutions as at April 2016. Meanwhile, the NLC has commended the federal government for halting the recent lay-offs by some banks. The Vice President, NLC, Mr. Isa Aremu, who spoke at the CBN stakeholders engagement meeting in Lagos, applauded the federal government’s stance on job safety. Aremu said: “Very importantly one critical discussion that came up is the issue of job lay-offs in the banks and we use this opportunity to commend the ministry of labor for intervening and asking the bank to stop the ongoing lay-offs in the sector. And we have also called on CBN to use moral suasion to encourage the commercial banks.” Continuing, Aremu while commenting on the naira devaluation debate said: “We

have been together with CBN in terms of resisting the pressure to devalue the naira and we are happy that CBN under the leadership of Governor Godwin Emefiele has stood the ground to protect the naira. There were debates about the value of the naira and NLC has insisted that as a country that is import dependent, we don’t benefit anything from devaluation and above all, any devaluation would erode the purchasing power of workers. We are happy that the CBN has kept to that fit in with the broad policy of the CBN as we’ll as the administration. We also needed clarification on what this flexible exchange rate means for us and he said the modalities are still worked out. But the bottom line is that it would not do prejudice to the value of the naira.” He added: “We find the program very useful especially in development financing. It is very refreshing to know that CBN is intervening in energy sector, agriculture, aviation, textile were all our members have their jobs. And what CBN is doing to think outside the box because if you leave everything to market forces, most of these sectors cannot draw the kind of lock and funding that they need.” Furthermore, on the interest rates he said: “Also we also said that the next monetary policy meeting, they have to re look at

this interest rate. The monetary policy rate is about 12 per cent with others in the double-digit. It is time for CBN to know that we cannot run the real sector of the economy when the cost of funds is very high.” Also speaking at the event, the acting Director of Communication at the CBN, Mr. Isaac Okoroafor, said: “We are here on the continuation of the CBN engagement with very key stakeholders. Today we have met organised labour, we have gathered the labor leaders and activists in Lagos. We have interacted with them on most of the programmes we are running and also on the policies we have undertaken this year.” When asked to clarify the forex flexibility, he said the modalities have not been released, adding, “the governor has explained that we have to find a way of creating some flexibility around the foreign exchange management as it is today and the details would be realised in due course.” On the recent retrenchment exercise by banks, he said: “The issue of job security across the country is a general issue, it is not about one industry and it is a about what our laws are saying, It is about our industry policy and what it is saying and it is in collaboration with both the ministry of labour and other stakeholders I think a solution would be found.”

AIB: Final Reports on Crashed Dana Flight Ready Soon Chinedu Eze Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has said that the final reports of the investigation into the crash of Dana Airlines MD 83 aircraft, which occurred at Iju-Ishaga area of Lagos State, Nigeria on 3rd June, 2012 would be released to the public very soon. The Bureau said in a statement, weekend that the draft final report was sent to the relevant stakeholders for comments and suggestions as required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 13 chapter 6.3. The AIB said efforts at resolving and harmonising the issues raised by the stakeholders’ comments and suggestions have however delayed the release of the report. According to the statement signed by theBureau’s spokesman, Mr. TunjiOketunbiOketunbi, the issues raised by the stakeholders that required further scientific testing have almost completely been addressed and the final report would be made public very soon Over 150 persons died in the flight and since the accident a comprehensive report on the cause of the crash is yet to be made public. But Oketunbi explained that the interim statement marking the fourth anniversary of the unfortunate tragedy was already on the Bureau’s website, which had already been publicised. A Boeing MD 83 aircraft, 5N- RAM operated by Dana Airlines on scheduled domestic flight crashed into Iju-Ishaga, a densely populated area on the outskirts of Lagos, following a loss of power on both engines while on approach to MurtalaMuhammed International Airport Lagos, Nigeria. The accident, which occurred on June 3, 2012 at about 1545hours, resulted in the death of all of the 153 persons on board the aircraft including six crew members. There were also six confirmed ground fatalities. The AIB said with cooperation from National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States of America (USA) and other stakeholders, it has been working relentlessly to determine the cause of the accident.

T H I S D AY • MONDAY,JUNE 6, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

MARKET REPORT

Profit-taking, Delayed FX Policy Plod Stock Market’s Momentum Goddy Egene and Eromosele Abiodun The Nigerian equities market last week returned to negative territory on the back of massive drive by anxious investors to book profits following record gains in recent days. The negative trend was also affected by the delay in release of the modus operandi of the proposed flexibility in the foreign exchange market and the renderings from the democracy day speech. The bulls were unable to overcome the bears until the last two trading days of the week, an effort that could not stop the market from closing in the red. The first two trading days of the week were volatile driven by bellwether stocks including Dangote Cement Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc and Zenith Bank Plc. At the close of trades for the week, the Nigerian Stock Exchange All-Share Index (ASI) and market capitalisation depreciated by 4.39 per cent to close the week at 27,634.42 and N9.491 trillion respectively. Similarly, all other Indices finished lower during the week. It was a four-day trading week as the Federal Government of Nigeria declared Monday 30th May, 2016 as Public Holiday to commemorate “Democracy day.” The bulls had dominated the market the previous week following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) announcement that it would adopt a more flexible exchange rate policy. Consequently, the NSE ASI crossed the 28,000 points level the previous Wednesday, the first time since the 5th of January this year. Meanwhile, traders believe last week’s negative performance may be short-lived as investors rush to take position for possible gains. “We expect the market to stabilize on expectation of opportunistic buying from discerning investors taking advantage of the depressed price level in some stocks. We however highlight that macro issues ranging from delayed announcement of the framework for a flexible fx regime, as well the country’s fragile fiscal position will continue to weigh on market performance. As such, we advise investors to build position in quality names for a medium to longer term horizon,” analysts at Investment One Limited said. Daily Performance Summary The market had commenced on a poor note last Monday as profit-taking by investors drove the NSE ASI to a negative close. The benchmark index shed 4.29 per cent to end the session at 27,663.16 points, corresponding to a market capitalisation of N9.5 trillion. The day’s outcome was largely influenced by losses in market bellwether stocks including Dangote Cement Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc and Zenith Bank Plc, which cancelled out gains in ETRANZACT Plc, Glaxo Smithkline Plc and Continental Reinsurance Plc. Similarly, major sub-sector indices ended the session in the red. While the banking sector declined by 6.67 per cent, Industrial (5.5 per cent), Consumer Goods (2.79 per cent) as well as Oil and Gas (2.39 per cent). Despite the prevailing bearish sentiment, market turnover strengthened by 12 per cent as investors staked N3.15 billion on over 335 million units of stocks in 4,301 deals. The volume chart was led by banking tracker accounting for over 80 per cent of total trade with largest volume of trade recorded

Plc. Despite the positive momentum, market turnover declined by over 39 per cent as investors exchanged 332million units of stocks worth N2.16 billion in 4,167 deals. A further breakdown of activities indicated that UBA Plc and FCMB Plc were the most traded stocks with over 93 million and 40 million units each. The equities market ended the week on a positive note with the NSE-ASI closing up by 1.66 per cent. The positive close in the index was largely influenced by the gains in Forte Oil Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc which cancelled out the bearish sentiments attracted by the likes of Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc and Dangote Cement Plc. Consequently, the benchmark indicators strengthened by 450.78 points to end the session at 27,634.48 points while market capitalisation climbed by N155 billion to dock at N9.49 trillion. All the major sub-sector indices closed in the green.

in the duo of Fidelity Bank Plc (75 million units) and FBN Holdings (70 million units). The NSE ASI suffered another loss on Wednesday, shedding 2.72 per cent as investors maintained a bearish outlook on stocks. As such, the benchmark indicator ended the session at 26,910.23 points and a market capitalisation of N9.24 trillion. The decline in Nigerian Breweries Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Lafarge Africa Plc, were largely to blame for the day’s performance, offsetting positive momentum towards the likes of Cadbury Nigeria Plc and Okomu Oil Palm Plc. The banking tracker was down 6.86 per cent largely on the back of a 9.70 per cent decline in Stanbic IBTC Plc, and a 9.21 per cent loss in Zenith Bank Plc. Similarly, Consumer Goods index fell 2.68 per cent due to a bearish sentiment towards Nigerian Breweries Plc (4.96 per cent) and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (4.80 per cent) while the Industrial tracker was down 1.48 per cent, dragged by over four per cent loss in Lafarge Africa Plc. Volume of trades came in flattish, while value traded rose by 12 per cent, relative to the previous day’s session. As such, investors exchanged over 336 million units of stocks, worth N3.5 billion in 5,024 deals. Gains in Industrial (2.7 per cent), Consumer Goods (1.46 per cent) and Banking (0.52 per cent) tickers lifted the NSE ASI by 1.02 per cent at the end of the trading session, halting the bearish trend of the previous two days. The benchmark indicator strengthened

by 273.41 points to settle at 27,183.64 points, with market capitalisation rising by N94 billion to berth at N9.34 trillion. Cement and breweries tickers including Dangote Cement Plc,

TOP TEN BROKERS(BY VALUE)

WAPCO Plc and Nigerian Breweries Plc were the main drivers of the day’s rally in the index, offsetting bearish sentiments toward the likes of Nestle Nigeria Plc SeplatPlc and Forte Oil

AS AT LAST FRIDAY VALUE

% VALUE

STANBIC IBTC STOCKBROKERS LIMITED

BROKER

4,920,820,615.61

21.64

RENCAP SECURITIES (NIG) LIMITED CSLSTOCKBROKERSLIMITED EFCP LIMITED FBN SECURITIES LIMITED INVESTMENTONESTOCKBROKERSINTLLTD APEL ASSET LIMITED - BRD CARDINALSTONE SECURITIES LIMITED

3,450,087,112.88 3,089,234,551.49 931,556,768.73 852,815,835.98 680,653,860.56 637,636,090.28 594,946,618.03

15.17 13.59 4.10 3.75 2.99 2.80 2.62

434,674,958.00

1.91

297,859,378.07 15,890,285,789.63

1.31 69.89

MORGAN CAPITAL SECURITIES LIMITED TRUSTBANC CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED

TOP TEN BROKERS

(BY VOLUME)

BROKER CSL STOCKBROKERS LIMITED

AS LAST FRIDAY VOLUME %VOLUME 349,238,642

14.00

STANBIC IBTC STOCKBROKERS LIMITED

182,575,972

7.32

MORGAN CAPITAL SECURITIES LIMITED

157,588,143

6.32

TRW STOCKBROKERS LIMITED

105,995,298

4.25

RENCAPSECURITIES(NIG)LIMITED

97,222,002

3.90

APT SECURITIES AND FUNDS - BRD

89,494,569

3.59

INVESTMENTONESTOCKBROKERSINTLLTD-BRD

77,891,027

3.12

FBN SECURITIES LIMITED

77,862,494

3.12

CARDINALSTONE SECURITIES LIMITED

66,926,906

2.68

READINGSINVESTMENTSLIMITED-BDR

62,894,774

2.52

1,267,689,827

50.82

Market Turnover During the week under review, a turnover of 1.263 billion shares worth N11.583 billion in 17,434 deals were traded by investors in contrast to a total of 2.338 billion shares valued at N14.789 billion that exchanged hands the previous week in 24,942 deals. The Financial Services Industry dominated the activity chart with 1.024 billion shares valued at N5.983 billion traded in 10,686 deals, thus contributing 81.07 per cent and 51.65 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 83.240 million shares worth N3.595 billion in 2,650 deals. The third place was occupied by the Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 74.979 million shares worth N121.593 million in 715 deals. Trading in the Top Three Equities namely – United Bank For Africa Plc, FBN Holdings Plc and Zenith International Bank Plc.(measured by volume) accounted for 418.707 million shares worth N2.858 billion in 4,405 deals, contributing 33.14 per cent and 24.68 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. Also traded during the week were a total of 6,500 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N117,637.20 executed in 24 deals, compared with a total of 537,969 units valued at N56.655 million transacted the prior week in 43 deals. Gainers and Losers Meanwhile, only 12 equities appreciated in price during the week, compared with 56 equities of the previous week. Sixty equities depreciated in price, higher than 20 equities of the previous week, while 108 equities remained unchanged higher than 104 equities of the previous week. Cadbury Nigeria Plc led with N3.65, followed by PZ Cussons Plc with N1.08. Other top gainers included: Okomu Oil Plc (N1.03), E-Tranzact Plc (87 kobo), Trans Nationwide Plc (21 kobo), Union Dicon Plc (56 kobo), Portland Paints Plc (nine kobo), Academy Press (three kobo), Cutix Plc (seven kobo) and Learn Africa Plc (three kobo). Conversely, the top 10 losers were: UAC Nigeria Plc (N1.90), Stanbic IBTC Plc (N1.96), Zenith Bank Plc (N1.63), ETI Plc (N1.62), Oando Plc (N1.43), Neimeth Plc (14 kobo), AXA Mansard Insurance Plc (32 kobo), Honeywell Plc (19 kobo), CCNN Plc (76 kobo) and NAHCO (51 kobo).

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

INSIDE BROAD STREET

Two Years of Emefiele at CBN MARKET INDICATOR Obinna Chima The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act of 2007 charges the Bank with the overall control and administration of the monetary and financial sector policies in the country. Although the four key objectives of the CBN include to ensure monetary and price stability; issue legal tender currency in Nigeria; maintain external reserves to safeguard the international value of the legal tender currency; promote a sound financial system in Nigeria; and act as banker and provide economic and financial advice to the federal government, the Bank has continued to perform major developmental functions, focused on all the key sectors of the economy. Central banks in developing economies aim at the promotion and maintenance of a rising level of production, employment and real income in the country. This they do by working in alignment with the fiscal authorities for effective policy transmission. Indeed, in his inaugural speech titled “Entrenching Macroeconomic Stability and a Engendering Economic Development in Nigeria,” the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin IfeanyiEmefiele, who on June 3, 2016, marked his second year on the saddle as head of the central bank, made public his intention to pay significant attention to the development finance role of the CBN by supporting efforts of the fiscal authorities. “Additional measures would be required towards identifying productive sectors of the economy and channeling credit towards these sectors, while imposing proper monitoring and performance measures in order to ensure that the goals of increased employment and poverty reduction are attained. “This will require a review of the Bank’s development finance programme, the participatory agencies responsible for the disbursement of funds, improving our monitoring capacity and developing performance targets relevant to our focus on generating employment and poverty reduction. To be effective, the measures taken by the Bank will not work in isolation. We will work with the fiscal authorities in reducing other structural distortions to productive growth, as this will enhance access to credit, as well as stimulate growth and employment generation,” he had said as he unfolded his agenda for the central bank. True to his words, as part of its development finance function, the central bank has continued to pursue policies aimed at supporting critical sectors of the economy as Nigeria strives to grow its non-oil sector. The CBN recently put the value of its development finance interventions across

A view of Lagos financial district

Emefiele the country at about N1.36 trillion. Emefiele recently emphasised that the central bank’s determination to improve lending to the real sector of the economy would stimulate employment generation and boost accretion to foreign reserves through non-oil exports. No doubt, the sharp fall in crude oil prices since June 2014, has led to a significant drop in the country’s revenue and as well as the country’s external reserves. While the central bank has continued to manage the official naira exchange rate, the naira has fallen sharply on the parallel market. This heightened the call for a devaluation of the currency. Development Finance The strategic intent of the CBN governor as espoused in his maiden remarks two years ago was to reposition the developmental financing initiatives of the Bank. The CBN under Emefiele’s leadership, is acting as a financial catalyst in specific sectors of the economy particularly agriculture, in a bold effort to create jobs on a mass scale, improve local food production, and conserve scarce foreign reserves. For instance, it has in the past two years introduced the Youth Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YIEDP). The scheme was launched in March 2016 in furtherance of the CBN’s intervention in the real sector of the economy and job creation effort. The pilot phase of the programme targets 10,000 youths in productive activities within the next four years. Under the scheme, a credit line of up to N3 million would be made available to each eligible youth, while recipients who made good utilisation of the

funds would be encouraged to migrate to other CBN intervention schemes that would enable them access more funds Also, the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) launched by President MuhammaduBuhari few months ago, aims at creating economic linkages between over 600,000 smallholder farmers and reputable large-scale processors with a view to increasing agricultural output and significantly improving capacity utilisation of integrated mills. Under the programme, the sum of N40 billion has been set aside from the N 220 billion micro, small and medium enterprises development fund for farmers at a single-digit interest rate of nine per cent. In addition, the central bank created a N300 Billion Real Sector Support Fund (RSSF) established as part of the efforts to unlock the potential of the real sector to engender output growth, value added productivity and job creation. N152 billion has been approved five projects under the RSSF. Similarly, the disbursement of the N213 billion Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Facility is also in advanced stage. “The far reaching objectives of the CBN in the implementation of schemes and programmes for real sector development focus on the inherent potential in the sector is-a-vis our conviction that the sector has sufficient employment capabilities, high growth potentials, contributes significantly in accretion to foreign reserves, expands the industrial base and apparently diversifies the growth potentials of the national economy,” Emefiele added. Reserve Management

AKINWUNMI IBRAHIM

Following the sharp decline in global oil prices and the resultant fall in the country’s foreign exchange earnings, the Bank observed a widening margin between the rates in the interbank and the Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS) window, thus engendering undesirable practices including round-tripping, speculative demand, rent-seeking, spurious demand, and inefficient use of scarce foreign exchange resources by economic agents. Therefore, the CBN acted by closing the RDAS/WDAS foreign exchange window. The CBN thereafter stopped the weekly sale of forex to Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in the country. Equally, it excluded 41 items, including rice, wheat and palm oil, from accessing forex at its official window in its bid to conserve the reserves and protect the local industry and encourage exports. Nigeria’s external reserves closed at $26.373 billion as at June 2, 2016, compared with the $37 billion it was when Emefiele took over. Banking Sector Regulation The macroeconomic headwinds in the country is also being felt by Nigerian banks. This resulted into huge impairment charges by some of the banks in the 2015 full year results. However, the central bank has maintained that various test conducted on the financial institutions showed that they are all healthy. The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Mr. Phillips Oduoza recently said the perception that the Nigerian banking sector is over-regulated was not true, adding that the industry remains strong with improved regulatory oversight. Oduoza said: “I do not think that Nigerian banks are over-regulated. I think you need to look at other jurisdictions and look at the level of regulations we have. One of the most regulated environment is the United States. If anything at all, I think they are moderately regulated. “So, I think the banking industry remains strong and governance is very strong compared with where we are coming from, risk management is very robust and the industry is very strong.” Forex Management and Monetary Policy One area that the central bank under Emefiele has been heavily criticised in the past two years is its forex management policy. To a lot of financial market analysts and commentators, the wide gap between the official exchange rate and the black market is one of the factors that have been discouraging both foreign direct investments and foreign portfolio investors in the country. They have argued consistently the margin between the official market (N197/$1) and the parallel market (about N350/$1) also continue to create arbitrage opportunity. This has been the basis for the strong call for another round of devaluation. But a source who pleaded to remain anonymous explained that the delay in adjusting the currency was in the best interest of the economy. According to him, if the CBN had bowed to the pressure of those that had been calling for a devaluation of the naira, the recent hike in fuel price announced by the federal government might have necessitated another devaluation. In addition, although inflation rate has risen sharply in the past two years, the central bank has continued to adjust its key monetary policy tools in response to the situation in the macro economy. Looking Forward Going forward, one of the factors that would shape the performance of the CBN governor is the proposed flexible exchange rate the Bank plans to introduce. It is believed that the policy would help improve efficiency of foreign exchange allocation in the economy, reduce the distortions in the forex market, and bring the economy closer to equilibrium and improve liquidity in the foreign exchange market. In addition, it is expected to reduce uncertainty, which investors have been grappling with over the last one year and boost investors’ confidence in the market. With this, all eyes are currently on the Emefiele-led CBN as the market awaits the unveiling of the flexible exchange rate policy. In addition, it is expected that the central bank under Emefiele would continue to collaborate with the fiscal authorities in the quest to reflate the economy, which is on the brink of recession and also continue to fight inflation, which presently is a big monster.

T H I S D AY • MONDAY,JUNE 6, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

APPOINTMENT / AWARDS

Deloitte Appoints Folarin CEO for Nigeria/W’Africa Regional Leader Deloitte Africa has appointed Fatai Folarin as the new Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte Nigeria and Deloitte West Africa Regional Leader from June 1, 2016 as it continues to focus on driving Africa’s regional growth potential. A statement yesterday quoted Deloitte Africa CEO, Lwazi Bam to have said Folarin’s extensive history of leadership, coupled with his experience in advising multinational clients looking to establish themselves in the

West Africa market made him an ideal person for the role. Bam also said he looked forward to working closely with the new CEO for Nigeria, “to continue to ensure that Deloitte West Africa makes a positive, enduring impact for all stakeholders, including Deloitte clients, its people, and society.” “Folarin’s priorities will include applying leading technology to serve clients across the Deloitte core businesses in West Africa of audit, tax, consulting,

risk advisory and corporate finance services, while building on a distinct experience that engenders trust with clients and attracts and inspires talent. “Folarin’s appointment harnesses the existing business advantages the firm already offers across the continent, while adding significantly to its ability to deliver tailored solutions to businesses in a region which has its own complex challenges,” the statement added. The new CEO, has more than 26 years of professional

services experience, continues to serve as the Tax Leader of the practice, serving several of Deloitte West Africa’s most prominent clients. Prior to his role of Deputy CEO of Deloitte West Africa, which he assumed on 1 December 2015, he led Deloitte West Africa’s tax practice, managing various international and national engagements involving technology, media and telecommunication companies, oil and gas companies and companies in the consumer business industry.

NSE Receives Award for Promoting Financial Literacy The Nigerian Stock Exchange has received the “Corporate Achievement Award to a Financial Institution” at the inaugural annual Financial Literacy Excellence (FILEX) Awards. The award, which was aimed at celebrating and recognising leadership and innovations that promote financial literacy in Nigeria, was presented to the exchange for its annual essay competition and investment education programmes in the capital market. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Dr. Bola Fajemirokun of DIN Resource Centre said: “The awards celebrate the important work by individuals and organisations aimed at improving knowledge and awareness of financial matters among consumers. Financial literacy can only be achieved through targeted financial education initiatives and these must be grounded in a thorough understanding of the financial behaviours and attitudes of Nigerian consumers.” Receiving the award,

Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE, Mr. Bola Adeeko expressed the Exchange’s appreciation, stating that financial literacy and investor education remain at the core of the corporate social responsibility strategy of the exchange. “The NSE will continue to ensure that investors and the citizenry are equipped with the right knowledge to enable them take sound investment decisions. One of the major vehicles for this is the annual Essay Competition of the NSE which is in its 16th year. It has inspired over 20,000 young people in over 7,000 secondary schools across Nigeria to showcase what they have learned about financial and capital markets,” he said. According to him, in 2015 alone, the exchange held over 180 free financial literacy workshops across the federation reaching over 17,000 people. The workshops are aimed at enhancing investor understanding of the basics of capital market investment.

Hill+KnowltonBags EMEA Award BUILDING SHAREHOLDERS’ CONFIDENCE

L:-R : Mr. Olaolu Adewale; Alhaji Umar Abdulahi; Mr. Tokunbo Talabi (Directors); Chairman, Dr. Musiliyu Abiola Smith; MD/CEO, Biodun Omoniyi; Tunji Gafaar and Mallam Garba Imam (Directors), all board members of VDT Communications Limited, during its 2016 annual general meeting (AGM), held at Eko Hotel, Lagos...recently

VoguePay Wins Best Emerging e-Payment Platform Award VoguePay.com, a leading e-payment platform that serves hundreds of thousands of small businesses in four continents has won the best emerging online payment platform in Africa at the African Information Technology and Telecom Awards (AITTA) 2016 held at the Kempinski Hotel, Accra, Ghana on May 21, 2016. Launched in 2012, VoguePay was created with a vision to make online, cross-currency payments and transactions safer, cheaper and more accessible for businesses, traders and consumers in Africa and internationally. The platform offers both users and merchants an opportunity to transact without directly using their card or bank details. With tens of thousands of clients, VoguePay’s integrated solutions and services are helping small and medium

businesses (SMEs) to power their online payment infrastructure by offering free online payment integration to serve an estimated market audience of 20 million SMEs in Nigeria. This year’s edition of the coveted ICT awards organised by InstinctWaves, publishers of Africa’s only free premium ICT and telecoms magazine, MobileWorldrecognised industry leaders across various categories including e-payment were VoguePay was awarded the Best Emerging Online Payment Platform in Africa. CEO of InstinctWave, Mr. Akin Naphtal, remarked that VoguePay won the industry recognition as a result of its contribution to online payment in Nigeria and Africa in general. Other award recipients include the Nigeria (NITDA) for ‘local Content Promotion in Africa’ and Nigeria Communications

Commission (NCC) for ‘African Regulator of the year’ among other award recipients. CEO of VoguePay, Mr. Micheal Simeon, while receiving the award, reiterated his company’s commitment to champion online payment security, stating that VoguePay’s financial framework is designed to meet International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) and the platform deploys several second-level authentication protocols in order to prevent unauthorized access to merchant’s account. These security algorithms include geo-location monitoring and behavioural pattern analysis systems, transaction patterns monitoring systems, IP monitoring, SSL Security Encryption, GeoTrust with EMV, audit trail, and data encryption technologies are actively in place to ensure security.

The Director, Marketing and Compliance, Vogupay. com, Geoffrey Weli-Wosu, noted that the award is well deserved given VoguePay’s innovative solutions including being the first payment platform in Nigeria to offer free account opening for its merchants as well as offering its integration suite for free. Voguepay was first payment platform in Nigeria to facilitate bitcoin transactions as well as the first online payment platform to enable international gateway transactions for local merchants in Nigeria and across Africa. VoguePay’s commitment to help small businesses connect with global audience is unwavering. This award is a reflection of VoguePay’s continuous improvement as it earlier won ‘The Best Internet Payment Platform in Nigeria” in 2014 at the maiden edition of the DotCom awards, Weli-Wosu said.

Hill+Knowlton Strategies, a parent body of H+K Nigeria, has been named Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Agency of the Year at the SABRE Awards in Berlin. According to the President of H+K EMEA, Lars Erik Grønntun, the award is an honour to all the hard work and excellence of the team across the region. In a statement issued in Lagos, its promoters in Nigeria stated that the agency has grown its footprint since it entered the Nigerian market in 2015, stating that such dedication helped it to win the Huawei retainer account recently. “Hill+Knowlton offers a full suite of communications services including corporate communications, marketing communications, internal communications, sports marketing and sponsorship, digital communications, issues and crisis consultancy and public affairs. Our current clients include P&G, Oando Marketing, iSON amongst others,” the statement stated. The SABRE awards are among the most prestigious awards in the communications industry. This year ’s award ceremony recently took place in Berlin, and the agency was nominated for the EMEA Agency of the

Year alongside BursonMarsteller, Edelman, Ogilvy PR and Weber Shandwick. “Since consolidating our Europe, Middle East and Africa regions two years ago, a lot of people have worked hard to take H+K in the region to the next level. By implementing our regional strategy of Connecting, Converging and Learning we’ve managed to take the agency to a new level, winning exciting new business, building stronger creative and content bids and strengthening our regional footprint,” Gronntun said. Service innovation and significant client wins have driven strong financial performance in a majority of H+K’s EMEA markets, including key markets like the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, the Middle East and South Africa. Stronger regional cohesion has been a key priority for H+K’s largest region. He said: “Another important development is our proprietary 3P methodology, leveraging purpose-based thinking to build reputation and preference. This is tightly linked with our renewed approach to creativity – where our global creative hub in London is a driving force – and our step up in content creation.”

