Tuesday 15th November 2016

Dangote Calls for Improved Funding to Fight Malaria Foundation wins African philanthropy award Martins Ifijeh Africa’s richest man and the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has

called for improved funding to fight the malaria scourge in the country, stating that the effects on the nation and her economy are devastating.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos when the Dangote Foundation, which he chairs, led other stakeholders in launching a private sector Engagement

Strategy against Malaria (PSESM), he said: “In addition to direct costs to businesses and the economy, it indirectly damages the economy through

the deterioration of human capital, and loss in savings, investments and tax revenues.

This is clearly too high a cost to society and to the economy.”

His remarks came on the heels of the 2016 Philanthropy of the Year award won by the Dangote Foundation at the Continued on page 6

AGF Files 15-Count Charge against Justice Ademola, His Wife...

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Osinbajo Meets with APC Governors, NA Leadership on FG Appointments

List of nominees to boards of parastatals, non-career ambassadors to be reviewed Tobi Soniyi in Abuja and Olawale Olaleye in Lagos Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday met with Senate President Bukola Saraki, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and five governors of the All Progressives Congress

(APC) behind closed doors at the State House, Abuja, to resolve the rising discontent among APC governors and other stakeholders over the absence of consultations by President Muhammadu Buhari in his federal appointments.

Continued on page 6

Domestic Debt: FG to Issue Promissory Notes to Contractors in 2017

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

In a move to reduce the huge debts owed local contractors and motivate them for optimal performance at the various project sites across the country, the federal government is planning to introduce the issuance of promissory notes in 2017.

A promissory note is a

debt instrument, similar to Sovereign Debt Note (SDN), which was issued to oil marketers by the previous administration to encourage them to import petroleum products.

Like the SDNs, promissory notes are discountable at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Continued on page 6

Police Sergeant, Eight Shiites Killed in Kano Clash... Page 9

FORMER SULTAN, DASUKI PASSES AWAY...

Former Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, died yesterday in Kaduna at the age of 93 (See story on page 9)

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016 • T H I S D AY

PAGE SIX OSINBAJO MEETS WITH APC GOVERNORS, NA LEADERSHIP ON FG APPOINTMENTS The governors who attended the meeting were Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, Sanni Bello of Niger State, and Jibril Bindow of Adamawa.

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola arrived after the meeting had been concluded.

Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David, and the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Although there was no official statement from the presidency on the two-hour meeting, THISDAY gathered that Buhari who departed the country for Morocco yesterday, had mandated his deputy to meet with the National Assembly leadership and the governors to allay concerns and hold talks with them, after mounting complaints that they had not been carried along on several of the federal appointments previously made by the president.

Feelers from the meeting heightened the suspicion that all may not be well among the front line leaders of the ruling party, as the meeting was said to have been very heated.

Sources who spoke to THISDAY said that the meeting was essentially a meeting involving the governors

representing the five geopolitical zones in the country and that Osinbajo had been mandated

by Buhari to broaden the scope of consultations by bringing in the governors and National Assembly leaders who had been feeling disenfranchised since the outset of the administration.

Since the APC has no governor in the South-south zone, there was no governor to represent the zone at the meeting.

During the meeting, presidency sources said the issue of board appointments to federal parastatals and ambassadorial nominees was discussed, and the governors made their feelings abundantly clear that they were not happy that they had been shut out in past appointments made by the Buhari administration.

Also, the sources said party unity and the state of the party was emphasised by the vice-president against the backdrop of deepening cracks in the APC. After airing their grievances, it was agreed that a committee head by the SGF, which had recently drawn up a list of nominees to the boards of federal parastatals, would be reviewed by the governors.

This will give the governors the opportunity to hold consultations at the state level and decide on whether

to retain the nominees on the list or otherwise, revealed one source who was conversant with what transpired at the meeting.

However, in reviewing the list, the governors were informed that 60 per cent of the slots must be allocated to political considerations as a way of rewarding those who had helped the party to victory in the 2015 general election, while 40 per cent of the slots will be left to technocrats.

With respect to the ambassadorial nominees, said the source, it was also agreed that the National Assembly will tomorrow separate the names of career diplomats whose names had been sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation, while the list of non-career ambassadorial nominees will be withdrawn for review by the governors.