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Balarabe: We Have Developed a Unique Approach to MSME Financing’ The Fidelity SME Forum is a weekly radio programme organised by Fidelity Bank Plc to educate, inform, advise and inspire budding entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Only recently, the bank celebrated a major milestone with the broadcast of its 150th episode. Its Deputy Managing Director, Mohammed Balarabe provided valuable insights into the bank’s unique methodology in supporting Nigeria’s burgeoning SME landscape. He also shared his thoughts on the Export Leadership Institute - an initiative strategically designed to deliver impactful and world-class export management education to Nigerian entrepreneurs

Balarabe A lot of listeners and entrepreneurs across Nigeria have come to identify the Fidelity SME Forum as a foremost capacity development platform for SMEs in Nigeria. What is the major objective behind it and what does the bank stand to achieve from it? Firstly, I would like to seize this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to our numerous listeners for coming on this amazing journey with us and for being a part of the Fidelity SME Forum family. As you rightly mentioned, the Fidelity SME Forum is the first capacity building programme of its kind in Nigeria and has also become the capacity development platform of reference for both aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. The objective of the Fidelity SME Forum is to provide a complimentary business advisory window to our core business advisory offering

under the Fidelity Managed SMEs Division to further democratize our free business advisory services to the critical mass of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The programme is designed to inform, educate and inspire the critical mass of aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in Nigeria through practical lessons and business insights provided by carefully selected model entrepreneurs and subject matter experts. The format of the programme is deliberately designed to bring out the practical elements of the discourse in a manner that addresses the everyday challenges of MSMEs and at the same time provide clear insights to aspiring entrepreneurs. The Fidelity SME Forum is one of several other ways that Fidelity Bank is helping to empower MSMEs in Nigeria.

But more importantly, the programme is aimed at helping MSMEs raise their management game in order to better position them for growth thereby increasing their contribution to economic development. Secondly, according to the latest BVN Report by NIBSS, all the banks in Nigeria have a total customer base of about 24 million. On the average, each of these customers have accounts with two or three other Banks with each bank jostling for the lion’s share of the customer’s business. So for us, the Fidelity SME Forum Programme serves as both a business advisory and capacity building platform for MSMEs and a strategic marketing tool for the building of the critical mass of MSMEs.

important milestone in the lifetime of Fidelity SME Forum. How would you describe the listenership base and how has the bank’s capacity development platform affected the growth of MSMEs in Nigeria? Are there also some testimonials which you would like to share with us? We are very excited to mark the 150th edition of the Fidelity SME Forum. It has been an amazing journey for us and we are very proud of what we have been able to achieve with the programme thus far. This is not only an important milestone for us but a celebration of the lives that we have touched and businesses that we have helped build through this special MSME capacity development intervention programme.

Today, we are celebrating a great and

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

T H I S D AY • MONDAY,JUNE 6, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

BALARABE: WE HAVE DEVELOPED A UNIQUE APPROACH TO MSME FINANCING’ To your question – the listenership base of the programme cuts across various age and professional demographics. It caters to both aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to make that transition from paid to self-employment and existing entrepreneurs who are looking to take their businesses to next growth levels. Although the live edition of the programme is broadcast out of Lagos on this station (Inspiration 92.3 FM), the programme has national and global listenership reach via web live streams and podcasts on our website. Our testimonials are too numerous to mention; however, I will share some insights into some of the poster cases that we have handled. In January of this year, we had our Regional SME Conference in Kano where we had most of the key SMEs in the North Western part of the country in attendance. Before that, we had one in Enugu and another in Ibadan for the South East and South West Regions of the Country respectively. In the healthcare space, we have helped a lot of pharmaceutical manufacturing SMEs streamline and reorganize their structures for optimal business performance. We have also provided financing to SMEs in this space through our tailored healthcare portfolio lending products. In the manufacturing space, we have added a lot of value in the area of business process improvement especially in the areas of accounting and inventory management, translating to increased efficiency and effectiveness for the SME clients in this space. We have also leveraged our unique lending framework under the CBN MSME Development Fund scheme to make single digit priced credits available to SMEs in this space. We are also very proud to say that we funded the first indigenous cable manufacturing company in Western Africa and one of the leading transport companies in Nigeria which is now quoted in the stock exchange. Another interesting case is a beauty & personal care business that we helped to transit from a fringe player to becoming one of the leading players in the beauty & personal care space. Some of these entrepreneurs have returned to the SME Forum Radio Programme on different occasions to share their experiences with the audience. Can you give us an idea of the kind of guests that have appeared in the past? From the inception of the programme till date, we have featured a very colorful array of model entrepreneurs and subject matter experts playing across various key sectors of the economy. The interactive nature of the programme affords our listeners the opportunity to ask questions and get real time feedback from featured guests from across all sectors of the economy. Some of them include Dr. OkechukwuEnelamah, Partner/CEO, African Capital Alliance and Current Minister of Industry Trade & Investments; Ms. ArunmaOteh, Former DG, Securities and Exchange Commission and Current VP/Treasurer, World Bank; Dr. Olusegun Aganga, a former Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment; Mrs. Omobola Johnson, a former Minister of Communication Technology; Mr. NicolaasVervelde, MD/CEO, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Mr. DharneshGordhon, MD/CEO, Nestle Nig. Plc and many others especially from the agricultural value chain. In what other ways does Fidelity Bank plan to elevate the Fidelity SME Forum and the capacity development of MSMEs in general? It has become imperative to expand the scope of the Fidelity SME Forum to markets outside Lagos. The idea is not only to take this capacity development initiative closer to MSMEs in markets outside Lagos but to also tailor the content to fit target local business environments for maximum impact. The whole essence is to use model entrepreneurs who have thrived in same markets that the MSMEs play in and whose stories the MSMEs can relate with as case studies toinform, educate and inspire the MSMEs

Balarabe in those markets. In the spirit of reaching out to more MSMEs especially in upcountry locations, we will continue to step up our Regional SME Conferences. In the past 9 months, we have had three targeted and market-focused MSME conferences in Enugu, Ibadan and Kano. We plan to cover more locations this year. We have also planned MSME-focused creative industry and non-oil export readiness themed conferences for the 2nd quarter and 3rd quarter of this year respectively. The non-oil export readiness themed conference, in addition to our other non-oil export initiatives, will cater to the business management needs of MSMEs that are looking to venture into the very promising non-oil export space. Also, existing non-oil exporters that are looking to raise their business management game can benefit immensely from the conference. In between our planned MSME-focused events and programmes this year, our dedicated MSME Business Advisors will continue to work with MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs to raise their game in the areas of business management capacity, corporate governance, market access and business process automation/optimisation. Can you give us some insights into the Export Leadership Institute? What is it all about? As further proof of our commitment to helping MSMEs raise their game in the international scene, coupled with our strong desire to help speed up the diversification of Nigeria’s monolithic economy, we are collaborating with The Enterprise Development Centre of the Lagos Business School (LBS) and theNigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to establish the first export business school in Nigeria.The goal of this initiative is to deliver impactful and world-class export management education to equip Nigerian MSMEs with the knowledge and business management capacity required to compete effectively in international markets. In addition to the Export Management Programme initiative, we will continue to support MSMEs who are keen to venture into the non-oil export space or who are already playing in this space with our one-on-one business advisory services and our other export readiness capacity development initiatives. On the funding side, we will continue to support them with our unique export commodity and export cluster focused lending programmes to enable them scale up their

export business operations. Non-oil export is an area that Banks are not very familiar with as opposed to imports. How is Fidelity looking to build internal capacity in this area to match its growth ambitions? As I mentioned earlier, we are working on a number of strategic capacity development programmes and initiatives geared towards enhancing the non-oil export capacity and global competiveness of Nigerian MSMEs. To further underscore the importance of business management capacity development of MSMEs in the non-oil export space and in line with our knowledge driven approach, we have decided to commence from within through internal capacity development of our staff via export master class workshops in all the Regions of the Bank. The programme, which was designed in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)will enable our staff build competencies and skills required to develop customized lending products for MSMEs in the non-oil export space. It will also help them become better prepared to handle the business management and advisory needs of aspiring and existing non-oil exporters. The workshops will cover a broad range of topical issues pertinent to non-oil exports and will include resource persons and facilitators from relevant government agencies that play key roles in the processing of non-oil exports transactions. These are all very laudable ideas but how has it translated into incremental value for the Bank in Naira and Kobo? As at today, our SME customer footprint is in excess of 600,000 customers evenly spread across the geographical regions of the country in line with the sizes of those markets. SME deposit liability is in excess of N120 billion and Loans is in excess of N60 billion. With our very bold ambitions of achieving an even business portfolio split between our Corporate Banking and SME/Retail Banking Business supported by the structures that we have put in place, we expect to double these figures in the next few years. Where do you see growth opportunities for SMEs? We see a lot of growth opportunities in Manufacturing, Services, Entertainment and Agric Value-chain, especially in the segments that are directly linked to import substitution

and export activities. To take advantage of these opportunities, MSMEs across the board will need to raise their game in the following areas; quality assurance and control, proper corporate governance structures and processes, effective financial management system, improved compliance with regulatory authorities (i.e. NAFDAC, SON, etc.) and product packaging and differentiation. We understand that this is a lot of work for MSMEs to do by themselves which is the whole essence of our free business advisory services. It is designed to help MSMEs close some of these structural gaps or connect them with our professional services alliance partners where professional services are required. What is your advice to Entrepreneurs in Nigeria? While the current economic headwinds pose a lot of challenges for MSMEs, it also presents a lot of business opportunities for MSMEs, particularly in the non-oil export space. However, MSMEs will need to raise their business management game to take advantage of these emerging business opportunities. With the strict capital controls and escalating value erosion of the Naira, locally manufactured products will become more attractive to consumers, both locally and internationally. However, product quality is very critical in this regard. MSMEs in the manufacturing and food processing segments will need to improve on their packaging to be able to differentiate their products from the gamut of competing offerings out there. Customer service is also very important. Resources are very scarce and consumers, now more than ever, want value for their money. Optimal financing structure is also very important. MSMEs should ensure that they have commensurate equity in the business as too much debt burden could impair the health of the business. It is also important to ensure that the structure of financing is adequately matched to the needs of the business. Short term financing should be used to finance short term needs of the business and long term financing to fund long term needs of the business. And the last but not the least, competent and experienced business management is very vital. If you don’t have the experience, please outsource or better still visit Fidelity Managed SMEs for free business advisory services.

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

FBN Merchant Bank Holds AGM, Announces Strong Performance FBN Merchant Bank Limited, the merchant banking subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc recently held its annual general meeting in Lagos. The Company announceda strong performance despite the inclement operating environment, as profit before tax (PBT) stood at N3.851 billion in the financial year ending December 31, 2015, which was 6.6% above the budgeted profit of 3.614 billion, and 113.11% above the prior years’ actual profit of 1.807 billion. The merchant bank, which was formerly Kakawa Discount

House, commenced operations in November 2015 following the CBN’s approval of its Merchant Banking license and completion of operational prerequisites. This expansion of the group’s platform offered the capability to provide a broader set of products and services, as well as access to a wider universe of funding sources. In his opening statement, the Chairman of FBN Merchant Bank, Mallam Bello Maccido said “2015 was a challenging period for the Nigerian economy due to the election

year and the transitional period for the company. The volatility experienced in 2014 continued into year 2015, leading to spikes in rates and general uncertainty in the market. However, our purposeful leadership took advantage of the volatilities and rode the economic headwinds profitably within the financial year thereby returning commendable returns to shareholders.” According to the Managing Director and CEO of FBN Merchant Bank Limited, Mr. KayodeAkinkugbe “This

will be the first full year of operation and we are excited to launch the merchant bank on the strong platform of the FBN Holdings Group. We are confident that the management team, with the support of the Board, will be able to face the challenges of 2016 and we will work tirelessly to make the belief placed in us deserved. We intend to approach the market with necessary prudence and hunger, being very mindful of all the risks involved, with the aim to improve the quality of our income and increase our balance sheet while ensuring

that we have very impressive figures next year in terms of our numbers.” Shareholders in turn expressed their optimism in the company based on the merchant bank’s enhanced competitive positioning as part of a larger group. The Group Managing Director of FBN Holdings, Plc, Mr. U.K. Eke, MFR expressed the confidence of the Group in the merchant bank based on four strong pillars: leveraging strength of the FBNHoldings Group, more than adequate capitalisation of the merchant

bank at over 25% CAR which signifies capacity to prudently sweat the balance sheet, a strong visionary board, and a highly professional/experienced management team. He stated that it was evident that the merchant bank would soon dominate the subsector. Akinkugbe assured the Shareholders that the merchant bank is appropriately positioned to ensure commendable dividends in the current financial year. “We remain committed to building the leading merchant bank in Africa by creating opportunities for our clients.”

Peacock Announces Holy Pilgrimage to Rome, Israel Chinedu Eze

BUSINESS COLLABORATION

L-R: Managing Director, PrimePort Logistics, Femi Adewunmi; Head of Sales and Operations, Nigeria, Fast Forward Freight, Jordy Hens; Board Advisor, Operations, Fast Forward Freight, Van Der Kroon and Senior Official, Nigerian Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Audud D. C., during a courtesy visit by Fast Forward Freight representatives to the management of Port Harcourt International Airport…recently

Dutch Firm, PrimePort Logistics Renew Pact on Cargo Volume into PH Airport Chinedu Eze In pursuit of its vision to make the Port Harcourt international airport a cargo hub for the South-south region of the country, PrimPort Logistics has renewed its pact with its international counterpart, Fast Forward Freight. The renewed deal would see both firms improve their service delivery to new and existing clients as they look to retain the momentum of cargo inflow into the international airport despite the low activities in the Oil & Gas sector - the airport’s major clients. “While we expect to see slightly less cargo traffic to

the Port Harcourt international airport owing to the slump in Global oil price, we strongly believe there is a need to visit, interact and assure our clients and partners especially PrimePort Logistics of our continued support in making the airport a cargo hub,” Hans van der Kroon, Board advisory, Fast Forward Freight told journalists in a recent interview in Lagos. Kroon further explained that while cargo inflow into Nigeria will slightly drop due to high forex rates, his firm remains positive on the country’s market potential. “Nigeria is our biggest market in Africa and while we understand the current economic

downturn might persist for a while, we are certain of a rebound in the near future,” he added Despite hosting nearly all major oil and gas activities in Nigeria, Port Harcourt, which also has an international airport is still struggling to attract huge cargo volume as some oil and gas firms in the city still opt to route their cargo to Lagos before hauling to Port Harcourt by road, a trend industry watchers say, is diminishing the airport’s captive market status. According to both firms, while rates to the Port Harcourt international airport might be slightly higher when compared to some destinations such as

Lagos, it’s however faster,more efficient and less risky for businesses in the region to send their cargo directly to the Port Harcourt airport. Narrating the firm’s operations in Nigeria prior to its partnership with Primeport Logistics, Kroon explained that his firm had to route most of its clients including those in the South-South region - cargo through the Lagos airport before hauling by road to Port Harcourt. This trend, he said however changed once PrimePort Logistics came on board and offered to deliver Door-to-Door freight services for clients within Port Harcourt and its environs.

Foremost travel management group with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and South Africa, Peacock Travels and Tours Limited, has introduced two interesting pilgrimage tour packages to the Nigerian travelling public. Specifically, Peacock Travels and Tours, in collaboration with partners in Rome and Israel, on Wednesday announced Holy Pilgrimages to Rome and Israel. A nine-day special tour package to Rome, holding from August 29 to September 8, 2016, has been designed around the Canonisation of the renowned Mother Teresa in the Vatican City of Rome. Similarly, an eight-day special tour package to Israel, holding from November 7 to 14, 2016, will equally afford practising Christians the opportunity to follow the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ while taking an amazing pilgrimage of the Holy Land. The landmark events will give pilgrims the opportunity to also visit key religious and historical sites in Rome and Israel. The Rome Pilgrimage Package will include visit to Rome, and other adjoining places like Cascia, Assisi, Padua, Rotondo and Pompeii. In Rome, participants will visit St. Mary Major, enter the Catacombs and also have an audience with the Pope. In Cascia, pilgrims will see the Shrine of St. Rita, while opportunity will also be given to them to touch the incorrupt body of Padre Pio in Rotondo. In Padua and Assisi, participants will see the tongue to St. Anthony and also pass through the Way of St. Francis respectively. In Pompeii, pilgrims will also be allowed to see Our Lady of the Rosary. According to a statement by the fast-growing travel management firm, the entire package is coming at an affordable price of only 2050 Euros and an administra-

tive charge of N30,000 per participant. Also, the eight-day special tour package to Israel covers a long list of interesting biblical and amazing historical sites. These include the Church of All Nations, Bethlehem, Church of Nativity, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, The Dead Sea and Church of St. Peter. Others are Garden of Gethsemane. Jerusalem, Western Wall, Mt. Carmel, and Mount of Olives at an affordable price of $1590 and an administrative charge of N30,000 per participant. Just like Rome, the amount paid for Israel pilgrimage grant each of the intending participants: a return economy class ticket, travel insurance, ground transportation, three meals per day throughout the trip, licensed English-speaking tour guides, a 3-Star hotel accommodation, and entrance fees to the Holy Sites. According to the travel company, participants interested in visiting Rome will need to register at the Peacock brach Office not later than the first week of August, while participants in the guided visit to the Holy Land of Israel must also register at the office not later than the first week of October. The holy trip will be rounded off with an exciting ceremony to be conducted for the presentation of certificate to all the participants which automatically accord them the title of a JP. Speaking on the packages, the Executive Chairman, Peacock Group, Aare Segun Phillips, said each of the two packages would afford the participants an opportunity for spiritual development, adding that “it is a better way to prepare for the hereafter.” Aare said, “It gives them the opportunity to perform their religious rites once in their life time. It is also an opportunity to see important historical and biblical sites live as well as offer prayers”

T H I S D AY • MONDAY,JUNE 6, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Vitafoam Boss Explains Growth Plans, Assures Investors Eromosele Abiodun Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr. TaiwoAdeniyi has expressed optimism that the company’s performance indicators would not be affected adversely by the on-going business vagaries. Adeniyi, who unfolded some strategies to sustain shareholder value, explained that Vitafoam remained committed to value creation and delivery as one of the fundamental principles that define the company’s operations. Commenting on the current efforts to sustain Vitafoam’s competitive edge, he noted that the company places premium on the realignment of internal processes to cut waste, development of human capital and investment in research and development in consonance with

the needs of the customers. Adeniyi stated that the company’s shareholder value would not be compromised, hence the need to remain innovative and competitive. “We remain committed to our shareholders as ever before to make returns to them. They will not be disappointed because for us as management, our responsibility is to return good dividends to our shareholders. That is our target and they will surely get good return for their investment, “Adeniyi said. He also assured the company’s customers of quality products in line with global standard stressing that Vitafoam’ stands out in terms of quality of products and service delivery. He stated that despite the challenging operating environment, the company would always remain a good

corporate citizen. Adeniyi expressed gratitude for the customers’ loyalty saying, “We shall always count on their continuous support for us. These are tough times. We will surely get out of it. We still rely on their support for our products as ever before. Our products’ quality would not reduce for any reason. Rather, it would continue to be relevant.” However, the Vitafoam boss expressed concerns over the plight of manufacturers. According to him, the most critical issue is the problem of sourcing raw materials of whose almost 90 per cent is imported. He decried government’s failure to create a special window for forex exclusively for genuine manufacturers, saying this has exposed these sectors of the economy to the vagaries of the naira exchange rate in

the parallel market. According to him, while traders could easily pass the increasing cost of funds to the consumers, manufacturers in Nigeria could not do that. The Vitafoamboss therefore, called on the federal government to consider the plight of genuine manufacturers whose details are obtainable from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) by assisting them to access forex at official window in order to boost production and expansion, the preconditions for job creation . He also decried the enormous amount being spent on power generation in the real sector, an indictment of the current epileptic supply. As part of Vitafoam’s strategic growth plan, recently, Vono Products Nigeria merged with it for enhanced synergy.

BRAINSTORMING ON NEW MEDIA

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Onobello.com, Ms. Ono bello; Ms. Tolu Balogun, CEO of Innovation Factory, Ms. Adaora Mbelu Daina; New Media Conference Organiser, Ms. Ajibade Oluwatosin; General Manager, Chocolate City Music, Ms. Aibee Abidoye and Mr. Remi Ogunkoya at a discussants Conference on the new media (online) held recently in Lagos...recently

PernodRicard Nigeria, Partners Food Bank to Feed Nigerians Sunday Okobi PernodRicard Nigeria, producer and importer of varieties of whiskey, spirit and wine last week partnered Food Bank Nigeria to provide food for numerous Nigerians, an initiative to give back to the society. The company located at Lekki, Lagos State, with global headquarters in Paris, France, stated that as part of its community development programme, the branch in Nigeria decided to provide food for the people in the community it operates on its ‘Responsible Day’, while in other countries, it builds houses for the needy, builds roads and empowers the people. According to the Managing Director of PernodRicard Nigeria, Olivier Fages, “Today is what we call Responsible Day, and this programme is provided by PernodRicard all over the world. We are in more than 70 countries in the world, so we annually spend special day giving back to the communities. “In each country, we have different activities, but in Nigeria, we decided to partner Food Bank Nigeria to give back to the community we operate, so today, we are going to give out food to this community (Surulere). We also import wine and other spirit from abroad, but we have this commitment with the community to produce and sell locally, so we are part of the community and we believe it is our role to give back to it. “We give out food because we want to give the people basic needs which food is one of them, and making sure that these basic needs are covered. As you know, food is the most important need human beings need which we can give. In other countries, we can build houses, but here we

‘Mobile PoS Will Influence Last-mile Banking’ Emma Okonji

CONTEC to Establish 10MW Gas-based Station in Benue Emma Okonji Contec Global Energy Limited (CONTEC Global) has signed an agreement with the Benue State government to establish a 10megawatts gas-based power station in the state. When completed, it is expected to boost the efforts of the state government in resuscitating its industrial sector through the supply of constant and stable electricity supply in the state. The power plant, said to be the first of its kind in the region, will generate and supply electricity to the Benue Industrial Estate located in Makurdi, the state capital. At a recent meeting with the state governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, and his deputy, Benson Abounu, as well as members of his cabinet, CONTEC Global

offered an initial proposal to establish a 2mw power station, which was later upgraded to 10mw by a six-member committee set up by the governor for effective coverage of the industrial estate. CONTEC’s Project Manager (Energy), Dr. SashiMozumder, who gave details of the project, said the gas-based power generation project to be established in Benue State is primed to commence in 180 days after all preliminary paper and administrative works on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) are completed. Meanwhile, the government has taken the lead on this with the provision of a five hectares land space for the power station. “We are currently working on the initial MoU, pre-feasibility study, benefit- cost analysis, among other preliminary

preparations towards the commencement of the project, which is scheduled to begin within 180 days. With this, we shall be able to deliver the first electricity to the estate in the next 12 months,”Mozumder said. He also disclosed that CONTEC had acquired the requisite approval from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to this effect. On how the power plant will be getting its gas supply, he said, “We shall be feeding the Benue power plant with gas supplies from Anambra State. Although, this is a huge task, we have the capacity to do it.” According to him, “mobilising equipment to the site is about the simplest aspect of the project,

hence assured that they can deliver the first 2mw in the next six months and later upgrade to 10mw within the next 12 months.” The Benue Industrial Estate is designed to host not less than 50 industries with the capacity to provide an immediate employment to over 10,000 people if fed with the electricity. But at the moment, the estate is not fed with any form of electricity. CONTEC energy is already in Onitsha, Anambra State offering similar support and is in touch with several other states including Ebonyi, Edo, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory, Anuja and others, towards providing energy solutions for them.

want to impact the people’s lives by giving out different foods.” Fages, who noted that there was no challenges experienced in the course of giving back to the people, added that they have had a good partnership in Food Bank Nigeria and “we have spent the last two to three month making sure that we have the right contact with Food Bank, buy the food, communicate and distribute them to the people. Our partnership with Food Bank has been great and helpful to our cause of giving back to the people. “The company has been here for a bit more than two year, so this is going to be an annual event, but for PernadRicard, this initiative started six years ago in other countries, but today, globally, the company is giving back to the societies in Tanzania, Ghana, Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, Kenya among others in Africa and the world. We are trying it out for the first time in Lagos, but we hope to take the initiative outside the state.” In her remark, the Coordinator of Food Bank Nigeria, Mrs. Yemisi Alfred-Adenlewo, said the ‘food bank’ is a charity organisation found purposely to feed the hungry in the society, hence the partnership with PernodRicard. She said: “For today, we are partnering PernodRicard Nigeria, which is its responsibility day. It is a day set out in a year to do a community service. So they have decided to partner us to feed the hungry. Our primary responsibility is to collect food, store, package and redistribute. We collect from conglomerate and individuals. We also partner with farmers because it is not all food they harvest they are able to distribute and sell.”

Innovectives, a major player in the mobile Point of Sales (mPoS), in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), and some deposit banks, will hold the quarterly Ennovators Breakfast Series (EBS) to examine how Nigeria could benefit from the rapid growth of mPoS solution that is influencing the businesses of banks, FinTechs, vendors, and non-bank players. The forum, which will be attended by financial exports, is expected to address how mPoS could influence last-mile banking activities in today’s cashless economy. EBS is a knowledge sharing breakfast forum designed to appeal to the dreamers, drivers and doers of technology business in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry across Africa. According to a statement issued by eMaginations, organiser of EBS and signed by the MD/CEO, Sola Fanawopo, mPoS emerged as a distinct category of payments about five years ago while the global mPoS industry has experienced

exponential growth. He disclosed that this was due to increase in the retail sector, online trade, proliferation of smartphone, and card users. Mobile PoS terminal adoption would jump from 4.5 million to 38 million by 2017, with a Compound Average Growth Rate (CAGR) forecast of 42.7 per cent. Also, the adoption of mPOS terminals over standard PoS will be 46 per cent, as opposed to the 17 per cent seen in 2012. However, he noted that with the global growth in mPoS deployment, the Nigerian banks and Independent Service Operators (ISO) are less enthusiastic about adopting the solution. NIBSS has certified 14 mPoS providers and about 2,000 terminals are in circulation. He said: “It is through the exchange of innovative ideas and business opportunities that banks, ISOs and merchants can view mPOS as a veritable tool for last mile banking in Nigeria. This is why the regulator, banks, and industry players would attend the next edition of EBS to examine how Nigeria can tap into this growing phenomenon called mPOS”.

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Legend Unveils Premium Entertainment, FirstBank Enhances Customer Experience Unlimited Internet Stories by Emma Okonji Driven by the need to provide customers with a more robust user experience, Legend, an exclusive multimedia service brand based in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has announced the introduction of a premium entertainment service to residential homes, with a movie-theatre picture quality, unlimited Internet, and high-definition phone calls. The three service offerings, according to the Chief Executive Officer of Legend, Bruce Ayonote, are powered by

new fibre optic technology and come under one package bouquet, which means that customers can enjoy the convenience of paying for all three products for one great price. Ayonote said: “Based on our deep understanding of current and emerging technologies in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) designed to make life easier and better for customers, we have harnessed fibre optic infrastructure to come up with the technology innovation that we call Legend, with service offerings that

are unique and new to the Nigerian marketplace.” “With our rich bouquet of services that comprises Premium HD TV content, unlimited Internet access, crystal clear phone call services and home automation and security; we believe that subscribers will discover that Legend is a better way to live because Nigerians deserve a service that works,” Ayonote added. The Chief Marketing Officer of Legend, Gabriel GabUmoden, said the Legend brand offerings were second

to none in Nigeria with its superior entertainment and reliable “always on” network offered to consumers at affordable price points that are accessible to a wide spectrum of the market. “Those who subscribe to our TV service have access to our Box Office movies; and our ultra-fast Internet access is delivered at an amazing speed with no data caps. All these, coupled with our voice services and home automation & security services, open a wide vista of endless possibilities,” Gab-Umoden said.