The source explained that with the withdrawal of the list of non-career ambassadorial nominees, the governors, after consultations, will submit new names to fill the slots for their states.

He said: “The president asked Osinbajo to broaden consultations with the state governors and National Assembly leaders on board appointments to federal parastatals and the list of ambassadorial nominees.

“This stemmed from

previous complaints that Mr. President was locking them out on several federal appointments, sometimes leading to embarrassing rejections by the nominees.

“See what happened with the ambassadorial nominees which caused considerable embarrassment, because the presidency failed to consult with the state governors.

“So, Mr. President mandated the vice-president to reach out to the governors and National Assembly to get their input for outstanding appointments to the boards of various parastatals.

“As you know, the disenchantment in the party is rising, so the purpose of the meeting was to forge party unity.

“Of course, the meeting gave the governors the opportunity to air their views and they accused the presidency of not carrying them along in the past.

“They made it abundantly clear that they cannot be fighting for the progress of the party if they are not carried along. They also stressed that they must always be consulted on key decisions including appointments henceforth.

“It was on this basis that the list of nominees for board appointments already drawn up by a committee headed by the SGF was handed over to

the governors to review.

“It was then agreed that the governors will go and hold consultations at the state level to ensure that people who have worked hard for the party get appointments on some of the boards.

“However, the governors were informed that only 60 per cent of the slots will be allotted to political considerations while the balance will go to technocrats.”

Even after the meeting, the governors engaged themselves in a heated argument at the forecourt of the vice-president’s office and continued to discuss the apparently unresolved issues outside before they finally boarded their vehicles.

It took Saraki and Dogara’s intervention before the governors could end their open argument at the car park.

Although none of the governors volunteered to speak to the press, the Senate President who reluctantly volunteered a comment said: “I am sure the vice-president will issue a statement. But nothing of great alarm.”

When pressed further, he said: “It’s all for good governance, inclusion and collaboration with all arms. The states are here, the National Assembly executives just came up with ideas on how to make things work even better, that’s all.”

The APC governors had voiced their discontent over what they termed politics of exclusion, especially in the appointment of officials from their states into various boards and parastatals.

They had also complained to the president recently on their disapproval of the ambassadorial nominees he forwarded to the Senate for approval.

The presidency, in response, told the governors to put their grievances in writing.

Similarly, notable stakeholders in the ruling APC have consistently complained that they were being sidelined in the scheme of things.

Recently, the Senate turned down the president’s request for approval of the federation’s $30 billion external borrowing plan. It also threw out 2017-2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

Those in the know said the Senate, which has had a fractured relationship with the presidency since the outset of the current administration, did that to send a strong political signal to the presidency that it would not be trampled upon by the presidency any longer.

The presidency has said it would continue to engage the lawmakers to persuade them to approve the external borrowing plan.

notes next year, he stated that in 2012, the Goodluck Jonathan administration issued N364 billion worth of promissory notes to contractors, adding: “We will continue with that to contractors to ensure that they pay their staff and move to site, and this would impact positively on the economy in the short to medium-term.”

However, the official noted that the cost of the projects that would qualify for promissory notes issues would be quantified and reviewed by

the Ministry of Finance, adding that there was a likelihood that some of the projects could have been over inflated, having been carried over from the previous administration of President Jonathan.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, had earlier in March disclosed that the federal government owed N1 trillion to road contractors handling over 200 on-going projects across the country.

Also, figures released by

the Debt Management Office (DMO) indicated that of the nation’s N16.29 trillion debt as of June 30, 2016, the domestic debts of the federal government alone stood at N10.61 trillion, up from N8.4 trillion a year ago.

The bulk of the federal government’s domestic debt is owed to contractors.

Of the N753,633,667,464 capital releases from the 2016 budget so far, N209,246,760,165 has gone to the Ministry of Works, Power and Housing.

Nigeria through significant investments from government and development partners.

Also, the supply and distribution of anti-malaria products has increased nationwide, he said.

According to Prof Adewole, over 100 million long-lasting insecticide treated nets were distributed within the last seven years to protect over 28 million out of the 33 million households in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Dangote lamented the effects of the malaria scourge on the nation and her economy.