Nume Ekeghe First Bank of Nigeria Limited said it has created a value-chain of support for the interests and activities of its customers. With varying categories of products and services to support businesses across market segments, the bank explained that it was set to ensure that its customers’ lifestyles align with their planned scripts for their lives. A statement from the bank explained that from SMEs to the affluent, the youth, and also the mass market, FirstBank has unique products and services designed to support their goals and aspirations. “The bank has created several online and mobile applications to boost convenience and ease of banking for its customers as they are enabled to transfer funds, pay bills, buy airtime and stay updated on the latest global trend from their mobile phones using the FirstMobile app and the FirstBank LOOP – a lifestyle app. “The FirstMobile app conveniently allows customers to carry out banking transactions on the go from their mobile phones as well as enhances their digital banking experience. With the LOOP app, customers are assured of premium content from across the world delivered right to their mobile phones. Contents include Technology & Gadgets, The Economy, Luxury Goods, Health, Entertainment, Business, Life & Travel, Sports, Shopping and more. LOOP ensures that our customers

are the first to know about the topics and events that matter most to them,” it added. According to the statement, FirstBank offers exclusive financial tools and products to its premium customers such as the First Exclusive current account, which pays interest without charging a maintenance fee. “Also, the FirstOnline internet banking enables customers carry out variety of transactions from anywhere in the world. The bank offers competitive mortgage products to customers to deepen their stakes in real estate. The product is designed to part-finance the acquisition, construction and refinancing of residential properties or office complexes for SMEs who desire to own their business premises. “The facility is availed either as a Personal Home Loan with Joint Mortgage option for eligible individuals in paid employment or as Commercial Mortgage for SME customers who are either small & medium enterprises, professional organisations or private schools. “To support the businesses of High Networth Individual Customers, FirstBank provides them with the Platinum Debit MasterCard and the Visa Gold Card, giving them unlimited power anywhere in the world. The Platinum Debit MasterCard is denominated in naira and card holders enjoy premium benefits such as, inspired travel privileges and VIP treatment, higher transaction limits, and access to exclusive products and rewards by partner organisations,” it stated further.

Winners Emerge in Access Bank, Airtel Smart Savers Promo HONOUR WELL-DESERVED

L-R: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, HealthPlus Limited, Mrs. Bukki George, First place winner of the TAMS Ambassador Prize, Ms. Chinwe Obijiaku and CEO, SB Telecoms & Devices and Convener of the TAMS Summit, Mr. Afolabi Abiodun at the inaugural edition of the TAMS Summit in Lagos...recently

Intel Introduces Radio Show to Sensitise Females in ICT Emma Okonji Intel Corporation has launched a new radio show and a features column on a top Nigerian blog, as part of its commitment to empower women and girls while connecting them to opportunities for personal growth in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The radio show, which is tagged: ‘She Will Connect’, will air weekly on Nigeria’s premiere women’s radio station, WFM 91.7, while the new features column called ‘Through her Eyes’ will feature on Bella Naija blog. The new initiative, which is a part of Intel’s She Will Connect programme, is targeted at helping young girls and women access an

innovative combination of digital literacy training, online peer network, and gender-relevant content. Speaking at the unveiling of the radio programme and column, the Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Intel West Africa, AdimIsiakpona, disclosed that the programme would bring millions of women online, and reduce the gap in access to internet and digital literacy skills for young women by up to 50 per cent, while also connecting millions of women to new opportunities through technology. According to Isiakpona, “Girls and women are an important part in the growth of any economy and the She Will Connect programme has gone a long way to reach and enable them to do more. “ “Intel will continue to drive momentum into its

She Will Connect programme. We want to use this radio show and the column on Bella Naija, to empower several girls and women by closing the gender gap in education access, inspiring more girls and women to become creators of technology, and connecting girls and women to opportunity through technology access,” he added Commenting on the success of the empowerment programme, She Will Connect Ambassador, TitilopeSonuga, observed that several girls and women have been enabled and connected to endless opportunities that abound online through the programme. “Working with strategic NGOs, we have equipped girls and women with digital skills, from basic knowledge

of computer operations, computer programming and software development. We are optimistic that the She Will Connect radio show on Women FM and the blog posts will further address gender relevant issues and help to close the technology gender gap,” Sonuga said. Being a renowned poet, actress and a Civil Engineer, Sonuga will be the face and voice of the ‘She Will Connect’ radio show and the blog column, called ‘Through Her Eyes’. The She Will Connect Programme demonstrates Intel’s commitment to empowering girls and women by not only providing digital literacy skills to girls and women, but also by pushing the concept of digital literacy forward through new, innovative and scalable models.

Computer Engineering student of Lagos State Polytechnic, AbdulrazakAyinde, has emerged winner of new Hyundai i10 in the ‘Smart Savers Promo,’ an initiative of Access Bank powered by Airtel Nigeria to enable Nigerians open bank accounts directly from their mobile phones. Draws and prize presentation in the Smart Savers promo were conducted recently at the Access Bank branch in Lagos in the presence of officials of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) and Nigerian National Lottery and Regulatory Council (NLRC). Ayinde, HND I student of Lagos Polytechnic, emerged winner for the month of April, while another customer, Ali Ahummed who is currently in Borno State, emerged winner for March. About two and a half hours after the winners were contacted on phone, a pleasantly surprised Ayinde arrived at the Access Bank branch to redeem his prize. Executive Director, Personal Banking, Access Bank Nig. Plc., Victor Etuokwu, presented the car to Ayinde in company of Vice President, Mobile Commerce, Airtel Nigeria, Femi Oshinlaja and

Head, CPC, Lagos, Joshua Nggada. While commending Access Bank and Airtel Nigeria on the initiative, Ayinde said: “I am happy to have emerged winner in the promo. I opened the Access Bank account with my Airtel line and later deposited the money meant for my project in the account. It was given to me by my Dad. I feel good to be a car owner today. I encourage others to take advantage of the Smart Savers Promo.” The Smart Savers campaign kicked off in January this year. To open a Smart Savers account, customers are advised to simply dial *903# from their Airtel lines. Customers are encouraged to save a minimum of N10, 000 monthly in their Smart Savers account to qualify for the monthly grand prize of a Hyundai i10 and other consolation prizes. With the Smart Savers initiative, customers can enjoy real-time mobile banking services such as funds transfer to accounts in Access Bank and other Nigerian banks’ accounts; as well as make quick airtime purchases, pay bills, view account statements/ account balance enquiry and much more.

T H I S D AY • MONDAY,JUNE 6, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

IATA: Member Airlines to Earn $39.4b in 2016 Chinedu Eze The outgoing Director General and CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Tony Tyler has announced that member airlines would earn about $39.4 billion this year. Speaking at the opening of the 72nd IATA Annual General Meeting in Dublin, Tyler explained that airlines would earn more this year than initially projected. In December 2015, it was predicted that airlines would earn $36.3 billion in 2016 but indication showed that the earnings would increase to the aforementioned which is expected to be generated on revenues of $709 billion for an aggregate net profit margin of 5.6 percent. The year 2016 is expected to be the fifth consecutive year of improving aggregate industry profits; however, but African airlines would lose $0.5 billion during the period.

Tyler said in 2015, airlines generated a global aggregate profit of $35.3 billion (re-stated from $33.0 billion estimated in December 2015). He said over half of the industry profits will be generated in North America ($22.9 billion) while African carriers are forecast to continue generating an overall loss (-$0.5 billion), adding that lower oil prices spurred the profit. “Lower oil prices are certainly helping—though tempered by hedging and exchange rates. In fact, we are probably nearing the peak of the positive stimulus from lower prices. Performance, however, is being bolstered by the hard work of airlines. Load factors are at record levels. New value streams are increasing ancillary revenues. And joint ventures and other forms of cooperation are improving efficiency and increasing consumer choice while fostering robust competition. The result: consumers are getting a great

deal and investors are finally beginning to see the rewards they deserve,” said Tyler He said on average, airlines would make $10.42 for each passenger carried. “In Dublin, that’s enough to buy four double-espressos at Starbucks. Looked at from a different angle Starbucks will earn about $11 for every $100 in sales while airlines will make $5.60. We don’t begrudge Starbucks their profitability. But there is clearly still upside for airline profits,” said Tyler. He disclosed that for the second year in a row and only the second time in the airline industry’s history, the return on invested capital (9.8 percent) would exceed the cost of capital (estimated to be 6.8 percent). This is the minimum expectation level for investors, adding that the airline industry was beginning to generate profits that would be expected of any normal business. “The job of shoring up

resilience by repairing balance sheets is under way. We have had a few years of good profits and some airlines have started to pay down debt. It will, however, take a longer run of profits before balance sheets are returned to full health,” said Tyler. Tyler however observed that repaying accumulated debt will take several years of profitability to achieve. Airlines in North America and in some parts of Europe have seen the gearing of their balance sheets fall towards investment grade levels. But for much of the rest of the industry, it is a continuing challenge. “Airlines are producing solid results even with some strong economic headwinds. It’s an impressive performance and the mood of the industry is generally optimistic,” said Tyler. Factors that made this possible include oil prices. IATA said the outlook is based on oil averaging $45/barrel (Brent) over the course of the year

which is significantly lower than the $53.9 average price in 2015. The full impact of lower fuel prices is still being realized as hedges mature. Overall, fuel is expected to represent 19.7 percent of the industry’s expenses, down from a recent high of 33.1% in 2012-2013. Another factor is the prevalent weak economic conditions. IATA said GDP is expected to expand by 2.3 percent in 2016. That is down from 2.4 percent in 2015 and the weakest growth since 2008 when the global financial crisis hit. Consumer spending is relatively strong, but the corporate sector is conserving cash and, despite some easing of government austerity budgets and low interest rates, there is little evidence of an acceleration in infrastructure spending. Passenger is another factor, which IATA said is robust with 6.2 percent growth expected in 2016. That is, however, a slowdown from the 7.4 percent growth recorded in 2015. Capac-

ity is expected to grow slightly ahead of demand at 6.8 percent. Load factors are expected to remain high (80.0 percent), but with a slight slip from 2015 (80.4 percent). Yields are expected to fall by 7.0 percent. Unit costs, driven by lower fuel prices, are expected to fall by 7.7 percent. Overall, the passenger business is projected to generate $511 billion in revenues, down from $518 billion in 2015. However, the cargo side of the business remains in the doldrums as IATA said the area is recording only 2.1 percent growth in demand. “Airlines are growing their fleets with long-haul widebody aircraft to meet strong passenger demand growth. This adds cargo capacity to a flat air cargo market. Cargo yields are expected to fall by 8.0 percent this year. Overall cargo is expected to generate $49.6 billion in revenues, down from $52.8 billion in 2015,” said Tyler.

Unity Bank Forges Alliance to Enhance Capital

BECAUSE WE CARE

A staff of SPAR Nigeria, Adenike Obanla, presenting a gift to a child, when SPAR hosted children to a day of fun, games and learning at its Lekki store in commemoration of children’s day celebration …recentlyy

Unity Bank Plc has forged a strategic alliance with Black Trituium, an equity and investment fund manager, in a bid to achieve a milestone repositioning of the Bank. THISDAY learnt that in furtherance of the above, the Group is poised to make significant equity investment in Unity Bank Plc. This strategic alliance will expand Unity Bank’s business scope, strengthen its capital base and support the Bank’s retail strategy whilst meeting the investment objectives of Black Trituium. The Black Trituium is an Equity and Investment fund manager, managing funds for individuals and institutions such as Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.

The collaboration with Unity Bank is expected to expand the retail and SME platform of the Bank. Investment analysts see this as a unique opportunity that has the potential to broaden the Bank’s customer base and provide long term stakeholder value. Furthermore, given the current economic outlook, this strategic alliance is a proactive response that is a value investment with immediate benefits that will enhance the capacity of the Bank to meet the needs of its banking public. The alliance will support government initiatives aimed at driving growth in the real sector through SME and retail products, with particular focus on the Agricultural sector.

Nigeria, ECOWAS Member States Unite on Food Safety James Emejo in Abuja Nigeria, alongside member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have formed a common ground against indiscriminate dumping of harmful food products mostly from the European Union and China. Also, members unanimously resolved to implement standards that would ensure that agricultural produce from members countries are not rejected by foreign trade partners especially the EU. The position of the regional member countries was made known at a workshop in Abuja, ahead of the 39th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) conference billed for June 27 to July 1, 2016

in Rome, Italy, where they are expected to participate and make consultations on critical issues affecting the sub-region. Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh said the workshop was not only apt but also necessary in ensuring the continuous development of essential mechanisms for consultation on issues of co mmon interest at the regional level and for resolutions to be defended with one voice at the sessions of CAC and its organs. According to him, Codex had a twin objective of developing standards for protecting consumer Health and ensuring fair practices in international food trade. He said his ministry fully

supported ECOWAS initiative to establish a network of actors to develop sustainable synergy of actions in the field and better protect the interest of member countries. He said for economic development, it was important for developing countries to have adequate access to major markets for food, agricultural and other products adding that such exports, however, needed to comply often with strict standards on food safety, animal and plant health which are collectively known as “SPS measure”. He warned that lowering standards was counterproductive and often fails to meet the needs of consumers. However, the acting Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Paul Angya said

members countries were seeking to ironed out differences and speak with one voice at the global food standards conference in Rome. He noted that the workshop in Abuja had become imperative following the increasing rate of rejection of agric produce from the region in the international market partly because they often failed to meet global standards. The gathering also aimed at uniformly canvassing an end to the practicing of food dumping. Angya, who was represented at the regional meeting by the Director, Business Support Services, SON, Mrs. Margaret Eshiette, said before now, the West African countries would go to the annual global

event only to speak based only individual strength on matters affecting the region, and often times, not achieving meaning results. The workshop attended by representatives of food standards and safety regulatory authorities under the aegis of the sanitary and phytosanitary and food safety group from the respective countries is expected to shape the contributions of ECOWAS member states in Rome. According to the acting SON boss, the workshop will further deliberate on issues around agricultural products and how they could be made competitive for exports and set standards to reduce their rate of rejection by foreign countries particularly, the European Union. Meanwhile, Head, Agricul-

ture Division, ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Earnest Aubee, said the lack of SPS and food safety regulations and policy in some ECOWAS member states had been a barrier to making agricultural products from the region less competitive in the international market, thereby reducing opportunities for employment and revenue generation in affected countries. He said members must take a firm position to implement existing regulations on food safety as failure would amount to opening their doors to harmful food which would endanger the lives of citizens. However, the workshop is expected to among other things, come up with a regional position on agenda items to be discussed at the 39th session of CAC.

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Saving the Rivers Economy: The Wike Matrix Bruno Emenike It was Sophia Amoruso, the founder and owner of Nasty Gal, described as one of “the fastest growing companies” by Inc. Magazine in 2012, that said “Half of getting there is having the confidence to show up and keep showing up.” That describes Governor NyesomWike of Rivers State. Over the past one year since he took over the reins of governance in the weather beaten, investment hostile and business stagnated Rivers State, he has demonstrated this saying by his deliberate interventions to get infrastructure working and businesses running by ‘half getting,’ and the uncanny confidence to show up where government’s attention is needed and will not stop showing up as he has promised. It is no longer a matter for debate that Wike inherited a state in dire economic straits last May. Business owners were listless, investors were hamstrung by dearth of infrastructure and government inertia. Many, today agreed that the governor has injected vitality in all sectors of the state economy, and is on course to transforming the infrastructure landscape. While it is granted that it is not yet Uhuru, but the signs are positive and Rivers state has come alive again. Speaking of his one-year stewardship recently, Wike explained that his administration in the last twelve months has been able to rescue the state from ‘dysfunctioning.’

At the interactive session to give his scorecard, the governor said to kick start the administration on day one, he directed the reinstatement of one thousand lecturers of state university of science and technology sacked by the previous administration on union activities. Other highlights he gave include the reopening of the courts which were closed for over one-year by his predecessor. The good news is that the courts are all working, providing unhindered access of justice to the people. He has been able clear the backlog of salaries and pensions of the state civil servants and pensioners, with over 1, 000 kilometers of roads either completely rehabilitated or constructed afresh. It is instructive that for businesses to thrive, the purchasing capacity of the people is integral aside the importance of infrastructure and enabling environment. The recall of 1, 000 lecturers simply translates to the fact that about 4, 000 other immediate family members have their livelihoods secured, and with their productive capacity guaranteed, it can only be imagined what this translated to in economic terms. There is little argument to the fact that a state with a high unemployed rate cannot engender economic prosperity as their purchasing power will be next to zero. It is in this regard that the import of Wike recalling the sacked lecturers as well as clearing the backlog of arrears and pensions of the workforce of Rivers

Wike state can be best situated. Tied to economic growth is the access to justice. There is no denying the fact that in every society and business environment, there are bound to be conflicts of which the courts are the arbiter if society is not to descend into a Hobbesian State. For the people of the Rivers, the state became one large theatre of aberration as people resorted to extra legal means to address their disagreements and conflicts in the absence of clear judicial avenues. Port Harcourt became a city of fear for small, medium and large business concerns as there was no instrument of state to tackle their issues and provide remedy. It was therefore not unexpected that economic activities witnessed serious decline. Added to this was the erosion of aesthetics and serenity of the famed Garden City. Port Harcourt and adjoining towns became one huge refuse dump. It was the case of Nero fiddling while Rome burnt. This time, the former state governor went on political

whoring while the decadence and stagnation became rife. Traffic snarls, pothole ridden roads. In short, Port Harcourt became intolerable and not sustaining. Given the precious man-hours spent in traffic and the suffocating nature of filth at every turn, it was evident that businesses would relocate and they did! So when Wike came into office, optimism was in short supply, the business community was expectant but not overly confident of what was in stock. However, one year down the lane, Port Harcourt has found its bounce, the traffic snarls have ebbed, access to justice and arbitration is available, while the infrastructural space is broadened. Speaking on how far his administration has weather the storm, Wike said: “We have stabilised the economy of Rivers State since we took of the reins of leadership in the state. We achieved the stabilisation of the economy by injecting N151 billion as salaries and payment of contractors.” One can only imagine what N15 billion can do in an economy like that of Rivers State at a time other parts of the country are facing the strain of poor streams of income from the federation account. It cannot be taken away that this feat is as a result of careful planning, priority of the people over selfaggrandisement and survival as was the lot of the immediate past regime. While it is not enough that these feats have been achieved, it is heart-warming to note that the governor has given the indication

of equitable development so as to guarantee economic growth for all areas of the state. According to him, every local government area in the state will host key projects, making the point that no local government area will be denied the impact of good governance. With what Wike has achieved, it is no wonder that the state PDP Chairman, Bro. Felix Obuah, is full of commendation and waxing in the enthusiasm of a future assured for Rivers State. Giving his take on Wike’s one-year in office, he makes the argument that it is as a result rare frugality and prudent management of state resources, despite shortfall in internal revenue accruals due to harsh economic realities of the time and very meagre federal monthly allocations, yet delivering on amazing democratic dividends. While it is enough to be angry that despite the huge allocations at the disposal of the previous administration, it is a vindication of the allegation in several quarters that Rivers State was milked dry and the collective wealth of Rivers people personalized and wasted on unnecessary goodwill to remain politically relevant. As the deliberations continue on the first anniversary of the NyesomWike administration the messaging is clear that beyond the rhetoric, he has established the principle of accountability, service and promise kept detached from elections. -Emenike wrote through brunoemenike@gmail.com

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Report Highlights Attributes for Business Success Obinna Chima The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in a new international study has highlighted factors that make the ‘perfect professional’ in 2016 and beyond. Specifically, the report highlighted intellect, creativity, emotional intelligence, vision, experience, technical skills and a mastery of the digital world as seven key skill areas sought by employers now and in the future An optimum blend of skills, experience and intelligence is now needed by professional accountants, the global research project from global professional accounting body has stated. Speaking at the launch of the report, ACCA Nigeria’s Country Head, ToyinAdemola, was quoted to have said: “The accountant’s role has been revolutionised over the past decade, with finance professionals becoming leaders, trusted expert counsel and key strategic advisers to organisations whether in the public or private sectors. “With this metamorphosis comes a requirement for a whole new set of skills. On top of technical excellence, professional accountants now require creativity, emotional intelligence and

the vision to lead.” With input and insight from over 2000 business and finance professionals around the world, “Professional Accountants – the Future,” is the most in depth analysis of the profession – and where it is headed – ever conducted Ademola added. “We discovered a brave new world of more regulation, greater globalisation, ever increasing risk, and of course, massive technological advancement. The accountancy profession has to be ahead of the curve on all fronts - trained to the highest of professional standards, looking beyond the numbers and with a global mind set.” To define what the 2016 finance professional must look like, ACCA developed a set of seven Professional Quotients – a mix of technical knowledge, skills and abilities formed with interpersonal behaviours and qualities. Technical and ethical competencies (TQ): The skills and abilities to perform activities consistently to a defined standard. Often based on a professional qualification. Secondly, the Intelligence (IQ): The ability to acquire and use knowledge: thinking, reasoning and solving problems. Thirdly, the Creative intel-

ligence (CQ): The ability to use existing knowledge in a new situation, to make connections, explore potential outcomes, and generate new ideas; Digital quotient (DQ): The awareness and application of existing and emerging digital technologies, capabilities, practices, strategies and culture; Emotional intelligence (EQ): The ability to identify your own emotions and those of others, harness and apply them to tasks, and regulate and manage them. Others are Vision (VQ): The ability to predict future trends accurately by extrapolating existing trends and facts, and filling the gaps by thinking innovatively; Experience (XQ): The ability and skills to understand customer expectations, meet desired outcomes and create value. Ademola said her message to current and aspiring accountants was that a blend of all these attributes makes the perfect finance professional, ready for the global business challenges they will face: “These ‘magnificent seven’ strengths show the way ahead. They are the means by which accountants use their technical knowledge, skills and abilities blended with the interpersonal behaviours and qualities to put them to use.

Standard Chartered Launches New Mobile, Online Banking Platforms Standard Chartered Bank has said it is bringing its newest mobile and online banking platform to one million clients across its eight African markets. The bank described the initiative as the most extensive digital rollout of its kind in Africa by an international bank. Supported by the bank’s global-standard technology, Standard Chartered explained in a statement at the weekend that its clients would enjoy consistent online experience across laptops, tablets or mobile phones, and the convenience of banking from the location of their choice. After the rollout to Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe in the first half of 2016, the bank will launch fingerprint recognition technology in these markets later in the year, giving clients a more secure and convenient way to log in to their accounts, it stated. “We’re bringing the best in

mobile banking to Africa – consumers across the continent are increasingly affluent and techsavvy and they want convenient access to their bank, wherever they happen to be,” Standard Chartered’s CEO for Retail Banking, Karen Fawcett said. “Africa is important to Standard Chartered and this launch is another demonstration of that.” “We are committed to making banking easier, faster and safer for our more than 1 million retail clients across Africa,” Standard Chartered’s regional Head of Retail Banking for Africa and the Middle East, Jaydeep Gupta said. “This multi-country roll-out is in line with our promise to bring world-class products and functionality to Africa, consistent with the trends and progress we are making in our international markets in Asia and the Middle East. By early next year, we expect at least 35% of all client transactions to be done through

online channels; significantly advancing the transformation of banking in Africa.” Also, in her contribution, Standard Chartered’s Chief Executive Officer for Nigeria and West Africa, Bola Adesola said: “We are reiterating our commitment to our clients to provide the best in-class services and solutions for their banking needs. Nigeria is an integral market for Standard Chartered Bank and with such innovative banking technologies, we are positioning ourselves as the bank of choice for existing and potential clients in this new era of digital banking.” The launch, according to the statement is central to Standard Chartered’s strategy of using digital technology to deliver the future of banking to clients in Africa. The Bank last year announced it will invest $1.5bn in technology globally over three years.

Internal Auditors Urged to Focus on Leadership PwC Nigeria, one of the leading professional services firms, has called on Internal Auditors in Nigeria to focus on leadership. This, according to the firm will increase the value contribution of Internal Auditors and help the broader organisation address emerging risks, adding that the internal audit functions with very effective leadership perform better and add greater value to the business. According to a statement, the call was made by the Associate Director Risk Assurance, PwC Nigeria, Femi Osinubi at a meeting to discuss findings of PwC’s 2016 State of Internal Audit Profession (SOTP) survey

report titled: “Leadership matters: Advancing toward true north as stakeholders expect more.” The meeting, which was held in conjunction with the Institute of Internal Audit (IIA) Nigeria with the theme “Stakeholders expect more from internal audit,” was part of activities held by both organisations to mark this year’s International Internal Audit Awareness month. The 2016 SOTP survey report presented the views of over 1,600 chief audit executives (CAEs), senior management and board members. The report among other things provided insights on how companies which today face

more risks than ever, are looking to their internal audit functions to deliver value by educating stakeholders on emerging risks and leading risk management practices that would improve the business. While presenting the report, Osinubi noted that more than half of the stakeholders who participated in the 2016 study believed internal audit was contributing significant value – up six points from 2015. The study also highlighted that 62 per cent of stakeholders expect more value from internal audit with 55 per cent expecting internal audit to be a more proactive trusted advisor within the next five years.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

March 2016 Broad Money (M2)

20,470,436.00

-- Narrow Money (M1)

9,040,817.68

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,441,365.03

---- Demand Deposits

7,599,452.65

-- Quasi Money

11,429,618.32

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,551,714.27

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,918,721.73

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

22,664,815.74

---- Credit to Government (Net)

3,782,578.01

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

4,991,246.39

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-1,208,668.38

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

18,882,237.73

--Other Assets Net

-7,746,094.02

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,758,634.07

--Currency in Circulation

1,811,090.48

--Banks Reserves

3,947,543.59 • Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Price (N) Stanbic Balanced Fund

Buying Price(N)

Selling Price

1,660.29

1,685.29

Stanbic IBTC NEF

1,000.00

11,002.32

11,326.67.11

Stanbic SIBond

120.47

Stanbic IBTC Ethical

1.10

1.13

Stanbic IBTC GIF

142.90

143.38

UBA Balanced Fund

1.2563

1.2493

UBA Bond Fund

1.3443

UBA Equity Fund

0.8205

0.8074

UBA Money Market Fund

1.1510

ARM Aggressive Growth Fund

N13.1141

N13.5095

ARM Discovery Fund

N288.9978

N297.7112

ARM Ethical Fund

N22.6462

N23.3290

ARM Money Market Fund

13.1161 (Yield % ) • Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 2 June 2016 The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $45.58 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $45.19 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Murban (UAE), Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia) and Merey (Venezuela). SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

MARKET NEWS

GSK Nigeria Explains Divestment of Drinks Business Goddy Egene and Eromosele Abiodun The management of Glaxosmithkline Consumer Nigeria Plc has said the divestment of its drinks bottling and distribution business would not affect its financial fortunes. Suntory Beverage of Japan had in 2013 bought British drinks brands Lucozade and

Ribena from GSK for 1.35 billion pounds ($2.1 billion at the time). Since then, the company has outsourced production and sales of the drinks in Nigeria to GSK Nigeria. However, Suntory Beverage Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Suntory Beverages & Food Limited, has made an offer to take over the assets and begin the production and sale of

T H E

Ribena and Lucozade by itself. The Board of GSK Nigeria has accepted the offer and recommended that shareholders of the company approve the divestment subject regulatory approval. It is believed that Ribena and Lucozade are major contributors to the bottom-line of GSK Nigeria and their divestment may affect the performance of the company. But an official of

N I G E R I A N

the company said rather than affect its performance, GSK Nigeria will concentrate on its strengthoral healthcare, nutrition and pharmaceutical/vaccines production and marketing business. “The drinks bottling used to be part of our business but we belong to a group, GSK, which has divested from that line of business and we need

STO C K

to maximise our potential. We are facing the direction our parent company is facing. Other subsidiaries have divested the drinks business but Nigeria was allowed to continue. But the divestment will enable us release the assets to Suntory Beverages so that we can concentrate on those things we are good at,” an official of the company said. The official said the divestment

E XC H A N G E

will give the company a lot of potential to grow its business, saying as a forward looking company it has hedged against the impact of the divestment. In a notification to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the Company Secretary of GSK, Mr. UcheUwechai had said the principal terms of the offer would set out in a circular to the shareholder.