He said that Nigeria’s transition from malaria control to elimination would provide a compelling opportunity for Nigeria to reflect on its aspirations, take stock on the progress, and inspire bold, innovative approaches with complementary public private partnerships to disrupt poor malaria outcomes.

Dangote noted that the private sector could play an important role in mobilising domestic resources, capabilities, innovation and advocacy platforms to catalyse progress in achieving Nigeria’s malaria pre-elimination agenda.

To lead by example for private sector active participation in achieving the task of eradicating malaria from Nigeria, Dangote, who is the

National Malaria Ambassador, said he was committed to using his conglomerate, the Dangote Group of companies, as an example of what companies in Nigeria should be doing.

He disclosed that henceforth there would be “malaria education for my staff at all of our business locations, distribution of prevention tools and supplies to our workers in the factories and in the fields”.

Dangote said he cofounded the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PHN), which is focused on mobilising the private sector across one coordinated platform to leverage private sector capabilities, advocacy, innovation and resources, and to complement government efforts in advancing health outcomes.

Other prominent people he had brought on board, according to him, include Microsoft founder, Mr. Bill Gates, and other prominent business leaders in Nigeria comprising Mr. Jim Ovia (co-chair), Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede (Co-founder, Access Bank Plc), Mr. Herbert Wigwe (CEO, Access Bank Plc), Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate (cochair), Mrs. Sola David Borha and other companies that had joined him in support of PHN. Dangote called on more private sector leaders and

companies to join the “Malaria to Zero” campaign and pool resources that would have an impact on a scale that is greater than the underlying corporate initiatives against malaria.

Dangote promised that he would continue to use his voice to bring attention to the fight against malaria, disclosing that he had recently accepted an invitation from Bill Gates and Ray Chambers to join them on the End Malaria Council.

DOMESTIC DEBT: FG TO ISSUE PROMISSORY NOTES TO CONTRACTORS IN 2017 THISDAY gathered from a top official in the Ministry of Finance that given the level of the federal government’s indebtedness to local contractors, a move towards issuing promissory notes to them next year was in the offing.

This, he added, would be included in the 2017 budget.

According to the source, despite the funds released to contractors so far, the required impact was not being felt vis-à-vis the resumption of

construction at various states of the federation.

The source pointed out that when the first capital release was made to the contractors from the 2016 budget, “it was swallowed by the banks due to the piled up debts”.

The source added that it was the release of the second tranche to contractors that inspired some confidence in them that the government was serious about defraying its huge debts to them.

The finance ministry official

disclosed that with the $600 million budget support loan just released by the African Development Bank (AfDB), more money would by paid to local contractors, which he added would begin to impact on the economy as it trickles down.

“But going forward, in the 2017 budget, we are introducing promissory notes similar to Sovereign Debt Notes,” the source said.

Underscoring the need for the introduction of promissory

DANGOTE CALLS FOR IMPROVED FUNDING TO FIGHT MALARIA All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) held at the weekend in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The awards ceremony is the initiative of CNBC Africa and ABN to recognise and reward outstanding African companies for their performance in 2015.

According to a statement from the organisers of the awards, a total of Africa’s nine best business leaders were celebrated at the 2016 AABLA at the exclusive all Africa finale, held in Johannesburg and attended by prominent leaders of businesses drawn from across the continent, ambassadors and the Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura.

At the West African regional stage of the awards held in Lagos on October 20, Dangote Foundation emerged winner of the Philanthropy of the Year award, setting the stage for its emergence as overall winner of the African Philanthropy of the Year award.

Receiving the award, the Chief Executive of Dangote Foundation, Ms. Zouera Youssoufou, thanked the organisers for the honour accorded the Foundation and Dangote Group.

Represented by the Chief Executive of Sephaku Cement, South Africa, Pieter Fourie, she said the belief of the Chairman, Dangote

Foundation recognising that “to whom much is given, much is required”, led him to set up his Foundation back in 1993.

She explained that the Foundation in the last two years had grown and was restructured to have a greater impact, adding that the $1.25 billion endowment by Alhaji Dangote has made it the largest private philanthropy in Africa.

Youssoufou stated that the Dangote Foundation is focused on improving the livelihoods of the most vulnerable Nigerians and Africans, focusing on health, education and the economic empowerment of women.

According to her, the Foundation was the single largest contributor to the fight against Ebola in Nigeria and with the African Union, is working tirelessly to provide relief for the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Northern Nigeria as a result of the insurgency.

Meanwhile, Dangote Foundation yesterday in Lagos led other stakeholders in launching a private sector Engagement Strategy against Malaria (PSESM).

PSESM, code named “Malaria to Zero” has the task of eliminating malaria by 2020.

The launch of the blue print in Lagos, which was spearheaded by the Dangote

Foundation, saw the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, making a passionate plea to private sector operators to help the government in the efforts at stamping out malaria in Nigeria completely, because the government alone could not succeed without the assistance of corporate firms.

The collaboration with the organised private sector, he stated, had become imperative given that over 30 million insecticide-treated nets used in Nigeria yearly, as well as over 80 per cent of the antimalaria drugs in the country are imported, hence the need to look inwards to ensure that the drugs are manufactured locally.

He said: “We have been engaged in a series of advocacy which has yielded results, but advocacy is not enough, many people would have been bitten before coming under the insecticide treated-nets.

“We also need research and we realised that we can’t do it alone. That is why we are engaging the private sector. We need its discipline and efficiency in the local production of the drugs because that can generate employment in the country.”

The minister explained that over the last decade, substantial progress had been made in the control of malaria in

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2016

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

The War Has Just Begun, Boko Haram’s Shekau Tells Trump

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k tchen as prov ded n the Ho y Quran ” add ng that the woman shou d on y be n the “ nner room” wh e the men shou d prov de a the needs of the woman nc ud ng mak ng purchases from the market for the use of the fam y “Is am does not perm t women to go out nd scr m nate y they are to be n the house tak ng care of the ch dren ” he sa d However A yu sa d n a recess on the husband and the w fe shou d support each other for the good of the fam y and the soc ety He was s ent however on f women shou d be a owed to take act ve part n po t cs or make po t ca statements ke those made by Mrs Buhar A yu a so sa d at the occas on that the era of men tak ng many w ves was gone not ng that those that had marr ed more than one w fe and c a med that the scr ptures a owed them to do so were gnorant of the tenets

“What the Book says s that f you can be fa thfu and fa r to two w ves you are a owed to take more than one w fe I don t see how a man can be fa thfu and fa r to more than one w fe “We cannot afford to cont nue w th th s type of fe un ess we want to cont nue ke our grandfathers as marr age s not compu sory P an your ves so that you don t get frustrated a ong the ne ” he sa d The V ce-Chance or of the Federa Un vers ty of Techno ogy M nna Professor Musbau Adeyem who was represented by the Deputy V ce-Chance or Adm n strat on Professor Mohammed Sad ku observed that the econom c s tuat on n the country had caught up w th many un vers t es Accord ng to h m wh e some un vers t es were strugg ng to pay workers sa ar es others had s ashed the sa ar es of the r staff by over 40 per cent wh e some had not been ab e to pay at a for upwards of four months

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Executive A former Sultan and Lindi Bhembe of of the Year Award Chairman of Bua Group, Dasuki, has died Sokoto, Ibrahim Abubakar Mr. Abdulsamad and founder, The New Chapter at the AABLA at Grand Finale awards Rabiu Bookstore The former Sultan the age of 93. popular Siddique and he was ceremony, held(right), when Rabiu was presented , South Africa, Prof. among the populace died yesterday in Kaduna and John Grainger in Johannesburg, Sokoto. in South Africa… with the 2016 All Africa Industrialis today by 2p.m. would be buried recently But Dasuki was t according to Muslim close to the rites. Cause of administrat his known. Dasuki death is not yet Babangida ion of General Ibrahim is and on December former National the father of the 1988, he 6, James was announced Emejo in Abuja (NSA), Colonel Security Adviser Sultan Sambo Dasuki to the dismay as the new pace of growth (rtd).

He was the 18th of in October, Sultan of Sokoto. Sokoto. He was however, some in The Consumer He was deposed cent in October Price Index (CPI) growing at 5.7 per deposed which cent and from 16.4 per in 1996 during in 1996 by the late Head measures inflation 9.4 per cent the military governmen in September. cent cent year of State, to General Sani increased year-on-y 18.3 on year.