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

CITYSTRINGS

Acting Features Editor Charles Ajunwa Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

Funfair on Chidren’s Day Kids who visited Apapa Amusement Park on Children’s Day last week, had fun as they played assorted games and fraternised, writes Godbless Eduviere

kids in dancing competition

n Friday, May 27, all roads led to Apapa Amusement Park. Kids were seen as early as 8am being escorted by their parents and teachers to the Amusement Park tucked inside a quiet ambience

in the port city. The event, which was sponsored by Pepsi, was fun-packed as the Amusement Park which was demolished and rebuilt has now been transformed into “Heaven on Earth” of sorts where fun seekers besiege on a daily basis. There were powerful toys and modern games like the Carousel, Soft Play, Mini Tea Cup, Junier Jet, Noah’s Ark, Swing Twenty and many more which contributed to the day being a colourful one for the kids. Those who spoke to THISDAY on Children’s Day celebration gave reasons why children should be celebrated. Mr. Umeji John, the Head of Alpha School said, “Children’s Day comes once in a year and it’s a day dedicated for children to celebrate and have fun. They need to come out and have fun.” He also added that the fun during his time was quite different from what it is now. “We were not privileged to go to beautiful places like Amusement Park, then we were taken to other schools’ field where we would play and compete with other schools on a march past or other form of exercise. The Park is indeed a beautiful site for kids and the fun continued to get more interesting as the hours fade with time. Many had planned the Children’s Day for a long time and one Mr. John Etaobuko, who happens to be the Head of Hillcrest School, Lagos, said “I promised my students that I would bring them here and now

kids playing the space jet game

I feel great seeing them happy and enjoying themselves. We are just coming here for the first time in years since the Park was renovated. Though, we have heard that the Amusement Park has taken a new beautiful look and that is why we decided to come and have our fun here. This Park is a place to take kids to for fun,” he added. A test for the level of excitement was vindicated when a Primary six pupil, Chidi-duru Chukwado in sugared mood expressed his Joy to THISDAY saying that the Park is the best

place to celebrate the Children’s Day. “It’s our first time to be here and I love the toys I see and I know other kids would love them too,”10-year- old Chukwado said. Indeed, the Amusement Park spiced up the Children’s Day celebration with its spacious arena and modern games for kids. The principal of De Royal Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Adeyemi Aderunke, excitingly shared her views with THISDAY. She said she is excited because it is a day that is set aside for kids to celebrate and have

fun. “Though the kids have not eaten but they are very happy because they are having fun and happiness is very good for them”, she said adding that “everything in life is not just about school but parents should also spend time with their kids and take them to beautiful places such as the Apapa Amusement Park as it’s educative and create opportunities for them to meet students from other schools. “With what we have seen here today, I think we would love to be using this place for our excursions,” Aderunke said. Miss. Adama Oluwasheyi, the Head of Teacher at De Royal Nursery and Primary School said, “We are happy seeing these children having fun on a day like this and the Apapa Amusement Park is the best place for them. It’s reserved, neat and the security is okay, so the children are having fun and enjoying themselves. A very smart and excited Primary four pupil of the school, Adekoya Ayomide have this to say, “I feel great today and am saying happy Children’s Day to my mates and have a good day.” The colourful moment grew to be more fascinating as an interesting movie as THISDAY discovered caring and loving parents who sacrificed their time in order to be with the children and celebrate with them. Mrs. Rita Ayah said, “I am very happy to be celebrating with my three kids on a day that is so special to them. Taking my kids out on children’s day is fun.” Newton Ayah, an 11-year-old boy and eldest child of Mrs. Rita Ayah said he’s having fun. “I am a J.S.S two pupil of Dorcas Memorial College and I am very happy to meet people here. This is a fun place to be and I will encourage

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016

CITYSTRINGS

Observation wheel at the Park

Kids on horse ride

kids playing with mascots

students to take this place as a place of fun.” It was indeed a ‘wow moment’ for the kids as there was so much fun-activity which made it a colourful day such as dancing competition between parents, teachers and students from different schools, football games and as well as gifts and prices for winners. Thus, outings are not necessarily only for fun sake, but also as an avenue to meet with other people. Miss Ijeoma Richard who is an assistant class teacher at the Field Green Hall School, said “We are having fun and seeing some of our friends here even makes it more interesting for us and I think no kid would come here and not be happy.” The children so much loved the moment that they would run from one game to another within a twinkling of an eye. Feranmi Olubowale, a Basic two pupil of the Field Green Hall School, in already excited mood also expressed her feelings to THISDAY. The seven-year-old Feranmi said, “I love this place, I love the toys and I like to come here next Children’s Day too”.

Parents having fun

THISDAY discovered that some Nigerians do not only make it a responsibility to celebrate with their kids alone, but also use it as a medium to make it a lovely moment for others as well. A member of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Mr. Sawyer Saheed Ojora, who came with eight kids to celebrate the children’s day at the Apapa Amusement Park said, “I feel happy and that is why I came with two of my kids, three of my neighbour’s and three of my younger brother’s because it’s a special day for them and they need to have fun.” Two of the kids, Rebecca Ojora Sawyer who is 10 years old and her sister Dorcas Ojora Sawyer who is nine, are both students of the Awodiora Primary School. Dorcas said, “I feel very happy to be here today and I love to play around today.” Rebecca also expressed her joy as well. One of the marketing clerks of Pepsi Company, Mr. Pandang Dimas, he said, “the idea was to celebrate the kids as they are the country’s future leaders and to give them the best fun and gifts as well as well in order to celebrate them.”

It is delightful and it gives fulfillment to parents because it is a day that means so much to children. Thus, Children’s Day is one moment that awakens certain good and lovely memories of parents, especially women as it’s the joy of every mother to see their children happy at all times. Obviously, only a unique moment such as one that celebrates the future generation of nation would make an aged woman to merry and dance like a vibrant teenager. Mrs. Maureen Omeili, who delights in the happiness of her grandchildren, was so excited that her smiles were as expensive as priceless jewels. Dancing and engaging in all other fun-activity with other parents, teachers and the kids. “We are celebrating Children’s Day and you know children are gifts from God. The world celebrates and make it a day for them and that is why I have come to have fun with my three grandchildren here,” she added. On the issue of fun for kids, Omeili urged parents to always take their kids out to places

like the Apapa Amusement Park once a while as it’s a place for fun. “Parents should try and minimise their outings to other places and try to create more time for their kids as its very good for them and it will help them also,” she said. The fun which was at its peak has always been a best meal and as well as medicine to humans, most especially kids. It contributes to wellbeing and happiness of man, a powerful medicine that can heal a broken and depressed heart, sorrowful mind, mental illness and others. Kids all over the world love fun as it makes them very happy but when deprived, could result to depression and many more. According to a clinical psychologist and counselor, Dr. ken Condrell, he said, “Children should be happy, vibrant individuals who explore their world-learning, playing and having fun. But no child can expect to enjoy a fulfilling life if his or her days are overwhelmed with fear, anger, frustration, resentment or other powerful emotion that turn what should be a special time of life into one gloomy sadness.”

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

Somalia to Select New Parliament in August Somalia will choose a new parliament in August as planned later this year and the president and regional leaders will meet on June

20 to discuss how future lawmakers will be selected as there will not be a popular vote, the president’s office said.

OPU Launched in Nairobi Kenya Zacheaus Somorin The Kenyan chapter of the Oodua Progressive Union was launched in Nairobi Kenya at the weekend. The event which attracted Yorubas, Nigerians and Kenyans was chaired by the global convener of OPU, Otunba Gani Adams with support from The Zaaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olaonipekun, CEO of International School of Aviation, Akogun Capt. Adeshina,(Global Adviser of OPU)Real Estate Merchant and Hotelier,Otunba Sir Kamorudeen Lamina,prominent businesswoman in Kenya,Chief Mrs Paulina Joy,Mr Femi Davies,OPU Media Consultant, Prince Segun Akanni,among others. The induction of Mr Lateef Olabisi as the pioneer Coordinator of Kenya OPU,heralded with his welcome address narrating the history of Yorubas in Kenya and why the launching of OPU at this moment is a desired development. Oba Yisa Olanipekun in his speech advised the gathering to remember their origin, be honest and steadfast in all they do,he also prayed for the gathering. A motivational speech was delivered by Dr.Wale Akinyemi a leading light and voice of inspiration well respected and trusted by both corporate and political leaders around the world as well as consultant for many top organizations around the world as well as the United Nations. The Global Convener of OPU, Otunba Gani Adams, expressed his excitement to be in Nairobi, Kenya, revealing that the hospitality he and his entourage got since ar-

riving Kenya was splendid, pointing out that it is not a surprise that world class global companies have their corporate Headquarters in Kenya including Google,Nestle and a lot of others. According to him “It is no secret that Kenya is the number one tourist destination in the whole of East Africa, and is indeed the first choice for multinationals and other international organizations for the location of their headquarters’. He added that among the international organisations that have their African headquarters in Kenya include Bank of China; Blackberry, East and Central Afrcia; China-Africa Development Fund, East Africa; Citi Bank, East Africa; General Electric, Africa; Google Africa; IBM Africa; IMF Africa; Mitsubishi Motors Africa; Nestle East, Central and West Africa; Rockefeller Foundation Africa and World Bank Africa’. He explained that Yorubaland can be turned into a tourists’ destination point, making it attractive to international organizations which may want to cite their headquarters in the land if the South West region would rededicate itself to the development of the land and make its interest a priority in all undertakings”. The Kenya OPU launch makes it the 69th country that the fast growing Union will be launched. The event attracted representatives from the Nigerian Embassy in Kenya, executive members of the Nigeria Business Community, Kenyan-Nigerian wives, The Igbo community and other interest groups.

SwissVoters to Decide on Guaranteed Monthly Income Plan Switzerland citizens yesterday voted in a referendum on a proposal to introduce a guaranteed basic income for everyone living in the country, a debate that is also gaining prominence elsewhere. Even though opinion polls showed the initiative by Basel cafe owner Daniel Haeni and allies has scant chances of victory, public interest in the matter is huge, far beyond Swiss borders. Supporters said introducing a monthly income of 2,500 Swiss francs (1,766 pounds) per adult and 625 francs per child under 18 would promote human dignity and public service. Opponents, including the

government, said it would cost too much and weaken the economy. Campaigners tried to gain international attention by creating a poster bigger than a football field asking “What would you do if your income was secure?” and showing it in Geneva and Berlin, and, via a video of the performance, in New York. They had also handed out free 10-franc notes to passersby. Switzerland with its system of direct democracy is the first country to hold a national referendum on an unconditional basic income, but other countries including Finland are examining similar plans.

Somalia abandoned its plan to hold a popular vote in 2016 last July. The current government and parliament’s term ends in August and new lawmakers are due to be chosen in the same month. In its last elections, in 2012, members of parliament were chosen by elders and then those lawmakers chose Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as president. It was Somalia’s first vote since 1991, when warlords ousted president Mohamed Siad Barre, plunging the country into years of war and chaos. Last month parliament failed to approve a plan on how to run the next elections, forcing the president to issue

a decree for indirect elections - elections other than by public vote - which was approved by a conference of regional leaders. “The conference repeats the previous promise that there will be no extension term and the election will take place at the planned time,” the president’s office said in a statement late on Friday. Procedural details would be discussed at another conference of regional leaders and the president on June 20 in Baidoa, the statement added. Somalia’s government has been under international pressure to ensure an election

is held on time to avoid a situation where the current parliament and government extend their stay. Diplomats have long said that delays in writing a new constitution, registering voters and other groundwork have meant the goal of holding a one person one vote poll is unrealistic. “The leaders agreed to make an explicit political roadmap for 2016-2020 to ensure an international model of elections (one man one vote) by 2020,” the statement said. This year’s electoral process is expected to expand the number of people picking the lawmakers.

In 2012, just 135 elders selected members of the lower house. Under new plans, 13,750 people from across federal states will chose 275 members of the lower house. A new 54-seat upper house will also be created to represent the states. Somalia’s government still faces a threat from al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, which wants to topple it and impose its strict interpretation of Islam on Somalia. The group has been driven out of major strongholds by the African and Somali forces but continues to launch bomb and gun attacks against officials, politicians and others.

FATAL DAMAGE

People inspect the damage at a site hit by airstrikes in the rebel-controlled area of Maaret al-Numan town in Idlib province, Syria…yesterday

Los Angeles Fire Forces Thousands from Homes Hundreds of firefighters are battling a blaze in Los Angeles County that has forced at least 5,000 people to evacuate their homes, authorities said. Since the inferno started Saturday afternoon it has already torched 516 acres, Los Angeles County Deputy Fire Chief, John Tripp said. As at yesterday morning, the blaze was 30% contained. The fire is on the slope of a canyon, “which makes it very dangerous for us to do a direct attack,”Tripp said. The wildfire broke out Saturday

afternoon in the Calabasas area -- a relatively affluent part of Los Angeles County that is home to a handful of celebrities, including Jessica Simpson and Toni Braxton, authorities said. About 3,700 homes -- or about 5,000 people -- were ordered to evacuate in Calabasas and nearby Topanga, mountainous communities west of Los Angeles and north of Malibu. Also yesterday, authorities lifted the evacuation order for Calabasas, but Topanga residents

should stay away, officials said. “The fire is not on the road, it is halfway up the side of a mountain,” Tripp said. “That’s why we can’t let people back in their homes.” So far, the blaze has destroyed a large building and damaged two homes, he said. The fire started around 4:15 p.m. PT Saturday when a pickup truck struck a power pole on Mulholland Highway in Calabasas, the sheriff’s department said. “Witnesses reported that the truck was traveling at a high

rate of speed before colliding into a power pole, causing the pole to fall and a transformer to explode, thus igniting the Calabasas fire,” Deputy Jeffrey A. Gordon said. Temperatures in nearby Topanga reached the mid-90s earlier in the day, according to the National Weather Service. The fire has been dubbed the “Old Fire” due to its proximity to Old Topanga Canyon Road. It came right up to the edges of Calabasas High School and Viewpoint School.

Iraqis Drown while Fleeing Fallujah Several Iraqi civilians fleeing fighting in the city of Fallujah have drowned in the Euphrates River while attempting to cross to safety into government-controlled areas. Thousands of civilians are caught in the crossfire in and around Fallujah, controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, or ISIS) group, as government forces and allied militias are trying to recapture the city. Hundreds of Iraqi families were reportedly trying to cross the river

into the government-held city of Amiriyat al-Fallujah, about 50km south of Fallujah. In the absence of organised help by the government, many of the people fleeing have been using makeshift boats. The UNHCR confirmed that several people, including children, had drowned while trying to flee the city. The route is one of “safe corridors” provided by the Iraqi army out of the city. Two other passages into government-controlled territory are not being used by civilians due to safety concerns.

Caroline Gluck, senior public information officer of UNHCR, said around 12,000 people have fled the conflict area since May 23 when the government offensive started. “Many of them are desperate and travelled long journeys trying to avoid detection by ISIL with nothing but clothes they wear. The fleeing families were traumatised, distraught and looked pale,” she told Al Jazeera. The families were housed in camps in Amiriyat al-Fallujah

and other areas in the region, and Gluck called on the government to do more to provide displaced families with the help they need. The operation for Fallujah has come at a dire human cost, with thousands of civilians trapped between ISIL fighters and the advancing Iraqi army. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the need to spare civilians was slowing his forces, which completely surrounded Fallujah but have stalled at the fringes of the city.

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

Suspected Militants Attack Kazakh Military Facility, Kill Three Suspected Islamist militants killed three people at a national guard facility and a store selling firearms in the industrial Kazakh city of Aktobe yesterday, the Interior Ministry said. Three of the attackers were killed and one detained in a counter-terrorist operation by police, ministry spokesman Almas Sadubayev said. Some remained at large, he said. Sadubayev said the police suspect the attackers were“followers of radical, nontraditional religious movements”, a phrase used in Kazakhstan, a mostly Muslim nation, to describe Islamist militants. The three killed by the attackers were a clerk at a

firearms store, a military officer and a serviceman, Sadubayev said. Nine servicemen were also wounded. Police shut down public transportation, malls and entertainment venues in the city after the attacks, which took place on the eve of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Aktobe, 100 km (60 miles) from the Russian border, was the site of Kazakhstan’s first suicide bombing in 2011 when a local man used an explosive device inside the building of the state security service. Kazakh authorities often announce detentions and trials of Islamist militants, but most of

them are people who traveled or planned to travel to places such as Syria and Iraq.Violent clashes within the country itself are rare. However, the plunge in the price of oil, Kazakhstan’s main export, has threatened political and social stability in the ex-Soviet Central Asian nation of 18 million. Thousands of Kazakhs took part in street protests across the country in April and May which were triggered by a planned land reform but quickly became an expression of general discontent with the government of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, in power since 1989.

Gunmen Kill Journalist in Somali Capital Gunmen suspected of belonging to Somalia’s Islamist al Shabaab group shot and killed a female journalist working for state-run radio yesterday, police said. Major Nur Ali, a police officer, said Sagal Salad worked for Radio Mogadishu. “Three men armed with pistols killed (her)... We heard gunfire and we rushed to the scene, the gunmen had already escaped,” Ali told Reuters.“She was rushed to hospital but she died on the way. They killed her near a college

campus where she studied. We believe al Shabaab is behind her killing.” Al Shabaab was not immediately reachable for comment. Late last year, a female reporter who also worked for Radio Mogadishu was killed in a car blast. Two men convicted of the killing were executed in April. Also in April, a government firing squad executed a former media officer working for al Shabaab for ordering the death of six journalists. The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab

was forced out of Mogadishu by African Union peacekeeping troops in 2011 but has remained potent, launching frequent attacks in its bid to overthrow Somalia’s government. Somalia was plunged into anarchy in the early 1990s following the toppling of military dictator Mohamed Siad Barre, and has been struggling to reconstruct. Somalia ranked 172nd out of 180 countries in the 2015 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.

27 Killed as Turkish Warplanes Target Kurdish Militants Turkish warplanes struck Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraq and southeast Turkey and the army killed 27 fighters near its borders with Iraq and Iran, the armed forces said yesterday. Conflict in Turkey’s largely Kurdish southeast has been at its most intense level in two decades since a two-year-old ceasefire by the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) collapsed last July. Air strikes on Saturday destroyed gun positions and shelters and caves used by PKK fighters in the Gara area of northern Iraq and the countryside of Lice district in Diyarbakir province, the military statement said. It did not give a death toll but state-run Anadolu Agency cited security sources as saying small groups of PKK militants were killed in those strikes. Seven PKK militants were killed in a clash in Semdinli near the Iraqi and Iranian borders

NOTIFICATION This is to notify all that my full name is AONDOHEMBA JOHN TSEAYO and that the name A’HEMBA is a short form of the name AONDOHEMBA and not a separate name. GTBANK PLC AND STANDARD CHARTERED BANK TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE

on Saturday, while air strikes in Semdinli on Friday killed 20 PKK fighters, the army said. PKK guerrillas also launched an attack on a military outpost in Sirnak province overnight and in the ensuing clash one PKK fighter was killed along with a member of the state’s ‘village guard’ militia, security sources said. In northeast Turkey’s Gumushane province, not usually an area of conflict, two soldiers

were wounded when their military vehicle came under fire in a gun attack, local authorities said. Media reports said one of the soldiers subsequently died. It was not clear if the attack was related to the Kurdish conflict. The air strikes in Lice were conducted after the Diyarbakir governor’s office declared a curfew there on Saturday. It said the curfew was lifted on Sunday morning after the completion of military operations there.

T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

T H I S D AY • MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

3-Jun-16

2-Jun-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

Open 2-Jun-16

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion)

27,183.64 9.34

27,634.42 9.49

1.66 1.66

111.78 8.70

113.75 8.86

1.77 1.77

01 Dangote Cement Plc

169.50

170.00

-0.29%

2,888,366,005,147.50

10.64

15.93

5.87

4.72%

4.48

02 Nigerian Brew. Plc.

137.02

134.71

1.71%

1,086,445,403,673.76

5.37

25.52

3.93

2.63%

6.37

03 Nestle Nigeria Plc.

755.00

0.00%

598,455,470,260.00

29.95

25.21

3.96

3.84%

15.75

04 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.

19.20

17.75

8.17%

565,078,641,100.80

3.38

5.68

2.47

9.22%

1.37

05 Zenith Bank Plc

14.95

13.91

7.48%

469,377,582,100.70

3.37

4.44

1.09

12.04%

0.79

06 Lafarge Africa Plc.

80.01

77.07

3.81%

364,437,693,818.10

5.93

13.50

1.36

3.75%

2.07

07 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

16.43

16.32

0.67%

301,483,126,462.45

1.39

11.80

0.58

3.77%

0.81

08 Forte Oil Plc.

196.00

191.10

2.56%

255,286,296,188.00

4.45

44.06

2.05

1.76%

5.52

09 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd.

350.15

0.00%

193,741,606,096.95

23.48

14.91

1.71

4.55%

0.69

10 United Bank for Africa Plc

4.72

4.29

10.02%

171,239,364,239.84

1.64

2.87

0.54

12.71%

0.51

11 Access Bank Plc.

5.56

5.29

5.10%

160,839,522,268.36

2.28

2.44

0.48

9.89%

0.44

15.75

15.00

5.00%

157,500,000,000.00

2.04

7.73

1.33

0.63%

1.40

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc 13 Guinness Nig Plc

102.00

97.65

4.45%

153,600,595,176.00

0.78

131.06

3.08

0.00%

3.44

14 FBN Holdings Plc

4.00

3.90

2.56%

143,581,171,168.00

0.42

9.48

0.28

3.75%

0.25

15 Unilever Nigeria Plc.

32.00

0.00%

121,065,480,000.00

0.32

101.53

2.04

0.16%

15.13

16 P Z Cussons Nigeria Plc.

22.74

21.66

4.99%

90,288,648,003.30

1.10

20.72

1.25

5.72%

2.15

17 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc.

138.50

0.00%

88,721,765,275.50

11.12

12.45

1.14

1.59%

3.70

18 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc

6.80

6.69

1.64%

81,600,000,000.00

0.96

7.07

0.81

7.35%

1.40

19 Oando Plc

6.16

6.30

-2.22%

74,133,252,387.04

0.50

12.32

0.13

12.18%

0.47

19.60

19.79

-0.96%

64,567,285,888.00

0.64

30.67

3.49

1.28%

5.36

161.51

166.25

-2.85%

58,239,740,765.62

13.51

11.95

0.91

4.46%

3.79

22.00

21.44

2.61%

57,733,218,114.00

1.84

11.95

0.18

9.09%

0.56

170.00

0.00%

57,718,712,290.00

11.92

14.26

0.28

8.24%

3.55

43.00

42.90

0.23%

56,760,000,000.00

1.85

23.26

0.42

3.49%

2.34

25 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc

1.34

1.31

2.29%

51,886,136,549.50

0.05

25.54

1.27

0.00%

0.59

26 Diamond Bank Plc

2.23

2.20

1.36%

51,647,667,398.64

0.24

9.13

0.24

0.00%

0.24

27 Sterling Bank Plc.

1.55

1.57

-1.27%

44,625,148,095.30

0.36

4.34

0.40

5.81%

0.47

20.50

20.21

1.43%

38,503,141,820.00

3.21

6.39

1.14

6.34%

3.72

1.32

1.30

1.54%

38,230,613,113.44

0.48

2.75

0.26

12.12%

0.21

30 U A C N Plc.

19.00

0.00%

36,496,423,353.00

2.70

7.04

0.50

5.26%

0.49

31 Presco Plc

35.70

0.00%

35,700,000,000.00

3.28

10.89

3.14

0.28%

1.59

32 FCMB Group Plc.

1.67

1.53

9.15%

33,070,527,004.27

0.24

6.95

0.22

5.99%

0.20

33 Wema Bank Plc.

0.76

0.77

-1.30%

29,316,594,221.56

0.06

12.60

0.64

0.00%

0.64

34 Okomu Oil Palm Plc.

30.05

0.00%

28,664,995,500.00

2.76

10.89

2.94

0.33%

2.38

35 Cap Plc

36.50

36.80

-0.82%

25,550,000,000.00

2.49

14.69

3.62

3.15%

16.81

36 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc.

20.00

0.00%

23,917,529,760.00

0.81

24.78

0.78

1.50%

1.81

37 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

8.00

0.00%

21,195,507,024.00

0.79

10.07

1.31

6.88%

2.99

38 Mansard Insurance Plc

2.00

2.10

-4.76%

21,000,000,000.00

0.16

12.63

1.27

2.50%

1.21

39 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.42

0.00%

20,115,975,546.90

0.71

4.79

0.68

4.09%

0.77

40 Skye Bank Plc

1.22

1.15

6.09%

16,933,967,720.20

0.85

1.43

0.12

24.59%

0.12

41 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.67

1.74

-4.02%

13,243,430,088.86

0.14

11.82

0.27

9.58%

0.62

42 Continental Reinsurance Plc

1.10

1.05

4.76%

11,410,018,743.20

0.21

5.32

0.58

10.91%

0.73

43 Unity Bank Plc

0.92

0.88

4.55%

10,754,190,906.64

0.54

1.70

0.17

0.00%

0.12

44 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

7.14

0.00%

8,972,679,249.24

0.96

7.47

0.69

1.40%

0.88

45 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

4.88

0.00%

7,926,187,500.00

0.33

14.74

0.93

4.10%

1.30

46 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

4.02

4.22

-4.74%

6,909,374,979.90

1.81

2.22

0.62

17.41%

0.21

47 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.00%

6,691,369,126.00

0.10

5.16

0.94

6.00%

0.45

48 Resort Savings & Loans Plc

0.50

0.00%

5,664,866,202.00

4.68

0.11

0.02

0.00%

1.89

49 AIICO Insurance Plc.

0.74

0.73

1.37%

5,128,351,315.20

0.28

2.68

0.16

6.76%

0.53

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

2.05

2.00

2.50%

3,075,000,000.00

0.50

4.13

0.37

2.44%

0.49

20 International Breweries Plc. 21 Mobil Oil Nig Plc. 22 Flour Mills Nig. Plc. 23 Total Nigeria Plc. 24 Julius Berger Nig. Plc.

28 Cadbury Nigeria Plc. 29 Fidelity Bank Plc

TOTAL

8,856,890,275,641.77

TOTAL MARKET CAP

9,491,025,487,396.10

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

93.32%

Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Close 3-Jun-16

Change %

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open 2-Jun-16

United Bank for Africa Plc FCMB Group Plc. Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. Zenith Bank Plc Skye Bank Plc

4.29 1.53 17.75 13.91 1.15

Open 2-Jun-16

Mansard Insurance Plc UACN Property Development Co. Limited Honeywell Flour Mill Plc Mobil Oil Nig Plc. Oando Plc

Close 3-Jun-16

Change %

4.72 1.67 19.20 14.95 1.22

10.02 9.15 8.17 7.48 6.09

Close Change 3-Jun-16 %

2.10 4.22

2.00 4.02

-4.76 -4.74

1.74 166.25 6.30

1.67 161.51 6.16

-4.02 -2.85 -2.22

NSE ASI sustains positive momentum as week ends northward Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Friday, June 3, 2016 ended on a positive note as the market closed green due to resumed strategic positioning. This was further highlighted by positive performances from the NSE Sub sectors; Banking, Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas (Save Insurance). However, trading activities decreased in volume as 243.801 million shares worth N2.43 billion in 3,942 deals exchanged hands today. This indicates a decrease from the 332.23 million shares worth N2.16 billion in 4,167 deals carried out on Thursday. Topping in volume terms was United Bank for Africa Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and United Capital Plc, while Nigerian Breweries Plc and Zenith Bank Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms. The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed positive with a 1.66% (+450.78) increase to close at 27,634.42 from 27,183.64 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization appreciated in tandem to N9.49 trillion from N9.34 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index followed suit with a higher growth of 1.77% to close at 113.75 from 111.78 recorded the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N8.86 trillion from N8.70 trillion of the previous trading day. A total number of 18 stocks gained on the bourse today while 32 stocks declined, leaving 48 stocks unchanged. United Bank for Africa Plc emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 10.02% to close at N4.72 per share. It was followed by FCMB Group Plc with a gain of 9.15% to close at N1.65 per share. Others on the gainers list include; Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and Skye Bank Plc, while on the decliners’ list; Mansard Insurance Plc led with a loss of 4.76% to close at N2.00 per share. Again, it was followed by UACN Property Development Co. Limited with a loss of 4.74% to close at N4.02 per share. Others on the losers list include; Honeywell Flour Mill Plc, Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc and Oando Plc. REQUIRED DISCLOSURE This report has been prepared by BGL Plc. BGL Plc does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should use this report as one of many other factors in making their investment decisions.