Abacha. respectively. per cent year-on-ye t of Sani ear Abacha.

The NBS added: The announcem The groups with ar in October, compared “Significant However, least growth Prior to becoming price movement five days of rioting ent led to cent under the core pace recorded in October in the previous to 17.9 per the highest it stated that sub-index Sultan, he in which 10 held the traditional people died. month, were price communic was National the increases also title He was considered ation of Baraden recorded for were seen Bureau of Statistics Sokoto. a modernist against restaurants and (5.7 per cent), (NBS) electricity, in Housing, water, clothing and footwear, the wishes of stated yesterday. hotels (9.4 per which cent) Dasuki was recorded as increase gas and other some who and recreation It attributed fuels as well as, of 17.8 per from the Buhari the first Sultan candidate, wanted the traditionalist the 0.48 per and culture (10.3per cent).” increase to increases cent personalfuels and lubricants for Maccido. of Dan Fodio line of the house transport equipmen Abdulsa in food and As Sultan, Dasuki and he was a other major and education mad Rabiu Wins tried t close himself associate of .

Ahmadu Bello, to the Sokoto to endear determine the divisions which 2016 All Africa The “all Items friend of Abubakar populace.

Headline index. a He built 10 Quaranic less farm Industrialist of The food Index Gumi and produce’’ or was influential TheYear in South core sub-index in the founding in 1990 and established schools cent (year-on-y rose by 17.1 per which , The Executive of Jama’atu Nasril Africa excludes the an adult up ear) in October, literacy class.

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Group, Abdulsam cent from 16.6 volatile agricultural Channels The winning produce increased by ad Rabiu, Siddique, the 17th of Abubakar that Dasuki Television reported per cent recorded in September triumphed at business leaders 18.1 per cent at the weekend The NBS, in . the won the on November Sultan of Sokoto the Muslim also tried to unite All its CPI figures during the month, after an 11-monthAll Africa Finale 1, 1988, Dasuki 0.4 per the Africa Industrialist cent points from long journey in among the leading was reorganisat ummah through the for October noted that all of Year Africa’s 17.7 per Award at the major recorded food groups ion of Jama’atu become the new contenders to Islam 2016 which leading business award, in Septembe cent All Africa Business and the Nigerian Nasril to the food which contribute key Sultan. r as all Award Leaders leadersrecognised Africa’s bold sub-index increased divisions which Some of his opponents Supreme Council of Islamic grand finale with fruits contributes and change-m to the index included Affairs held Shehu Malami recording akers He gave impetus (NSCIA). slowest increased, the Johannesburg, South Africa. in of business in and future Sultan, pace of increase the statistical agency East, West and Muhammadu to the 11.5 Recall that Rabiu appointment Maccido. added. at per cent. of Lateef Adegbite, had recently Southern Africa.

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The eader of the had st group Boko Haram has reacted to the e ect on of Dona d Trump to the Wh te House w th a warn ng that “the war has ust begun” aga nst the West “Do not be overwhe med by peop e ke Dona d Trump and the g oba coa t on f ght ng our brethren n Iraq Syr a Afghan stan and everywhere ” Abubakar Shekau sa d n an aud o message posted on YouTube ate Sunday reported AFP yesterday “We rema n steadfast on our fa th and we w not stop ” he sa d n

sdaylive.com,

Police Command that eight members has confirmed hundreds of people of Shiites have A day after Kaduna been killed in combined operation injured after a commemo the state during Mallam Nasir State Governor clash between rations of Ashura of the the el-Rufai, set the sect members Army members of the Nigerian week. next trek is a public apology up and the Department a religious duty of State Services police. billboard in incumbent The letter followed Samaru Kataf, on all (DSS) and the The state Commissio policemen credible of supporters of the household the government. been reportedly 31 people have Police, ner of processionopened fire on a peaceful reports that the military the Some have Mr. Rabiu killed in Chawai planed sign Prophet Mohammed as to sabotage making its way Chiedom, Kamaru taken their a hatred beyond of solidarity.

Shiite members Yusuf, said the annual to they are Arbaeen processions (as 40th day who were armed bounds, which Local Governmen Ward in Kauru with bows known) in a continuatio According to him, of Martyred of commemorations of its persecution t “The Arbaeen culminated in the detonating n This came as the Area of the state. with metals,and arrows, catapults the of bombs of the IMN which is not quite new in this country Prophet MuhammaGrand Son of organises Kano State Police cutlasses Command yesterday it is not a creation and last year along the Kano route the events. dangerous weapons, and other Tear gas canistersd (SAWA). killing 23 trekkers.” of IMN. Meanwhile, the that eight members confirmed police attacked a were also Mansur Shiite group has the symbolic trek has beenRather team, fired killing of at the Islamic the procession alleged that security Movement done soldiers alleged further that throughout history critically injuring one police and and police by soldiers of forces were planning another. on the popularly knownNigeria (IMN) wide in various and also world weaponswere scheming to plant Yusuf told journalists members of the supervision of embarking to attack its members ways.” as Shiites had in the been killed in yesterday DSS who blocked He disclosed on the symbolic that “At about thereafter claim luggage and the state during the that Arbaeen be road along 08.00hrs, thousands trekking. this would clash between the of Shiite the fifth time the bags are for that claim that the in Kano State, Kwanar Dawaki members of IMN. At a press and the police. sect members motorists members obstructed seeking to stop trekking to Zaria,faithful would be He maintained procession the conference and other that throughout of the IMN, the headquarters the nearly The governor on the Kano -Kaduna road users destination from proceeding to its yesterday in Kaduna, adding had while four coordinator the Nigerians that some .

Expressway unveiling the between of existence of the decades of the

The attacks come Mansur, claimed the trek, Nasir be able even travel to Iraq to IMN, it has never billboard in Samarupublic apology TamburawKwanar Dawaki and stockpile, carried to participate that there were Kataf of Zangon a village in Dawakin last week by the despite a letter reports in the trek or Kataf Local Governmen from Najaf to indicating that Islamic Human Kudu Local He reiterated used weapons.

Rights Karbala. soldiers Government Saturday, promised t Area last of the He said: “In previous Area PresidentCommission (IHRC) to had mounted check points immediate and the call for the state. that the state at the faced outskirts of Potiskum, Muhammadu unconditional government varying degrees years, we release of “The Shiite Buhari would prosecute demanding Yobe State the IMN of reactions people who from governmen innocent citizens, also attacked to ensure that he should act and detained a trailer carrying called on locals t and some people. Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky,leader, personal belongings the the protection defend their communiti to and personal damaged police who has been of those going The increasing participatio properties thereby taking part in the annual of those to Kano to kick es. n by his arrest in detention since The communiti causing start the trekking. millions of people in the 40th day following the He explained trek attacked on Sunday es allegedly general mayhem which led to clash that the Arbaeen the years seem to attract over between the Nigerian severe Fulani herdsmen, by suspected peace disturbances of public opposition from in the state.” some people and and his followers in Army were said to have included Zaria in December 2015.

He also pointed Ungwan Rimi, out that an AK Kitakum, Ungwan 47 riffle was Kigam in Kauru. Magaji and 10 members later recovered and of the sect had About 45 houses been arrested. have been burnt. were said to The police commission Residents, in er stated that eight the leadership conjunction with confirmedof the sect members were dead by the Kaduna Peoples of the Southern on call, doctors and the police Union (SOKAPU) were said to have boss compiled a list personally on the ground was of the houses at the scene of the incident. that were destroyed and while the According death toll was at 31. put been restored to him, normalcy had and urged the An official of SOKAPU told of the state to report any people THISDAY in a phone interview person or groups to suspicious that he was yet the nearest police station. to attack, but promisedget details of the THISDAY in Kano learnt that the would be issued that a statement officer killed was a facts are made as soon as the It was learnt that police sergeant. available. members of the The spokesman sect had police command, of the state from Kanocancelled their trekking to Zaria over the Deputy Superintenliyu Usman, a that occurred incident dent of Police in Kano.

(DSP), could Reacting to not be reached the incident, comment on the the attack as to spokesman of the IMN, phone was switched his Musa, in a statement made Ibrahim off.