For more details go to www.thisdaylive.com

MONDAY JUNE 6 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

A Labourer Deserves His Wages, NLC Tells Ekiti, Ondo Govs Says it is not unconcerned about prevailing socio-economic challenges Ondo tasks labour over salary impasse Paul Obi in Abuja and Olakiitan Victor inAdoEkiti Following the ongoing strike simultaneously taking place in Ekiti and Ondo States over non-payment of salaries, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday informed Governors Ayo Fayose and and Olusegun Mimiko to expedite action, as a labourer deserves his wages. In separate letters to the duo, NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, urged both governors to reconsider their stance to save the two states’ economy. On the Ekiti State strike, Wabba stated that it was incumbent on Fayose to intervene in the strike by workers in the state. “The issues that led to this strike are well known to you and include the following: non-payment of five months salary arrears and pensions; non-implementation of promotion report since 2014; issues around staff verification exercise in 2015; and refusal of government to disclose the actual monthly internally generated revenue (IGR). “We are not unconcerned about the prevailing socio-economic challenges in the polity. In our view, however, this does not constitute an acceptable rationale for owing workers and pensioners for so long. A labourer, the Holy Books, tell us, deserves his wages. Stripped of his wages, he is reduced to a slave without rights or privileges,” he said. Wabba stated that: “In the instant case, the workers and pensioners in the state have been poverised into submission due to the default in the payment of their salaries and pensions to the extent that they are unable to perform their obligations to God, man and the state. “We believe this painful situation could be minimised, if not entirely reduced, if government gives consideration to managing the cost of governance, raising the IGR profile and appropriately applying the bail-out funds given by the federal government. “We urge you to bring this strike speedily to an end by commencing the process of payment and establishing a platform for dialogue at which the leadership of the workers at the state level could be availed of what accrues to the coffers of the state monthly. “We are prepared to sit with you and our members to broker

the necessary peace in the interest of industrial harmony and general well-being of the state.” Regarding the Ondo State crisis, Wabba said what is required is Mimiko’s “urgent re-consideration and intervention in the matter of non-payment of salaries and pensions which has led to a strike in the state. We are not unaware of the present socio-economic challenges in the country. “However, in our estimation, this should not be an acceptable reason for not paying five months salaries and pensions at the level of the state, and four months salaries and pensions at the level of local government and teachers. “You do not need a lecture from anyone to know that non-payment of salaries and pensions for months on end, constitutes a crime against the workers, pensioners and their families whose lives and obligations to man and God and their sense of self-worth have been put in jeopardy. As one with activist background and one with whom we have had collaboration, these issues are clear and self-evident, and therefore need no belabouring. “In these difficult moments in our nation, we no doubt have limited choices. One of these choices is to take a critical look at government expenditure especially in the areas of political appointments, patronage and allied costs. “We similarly call for the renewed drive in the internallygenerated revenue. We have reason to believe that when these initiatives are complimented by the bail-out funds released by the federal government, the twin issues of salaries and pensions will not be such a burden. “As we noted in our letter to you on the 40th anniversary celebration of Ondo State, you have left a legacy. We urge you to do all that is necessary to sustain this legacy. “Accordingly, we will not relent in urging you to put in motion the necessary logistics for the commencement of the payment of these salaries and pensions.” In its response, the Ondo State Government called on the leadership of the NLC to mobilise workers in the country to join in the growing clamour for the restructuring of the country to put an end to the trend of inability of government in the states to pay workers salaries.

The state government, through its Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, commended the workers body for acknowledging the impact of the economic downturn in the country which has made it difficult for over 30 states in the country to pay workers salaries. Stating government resolve to ensure quick resolution of the impasse occasioned by the non-payment of salaries, the state government however appealed to labour to “as a matter of priority, join the growing clamour for restructuring of the country based on the reality on ground,” adding that the only way out of the present debacle is for everyone and stakeholders alike is to ensure the restructuring of the country to suit the present realities. “A situation where the federal government which has no land and population is collecting 53 per cent of the total revenue accruable to the country, is evil, unfair, unjust ,unacceptable and crime against humanity. “The other federating units, 36 states and Abuja including the existing 774 local government areas are left with just 45 percent of the revenue which shows no equity and fairness,” the state said. The government said NLC

should acknowledge the precarious situation most states have found themselves in the last one year, adding that revenue allocation to the state has reduced considerably so much that in the last five months, its gross allocation was between N1 and N2 billion, while most time, the net was less than a billion naira. It mentioned that in May for instance, N1.3billion was received and the net was a meagre N720m. “To make the matter worse, we have a wage bill of N3.9 billion for the state workers and N 2.6 billion for local government and this did not include funds for the day to day running of ministries and parastatals and capital projects” it also informed, thus urging the NLC to appreciate that government is not deliberately denying workers their dues. Saying that Governor Mimiko has ruled out workers retrenchment as an alternative to the challenge on hand as some have suggested, government said it would however want to put it on record that the wage bill of political office holders in the state is about N80million which has no impact on the inability to pay government workers as implied by the NLC, submitting that its work force of 76,601 is the fourth highest in the country. Maintaining its caring heart

status, government said its rich welfare profile was not in doubt, adding that aside from paying the highest minimum wage of N22,000 and the only state that pays leave bonus in the country, it further mentioned that it also pays ‘13th month’ to workers across board at the end of every year, just as it added that teachers are paid 27.5 per cent relativity allowance as well as car loans to workers among other regular welfare packages. Meanwhile, Ekiti State workers yesterday told Fayose to hold his solidarity strike he declared on Friday in honour of the striking workers, saying: “what we want is our money to alleviate our poverty.” Fayose had on Friday declared that he had placed himself on indefinite strike in solidarity with the workers, who had been on industrial action for about two weeks over non-payment of five months outstanding salaries. Fayose said it had always been his wish to respond to payment swiftly, but for dwindling revenue to the state, adding that “now that I share from your pains, I have also placed myself on indefinite strike in solidarity with you and I shall be waiting here for you until you call off,” he said. But organised labour in the state,

who, however, commended the governor for declaring solidarity strike, maintained that what the workers needed is at least payment of three months salaries to actually authenticate the sincerity of the self-imposed strike declared by Fayose. The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in the State, Com. Odunayo Adesoye, who spoke with newsmen in Ado Ekiti, stated that the level of poverty among the civil servants has become burdensome and unbearable to the extent that they have become beggars. “We appreciate the governor for sharing from our pains and anguish. But the workers will appreciate and commend him the more if he can pay at least two or three months salaries out of five months owed. “Our situation has gone beyond the governor declaring mere solidarity strike. We need more of actions now than talks because our situation is gradually becoming hopeless. “Some of us have the intention of going to work, but no money to pay for transport fare. Some of us could not take two square meal a day. Some could not cook soup with ordinary fish, so our situation has gone beyond what anyone could trivialise.

WELCOME TO MY PALACE

Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara (left), in a handshake with Mai Tangale , Dr. Abdu Buba Maisheru II, during the Speaker’s visit to the monarch in Billiri, Gombe State...weekend

President’s Silence on Zaria ‘Massacre’ is Shocking, Say Shi’ites The Islamic Movement (IMN), whose members are known as Shi’ites, has alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari has refused to pay attention to their plight. The sect, which was involved in a clash with soldiers last December, said its effort to get justice in the current administration has not yielded result. The president spoke on the clash during his first and only media chat, and he made it known that he would not interfere with the panel which the Kaduna State

Government set up to probe the incident. But the group would have none of that, saying after the alleged murder of many of its members, the military went ahead to abduct it leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky,” head of the sect. IMN, according to The Cable, called for the release of its leader and all members of the sect who were arrested after the December incident. “His (Buhari) speech to mark democracy day touched on virtually

all the challenges his administration faced in its one year in office. He however refused to make mention of the monumental disaster that visited the nation on 12-12-15, when our army massacred 1000 plus armless and defenseless citizens in Zaria,” a statement signed on behalf the group by Ibrahim Musa, its spokesman, stated. “An event that the world was officially told involved a secret mass open shallow grave dug by the army in collaboration with Kaduna State Government containing 347

bodies, in an attempt to hide their heinous crime. How the president could still remain silent in spite of the mass outcry by respected individuals and groups over this gross miscarriage of justice still beats imagination. “More so, in utter disregard to law and order, the Nigerian government abducted the revered leader of the movement, Zakzaky, after several shots were fired at him and his wife, killing three of his sons, setting ablaze some compounds

in his house thereby burning some people alive including his sister. “Since his abduction, the leader of IMN has been kept illegally in detention without trial or any court charge along with hundreds of other IMN members. It remains shocking and unbelievable how the president could still remain silent about this miscarriage of justice in Nigeria while democracy is said to be commemorated after one year in office disregarding outcries by governments, groups

and individuals calling for fairness and justice. “The offences committed by the army in Zaria were grave, relating to crimes against humanity as revealed by subsequent confessional statements and disclosures by reports of international human rights groups. There is simply no more room for excuses. The president can no longer feign ignorance. We therefore reject the continued silence of the president on the Zaria massacre,” IMN said.

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Sultan Declares Today First Day of Ramadan Fast Buhari, Saraki, Dogara seek prayers for peace, security Mohammed AminuinSokoto Olakiitan Victor in Ado Ekiti The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday declared today as the first day of the Ramadan and urged Muslims to commence fast. Addressing journalists in his palace in Sokoto yesterday night, the monarch said the new moon was sighted in many states of the country. According to him, reliable reports of moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country and duly verified by the National Moonsighting Committee and the Committee in Sokoto. “In accordance with Islamic law and our pursuit of obligatory fast as third pillar of Islam. We wish to announce that today Sunday the 29th day of Shaaban 1437 after Hijra which is equivalent to June 5, 2016, has marked the end of the month and the beginning of the new month of the Ramadan. “Consequent upon this, Monday, June 6, 2016 becomes the first day of Ramadan 1437 after Hijra,”he said. The monarch called on Muslims to commence the fasting accordingly and pray fervently for peace to reign in the country. He also implored the Muslim ummah to live in harmony with people of other faiths and offer supplications for the leadership to succeed in steering the affairs of this country. “Muslims should dedicate themselves to the teachings of Islam and devote themselves to the worship of Allah during the Ramadan. “They should continue to live peacefully with other Nigerians irrespective of tribal and religious differences,” the Sultan added. Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara have advised Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan as a great opportunity for seeking forgiveness and getting closer to Allah through worship (Ibadah) and good deeds during this period.

In his message to mark the beginning of the 30 days fasting period, the president, speaking through his Special Media Assistant, Malam Garba Sadhu, said the month of Ramadan was a time of spiritual reawakening which demands not only abstention from food and drinks, but also all wrongdoing in their lives. The president explained that he was always disturbed why people sought to make brisk profits by hiking food prices as soon as the month of Ramadan starts. He called on Muslim traders, businessmen and women, civil servants and political office holders to use the month of Ramadan to seek forgiveness of God by abandoning wrong practices for personal gains at the expense of others. According to the president, a religion should serve as a moral restraint from bad practices, regretting that those stealing national resources are merely paying lip service to religion. He advised that anybody holding position of trust should primarily remember that they would be accountable one day either on earth or hereafter. He said the government was working towards bringing relief to their lives through palliative measures and faithful implementation of the 2016 national budget. According to him, no elected government would intentionally want you to make life difficult for the people that gave it the mandate to serve. On his part, Saraki urged Muslim faithful across the country to use the period of this year’s Ramadan to pray for peace, security and God’s intervention in tackling the myriad socio--economic challenges confronting the nation. In a statement to mark the commencement of this year’s Ramadan fasting season signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuf Olaniyonu, the senate president thanked God for the grace to participate in another holy obligation as enjoined by the Holy Quran. He said: “We have entered into

FG to Host Regional Dialogue on Protection of Boko Haram Victims The Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd) has said the federal government had concluded plans to host regional protection dialogue for victims of Boko Haram insurgency. The minister said this in Abuja at a news conference, adding that the dialogue would take place from June 6 to June 8 in Abuja. He explained that participants from Niger, Chad, Cameroun and Nigeria, which made up the Chad Basin, would be present at the meeting. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he said the dialogue would be held in collaboration with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to address the adverse effects of insurgency on the

population of Lake Chad Basin. The minister noted that the primary objective of the event would be to identify the protection risks of the population affected and adopt concrete measures to support refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). He added that emphasis would be on the vulnerable groups such as women, children and the elderly. According to him, the dialogue will provide the opportunity to decide on common solutions to the problems of those affected by the violence. Dambazau expressed concern over the devastating effects of the insurgency on the livelihood and local economies of the Lake Chad Basin region.

another season of rededication to the worship of God and service to humanity. This is a major commandment to mankind and a season of sacrifice and forgiveness. I enjoin all Muslim faithful to rededicate themselves to the true ideals of Islam as a religion of peace. “Let us exploit the grace in this season to seek God’s divine intervention in our lingering economic and security challenges. As a nation, we need God’s power to overcome our present situation. Fasting is not mere abstinence from food, drink and worldly pleasures alone, but a time to seek Allah’s

power through prayers in order to faithfully carry out the sublime injunctions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SWT) who was sent by Almighty Allah to show humanity the way of holiness, peace and brotherly kindness.” He said while the Muslim faithful fervently strive for improvement in the living standards of the people, the federal government will on its part ensure that the right policies and laws that would make life more meaningful in the country are put in place and dutifully enforced to bring about prosperity and harmony in the society. The Senate President also stated

that the present administration would continue to work to ensure that insurgents, terrorists, militia groups and other criminal elements that have plunged some parts of the country into a state of anarchy are flushed out. Saraki further urged all Nigerians “not to succumb to despair but to remain steadfast in the firm conviction that with courage, determination, focus and collective will, the country will ultimately overcome its present travails and emerge prosperous and peaceful once more.” Similarly, Dogara appealed to Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan to offer special prayers

for Nigeria and leaders at all levels. He noted that Ramadan is a special period of time when Muslims around the world focus on prayers, fasting, giving to charity and religious devotion. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Turaki Hassan, in Abuja, the Speaker said the country is in dire need of special prayers in view of the present state of the economy and the security situation in the nation. “No challenge is impossible to overcome with prayer, God’s guidance and direction,” Dogara noted.

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

L-R: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Mohammed Bello; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Deputy Minister of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Tanzannia, Dr. Angeline Mabula; and Head, Affordable Housing and Building, Lafarge, at 35th annual general meeting and symposium of Shelter Afrique, in Abuja....recently Enock Reuben

Benue Pulls out of Proposed Grazing Reserves by State Governors Ondo CAN: Grazing reserve will spread evil acts of herdsmen George Okoh in Makurdi and James Sowole in Akure Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, yesterday reiterated the state government’s position on the proposed agreement by some state governors in Nigeria to provide grazing land for Fulani herdsmen with an emphatic no to the proposal. Ortom, who spoke at an award ceremony by the Catholic Star Newspaper at the St. Joseph’s Yiman Catholic Church in Kakurdi, said the state has no land to give for grazing and would not be a party to the decision. He said the recent attacks by Fulani herders on Benue communities were unacceptable, adding that the menace of the herders had brought untold hardship to farmers in various communities in the state. The governor also promised that all the economic, social and financial difficulties being experienced in the state would be a thing of the past before the end of his tenure. He said some of the problems are not peculiar to the state despite his inability to pay five-month salaries. “As you can observe, over 27

states are finding it difficult to pay monthly salaries to workers and so it is not Benue alone and this is due to the economic situation in the country.” He asked the people of the state to be patient and prayerful while promising that government is willing and ready to clear the backlog of salaries as soon as the situations improves in the state. Earlier, while welcoming the guest to the ceremony, the Parish Priest of the church, Fr. Moses Iorapuu, said the award was for those who had distinguished themselves to the service of humanity. He said the nine recipient of the award are philanthropist who have contributed in no small measures to the improvement of lives in the society. Some of the awardees, including Mr. JuliusAtorough,Asema Achado and Governor Ortom said the were moved by the plight of the less privilege in society to provide succor to them. They appreciated the Catholic Star Newspaper for the honour bestowed on them. The Catholic Star Newspaper is a publication of the Catholic church. Also, the Ondo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria

(CAN) at the weekend raised the alarm that the proposed establishment of grazing reserves as measure to curb the incessant herdsmen-farmers clashes as a deceptive way of appropriating lands of indigenous ethnic groups for herdsmen to spread their tentacles. The CAN raised the alarm in Akure, Ondo State, at a news briefing it addressed on the State of the Nation by the Chairman of the association in the state, Rev John Ayo Oladapo. Oladapo, who was supported by some officers of the association in the state and South-west, said the most sensible and economically wise approach would be to build ranches for the herdsmen in their states of origin. “The building of ranches makes more sense and this is the internationally approved best practice under the circumstance. Other nations of the world consume beef yet, nomads do not drive their herds of cattle all over the nation in the 21st century,” he said. The CAN Chairman expressed dismay on what it called inaction of the federal government on the carnage and destruction caused by herdsmen against legitimate native land owners and farmers

across the country. “It is most shocking that till today, there has been no prosecution of any of these marauders. The murderous escapades of the herdsmen has gained international notoriety to the extent that the group is now considered, internationally as the fourth most dangerous terror organisation in the world. “It is unfortunate that the response of the federal government to the menace of the herdsmen has to date, been tepid and indifferent. “We are yet to hear of any killer herdsman who has been arraigned for murder, arson and destruction of property. We have only heard of peace talks. We challenged the federal government to stand tall on this,” he said. Oladapo criticised the invitation of herdsmen for peace talks saying: “Are the police supposed to call murderers and arsonists to peace talks or to arrange them for crimes committed. This double standard in the maintenance of law and order has emboldened the herdsmen. “If the destructive activities of these men are not curtailed, we may be sitting on a keg of gunpowder which could explode anytime in the near future,” Oladapo stated.

MONDAY JUNE 6 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Avengers Blackmailing Buhari to Cover Deals under Jonathan Group offers to assist military fight Avengers

Ugo Aliogo A new group, Niger Delta Advancement Frontier, has alleged that the Niger Delta Avengers are attacking oil and gas facilities in the region to blackmail President Muhammadu Buhari into not probing their corrupt deals under President Goodluck Jonathan. The group charged the president not to succumb to the whims of the militant group who aims to draw him into allowing them go with their loots and pledged to work with other stakeholders and government to stop the rampaging Niger Delta Avengers from blowing up pipelines in the region and halt what it called a looming danger of expanding attacks on oil facilities. They also wants Buhari not to

make the mistake of allowing the sponsors of the Avengers to have their way as it would embolden the traumatised oil companies to enter into contracts of protection with them as well as mutate other groups to do so, thereby plunging the region into another session of anomy. A statement by the National President of the group, Nengi Jasper, Secretary Erepadei Ngozi and Provost, Dennis Boloudiowei, said the group rose from an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with a resolve to come out and fight the avengers because of the implication of their continued activities. According to them, unless President Muhammadu Buhari moved fast, oil companies may panic and start employing any group that claimed affiliation

Senate Proposes Life Imprisonment for Culprits of Sale, Production of Fake Drugs

with the Avengers to protect their production activities since they would rather cut back loses by going back to production. Rather they advised the president to interface with communities and groups minded to stopping the carnage with the military so that they can rout the Avengers who they said were a phony and selfish body whose aim was to protect the business interest of their masters. “The Avengers who we do not believe are real are just forcing the hand of Buhari to leave scrutinising of their contracts under President Jonathan and feel the best way was to arm-twist him into letting them go with their loot. President Muhammadu Buhari should not make the mistake of falling for the antics of the Avengers because that is the bobby trap they have laid for him. If he does, other groups will mushroom and before you know it, several groups aiming for contracts will be formed and the region will descend to the former state before the launching of the amnesty programme. “What he should do is to liaise with communities and groups

who are against the Avengers, interface with them through the military and with the common front, rout the resurgent group. They are not representing the interest of the region but trying to get attention of government and oil companies. They want to prove to both that they are the only ones that can protect their operations so that they would have their business interests preserved. “The mistake the president is making is that he is taking too much time in taking action. He also must have noticed that this is not a problem military action could solve. Since the people working with the president from the region are unable to know what to do to solve the problem, new set of people who do and can engage the people to stop the spread should be brought on board to handle matters before it blooms into something uncontrollable. The Avengers are already reaching out to people in Bayelsa and Rivers States and trying to collaborate with them. “Niger Delta Avengers and other groups are not working in

the interest of the region; their attacks are pre-meditated and for business and security contracts especially in NIMASA. Those behind Avengers are former contractors of NIMASA who are using the information and reach at their disposal because of what they did for government to hold the entire country to ransom and bringing down oil production. “They are showcasing their nuisance value so that they would be called for negotiation. They don’t love the Niger Delta and they are not working in the interest of the region. If they claim to love their people, how come they collected N11 billion for the location of the Maritime University in Okerenenkoko and only declared N300 million to their community? It is this type of free funds that has put a lot of arms with which they are embarrassing the nation together,” the group alleged. They expressed anger over the impression that Ijaws were the only people in the Niger Delta, pointing out that from Ondo to Akwa Ibom and Cross River were part of the Niger Delta, adding that complaining of one

Captain Hosa handling pipeline contracts as their grouse was misplaced. According to them, “Captain Hosa is a Niger Delta, and even under President Goodluck Jonathan, he was handling the same jobs and we wonder why the issue of his jobs did not come up under President Jonathan” The group further alleged that the Avengers complaining of poor funding of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Amnesty programme and the Niger Delta Ministry which though may be true, were afterthought which they were holding on to for higher stakes. On the alleged support by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the group faulted the support to resort to arms, querying why the group did not resort to arms when their leader, Nnamdi Kanu was incarcerated. They carpeted the Amnesty Coordinator, General Boroh and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which they said were supposed to rally youths to check the excesses of the Avengers.

Says $72 bn lost to counterfeiting Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Disturbed by the increasing spate of the production and sale of fake and counterfeit drugs, as well as processed foods and the adverse effects on the citizenry, the Senate has proposed life imprisonment for anyone convicted of the acts. This provision is contained in a new bill, entitled: ‘A Bill for an Act to Amend the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods,’ that is currently in the works in the upper legislative chamber. At a public hearing organised on the bill by the Senate Committee on Health at the weekend, Senate President Bukola Saraki said once the bill is passed into law, anyone convicted of counterfeiting will be sentenced to life imprisonment and also pay a fine of N2 million. Saraki also said beyond life imprisonment and fines, all assets, investments and properties of such convicts aquired through illegal acts of sale and production of counterfeit items would be lost to the federal government. According to him, the ongoing amendment of the Act is meant to strengthen punitive measures against persons involved in such unwholesome practices. “In 2008, thousands of Nigerian children started taking a teething medicine that contains toxic chemicals. By February 2009, over 90 Nigerian babies had died from consuming the mixture. This is despicable and to say the least unacceptable,” Saraki said. Furthermore, he said amendment of the bill would guarantee food security, disease-free-society and simultaneously uphold the required standard for food processing and sale and production of fake drugs. In his submission, Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Lanre Tejuosho, highlighted

the adverse effects of fake drugs on the nation’s economy, recalling how the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported the loss of $32 billion to drug counterfeiting business and another $40 billion in 2006. Against this background, Tejuosho said “there is need to enact new legislations or amend the weak or already existing ones to see that the lives of citizens of this nation are protected.” He lamented the increasing spate of fake products in the Nigerian market, pointing out that “there are several fake products like fake cosmetics, fake registered appliances, fake spare sparts, fake brushes, fake designer shoes and the list is literally endless.” He added: “The effect is far reaching because it is a matter of life and death. Some of the major causes of fake drugs and counterfeiting include corruption, inadequate technology for the protection of the identity of genuine drugs as well as lack of vigilance and advocacy by healthcare providers. Combating this menace requires serious efforts.” Tejuosho added that about 50 per cent of drugs used by patients are purchased from privately owned pharmacies, patent medicine stores and street vendors which he said are usually invaded by agents of counterfeit drugs unlike the case in the public sector. He also recalled the comment of the late former Director General of National Foods Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Dora Akunyili, that the negative impact of fake drugs on the society is more than that of either narcotic agents or the combined effects of malaria, HlV/AIDS and armed robbery. “Made in Nigeria drugs were officially unaccepted in other West African countries like Ghana, Sierra Leone, et cet era,” he recalled.

OGONI CLEAN-UP IN FOCUS

L-R: Acting Managing Director/CEO, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs. Ibim Semenitari; Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi; and the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at the launch of the Clean-up of Ogoni land and other oil impacted communities in Rivers State...recently

Daily Times Clocks 90Years Nigeria’s pioneer newspaper and doyen of the media industry, the Daily Times, has clocked 90 years. To celebrate the milestone in Nigeria’s media history, Folio Communications Limited, the holding company and owners of Daily Times and six other titles, has lined up several activities that will last two months, between June and July 2016 The celebration of this heritage newspaper, according to Folio Communications Limited Board Chairman, Mr Fidelis Anosike, contrary to any other opinion, remains the celebration of the Nigerian media industry. Anosike explained that the Daily Times anniversary would be used to re-evaluate the contributions of Nigerian media practitioners to nation building and galvanisation

of the more than 250 constituent ethnic nationalities. “We are not only celebrating Daily Times of Nigeria as a newspaper, we are celebrating great Nigerians like late Chief Adeyemo Alakija, Ernest Ikoli, and Alhaji Babatunde Jose. The others are Dr Patrick Dele-Cole, Chief Segun Osoba, Mr. SamAmuka, Mr Peter Pan Enaharo, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, Chief Innocent Oparadike and Chief Onyema Ugochukwu. Some of the Daily Times celebrated media professionals also include Mr Tony Momoh, Mr Edwin Baiye and Dr Onukaba Ojo, among others. “We have quietly reinvented and reinvigorated the newspaper toward providing leadership in quality news dissemination for Nigerian youths, the political and business elites. “Our focus drawing from the vibrancy of the then young

Nigerians that managed Daily Times in the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s is the Nigerian youths. “The emphasis on youths is to help them chart their career path with added impetus and faith in the Nigerian polity,” Anosike said. According to the Chairman, the repositioning of Daily Times in the coming months with skilled and quality personnel will be followed by the refloating of other titles within the stable like the Business Times, Sunday Times and Lagos Weekend, among others. He also commended Nigerian journalists and other media pratitioners for their commitment to the profesion and nation building, adding that the national economic and financial challenge calls for understanding and suggestion to sustain the newspaper industry.

“Most of us publishers appreciate the challenging environment and will do everything possible to maintain the industry as a going concern,” Anosike said. The schedule of the two months lined up activities showed that the board and management led by the publisher of Daily Times would be kicked off with a visit to media houses, governments and corporate organisations. The two months long 90th anniversary celebrations will also feature a world press conference where the chairman would unveil the new road map for sustained growth of the newspaper conglomerate. The Daily Times anniversary celebrations will rounded off with a reflection dinner at Eko Hotels in Lagos.

MONDAY JUNE, 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Fayose, Wike Travel Ban: Buhari Should Not Plunge Nigeria into Civil War, Says Osun PDP Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned President Muhammadu Buhari against acts capable of plunging the country into a civil war, saying tampering with the constitutionally guaranteed immunity of governors would spell doom for the country. The party in a statement issued in Osogbo by its Director of Research, Publicity and Strategy, Prince Diran Odeyemi, urged the president to immediately drop plans to impose

travel ban on the Governors of Ekiti and Rivers States, Ayo Fayose and Nyesom Wike, saying there was nothing done to Buhari by the duo that Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State did not do to Goodluck Jonathan while in office. Odeyemi said the same Section 308 of the Constitution that gives the president immunity also provides the governors with same leverage, adding that instead of tinkering with the idea of travel ban on the governors, if any security infraction is noticed, the president should approached the court.