Meanwhile, the Kano State to journalists, revealed: available “There are reports of at least 50 fatalities and

nmostcountr es pub c brar esarea ser ouscomponentoftheeducat on curr cu arbasedontherecogn t on thatw thoutsuchresources t s pract ca y mposs b eto mproveon teracyPage 15 A

Shekau

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10 sect memb ers arrested

Abu a a C y Ex ud ng

T H I S D AY

• TUESDAY, NOVEMBER

15 2016

BUSINESSW NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

R A T E S 22.4167 17.5789

Poo

A S

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

ORLD

A T

19.4165 22.1505

NITTY

1-MONTH 2-MONTH 3-MONTH

21 Group Busines Email: chika.a s Editor ChikaAmanzeNwachu manzenwachuk wu@thisdayliv ku e.com 08033294157, 08057161321

N O V E M B E R 1 1 , 14.8670 15. 1635 16.1521

6-MONTH 9-MONTH 12-MONTH

2 0 1 6

EXCHANGE RATE N304.75US DOLLAR AS AT LAST FRIDAY

19.6338 21.3478 22.4766

Quick Takes

Shell Wins

Shell Compani SERAs Award s es in Nigeria 10th edition of The Sustainab took home two trophies Awards (SERAs)ility, at Corporate Enterprise and Responsib the in Lagos at Social Responsi ility the bility Awards Shell Nigeria’s weekend. novation Awardkinetic pitch won category, beating in the SERAs 2016 while the InAfam seven other Best Company VI Power Plant nominees, won competitors. in Climate Action Award Shell Nigeria the on the SERAsThe awards follow similar against five other platforms recognitio since Shell Nigeria ns under Exploration they were instituted (SNEPCo) in 2006. and Productio General Manager Okon led Shell , Deepwater n Company’s Nigeria’s Relations, team of General Production, Effy Igo Manager, Sola Weli; External Relations Manager, External Abulu; Head, Commun and Social Business Relations ications Performance receive the , Alan Udi; Discipline Adviser, awards.

Hope Nuka Country Chair, to Shell Compani Director of es in Nigeria L-R: Head Investme The Shell Petroleum and of Nigeria nts, PAL Pensions, IFC, Ms. Eme Development Managing Ltd (SPDC) Ms. Abimbola Essien , a Private are pleased Osagie Company Investment Managem Sulaiman at the recognitio Okunbor comment Equity towards a ed: “We n of our modest ent, Ms. JoanneInvestment Professional,; Managing Director, Progress better life Mrs. Ijeoma Yoo at the Private contributions for DNA of the Trust Shell business our people. CSR is Equity Women Agboti-Obatoyinbo CPFA, Mrs. Titi Lawani; our partnersh part of the and we are and Co-chair Country Head, Investor network PEWIN Africa Launch and roundtab to ensure our ip with NGOs, governm striving to improve and MD, CBO ent people and commun le in Lagos … participate programmes ities recently more in the and own them execution of the latest SERAs for laurels as a greater sustainability.

We see call to continue on this path.”

IMF Approves Egypt’s $12bn Egypt won Kuni Tyessi, International Loan in Abuja weekend for Monetary at reviving a three-year, $12 billion Fund approval at the ECONO MY The Minister a struggling bailout program economy, bringing and controllin of Agricultu it has been impossible aimed and Rural Developm re rate cannot The IMF said g inflation while seeking down public debt to change it. The ent, Chief be Audu Ogbeh He said the to protect the inflation rate, lower than the been argument has always disbursed an its executive board’s renewed commitpoor. the developm interest rate the lending has condemned was approval immedia ent rate currently cannot be ment of the federal governme not good for central bank. initial loan tranche of tely ing charged the economy. lower than inflation to importati $2.75 billion nt His by banks in benext three yearsThe remainder will rate and on to Egypt’s country, pointing be started yielding of food had the tough words: “Nigeria is a yet we expect this The injection subject to five reviews phased in over the economy to grow. result with the developm out that with businessenvironment to of new funds on do dreams We have imaginary the country seeing ent, it would Egypt’s foreign in. One of increased the required reforms. difficult for businesses gradual of growth because reduction in be that I Central Bank said in Cairo. reserves to $23.3 have always the issues has been food import what to survive of in Nigeria. billion, growing complain bills.