Recalling how the PDP Obasanjoled federal government approached the court when the administration of Senator Bola Tinubu created local government areas in Lagos State, Odeyemi opined that adding the salt of travel ban on governors with immunity which is the same as the president, to the injury of constant flouting of court orders by the Buhari administration in the last one, is not portraying the president as a true democrat. The statement read: “Since the

news broke of plans by Buhari to ban PDP governors Fayose and Wike from travelling using the Department of State Services (DSS) as threat, images of events of the past years have kept on reappearing. “Allusions have been made to how the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade and his friend, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero were slammed with travel ban by General Buhari in 1984” “Also reference has been made to

how President Shehu Shagari was kept under house arrest and his deputy, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, locked up in Kirikiri where he nearly died when that administration was toppled by Buhari in 1983.” “History also records how Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Bola Ige and others were hauled into prison by the same Buhari regime.” “We hope President Buhari will not take wrong advise because the situation now does not favour tampering with the constitution

as he did in 1983” “We don’t want anything that can truncate this democracy. Attempt to strip two PDP governors of their immunity when Aregbesola did worse things to Jonathan as president and nothing happened to him is capable of enacting civil war.” The party then called on all past Heads of State and presidents to prevail on Buhari to shelve the idea to save the country of needles tension and constitutional crises.

Ondo CP Urges Police Barracks to Pay Electricity Bills As distribution companies (discos) in the country intensify efforts at crecovering the debts owed by military and paramilitary formations, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison, has summoned a meeting of all Area Commanders within her command on how to map out modality for the immediate payment of electricity bills by residents of police barracks in the state. The CP dropped this hint during a courtesy visit by the Chief State Head, Ondo and Ekiti States, Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. (BEDC), Mr. Ernest Edgar, in Akure. In a statement signed by the BEDC Chief Corporate Services Officer, Mrs Kunbi Labiyi, Edgar confirmed that with respect to payment for police stations and offices, the Force headquarters had been duly advised and that payment would commence soon. Mrs.Ibifuro-Harrisonsaidthechange mantra of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government must start from every individual and the Nigerian Police force must be seen as leading from the front. Edgar commended the command for the timely arraignment of two vandals with conviction and sentencing of one of them to two years imprisonment by the Odigbo Magistrate Court. He also lauded the CP for her exemplary and professional disposition while asserting that such

patriotic leadership was needed in the polity at this crucial phase of change. Earlier last Tuesday, the BEDC had honoured the Odigbo community in Ondo State for demonstrating awareness and responsibility in apprehending electricity equipment vandals in the town. Speaking at the reception held at the palace of the Odigbo, the Head of Agents and Channels Development, BEDC, Mrs. Felicia Nlemoha, who represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive, said since the police and other law enforcement agencies could not be everywhere, the communities should rise up to the task of protecting electricity installations in their domain used in supplying services to them. While commenting on the low power generation to the grid which has limited the capacity of BEDC to distribute electricity based on demand, Nlemoha urged residents of Odigbo community to take advantage of BEDC’s payment channels including Point of Sales (PoS) to pay their bills and help improve the power sector. Responding, the traditional ruler of Odigbo community, Oba Rufus Olugboyega Akinrinmade, said despite the fact that the vandals were from his domain, he insisted that justice prevailed to serve as deterrent to others and to also preserve his integrity.

Sokoto Okays N228m for Ramadan Feeding Programme Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto The Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, has approved the sum of N228 million for the 2016 Ramadan feeding programme in the state. This was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary PoliticalAffairs,Alhaji Malami Ladan, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Sokoto at the weekend. According to the statement, the number of Ramadan feeding centres had been increased from 74 to 93 to cater for more people. It stated that the aim of the Ramadan feeding programne was to enable the less-privileged break their fast with ease. The statement emphasised that this

would go a long way to cushion their suffering and enable them have a sense of belonging during the Ramadan. “The feeding programme is part of efforts by the government to enable the less privileged Muslims break their fast through the provision of free meals during the Ramadan,” the statement read. It called on supervisors of the Ramadan feeding centres to be fair and just in the discharge of their assignment. Meanwhile, the state government had set up a 28-member Ramadan Feeding Committee under the chairmanship of Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru and the Commissioner of Religious Affairs, Mani Maishinko, to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.

PARTNERS IN PROGRESS

National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Abdulwaheed Odusile (right); in a handshake with the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, during a courtesy call on the governor in Government House, Lokoja...recently

NSE Accuses Govts of Frustrating Investigations into Building Collapses Chineme Okafor inAbuja The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) at the weekend alleged that field reports from its investigative teams had shown that some state governments were blocking it from conducting comprehensive investigations into the causes of frequent building collapses in the country. It said in most cases, officials of the state governments had opted to destroy vital evidences that could help determine the causes of these collapses or even refused to open up on the operational status of contractors they award building projects to. It said one of such classical example was in Ogun State where buildings in the ultra-modern Itoku Market in Abeokuta collapsed and an integrity assessment on other projects that had been completed or under construction by its team was blocked. NSE’s President, Otis Anyaeji, told journalists at a briefing in Abuja that while the incedents were shameful to the profession in the country, it was more disheartening to know that they could have been prevented by government officials. He said in most cases, government officials were also found culpable in the collapses, having granted permits and approvals to designs without due diligence. “Reports from our members revealed the probable complicity of government and government

officials in the events that lead to the accidents and even the attempts to investigate the collapses with the intention of learning from them in order to forestall a reoccurrence were frustrated,” said Anyaeji. He said a right step seemed to have been taken by the Lagos State Government in the case of the Synagogue Church building collapse, but that the actions taken against key players in the act seemed to have excluded government officials found negligent of their duties. He added that their negligence gave room for the collapse. According to him: “The Ogun case is worrisome because despite our advice to them to stay action on demolishing the remnant structure until after a thorough investigation, they ignored the advice and carried out the demolition, thereby destroying a vital evidence that could have given a clue to the causes of the collapse. “In addition, government officials failed to cooperate, by not providing preliminaryinformationtoourengineers on the designers, contractors, the contract and the construction details. This gave the impression that the state knew more about the project than it was prepared to part with.” He said because such acts by a select few gives the profession a bad name, the NSE was determined to get to its root, saying, “This is the time to invoke the powers vested in COREN to regulate engineering works and practice both within government and in the private sectors.”

Buhari Lacks Capacity to Revamp Ailing Nigeria’s Economy, Says Fayose Olakiitan Victor inAdo Ekiti Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has said the parlous state of the nation’s economy will continue throughout the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari, causing the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to fail woefully. Fayose gave this assertion yesterday in his address during the thanksgiving service marking the first anniversary of the fifth assembly of the House of Assembly at the Government House Chapel, Ado-Ekiti. Fayose said he decided to go on solidarity strike with the workers in the state when it dawned on him that the federal government had failed and would continue to fail in revamping the nation’s economy. “I am not a prophet of doom, but I must tell you the truth. It is this economic downturn that will pull down the Buhari-led government. Mark my word. The economy will improve, but it will be too late in the life of the Buhari-led government. God is angry with the Buhari-led government. It is shedding the blood of too many innocent people. “Soldiers would enter the home of poor village people and gun them down in cold blood. There is too much of blood-shedding. Look at what they did to that innocent woman in Kano. I am telling you that God allowed them to get into government so that they would be exposed; so that everyone would

see their inability and hypocrisy,” he said. Earlier, the Speaker of the state assembly, Hon. Kola Oluwawole, in his thanksgiving speech, lauded the goovernor for the support he had been giving the legislative arm of government in the state, noting that the principle of separation of power did not envisage bickering among the arms of government. “When people say we are Fayose’s boys in the assembly, I just watch them display their ignorance. A journalist once asked me such a question. I just told him that God will make him a state governor one day, and that when he gets there, he should put his enemies in the assembly. “Our enemies did not want us to get to the assembly let alone clocking one year in office or getting the assembly to stand. “When you say someone is a rubber stamp, it means that person is a fool or moron. By all standards, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly are no fools or morons. We have virtually all professional callings represented in the assembly. Only morons can be rubber stamp. “Ekiti State House is a divine arrangement. I salute the courage of my colleagues for fostering unity and establishing an assembly that cannot be bought by dollar or pound sterling. The storm of the G9 lawmakers’ era and subsequent events that we overcame are enough for us to thank God.

MONDAY JUNE 6 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Ndigbo will Produce President in 2023, Says Okechukwu, VON DG Asks MASSOB, IPOB to stop Biafra agitations Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu The Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, yesterday said Ndigbo from the South-east geo-political zone would have the chance to produce the president of the country by 2023 if they support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Okechukwu therefore asked all pro-Biafra agitators especially the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) to stop their agitation for sovereign state of Biafra and support President Buhari in the overall interest of the people of the zone. Speaking at his hometown, Eke in Udi Local Government Area

of Enugu State during the Egwu Abia Festival, the immediate past spokesman of South-east APC leadership caucus said the Buhari administration will soon commence work on the 2nd Niger Bridge, Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressways, which were captured among others in the 2016 budget. He called on groups agitating for Biafra - IPOB and MASSOB - to sheathe their swords because their agitation was not in the interest of Ndigbo who are not only doing well in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, but have the high chance to produce Nigerian president of Igbo extraction in 2023. Asked how feasible the

chance of Ndigbo to produce a president is, Okechukwu agreed that the constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no provision for rotation or zoning, but convention gives Ndigbo a good chance if they support President Muhammadu

Buhari till 2013. “In the public domain, there is the law, with its legal teeth and the convention with its moral weight. “If Ndigbo collectively support the Buhari administration, we stand to gain as most of the

dilapidated roads, 2nd Niger Bridge, Enugu Coal will be fixed. I therefore plead with the boys agitating for Biafra to consider the overall interest of Ndigbo who are doing relatively well in all nooks and crannies of Nigeria. “Therefore, if we support

Buhari, nothing will stop us from harvesting the moral weight of zoning convention, since equity and justice is on our side. For our brothers of the South - West and South South have had their turns since our return to democracy in 1999” he noted.

26 CSOs Move to Back IPOB for Referendum on Nigeria Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia Efforts by the federal authorities to brutally suppress the Biafra agitation appear to be backfiring as 26 civil society organisations have taken steps to endorse the non-violent agitation championed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and to call for a referendum to decide the future of Nigeria as one entity. The decision was taken at the weekend in Enugu at a meeting of the CSOs drawn from the Southeast and South-south zones in the wake of the massacre of unarmed agitators during the 49th anniversary celebration of Biafra. The groups in their communiqué, however said a final decision on whether to openly back IPOB or not would be taken at their next meeting scheduled for June 27 in Umuahia, Abia State, after building “a larger coalition and consulting more widely.” It was gathered that the meeting was convened by octogenarian, Mrs. Mariah Okwor, who is also leader of Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), with the sole agenda of taking a stand on IPOB agitation. Some of the organisations represented at the Enugu meeting were the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Traditional Rulers, Igbo Traders Congress, Ohanaeze Youth Forum, Igbo in Academia, South-east Professionals, Niger Delta Youth Forum, Old Eastern Region Movement, World Igbo Congress, Igbo Survival Movement, South East Youth Congress, among others. While the groups thoroughly condemned the May 30 Biafra Day massacre in Onitsha, they also expressed anger at the apparent silence of South-east governors over the cold blooded massacre of 81 easterners on Monday around Onitsha and its environs during the 49th Anniversary of the annual May 30 Biafra Day Ceremony.” Bishop Michael Ibeneme of the Lords Salvation Gospel Ministry, who chaired the meeting, lamented the deliberate attempt by the army to blackmail the youths by claiming that the agitators turned violent. “It is fabricated lies; the youths

were deliberately murdered by the soldiers simply because someone in Abuja does not want to hear the name Biafra. Everybody knows those boys were not armed,” he said, adding, “This mindless killing is unacceptable.” It was an effusive outpouring of grief and condemnations at the meeting as speaker after speaker vehemently cried out over “the attempt to silence the truth by taking away more than half of the corpses by the military.” The convener, Mrs. Okwor said: “This brutal genocide has clearly redefined the Nigerian reality. It is extremely difficult for any sane person to continue to support or even feel safe in any state where cold blooded murder by the state has become an everyday occurrence. “We are totally shocked at the ruthlessness and wickedness of killing our children in cold blood. Our governors by their silence are only trying to isolate themselves from the people. Soon the people will mass up on one side and Buhari, the soldiers and the governors on another side. They will soon find out that they are Leaders without followers. Everybody is mourning. The killings are unacceptable.” Meanwhile, the founder of Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) and deputy secretary of Igbo Leaders of Thought, Evangelist Elliot Uko, has appealed to all aggrieved youths of Eastern region to remain non-violent in their agitation for justice and equity, assuring them that the masses are with them. He made the appeal while addressing student union leaders from 44 tertiary institutions the South-east, saying that “the injustice in Nigeria can never be solved by killing unarmed youths and then turn round to falsely accuse them of attacking military men.” “We all know IPOB (members) are not armed, and we plead with them not to succumb to pressure and temptation to take up arms. The decision to kill them was a terrible mistake. Now everybody is identifying with their course, even those who didn’t support them in the past now sympathise with them,” he said.

FITNESS CENTRE AT YOUR DOOR STEP

L-R: Commercial Counsellor, US Embassy, Lagos, Mr. Brian Mc Cleary; Franchisee Curves Chevron Drive, Mrs. Stella Eze; US Consul-General in Nigeria, Mr. JohnBray;CountryDirector,Curveslnternational,Mr.EmmaEsinnah;andCommercialAttache,USEmbassy,Lagos,Mrs.OlgaFord,duringtheinauguration ofCurvesLadiesOnlyFitnessCentreatChevronDrive,Lekki,Lagos....weekend AbiodunAjala

Activist Accuses Buhari of ‘Privatising’ Office of AGF

FG Gives Four New Private Colleges Operational Certificates

Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

As part of efforts to increase teacher education in Nigeria, the federal government has granted provisional approval to four new private colleges of education to commence operation. The colleges are Oswald Waller College of Education, Shendam, Plateau State; Pan African College of Education, Offa, Kwara State; Diamond College of Education, Aba, Abia State and Bilyaminu College of Education, Dass, Bauchi State. Speaking while presenting accreditation certificates to the successful colleges of education over the weekend, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof Monday Joshua, said all the newly approved colleges met minimum standards and requirements set by the commission. He said that the ongoing programme of accreditation of colleges of education in the country was on course, adding that 11 colleges had so far scaled the commission’s accreditation hurdle and were accordingly issued with accreditation certificates. He recalled that when he assumed office,oneyearago,asexecutivesecretary ofNCCE,oneofthegreatestchallengesin thesystemwasthatalotofprogrammes in the NCE-awarding institutions were unaccredited for about a decade. Joshua, who noted that there was no way the quality of teachers produced by the colleges could be improved with strict regulatory oversight, added that programmes and institutional accreditation were a core mandate of the commission as part of quality assurance. He, however, disclosed that out

Renowned Right and environmental conservation activist, Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, yesterday in Enugu accused the federal government of “privatising’ the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and therefore asked the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to do the needful before the situation degenerates. Okonkwo said it amounts to privatisation or out-sourcing of the AGF’s office when “all manners of characters” are brought in to exercise public prosecution, warning that unless something was done urgently the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari would destroy the judiciary and erode justice in Nigeria. Okonkwo who is also the promoter of a nongovernmental organisation, Movement of Voice for Democracy (Movers Nigeria) that hosts the popular Friday radio programme “Peoples Court” on Solid 100.9 FM, Enugu shared his views while speaking with journalists in Enugu at the weekend. He faulted the statement that the federal government instead of the Attorney General of the Federation had set-up a presidential inter-agency committee on recovery of loans granted to commercial banks and corporate organisations by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria

(AMCON). He pointed out that the powers in Section 5 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is distinct and separate from the powers of the office of the AGF captured in section 174 of the constitution and only the AGF in subsection 3 of 174 can constitute such a committee without going through the office of the secretary to the government of federation for presidential approval. The right activist explained that ambiguity in the implementation of the duties donated to the office of the AGF is the reason why people have been calling for separation of the office of AGF from that of the Minister of Justice. He said: “It is the AGF’s prerogative to constitute the membership of the committee and appoint the members while he retains the chairman. The activist indicted the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) for sleeping why the President Buhari administration is privatising the office of the AGF. He also raised concern that President Buhari will destroy the judiciary and erode justice in Nigeria. “I am saying this with the fear that President Buhari is hell-bent in compromising the judiciary having due regards of his dinner meeting with the legislators where he raised the issue of securing a working relationship with the judiciary to fight corruption a clear affront to Section 6 of the 1999 Nigeria constitution (as amended),” he said.

of the 12 colleges of education visited for the accreditation so far, one of the institutions has been closed down by the commission for having obtained previously denied accreditation in nine programmes run by the college. He explained that the affected college was running 10 programmes and unfortunately, only one of the programmes obtained Interim Accreditation, saying the institution lacked basic teaching and learning infrastructure as well as qualified teachers to teach the programmes it claimed to have offered. He said based on this dismal report by the Accreditation Panel to the College, the management of the commission had to close down the institution while arrangement was made to transfer the students to other colleges. Joshua, also disclosed that a total of 64, 432 backlog of Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) Certificates have been released to students who graduated from some of the colleges but were unable to get their certificates. He said: “One of the main problems on ground when I took over the administration of the commission was the backlog of unissued NCE Certificates to graduands by colleges of education. I summoned the Provosts and reminded them that their statutory role was not only to admit students and teach them, but also to graduate them to go and face other businesses in the world.”

MONDAY JUNE 6 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Ize-Iyamu: Why I Want to Be Governor of Edo Davidson Iriekpen The Edo State governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has said he is in the race because he possesses the knowledge, experience and the capacity to move the state away from its present poverty level. Ize-Iyamu said this at an interactive session he had with journalists in Lagos, declaring that Edo State has no business being at a level of development it is currently. He maintained that what the

state needs was a government that could identify the people’s priority, which he promised, he was ready to provide. The governorship aspirant said he was in position to provide this if voted in the coming election because of his experience as a former Chief of Staff and later Secretary to the State Government (SSG), pointing out that he was not coming in to learn the ropes, before knowing what to do to serve the people of Edo State. “I have the knowledge, the experience and exposure to govern the state,” Ize-Iyamu said, even as

he asserted that the real person the Edo people wants as next governor of the state, is a person that has the wherewithal and who they could trust. Ize-Iyamu, who recalled how he brought the current government headed by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole into power, he was because he was very much concerned that the government had failed the people of Edo, as it had failed to deliver in key sectors, including agriculture, housing, health, education, tourism, among others. The governorship aspirant, who also recalled that Edo State in recent

past, used to be first in cassava and plantain productions as well as other produce, lamented that the Oshiomhole government had no agricultural plan, even as he also lamented that the projects the government did in certain sectors were inflated as it had refused to disclose their costs. He said the people of the state were tired of Oshiomhole and anything he stands for, accusing him of massive corruption in the awards of contracts. “The people of Edo State are totally disenchanted with Oshiomhole for his draconic and authoritarian style of governance.

“Go to the state and hear what the people are saying about their governor they once loved, you would be shocked and ashamed. Now, nobody wants to see or touch anything he stands for because he has failed the people,” he said. When asked his service to the state under Lucky Igbinedion will not affect his chances, IzeIyamu said, sector by sector, the Igbinedion administration was better that Oshiomhole’s government. “What did Oshiomhole do? He renovated already existing roads? Ask, did build new ones? Did he open new area or areas?

“Sector by sector, Igbinedion did far better than Oshiomhole. Oshiomhole’s achievements are media hype. First, he got resources more than Igbinedion. “Secondly, Igbinedion did not leave any debt but Oshiomhole despite the trillions he has received, has put the state in serious debt that in many years to come, generations will be paying debts. “This is a man nobody knows how much his projects are. From permanent secretary to commissioner, there are strong instructions not to disclose contract sum. Is that how to run a government?”

US -based Child Rights Activist Blames Nollywood for Fuelling Rape Cases Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A United States-based Child Rights activist and a member of National Council of Child Rights Advocate Nigeria (NACCRAN), Dr. Funmilayo Ogunleye-Hancock, has vehemently blamed the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) for the increasing number of rape cases in the country. Hancock expressed her displeasure at a press conference yesterday in Abuja, where she stated that her intention being a member of Nigerians in Diaspora was to find out what are the needs of the nation, and how can those in the Diaspora help, particularly in the area of children, poverty as well as proffering solutions to the problems. Hancock noted that Nollywood should have been used as a tool to get rid of the menace or reduced to the barest minimum in the society, lamenting that reverse is the case as it is now being used as a tool to fuel rape in the society. The Ekiti State-born child rights activist noted that her aim is to bring so many people out of poverty, adding that every year, her NGO offers scholarship to 44 children in

the state, and that the scheme had been on for past 10 years. According to her, “In a lot of our movies these days, we intend to added rape scenes in them, which is not helpful, and I don’t like that, because if we are talking about getting rid of that situation, we shouldn’t be fuelling it. It just like almost every movie that I watch, there is always a rape scene, and I think we are promoting that further because the more you watch such scene, the more it goes in your heart.” She further emphasised that “if it is something that we are trying to get rid of, we will express so in our movies, because in most movies, they do them without repercussion, that is the thing that bothers me most, it is one thing to show a woman is raped, it is another thing to show there is a repercussion. “But in these movies, they are raped, and the victims are also penalised...we see a lot of such movies these days, but the movie industry can help out in this situation because many people watch movies. ‘’Even if the government is not able to do much to help, our movie industry should be able to quit

Buhari Mourns Eze Njemanze of Owerri Tobi Soniyi in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has paid a glowing tribute to the late Owerri monarch, Eze Emmanuel Emenyonu Njemanze, saying, he was a monarch of candor and character, qualities, he said are rare today. In a condolence message, made available to the media in Abuja by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, the president said that Njemanze was an outspoken traditional ruler who was not afraid of telling truth to power despite the risks involved, especially when it concerned matters of public interests and the well being of ordinary people. The president said: As an outstanding pharmacist with a public service career that flourished till he ascended the throne of his ancestors in 1989, Njemanze knew the appropriate use of power and the meaning of public office. This was why he did not hesitate to condemn the abuse of public trust and highhandedness by political office holders whether during the military or the civilian administration whenever it

occurred.’’ Shehu quoted the president as further saying that “the Nigerian nation knew the contributions of the late royal father to the peace that is common in the city of Owerri and the support and cooperation that were mutual between Njemanze and his people of Owerri in particular and Imo State in general. That enabled them to restore the dignity of Owerri as a land of decency and character when fraudsters violated it and attempted to turn it into a land of ritual killers and dubious men in the mid 1990’s’’ While praying God to receive the soul of the departed monarch, the president urged the family he left behind and the people of Owerri and Imo State to mourn their late king with dignity and solemnity, as he was a man of peace whom it pleased God to reward with a long and fruitful life. Buhari urged the Imo State government and the royal family to ensure peace in the kingdom and to work for a peaceful, orderly funeral and succession of the traditional ruler.

FOOD IS READY

L-R: Brand Ambassadors, Mama Cass Restaurants and Radio Broadcasters, Willy Willy; Guest, Mr. Israel Chukwuyem; Executive Director, Mama Cass Restaurants, Mrs. Tokunbo Oguchi; and Mr. Nwokedi Moses, during the opening ceremony of Mama Cass Wuse 2 branch in Abuja...yesterday

Militancy Blamed on Poor Implementation of Amnesty Programme, Arms Proliferation Nigeria to chair ATT conference in Geneva in August Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The increasing spate of armed struggle and militancy championed by the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) has been blamed on poor implementation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and proliferation of Small Arms and Lights Weapons (SALW) in the country. This was disclosed in Abuja at the weekend by the Chairman, Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PRESCOM), Emmanuel Imohe, during the inter-ministerial roundtable on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in Nigeria organised in collaboration with West African Action Network on Small Arms and Light Weapons (WAANSA) and Control Arms Coalition. Imohe raised the alarm that Nigeria is awash with SALW and that the implementation of the amnesty programme was poorly carried out while the militancy return knocked out weapons in exchange for funds with which might have likely used to purchase more sophisticated arms. He said while PAP initiative was a right move, its execution did not align with the spirit and letter of its initiators. “Something is wrong with the implementation of the Amnesty Programme so that the spirit does

not tally with the letter of the programme. There is no congruent in the two, and I pray that as the things stand in the Niger Delta, government does not allow the crisis to degenerate further. “Anybody who wants to resolve the security situations in this country must first of all mop up the weapons so that these groups do not have access to them. The country is awash with small arms and light weapons. So it is important for us as a country to put up a system that can help mop up the weapons in circulation,” he stated. Speaking further, Imohe, who is the President of second Conference of State Parties (CSP2) of ATT coming up in August this year in Geneva, Switzerland, urged African countries to ratify the treaty. He frowned at the poor level of ratification of the treaty by African countries despite the fact that the region is bearing the highest burden of the consequences of the unregulated trade on arms. According to him, no Arab and North African country have ratified the treaty, saying it does not portray good signal for Africa as “small arms are the continents Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD“It is important for us to embrace the ATT and to know that Africa will

be the most beneficial and that’s why we compelled them at the discussion leading to the ATT for the SALW to be included. Small arms is what has been killing our people. It is our weapons of mass destruction and that is why I said ATT is a significant addition to all the efforts against arms proliferation.” Presently, he said, 130 countries are signatories to the treaty, out of which 86 countries have been ratified including 18 from Africa with 16 signatories. Imohe however highlighted that resource constraint is most likely to be a contributing factor for the low rate of participation of African countries in the implementation of ATT, adding that: “Exploring the platform of the Regional Economic Community (RECs) in Africa to enlist the participation of African countries in the ATT implementation was critical in view of their active participation in canvassing the African position during the ATT negotiations.” In the same vein, the President of WAANSA-Nigeria, Mr. Dickson Orji, reiterated the importance of ATT especially when considered within the context of the grave impacts of illicit SALWs proliferation in Africa. Orji noted that an effective implementation of the ATT would help in curtailing illicit SALWs proliferation thereby decreasing

the prevalence of instability and threats to international peace and security. He further emphasised the universality of ATT is very crucial, thus Africa should practically be in the forefront towards achieving it in view of the immense advantages. According to him, Africa’s presidency of the CSP2 and the interim head of the ATT Secretariat should serve as platforms to be explored to galvanise more enlistment of African countries as state parties of ATT. Orji further noted that the implementation of the treaty in West Africa in general and Nigeria in particular has remained a crucial issue of discussion. At the meeting of the round table, the chairman of PRESCOM who is also the president of CSP2 of the ATT was urged to continue engaging critical stakeholders both in government, legislature and CSOs towards an effective implementation of the ATT and other arms control instruments in Nigeria. PRESCOM was also urged to engage critical government stakeholders especially the heads of the defence, security and intelligence institutions in the country to ensure that they always explore regional and sub-regional platforms to promote international arms control instruments such as the ATT.

MONDAY JUNE 6 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Group Urges EFCC to Investigate Okonjo-Iweala, Adoke, Others for Alleged Diversion of $1.6billion Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate what it described as a fraudulent judgement obtained by the 774 local government areas against the federal Government of Nigeria to pay them a sum of $3.2 billion and the diversion

of $1.6billion. The coalition’s national chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, said the petition was a follow-up to a report in June last year, titled “Controversy rages over $3.2 billion judgment against FG”, for the anti-graft agency to investigate the activities of a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke (SAN); former Minister of Finance,

NGO Donates N10m to IDPs, Empowers 1,000 Farmers in Borno Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja In its resolved to provide succour and help those hitherto displaced by the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-east region, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Peace Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Initiative (PRRI), has donated N10 million to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State. The Executive Secretary of the group, Dr. Sam Ode, made the disclosure yesterday while briefing journalists in his office in Abuja. He said the gesture was geared towards providing a source of livelihood for the returning families whose communities were ravaged by the insurgents, thus helping them get their lives back. Ode revealed that aside from the cash donation, over 1,000 farmers would be given improved seedlings to boost food production. He revealed that: “The group visited Biu local council and gave them the cash of N10million and food stuffs worth over N10million. Other communities also visited were Buratai, Sabon Gari, Kwajafa, Shaffa, and Biu IDP camps where

assistance were given to some corporative societies. “We have resolved to give improved seedlings procured from IITA in Ibadan, Oyo State, to help the farmers boost their yields in the coming years. “Agriculture is key to the development of any nation and it remains the first line of any action plan to deliver the people from economic hardships. PRRI is keen to see that the returning families are empowered.” He stated that the NGO has now given over N40 million as part of its philanthropic gesture to the various communities it has visited in the state. The NGO leader stated that it was quite challenging as no government or individual can completely rebuild what was destroyed by the insurgents, adding that it could be done through concerted efforts of all stakeholders including the displaced persons. The Executive Secretary noted that the PRRI team would be moving to Yobe and Adamawa States where the team has identified some villages and the inhabitants who have fully returned home as a result of military operations which have restored normalcy to the area.

APC National Leadership Reassures Edo Governorship Aspirants of Free, Fair Primaries Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and National Vice-Chairman, South-south of the party, Prince Hilliard Eta, at the weekend reassured all the governorship aspirants in Edo State of a free and fair primary come June 18 this year. The three leaders gave the assurance when they spoke at the solidarity rally of the zone held at Government House, Benin City, saying the aspirants should avoid campaigns of calumny, infighting, and bigotry. Hilliard Eta, who spoke on behalf of the party national leadership, said it has been an established fact that in some states where the opportunity of the party to win elections through popular mandate was presented, it was rebuffed with a preference for mediocrity. “This idea of imposition is not only unfortunate and regrettable but is one issue that we must guide against and address issue of Internal democracy in the Edo polls. “ As we go into the primary election, one mindset is real, one of you will emerge and whoever

that person is, he is a candidate of all and his subsequent victory will be for all. For us as a party, we want to come back to Edo, have a roundtable with all of the aspirants and the candidate and decide on how to jointly move Edo forward from where Governor Oshiomhole has left it.” The National Vice Chairman of the zone reaffirms that the campaign process in Edo State must be free and fair and acceptable to the entire aspirants and their supporters. “ The idea of getting it right on internal democracy has been our watchword and we successfully experimented with it in Kogi state, we must replicate it in Edo for us to succeed. “Today, Edo as they say, is the last stronghold of we in the South South APC. In fact, our pride as a party in this zone is Edo and that’s why we must do all within our reach to retain and establish it as the beautiful bride that all other states in the zone would want to emulate or be attracted to. Indeed, we must stake enormous resources to Campaign in all the nooks and crannies of the state leveraging on the performance index of the APC state government.”

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and lawyer, Mr. Joe Agi (SAN) in the alleged fraud. Suraju said its private investigation indicated that serious economic and financial crimes were committed by the public officers and private individuals who facilitated the procurement of the fraudulent judgment. The petition read: “In Suit No FHC/ABJ/129/2013 filed on June 11, 2013 at the Federal High Court, Abuja some local governments and Linas International Limited sued the Attorney-General of the Federation, Ministry of Finance and Accountant-General of the Federation over the illegal deductions made by the federal government from the statutory allocations of the 774 local government councils in the Federation Account for London Club Debt buy back in 1992 and London Club Debit exit in 2006. “In the originating summons,

the plaintiffs claimed the sum of $3.2 billion payable to them from the Federation Account. The court processes were served on the defendants. In spite of the serious claims of the plaintiffs the defendants did not file any defence or brief any lawyer to defend the federal government.” The anti-graft CSO noted that the suit challenged the decision of the federal government taken in 1992 but the action was based on the 1999 Constitution which came into force in May 1999. The petition further stated: “Besides, the case was filed to challenge the decision taken by the federal government 21 years earlier. With respect to the payment of Paris Club debt in 2006 the action took place seven years earlier. Yet the trial judge Justice Adeniyi Ademola, gave judgment to the plaintiffs contrary to the Public Officers Protection Act which has barred

the institution from any action against public officers after three months. “In a judgement delivered on December 3, 2013 , Justice Ademola ordered the federal government to pay the sum of N3, 188, 079,505.96 to the plaintiffs. “The defendants did not appeal against the judgment and did not draw the attention of the Federal Executive Council to the judgment sum. The application for the fiat of the Attorney-General to authorise the payment of the judgment debt was granted by Adoke, while Okonjo-Iweala authorised the payment of the judgment sum.” CSNAC, while noting that the Debt Management Office (DMO) was curious about judgement and in a letter to the Office of Accountant General of the Federation dated July 12, 2012 and with reference no: DMO/ DRS/01/057/11/430, opposed the court judgment, advising the

Office of Accountant General against payment of the claims by Linas International Limited. “It reminded the AGF of the legal error in challenging an action in 1992 under a constitution that was promulgated in 1999. It also stated that repayment done in 1995 was under a unitary military government where all decisions affecting state and local government were taken at federal level. But in a dramatic turn of event, “the office of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, via a letter with reference no: HAGF/ CJD/2014/VOL. II/357 and dated March 24, 2015, conveyed his consent, pursuant to section 84 of the Sheriffs and Civil Act for the judgment payment from government accounts. It was on the basis of the fraudulent consent that the sum of $1.6 billion was paid and shared by the criminal suspects,” the coalition noted .

PROJECT INSPECTION

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike; and former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Okey Wali (SAN ), inspecting the ongoing constructionofNBAultra-modernLawCentre in Port Harcourton....weekend

Journalists Should Avoid Blowing Issues out of Proportion, Says Yahaya Bello Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

media to promote their country and democracy. He stressed that: “Our Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has charged democracy is young and we Nigerian journalists to discharge need to grow fast as government their duties within the ambit relay heavily on the media to of professional ethics to avoid grow.” Bello who described the blowing issues out of proportion. Speaking at a two-day theme of the symposium symposium on Good Governance as appropriate, enjoined the organised by the state council of organisers to deepen people’s of good the Nigeria Union of Journalists understanding (NUJ) in collaboration with the governance through the various office of the Special Adviser to sessions and topics. He said: “I expect the the state Governor on Media and Strategy at the weekend, issues around bribery and he urged journalists to strictly corruption, abuse of office, adhere to the ethnics of the conflict of interest, accountability, professional in the course of teamwork, communication, discharging their responsibility work ethics among others to as the watch dog of the society. be treated in detail.” While assuring NUJ of his According to the governor, journalists all over the world government commitment and are required to be the watch role towards making sure that dog of the government, noting the existing collaboration stands that the western world used the the test of time, Bello said as a

government, they are interested and have resolved to work with journalists, adding that the new administration will create the enabling environment to allow genuine and professional practice of journalism to thrive in the state. “A good government, among other virtues, allows for the free flow of information. We will be open and we solicit the cooperation of the Fourth Estate of the Realm to help improve good governance through proper orientation, sustained information dissemination and increased mobilisation of the people of the state in their government,” the governor enthused. Earlier, the National President of NUJ, Waheed Odusile, commended the state government for collaborating with the union to organised

the symposium. He however advised the state government not to hide any information from journalists, saying the resultant effect could be more disastrous than imagine. Also in his speech, the Chairman of Kogi state council of NUJ, Ali Atabor, stated that the symposium was part of activities put together by the council to mark the 2016 democracy day. Atabor who expressed gratitude to the governor for his ability to attend the occasion, appealed to him to provide operational vehicle to the union to enable it facilitate movement to various places of assignment. Lectures were delivered at the symposium by former acting Governor of Kogi State, Chief Clarence Olafemi; the former Editor of Daily Times, Dr. Onukaba Adinoyi Ojo; Usman Sule and Dr. John Alabi.

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

CRIME&PUNISHMENT

Forcados Terminal Vandalism: Naval Boss Urges Host Communities to Produce Militants Ijaw leader accuses army of looting communities Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Warri, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, has given the two host communities of the 48-inch Forcados crude oil trunkline blown up by members of the Niger Delta Avengers the option of producing the militants or risk the deployment of military to the area. Ogulagha and Odimodi communities are hosts to Forcados export terminal in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. The naval boss who tasked the leaders of the two communities, said they should either produce those responsible for the destruction of the crude oil export trunkline in their domain or the military would be deployed to fish them out. Mohammed, who visited the site of the destruction over the weekend, noted that the failure of the communities to do as demanded would require security operatives to commence a military operation in the area, a situation which he noted might be uncomfortable for innocent people of the areas. Addressing representatives of the communities, the naval boss told them emphatically that the vandals who destroyed the critical oil export facility were either members of the communities or had contacts among them. Based on his observation of the terrain, Mohammed said the vandals must have passed through the communities by land or by water. The navy boss, who was

briefed on arrival at the scene of the destruction by representatives of the host communities and team of engineers, however reassured that his men were ever determined to go after the militants and flush them out of the region. Speaking with journalists shortly after the inspection, Mohammed insisted that the vandals must have passed through the communities to perpetrate the act. “The perpetrators must have passed through their villages or they are even from the villages. So, they know every intruder or anybody that is criminal among them. “That’s why I’m giving them time to come up with those behind this attack. The perpetrators must have come through the waters or land. They know those who pass through their communities, if not, we have to start controlling movement which I believe they will find difficult. “I’m here basically to see the site of the attack for myself and also to remind the communities of their pledge not to allow such an incident to happen again. They promised to be extra vigilant and to give us information but they have failed in this responsibility. “As you can see, this is a 48 inches pipeline and it’s not something that somebody can just easily cut except with a force. I believe from what I have seen it is a breach. It is sabotage. Thank God, Shell has been able to curtail the spillage,” Mohammed stated. But the leaders of the two communities were not pleased

Suspected Militants Kill IYC Scribe in Bayelsa Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Armed men suspected to be militants in the Niger Delta, operating along Brass waterways, Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, have killed an executive member of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Mr. Deiepreye Peters. The IYC spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare, confirmed the development yesterday and described the incident as “sad and unfortunate.” But it was gathered that security operatives were exploring the possibility that the victim, an indigene of Brass and Secretary of IYC in his clan, was attacked by pirates. The incident which occurred at the weekend, THISDAY learnt, led to fear in the waterways of Bayelsa State at the weekend, disrupting transportation to the coastal areas. The gunmen reportedly ambushed and shot at the boat conveying the victim and forced its occupants to flee into the mangroves, though it was learnt that the victim did not die instantly. Peters, it was learnt, later died of internal bleeding caused by the bullet wound. Sam Dogitimi, a friend of the

deceased told journalists that Peters was his former colleague in Brass Local Government Area. ‘’ We fought together courageously against oil bunkering in the council,’’ he said. He added, “Unfortunately, he is gone, no thanks to the notorious sea pirates. They were ambushed by the sea robbers on Friday, which consequently forced them to run into the Angala (mangrove). “Diepreye Peters, aka Daddy Offor, died of internal bleeding. For how long shall the people of Brass suffer in the hands of sea pirates?,” he queried. He added that travellers are constantly robbed, maimed and killed by sea robbers along Brass waterways and called on relevant authorities to tackle the insecurity urgently. Also a source in the community said, “this is not the first of such attack that the people of Brass have faced. Therefore there is a need for urgent deployment of navy personnel to protect lives and property of the Brass people.” But when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Asinim Butswat, said the report of the incident had not been officially reported to the command, noting that the public would know if it is officially reported.

with the two options given to them. They said the option giving to them is tasking since they could not be made to answer for the destruction of a property they have no direct control over. Executive Chairman of Ogulagha community, Captain Solomon Prebor, who spoke on behalf of the communities, said they cannot be held liable for the latest attack because the export line was not situated within their reach. He also denied that the communities do not know those behind the attack of the Shell operated trunkline. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Kokokiagbene community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State has accused the soldiers currently on siege mission in the area of looting over

N300 million worth of properties Gbaramatu Kingdom under the guise of searching for militants that have been bombing oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region. According to a statement issued yesterday, Mulade also alleged that the retreating soldiers looted N60 million cash meant for the completion of the palace of the monarch of Oporoza. “It is unpatriotic, unethical and unprofessional for the Nigeria Army who invaded Oporoza and other Ijaw communities in search of vandals and militants bombing oil and gas facilities to abandoned their primary responsibility to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous act and resort to looting of items belonging to Pere’s Palace and law abiding citizen within the community.

“It is worthy to state that the Nigeria Army looted valuable goods worth over N300,000,000 and cash of about N70,000,000 meant for the completion of the Pere’s Palace,” he alleged. Mulade therefore appealed to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt- Gen. Tukur Burutai, to probe his men and recover the looted items from the palace and other residents and return them to the law abiding citizen of Oporoza. Reacting to the allegations, the spokesman of the 4th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin, Captain Jonah Unuakhalu, expressed surprise at the claims, wondering how the soldiers in such a very engaging operation, within the limited timeframe, could cart away properties worth N300 million on gunboats.

“I don’t believe that any such thing happened, but my own is; first I’m in Benin, not Warri, so may be I’ll have to put a call through to know what went down there. However, I just believe all these are just fictions because you said property worth N300 million. How would they have moved such? “Let’s both look at it, how did they move it? This is a creek we are talking about and these people move in gunboats, how would they have moved properties worth N300 million? I don’t know if you are getting my simple analogy. “I read in one of the papers that five of the people we paraded the other time are SSS 2 students, I mean, why do people just come out with stories that do not make any sense? Let’s be realistic, N300 million worth of properties? Haba!”

TACKLING SMALL ARMS

L-R: Commodore Joseph Adeleke; Olufunsho Alabi; Chairman of PRESCOMM and President of CSP2, Ambassador Emmanuel Imohe; and President, West African Action Network on Small Arms and Light Weapons (WAANSA) Nigeria, Dr. Dickson Orji, at the inter-ministerial roundtable on the implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in Nigeria in Abuja....weekend

Popular Edo Pastor in Trouble over Arranged Miracle Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City A popular Pastor reputed for miracles in one pentecostal church in Benin City, Edo State, is in trouble over allegation of faking miracles to defraud unsuspecting church members. An aggrieved member of the gang allegedly stage managing the miracles for the church reported himself and the church to the police in state capital. Operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Police Command headquarters, Benin City, have swiftly launched investigation into the case. Dependable sources at the state police command headquarters revealed that the Founder and General Overseer of the ministry (name withheld) has been invited and quizzed. He was said to have alleged that the self-acclaimed evangelist owed him N48,000.00 being his agreed

fee for sitting in a wheelchair as a cripple for six days before he received his ‘healing’ during the church deliverance programme recently. It was further gathered that the man, who now serves as a complainant and suspect also alleged that the evangelist bought him a ram for thanksgiving in the church. He added that the preacher collected from him a suit he presented to him as the church gift, in front of the congregation, shortly after he gave his false testimony. When our reporter approached the complainant at the police command headquarters in Benin City, he stated that he wanted to use the money to pay for his medications. “It was N8,000.00 per day, the programme was six days, he collected the suit from me and gave it to another person, ”the complainant said.

He was however prevented from giving further details by a police officer who said “the matter is still under investigation.” A visits to the church on The Limit Road, Off Sapele Road, Benin City, revealed that there was a large congregation of worshippers, most of whom appeared hypnotised and desperate for miracles. Some members in their various reactions with our reporter maintained that “since God used our daddy (the General Overseer) to deliver a woman who carried a horse in her womb for several years, deliverance has not ceased here. Just sow a seed in the church and watch out for your miracle.” Others however stated that the membership of the ministry has considerably reduced as some members left the church when they felt swindle or did not receive their miracle. Penultimate Sunday, the evangelist told the congregation

“run to the altar with your tithe, it will turn to alligator pepper in your pockets if you go home with it,” during second service when our reporter visited. Old and young people in the church quickly rushed to meet the embattled evangelist on the altar in response to his command. Photographs taken by our reporter inside the church was asked to be deleted by officials of the church led by the protocol officer who said photos were strictly prohibited in the church. Several attempts to obtain comments from the founder and General Overseer of the deliverance ministry failed as a lady who claimed to be the Public Relations Officer for the church said “journalists always work with rumours.” Contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Edo State Police Command, SP Osifo Abiodun stated that “the case has been transferred.”

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

In Brief Nigerians Urged to Support Buhari

Nigerians have been urged to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buahri to bring the much needed change to the country. The call was made recently by an elder statesman Tayo Soyode at a symposium organised by the Yemi Osinbajo Fans Club in Lagos. He noted that the administration requires the support of Nigerians to transform the economy and address other challenges facing the country. “since no gain could be positively achieved without pains, it therefore behooves on all, to please assist the present administration with continued fervent prayers, coupled with positive suggestions and realistic roadmaps to gainfully drive the nation’s economy to its enduring success,” he state

Duke to Chair the Inauguration

The former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, will deliver the keynote address at the inauguration of Commint Buka, a new outlet at 15/17 Majekodunmi Street, off Allen Avenue Roundabout, by Oshopey Plaza, Ikeja Lagos. According to a statement signed and issued, Mr. Aramide Noibi, the new outlet will provide catering services for residents and corporate bodies in the Ikeja area. Noibe in the statement added: “It will be recalled that Commint Buka was first established at Municipal School Bus Stop, besides Randle Avenue Traffic Light Area, Itire Road, Surulere and has subsequently now premised into the establishment of its Ikeja Branch, which is aimed at absolutely servicing the Ikeja residents especially, as well as the entire Lagos State in general.”

CSR IN ACTION

ExecutiveDirector,SterlingBankPlc,AbubakarSuleiman(speaking),flankedonrightbytheGroupHead,InfrastructureBanking,Mr.EhianetaEbhohimen; and other staff of the bank presenting cleaning items to the executives of the Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Authority in Lagos after the nationwideSterlingEnvironmentalMakeover(STEM)cleaningexerciseorganised tomarktheWorldEnvironmentDayinLagos...weekend

Govt: Our Effort Made Osun the Least Crime-free State The Government of Osun yesterday said the low crime rate in the state as confirmed by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, is the direct result of the several initiatives of the Rauf Aregbesola administration since inception in 2010. The government said the Aregbesola administration did not just secure the state through procurement of security hardwares, but also achieved the feat through a dint of well thought out welfare packages that are disincentive to criminal activities. The Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the office of the Governor, said the declaration by the Inspector General of Nigeria Police that the state is the most secured and peaceful in the country as one that has justified the huge investment

of Governor Rauf Aregbesola led administration on security. The Bureau’s statement signed by its Director, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, stated that the commendation has shown that the commitment of the governor to security of lives of it citizens has not gone without notice. The Inspector General of Police had commended the State government and the indigenes for making Osun the safest state in the country at an interactive forum of the Association of Veteran Journalists in Osun State where the IGP was also given an Award of Excellence. TheIGPwhowasrepresentedatthe occasion by the Commissioner of Police, Osun Command, Mr. Femi Oyeleye, said the achievement was not without the cooperation of the patriotic citizens and varying vigilante groups that have had excellent relationships with the

The Bureau said part from the huge investments in security, the government of Aregbesola had prevented crime through its numerous programmes such as youths employments, infrastructure, social welfare schemes and others. According to the Bureau, “Apart from the regular police manning the state, government had at inception, set up a dedicated crime response team code-named SwiftAction Squad (SAS), which is visible in strategic areas in the state as well as identified troubled spots.” The statement said rather than concentrate on the provision of security hardwares as the only way to solve crime, the government, through its various intervention programmes, had made crimes unattractive. “A huge army of unemployed

youths could be a veritable recruitment ground for criminal activities. Our intervention in the area of youths employment was targeted at ensuring that this army of unemployed youths was depleted. With 40,000 direct employment of youths through this strategy, we succeeded in preventing what could have been the insecurity implications of such huge population of jobless people,” the statement added. The Bureau added that apart from youths employment, the state government’s massive infrastructure programme such as new roads, schools construction, introduction of modern agricultural extension and practices, and other infrastructure projects, several thousands of indirect jobs have been created to reduce the problem of unemployment.

Nigeria, Our Strategic Partner for Development, Says Italian Ambassador The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Fulvio Rustic, has described Nigeria as a major strategic partner for development that his country cherishes and would do everything it takes to sustain and improve. The ambassador made the disclosure at the weekend in Abuja during the marking of the 70th Anniversary of Italy as a democratic nation. Rustic who claimed there were over a hundred Italian companies doing business in Nigeria spanning over six decades also disclosed that the volume of trade between Nigeria and Italy in the last one year was roughly over $3 billion. He said Italy was already devising the means of fully exploiting the potentials of Nigeria as well as the prevailing opportunities that the present administration presents. He also stated that plans are on going to showcase the opportunities in Italy to the government and people of Nigeria, adding that the two

countries even though from different continents have a lot in common. “We have really wonderful relations between the two countries, we don’t have any problems we only have positive relations. Italy wants Nigeria as a strategic partner in Africa, that was the reason our prime minister came to Nigeria 1st of February 2016. It was the first visit of an Italian prime minister to Nigeria; it was a great meeting as the two presidents had excellent discussions. Italian president has invited the president to Italy which he accepted. “Economically speaking we are working on a visit of several ministers to Italy hopefully around November or early next year, depending on how fast we can go , to present Nigeria’s potentials to Italian industries. And afterwards organized a meeting of our economic ministers with over one hundred companies, to meet business to business and do more and more. so we want to find new ways to accelerate this

The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche, has called on Nigerians to contribute to the task of nation building. Uche made the remark at the launch of a book titled: ‘Thanks Living’ authored by the current Chairman, Lafarge Cement Paints Plc, Michael Ayodeji Oni. He added that: “The masses need to contribute their quota in transforming the church, the society and the nation better than they met them so that we can have better society where no man is oppressed.”

Management, Staff Cahallenge Provost

Embattled provost of Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology, Jos, Plateau State, Dr. Sunday Nkereuwem Etukudoh, who was recently released on bail from prison custody in Jos where he had been on detention for two weeks following Economic and Financial Crime charges against him, is now battling the management, staff, and students of the college to return for a third tenure as provost of the institution. The staff and students, who addressed the press in protest against Etukudoh’s plan for a new tenure, said the Federal Government of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 89 dated October 11, 2012 Vol. 89 is clear on the tenure of provost of the school, stressing that no individual is allowed more than two tenures of four years each. The protesters said “aside the fact that Etukudoh is facing crime allegations in court and with the EFCC, he has completed two tenures of four years each as the provost of the college and he’s therefore not qualified for another term.” The provost is also reportedly witch-hunting some of his senior staff that have dared to challenge his intention for a third tenure. Most of these staff are also key witnesses to the ongoing court case against him. The Lawyer to the EFCC had opposed Etukudoh’s bail application because he feared that when out of detention he would wreak intimidation on the said witnesses.

Victoria Chu Passes on

Dame Victoria Osila-Onorwi Chu is dead. She died peacefully on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. She was aged 75. Chu, a devout Christian and retired Superintendent of Press the the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, publishers of the Nigeria Tide. She was actively involved in the activities of St. Thomas Anglican Church, Eteo and also to the service of her community. She was honoured by her investiture into the noble order of Knight of Saint Mary (KSM) by Niger Delta Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for her roles in the church. According to a statement, she was interred at her residence at Dr. E.J. Chu’s compound, Obolo,Eteo-Eleme. She is survived by five Children, Among them is Benneth Chu, a Port Harcourt-based lawyer.

Osun PDP Tasks Aregbesola on Cabinet

Trade volume around $3bn Alex Enumah in Abuja

Clergy Tasks Nigerians on Nation Building

relationship. We believe Nigeria’s potential is gigantic and Italy is one of the major industrial countries of the world. We must help the two sides to work together. This is the starting of a new process”, he said. Adding that, “Nigeria is our second partner in sub-sahara African. We believe the potentials of Nigeria is very great that it will be our best partner. We know very well that Nigeria in a few months from now would reach one million people making it the third largest population after china and India. The ambassador, who commended Nigeria in the success so far in defeating terrorism, disclosed that Italy having overcome terrorism in the seventies and eighties is willing to increase its assistance to Nigeria, in order for the nation to completely defeat the monster. He noted that outside the economic and security front which there is high level of collaboration, the two countries in the coming months would further deepen

their relations when Nigeria’s Minister of Justice plans to visit Italy for the signing of agreements on extradition and financial cooperation among others. Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Austria and Under Secretary, Regional and International Organizations, Amb. Ayoko Adelakun, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Goeffrey Onyeama, congratulated the people of Italy on the occasion of their 70th Anniversary and commended Italy for his numerous achievements since she became a democratic nation in 1946. Ayoko, disclosed that Italy started diplomatic relation with Nigeria in 1961 and since then has remained a dependable partner, that is contributing to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. “The recent visit of the Prime Minister further confirms the close relations between the two countries”, Ayoko said, adding that “Establishing a cordial and sound bilateral relationship would continue to be our priority in order to usher in renew prosperity.

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday appealed to Governor Rauf Aregbesola to constitute the state cabinet and conduct election into of officials onto the local governments without further delay. The party in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Diran Odeyemi, in Osogbo and made available to THISDAY, said it was unimaginable that almost half way into the life span of the present administration, the state cabinet is still being expected, while Administrative Secretaries are still in charge of local governments. According to Odeyemi, the decision not to appoint commissioners by Governor Aregbesola was partly responsible for several of “his mistakes and inefficiency” adding that even if he was not going to take advice and contribution from them, the governor should be prevailed upon by the national leadership of APC to set up state cabinet. The party said the illegality of not having a state cabinet since November 2014 was encouraged by the federal government, whom it accused of granting Osun bail out funds without State Executive Council resolution on the matter as necessary condition for the release of the fund. The statement reads: “It would surely surprise the whole world that Osun State has no state cabinet, even when those governors elected in 2015 have set up cabinet as demanded by the constitution. Our Aregbesola has been the Governor, the Commissioner for Works and the sole administrator which conflicts with the dictates of genuine democracy and the constitution he swore to protect. While PDP is never interested in whatever crises the issue of who makes the list is causing within APC fold, our interest remains the good people of Osun state who always suffer the consequences of APC internal wrangling and off track administration of Aregbesola. We believe Aregbesola’s mistakes and undue muscle flexing against the workers and the people can be checked if a state cabinet made up of true Osun indigenes is formed because two or more good heads are better than one. We also noticed the lukewarm attitude of the State House of Assembly to critical issues in the state and will want to caution the members against being a rubber stamp of Aregbesola.”

T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

T H I S D AY •MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

MONDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Wikki Stay Top after Away Win against Ikorodu Utd as Rangers stun Heartland in ‘Oriental Derby’

Wikki Tourists maintained top spot in the Nigeria league yesterday after their lone goal win against bottom club Ikorodu United in Lagos. The Bauchi club waited till five minutes from time to deliver the killer punch through Idris Guda. The woes of basement club Ikorodu United have been compounded as they languish on 13 points. In another top match lastnight, Coach Imama Amapakabo’s mind games prior to the latest ‘Oriental Derby’against Heartland in Owerri seems to have paid off as his Rangers side came from behind to beat ‘The Naze Millionaires’ 2-1. Heartland must be wondering what went wrong as they took the lead as early as the 12th minute through Julius Ubido, but lost the advantage only five minutes later, with former midfielder Osas Okoro assisting with the free-kick which Udeagha connected to level the scores. Amapakabo had challenged his Heartland counterpart, Alphonsus Dike, to employ a more attacking approach, as against their ultradefensive approach when both teams met in the final game of the first half of the season in Enugu. And Dike appeared to have taken the bait, as they attacked ceaselessly, but ‘The Flying Antelopes’ kept keeping them at bay, and Heartland failing to make anything of their attacks, leading the first half to end in a stalemate. The second half resumed with Heartland still trying to go for the kill, but Rangers still looked the more tactical side in their approach as they sought to catch

Dike’s men on the break. And it soon paid, as a quick buildup by Rangers saw a pass floated into the Heartland area, with Bobby Clement racing toward goal, but he was hacked down inside the box by Anyanwu, and the referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot. Chisom Egbuchulam, who had missed from the spot in the previous match-up, stepped up again, but he found the back of the net this time to hand Rangers the lead and the momentum. And while Heartland kept pressing for at least an equaliser, Rangers kept their shape and kept trying to catch them napping with fast breaks. Meanwhile, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote returned to Shooting Stars in fine style when he led the team to only their sixth win of the season as they dumped Akwa United 3-0. A brace from Adetunji Sunday and a goal from Ajani Ibrahim were enough to see Ogunbote start his second spell in Ibadan with an emphatic win. ‘The Oluyole Warriors’showed their intent as early as the 12th minute, when left-back Yinka Adedeji let fly a thunderous effort from range, which could have given them the lead, but forced a fantastic save from United goalkeeper, Akpan Bassey. But it didn’t take long however, for Shooting to go in front, as Ajani Ibrahim’s sublime cross was met by Adetunji Ibrahim, who powered home a beautiful header past the stranded Bassey for their opening goal. Shooting kept pressing the ‘Promise Keepers’, much to the

Four Abuja Schools Receive National Lottery Fund Sports Equipment Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Sports equipment have been delivered to four primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory, by the National Lottery Trust Fund ( NLTF) under the integrated scheme to promote grassroots sports development. The recipient schools are Science Primary School, Kuje, UBE School for the Deaf, Kuje, Abuja School for the Handicap, Kuje and Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) School, Gwagwa. Executive Secretary NLTF who also doubles as the President Nigeria Olympic Committee ( NOC ), Habu Gumel led the team that presented the equipment to the schools. Headmaster of Science Primary School, Kuje, Phillip Bitrus, received Judo mat, table tennis board, taekwondo suits, scoreboard, shoes and first aid box on behalf of his school. Bitrus assured that the equipment will be well utilized

in grooming of talent. He added the school will perform beyond expectation. The School of the Deaf, that was founded in 1991, received facilities to aid its development in athletics. Some of the equipment received include High Jump stick and stand, spike boots, whistles, hammers, relay batons, red cones, jerseys, shot putt, event trophies and first aid box. The Headmaster, Mr Onoja John Edache, said though the pupils who have speach disorder, they are in good conditions. Edache said the students like sports, adding the facilities will be put into good use. A student, Peace Agbo, lauded NLTF for the initiative, who she said will improve sport standard in the school. Gumel said the items were given to help the schools train and produce national sport stars. He tasked the schools to use the equipment for the specified purpose and ensure they are not sold in open market.

delight of the fans at the Lekan Salami Stadium. United were not without chances of their own, but nothing came of them, as Shooting Stars remained resolute in their determination to stem their slide on the table. And shortly before the break, Ajani Ibrahim turned from provider to goal-scorer as he finished off a delightful move from the home side to send their fans to wild eruption, and also maintain their advantage as they went into the break. United must have hoped to start the second half with a goal to half the deficit, but they got a yellow card instead when goalkeeper Bassey cautioned for what he said to the referee. And while, the tenacity from both sides seemed to have faded a bit in the second half, Shooting Stars were still in cruise control as they dictated the tempo of the game, with United struggling to come to grips with their quick passing. And on the hour mark, ‘The Oluyole Warriors’ scored again Adetunji Sunday nicely controlled a pass, went past some United defenders before toe-poking into the goal for his brace and Shooting’s third of the evening.

Wikki Tourist against Ikorodu United... yesterday

StarTimes Finetunes Framework for Transmission of Local League Matches Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Managing Director of NTA StarTimes Sports channel, Mr. Maxwell Loko, over the week end said StartTimes is at the tail end of finetuning arrangement for the broadcast of Nigerian league matches through its NTA StarTimes channels platform. He also assured that discussion has reached advanced stage with the league organizers for the broadcast of the Nigerian national league content as part of its bouquet to its audience across different continents. The MD however admitted that management of NTA is not happy over the dominance of foreign contents on its

channels at the expense of local and national league competitions. Addressing stakeholders in Abuja at the commencement of the COPA America centenatrio, which kicked off exclusively weekend on the NTA StarTimes digital for its 8 million subscribers, Loko assured that all teething problems inhibiting the nonbroadcast of local league matches will soon be resolved with the league organizers. He said: “We have passionately been pursuing this in the last year details which I cannot say now, but we have not given up and once we are able to overcome these initial challenges that is the basic ore issues we shall call

all of you again that StarTimes is going to have this bouquet and will be the proud sponsor of the Nigerian league. “We are always not happy when we come here and talk only on content outside the country however there are a lot of issues but we are not given up and this is even a wakeup call for us so that we get on.” For its over 5 years of digital broadcasting to over 8 million subscribers in Nigeria and 13 other African countries, he said StarTimes has become one of the best global brands with variety of contents. While the COPA competition last, Loko said subscribers of the digital stand the chance of winning

marvelous prizes which ranges from N250, 000 and other mouthwatering prizes. He said: StarTimes over the past few years has positioned itself as the home of football with right of important football content. And as the new season commences we look forward to the COPA commences as there are a lot of opportunities that will be of interest to Nigerian football fans. The MD said StarTimes decoder which is presently being sold for N3.999 can be recharged with as low as N1,200, and therefore offers subscribers opportunity to participate in its COPA raffle draws as the competition till 26th of June.

F’Eagles Arrive Calabar as Chukwueze Shines The Nigeria U-20 squad yesterday flew into Calabar, capital of Cross River State as the football –loving State returns to the front burner of international football action. Coach Emmanuel Amuneke led a group of 25 players and three officials into Canaan City, as the Flying Eagles intensify preparations for weekend’s 2017 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Young Swallows of Burundi. Calabar is hosting the return leg match this Saturday, which

should be a soft session for the African champions, who pipped the Young Swallows 1-0 in Bujumbura two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Chile 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup bronze ball winner Samuel Chukwueze has continued in fine form in friendly matches ahead of the clash, causing serious havoc to opposition defence –lines. Just two days after his brace helped the Flying Eagles demolish Nigeria National League side, Shekarau Babes FC in a friendly match played on

the artificial pitch of the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja, the winger was again at his imperious best netting twice in the second half as the Emmanuel Amuneke tutored side saw off Amakson Football Academy 3-0 in another friendly match at the weekend at the same venue. The galloping winger was at his usual slippery best all through the entertaining affair and received huge applause from the crowd, among them players of the National U-17 team currently in Abuja for a

screening exercise supervised by team Coach Manu Garba. The UJ Esuene Stadium, which has played host to several Super Eagles and Golden Eaglets’ international matches over the past few years, will host this weekend’s clash between the Flying Eagles and the Young Swallows. The winner on aggregate will reach the final round of the qualification series for the 2017 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, where Sudan will be the opposition.

T H I S D AY •MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

MONDAYSPORTS T R I B U T E TO A L E G E N D

Mohammed Ali: The Last of the Camelot Giants

Nigerian Minister of External Affairs, 1985-87 My generation by which I mean the generation which came into political and social consciousness in the 1960s was lucky in the sense that we had many real heroes, men and women from whom we drew inspiration, who made us feel that the best was within reach and that God’s mission on earth was achievable by doing good. They did not come any greater than John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Kwame Nkrumah, Patrick Lumumba, Nelson Mandela, Kaduna Nzeogwu, Francis Fajuyi and yes, Mohammed Ali (the Greatest boxer of all times.). It was also the age of independence for African states, an age that liberated not just territories but the can-do spirit of the whole world. It reminded us of the cando and elevating atmosphere prevalent in the court of King Arthur and his knights of the roundtable. That Court was known as Camelot. But it was also an unfortunate generation because we watched helplessly as each one of our heroes was assassinated, overthrown, and incaserated. It was a generation that watched as dreams were aborted. We watched as the dreams of independence turned into the nightmare of massacres, genocide, civil wars and kleptocracy. Now, the last of the Camelot Titans, Mohammed Ali is gone, just gone. I met Ali only once in Lagos during the Shagari period. The United States under Jimmy Carter was trying to organize a boycott of the Moscow Olympic games then due to be held in Moscow. Mohammed Ali was sent by the Carter Administration to lobby African States to join in the boycott. I was still at the Institute of International Affairs as the Director-General and Professor Isaya Audu was the Foreign Minister. I turned up in Professor Audu’s office on appointment only to be told to wait a while as an unexpected visitor had shown up. Soon, the door opened and I leapt up as Ali floated out in a boxing posture as he exited the Foreign Minister’s

office. Then we shook hands. Professor Audu said jokingly that Ali should seek to persuade me about the Moscow boycott. That Ali went on diplomatic missions on behalf of the United States showed that even though he was against the Vietnam War and was against racism in the United States, he was not against the United States. He had a presence and a charm that masked the gritty determination of his beliefs. Ali showed a more profound and nuanced opposition to racism in the United States than most of the leaders of the anti-discrimination movements. The singular act of changing his name from Cassius Clay Jr. to Mohammed Ali sent a more powerful message as a symbolic message than a thousand marches. Ali was probably, actually definitely, not aware of the linkage between Islam and Arab slave trade in Africa. A later awareness of this in his later years might account for his switch from Sunni Islam to Surfism (another variant of Islam). Ali was a master of the grand gesture, gestures timed for maximum effect. Without a university education, not to talk of any specialization in psychology, he used psychology to devastating effect against his opponents before they even climbed into the ring. Ali, the master performer, elevated boxing from the basement of the poor to the sitting room of royalty and billionaires. Boxing will miss him; sports will miss him; humanity will miss him. He survived in spite of the fact that he did not play safe. He took on the American system when in 1964, he changed his name from Cassius Clay to Mohammed Ali after joining the Nation of Islam otherwise called the Nation of Islam and when he refused to fight in the Vietnam War. Those who took on the system especially in 60s and 70s usually paid with their lives as one hero after another got hunted down by the invisible forces that form the underbelly of rapacious and vicious system. Mohammed Ali survived. The death of our heroes, speaking for my generation, did not kill our dreams. Those who kill often do not realize

that dreams cannot be killed. They sow seeds that germinate over time and hopefully serve to inspire another generation. You said you were the

Greatest. So say we all. Your death brings to mind the immortal words of John Donne in his poem“For whom the bell tolls” when he wrote “No man

is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main…any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and

therefore never send to know for whom the bells tolls, it tolls for thee” Good night Mohammed Ali Professor A. Bolaji Akinyemi

Muhammad Ali relaxes in London the morning after beating Henry Cooper for a second time in 1966

MultiChoice Honors Muhammad Ali with Special Channel on DStv, GOtv “Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision.” Muhammad Ali MultiChoice Africa will be paying tribute to the great sporting legend Muhammad Ali with a special pop-up channel on DStv channel 199 and GOtv channel 29. The channels will pop up today and run until next week Sunday, June 12, 2016 at 11:30am CAT.

The tribute channel will broadcast the legend’s greatest fights, interviews and documentaries about his life. DStv subscribers on the English packages: Premium,

Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access plus the Portuguese bouquets on Bue, Grande and Facil will be able to tune in. All GOtv subscribers on GOtv

Lite, Value and Plus will also be able to celebrate the boxing legend’s life. The schedule for the channel will be available on the TV guide.

Okoku Celebrates Children’s Day and World Hunger’s Day with Village Kids Ex-international Paul Okoku has taken his Greater Tomorrow Children’s Foundation train to Delta State to celebrate the 2016 Children’s Day and World Hunger’s Day with pupils of Igbe Primary School in Ogume, Ndokwa Local Government. With a mission statement to help less-privileged children in Nigeria achieve their maximum potentials by empowering them to create a brighter future through hunger relief, medical programs, education, sport activities and mentoring, the Greater Tomorrow Foundation has been reaching out since it started operations in Nigeria and upped the ante last weekend by taking its yearly programme to kids in a remote village in Delta State. Set against the backdrop of a village setting, with rustic and

bushy environment, Okoku’s foundation put smiles on the faces of the kids, who were given goody bags containing spaghetti, noodles, biscuits, fruit drinks, candy, note books. Represented by ambassadors of the foundation, comprising ex-internationals Yisa Sofoluwe, Edema Fuludu, Jide Alabi and administrator and lawyer, David Fatunbi and coordinator, Mrs Grace Jalekun, the ceremony saw about 270 kids being splashed with items to mark their day. Speaking through his lawyer, Okoku said he was delighted to deliver on the mission statement of the Foundation by giving back to less-privileged kids in the society, who he noted were the future of tomorrow. He noted that he was never in doubt of the potentials that

less-privileged kids possess but added that for them to attain their full potentials that they must be supported by well-meaning individuals in the society and corporate bodies, who he stated have crucial roles to play in capacity development of young ones. The end of Okoku’s speech was greeted by wild applauds from the kids, teachers and elders who turned out in their numbers for the ceremony that lasted for close to three hours. Responding, Head Teacher of Igbe Primary School, David Agadi thanked Okoku for remembering pupils of his school, noting that it was the first time that such a gesture was being extended to them as far as his memory can recall

Ken Norton, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Joe Fraizer and Mohammad Ali

T H I S D AY • MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

MONDAYSPORTS

R O L A N D G A R R O S F I N A L D AY

Djokovic Beats Murray to Win First French Open Title World number one Novak Djokovic beat Britain’s Andy Murray to win his first French Open title and complete the career Grand Slam. The Serb, 29, won 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4 to win his 12th major title and become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four Grand Slams at once. Murray had hoped to secure the third leg of his own career Slam, having already won Wimbledon and the US Open. Second seed Murray played superbly to win the first set but could not convert a break point early in the second, and Djokovic took control to win in three hours. He becomes only the eighth man in history to have won all four of the sport’s major singles prizes - and could yet match Laver’s achievement of winning all four in a calendar year. Djokovic fell back on the clay in delight and relief after requiring two breaks of serve and four match points in a desperately tense end to the final. With three-time champion Gustavo Kuerten watching from the stands, Djokovic then emulated the Brazilian by drawing a heart in the clay with his racquet. “It’s a very special moment, the biggest of my career,” said Djokovic. “I felt today something that I never felt before at Roland Garros, I felt the love of the crowd. “I drew the heart on the

court, like Guga, which he gave me permission to do. My heart will always be with you on this court.” Murray, who has now lost five Grand Slam finals to Djokovic, had looked capable of causing an upset with an aggressive display in the opening set. However, Djokovic turned the match around early in the second set and Murray, who had played five hours’ more tennis in reaching the final, could not keep pace. “To Novak, this is his day,” said Murray. “What he’s achieved the last 12 months is phenomenal; winning all the Grand Slams in one year is an amazing achievement. “It’s so rare in tennis, and for me personally, it sucks to lose the match, but I’m proud to have been part of today.” Djokovic looked determined to make up for losing in three previous Paris finals when he broke the Murray serve to love with a brilliant opening game, but the nerves were soon apparent. A beautiful lob saw Murray hit straight back in game two and, playing aggressively at every opportunity, he powered into a 4-1 lead as Djokovic misfired with his forehand. Murray clinched the set at the third opportunity - after a generous overrule that drew boos from a crowd seemingly backing Djokovic - and some stunning defence earned the Scot a break point at the start of the second set.

Djokovic needed to turn the tide and he did so with a smash, before grabbing the lead when Murray doublefaulted at break point down. The Serb then began to dictate with his backhand, firing a winner down the line for a decisive second break as Murray’s first-serve

percentage slipped below the 50% mark. Djokovic continued to press, setting up break points at 1-1 in the third set with a forehand winner and watching as Murray dropped a volley into the net with the court gaping. The crowd chanted “Nole!

Nole!” as the world number one finally regained the lead he had surrendered after the opening game of the match, and he broke again with a terrific sliding winner on his way to a two-sets-to-one lead. With a 5-2 lead in the fourth set, and his friends and supporters preparing

to celebrate in the stands, Djokovic suffered a tortuous few minutes as Murray refused to give up. The Briton got one of the breaks back and saved two match points, before finally netting a backhand as Djokovic clinched a historic win.

Djikovic

Sad Serena Gracious in Agonising Defeat With a 22nd Grand Slam title as elusive as ever, world No.1 Serena Williams’ misery was palpable as she left RolandGarros. Win or lose in a Grand Slam, the immediate postmatch formalities are the same

Williams

- speak into this microphone and tell us how you feel. Twenty-one times Serena Williams has undertaken that task wrapped in the joy of victory, but Roland-Garros 2016 has set a new, unwanted mark in her career - this is

the first time she has ever been forced to undertake the task after suffering a second successive Grand Slam final defeat. In Australia she had to watch Angelique Kerber lift the trophy, and here it was Garbine Muguruza. Williams turns 35 in September, and that 22nd Slam title to equal Steffi Graf’s haul is as far out of reach as ever... maybe even a little further. On court, Serena is polished in these public moments of private agony. Having walked around the net to embrace her usurper, she delivered a few moments of gracious thanks into the proffered microphone. Her visible expression was all smiles, but her voice broke as she thanked her coaching team, especially “mon ami Patrick” - Mouratoglou, of course, the coaching consultant who did so much to revitalise her career. And she told the crowd: “Tu es toujours dans mon coeur” - you are always in my heart - with that touching use of the more personal “tu” over the formal “vous”. There were a few more court formalities, very few of which involve - how else to phrase it? - the loser.

Serena lingered as briefly as she was politely able. Her understandable instinct was to be away from the court, from inquisitive eyes. But she had yet to undertake her media obligations. She could have ducked them entirely - it would have incurred a fine, but nothing she cannot afford. Instead she headed at once to the press conference room to get the job done as soon as possible. Having taken more than two hours to arrive there after her quarter-final victory on Thursday evening, this time she darted in there so quickly that the world’s media was still scrambling to get inside the room by the time she was already taking questions. Those questions took various forms. But fundamentally they followed that terrible, obligatory pattern - speak into this microphone and tell us how you feel. “I haven’t had a lot of time to think about what made the difference in this match,” said Serena, her voice now glacially composed. “I want to dissect and see what I can learn, and what can I do to get better from it. That’s the only way to keep improving. “I know she won the first

set by one point, which just goes to show you have to play the big points well. I think she did that.” She described her own game as having “just so many holes”, insisting she could both have served and returned better. And she declined to blame the adductor injury she picked up halfway through the week, or the demands created by the rain-hit schedule. “I’m not one to ever make excuses. I have played four or five matches in a row lots of times. I just didn’t do what I needed to do. I didn’t play the game I needed to play to win and she did. Adductor or not, she played to win. That’s what she did. “I want to play the best, and I kind of gear up for that. It was a great challenge. She’s definitely hitting hard. She just goes for broke on every shot and it works for her. She has a bright future, obviously. She knows how to play on the big stage and clearly she knows how to win Grand Slams.” For all her careful composure, there was no mistaking her bewilderment, especially recalling the point

that clinched the match, when Muguruza’s dazzling lob landed millimetre-perfect on the baseline. Yes, agreed Serena when asked, it was one of the best match points ever played against her. “For sure - I thought that ball was going out,” she said, and then added painfully: “But it didn’t.” And what of that new, unwanted career benchmark of losing successive Grand Slam finals for the first time? “In Australia, Kerber made 16 errors in three sets, so what do you do in that situation? Today Garbine played unbelievable. The only thing I can do is just keep trying.” With that, she was gone, exiting the press conference room even as some reporters were still arriving. Enough with the questions and the microphones and the howdo-you-feels. Even as she left, somewhere all too near within the same centre court complex, Garbine Muguruza had not yet left PhilippeChatrier Court, happy to answer the photographers’ requests as she held the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen, experiencing the joy that only a champion knows.

T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6, 2016

Monday June 6, 2016

UT H

& RE A S O

Price: N250

MISSILE CDS to IPOB “There are better ways to air their grievances than the way they go about it. The right way is to get the necessary permit and protest. If they are violent, we will not take it lightly with them.” –The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, threatening that the military would not relent on cracking down on members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

ALEXOTTI OUTSIDE THE BOX

alex.otti@thisdaylive.com

It is Our Turn: A Discussion Between Mediocrity and Meritocracy “I am by heritage a Jew, by citizenship, a Swiss and by make up, a human being and only a human being, without any special attachment to any state or national entity whatsoever“ Albert Einstein.

ediocrity refers to a state of ordinariness, nonentity, and poor quality. It also defines a lacklustre and amateurish situation. Simply put, it denotes a performance that is below average. Most people, if they had a choice, would rather not be found in this definitive categorisation. Naturally, a system run on the basis of mediocrity will produce mediocre results. And it is a question of time for such a system to deteriorate and finally collapse. Meritocracy on the other hand is a term coined by Michael Young in his book titled “The Rise of Meritocracy”. He used it to define an organisation or group where best people and ideas win. A system where the most capable and those with the best ideas take leadership to create value for all. It guarantees superior results and performance. Meritocracy favours knowledge and not ignorance. It encourages a competitive mindset and not primordial sentiments. It has no room for mundane and less important considerations like race, creed, religion and sometimes sex as a basis for selection or appointment. Able and talented people are naturally encouraged to lead with the understanding that they are more likely to create value for the benefit of society. Merit driven people focus on how to bake the cake and not how to share it. We seem to be institutionalising mediocrity on the alter of meritocracy in the country and it shows in the mediocre results that we get in most aspects of our national life. But our capacity for “insanity” seems to be infinite. Quoting Albert Einstein again, “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result” Somehow, we know that the choices we have made in the past have not worked and we seem to expect that they will work some day and therefore seem to be reinforcing those same choices. One area we have shown incredible capacity not to change is in what we call “Federal Character” I’m not sure that those who crafted the term knew that it would be extended to the limits where we are today with it. In seeking placements in the civil service or parastatals, federal character seems to be the guiding principle for recruitement. Sometimes I wonder what goes through the minds of those implementing the policy. It goes without saying that someone who performed abysmally in a recruitment test and has no clue about the requirements of a job is hired just because he comes from a particular area while someone who did very well and has capacity to perform better on the job is ignored. Even in promotion, some people insist on reflection of federal character. The implication is that considerations over and above merit determine who is promoted to the next level. Before you know it, such people assume leadership positions of such organisations and we may turn round to wonder why the organisations are inefficient and unproductive. In admitting students into our institutions of higher learning, particularly those owned by the federal government, the institutions stick to a quota system which allocates admissions along lines of locality, educationally disadvantaged states, university discretion etc. We are not unaware that some people are admitted on the basis of merit. Here again we end up taking people who had low scores over and above those who performed very well in entrance admissions. This becomes more pronounced as demand for admissions keep outstripping the available number of spaces in the institutions. At the end of the day, we begin to

wonder about and decry the quality of graduates our institutions of higher learning are churning out. Granted that quality is affected by other factors including funding, corruption, quality of teaching and research and examination malpractices, but a chunk of the blame is at the doorstep of the admission process in the first place. When the process is floored and encourages the admission of mediocrities, it is very unlikely that the institutions would graduate brilliant people. When you garbage in, you will sure garbage out. Having sat at interview sessions in my previous life, I can assure readers that it has become a very herculean task getting good quality people from the pack of graduates coming out of our universities. There is no doubt that the entry of private universities has helped a bit, but some of them have joined our public schools in churning out half baked graduates as some are challenged by resources both human and material. The greatest area where another term referred to as “zoning” or “rotation” is often used is in the politics of the country. Owing to the palpable fear of one set of people dominating the rest, our politicians introduced zoning into our political lexicon. Zoning connotes everything that is unwholesome. It speaks of tribalism, ethnicity, religion, sectionalism, discrimination and segregation. Some people will be quick to justify it by speaking about equity and fairness. While one is not oblivious of this, the questions to ask will include: how did we get to the stage where we have come to define ourselves along the lines of ethnicity, religion and tribe? How come where one comes from and one’s religious inclinations have become more important than what one can offer in terms of intellect and capabilities? Why have we descended to such a level that we do not care about the fact that when we place mediocrities in positions of authority, we have consigned ourselves to mediocre performance? What is the guarantee that fielding someone from our side of the country will ensure we get more than our fair share of the spoils of that office? There is no gainsaying that sometimes people wage the ethnic war without thinking about the full implications of their actions and how it benefits them. The fact that someone from your locality is occupying a position does not mean that you will benefit from that position. The next point is that sometimes, those who push the ethnic and religious cards do so for selfish reasons. It is all deceit as some people have argued that most times when people are talking of zoning, they have someone in mind who will benefit from that arrangement. In some cases, once they have achieved their purpose, they tend to abandon the concept or at best be indifferent. It is more of an opium than anything else. Because a lot of our people are still gullible with limited education, it is easy to sell such garbage to them. Like I had argued in the past, it is difficult to determine that zoning is finite. The point is if you agree that a particular position should be zoned to the south for instance, how do you determine which of the states in the south should be the beneficiary? Even when you zero down to a particular state, how do you determine the local government, ward, village, hamlet, family and compound? Today, it has become a constitutional matter that there should be a minister from each state of the federation. What was the sense in enshrining this in our constitution? As people clamour for more states, even though I hold a different view as I believe most of the existing states are not viable, how about if somehow, we end up with 50 states? Should we then have 50 ministers and think of portfolios for them later? I strongly believe that we need to rethink some of the policies we have brought onto ourselves just to promote medieval sentiments. The National

Assembly should begin to look at those laws and policies that divide us rather than unite us with a view to repealing and replacing them with nationalistic laws. These will include Federal Character, quota system and zoning. We should aim to promote excellence and merit just like the private sector and in fact, most other modern parts of the world. Our problem is not ethnicity, tribalism or religion. They are unfortunately used as smokescreen to promote selfish agenda of the elite. As I was concluding this column, I came across a statement credited to our former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar which is simply fit for purpose. Advocating an end to the indigene-settler dichotomy, Atiku had this to say: “A modern united Nigerian society can only be built on the basis of common citizenship for all based on residency in a state or locality, rather than the local government or ethnic group one is born into. Nigerians should be free to live, study and work anywhere in the country as long as they are law abiding”. I agree with him completely. As highlighted in Einstein’s quote above, it is high time we began to see ourselves as human beings created equally by God, placed in Nigeria to conquer the territory for the betterment of mankind. We should not define ourselves by where we were born, which by the way is an accident of history, but by the fact that we are brothers and sisters in the same geographical entity called Nigeria. We should harness our full intellect and capabilities wherever we find them to contribute positively to the benefit of all Nigerians. I cannot end this piece without quoting my brother from another mother, the very brilliant and outspoken Emir Muhammad Sanusi II. In 2009, as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria

YOU AND I KNOW OUR REDUCED MONTHLY ALLOCATION CANNOT COVER SALARIES, BUT SOMEHOW, I’VE ALWAYS MANAGED TO PAY SALARIES. I’VE JUST PAID SOME WORKERS’ JANUARY SALARIES!

(CBN), he was speaking during the presentation of the book, ‘Nigeria, Africa’s Failed Asset’ by the foremost Attorney, Olaniwun Ajayi. He said: “Before colonialism, there was nothing like Northern Nigeria. Before the Sokoto Jihad, there was nothing like the Sokoto Caliphate. The man from Kano regarded himself as Bakane. The man from Zaria was Bazazagge. The man from Katsina was Bakatsine. The kingdoms were at war with each other. They were Hausas, they were Muslims, but they were killing each other. The Yoruba were Ijebu, Owo, Ijesa, Akoko and Egba. When did they become one? You had the Sokoto Caliphate that brought every person from Adamawa to Sokoto and said it was one kingdom. They now said it is a Muslim North. The colonialists came, put that together and said it is now called Northern Nigeria. Do you know what happened? Our grandfathers were able to transform to being Northerners. We have not been able to transform to being Nigerians. The fault is ours! Tell me, how many governors has South-west produced after Awolowo that are role models of leadership? How many governors has the east produced like Nnamdi Azikiwe that can be role models of leadership? How many governors in the Niger Delta are role models of leadership?... There is no evidence statistically that any part of this country has produced good leaders...The problem is everywhere in this country, there is one Hausa, Ibo, Yoruba and Itsekiri man whose concern is how to get his hands on the pie and how much he can steal. Whether it is in the military or in the civilian government, they sit down, they eat together…The problem with Nigeria is that a group of people from each and every ethnic group is very selfish” Need we say more?

WE KNOW, YOUR EXCELLENCY! BUT WE WILL CONTINUE WITH THE STRIKE ACTION UNTIL WE ALL GET PAID JAN, FEB, MARCH, APRIL AND MAY!

IN THAT CASE, SINCE I CANNOT SELL MYSELF TO PAY YOU, PLEASE CONTINUE WITH YOUR STRIKE! IN FACT, I WILL EMBARK ON SOLIDARITY STRIKE WITH YOU! WHO CARES? THE STATE LOSES NOTHING BECAUSE YOU’VE NEVER DONE ANY WORK IN YOUR LIFE! YOU’VE BEEN COLLECTING SALARIES FOR DOING NOTHING. YOU KNOW THAT!

GREAT GOVERNOR! YOU’RE WELCOME, SIR! WHO CARES? THE STATE LOSES NOTHING BECAUSE YOU DON’T DO ANY WORK! YOU’VE BEEN COLLECTING GOVERNOR’S SALARY AND FAT SECURITY VOTES FOR DOING NOTHING! YOU KNOW THAT!

06-06-16

Printed and Published in Lagos by Leaders & Company Limited . Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja . All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com