Ogbe added: about is the state television is poverty.” ed IMF Managin He said his ministry outrageous “We have always been Ogbeh made Egypt bailout g Director Christine importing all as part of the remark rate, which banks chargeinterest efforts to make in Abuja at of things and Lagarde types funding available today. for “For the last the 2016 annual the IMF will as a “homegrown economic described the we farmers have conference of 30 making years, it has been support “to has become the world to the economy address longstandprogram” that rate on loans pegged interest Professional the Business and small nearly impossible “But since the very happy. given by the ing challenge for Women (BPW) “These include .” and dollar Bank up.

Nigeria with s of to survive. medium businesses of Agriculture at seven I have received has dried the theme: ‘Leaders an overvalue a balance-of-paymen per cent.

The interest He delegation Growing Leaders’. urged ts from d problem manifeste rate has and the professio as been hovering large budget exchange rate and foreign nal ministers far as Iceland. Prime business women d in around 18 Ogbeh said exchange cent have per low growth deficits that led to been argumentswhile there had to to 22 per cent and now agriculture, addingto embrace to my office arrived and come rising public shortages, with high unemplo 30 per cent. authorities that the to complain that the lending debt ministry would and yment,” recognize that Nigeria has that Lagarde said. make “But for some policy package resolute impleme “The strange reasons, available to them in rice mills their goods.” stopped buying is essential any location of their choice. to restore investorntation of the confidence.”

US Driller Continued US oil drillers s Add Oil Rigs on page 22 increased rigs in the last this week 24, for a 21th add rigs madeas energy firms follow week through on over the key months ago when plans to Ejiofor Alike crude $50 a barrel to more drilling. level analysts was still trading said should Drillers added ENERG Y lead A former two oil rigs Chief Electrical bringing the escalate as additions in the week Engineer of there to Novemb are made but still belowtotal count up to 452, er 11, Corporation the Electricity startedhas been a tendency that to it. the most since Nigeria’s power the 574 rigs of firm Baker since the early February, seen “You have asked sector a Mr. Clement Nigeria (ECN), of year Hughes Inc hordes of technical has days NEPA Onyemelukwe me said on Friday.ago, energy services Since crude deficiencies, identified what has standard to copy technical think about power in what I which must drillers have topped $50 a barrel in Nigeria. he described My answer s and practices hordes of technical sector is to be solved if the May, June and as is simple. that electricity two years added 136 oil rigs, its survive. deficiencies do not suit a poor developin The as the bane since prices biggest recoveryOctober, “I have economy like of Nigeria’s g technical in Nigeria needs collapsed due The Baker come across Nigeria. power sector.

Hughes oil write-ups leadership. to a global in over According to 1,609 in October rig count plunged oil glut. him, the result ity in Nigeria needsElectric- to suggest that have tended The former 2014 to is that from U.S. crude was recruited ECN boss, who put with all the colossal sums but that is in second funds problems that the power collapsed froma six-year low of 316 a record into in 1962 from in to near $26 or in Central Electricity the 20 years, power over the past place. If your machine third because enoughNigeria were in February over $107 a barrel in May as 2016.

June 2014 working, the is not not the power position Generatio funds were Board of UK made first need is in where he was n Nigeria has in to expansio available for power Deputy Head some respects diagnose it technicall the worsened n and y to find what is wrong .

THISDAY fromof Planning, told at critical times.reinforcement with it Onyemelukwe his United States base at the who chose committing funds to before basically incorrect,This claim is the current weekend that it. power The ” 330kv technical problems sector the Onyemelukwe he added. structure not working. in Nigeria is pattern of power in for Nigeria’s electricity said Nigeria started It needs technical supply diagnosis industry, of the technical the National Electricshortly after the present also planned “Durin the without . Seeking for funds velopment of the sector dePower 400KV g our Author- Kingdom ity (NEPA) of the United sorting out become increasing had was so far, we visits technical leadership . ly expensive 1976. He arguedinaugurated in to meet the and diagnosis seen Accordin needs of a privatisedhave will but requires funds that electricity technical g to him, the basic only aggravate the poor growing economy companies situation but added where private deficiencies that are well-ru funding is .

According in the investment, in second or that 330/132KV that to him, changes n, some developed after local or international, place. third the made in Nigeria’s average, inauguration 330/132 of NEPA have it increasingly difficult will find deviated some Onyemelukwe are badlywhile substantially KV to invest in the Nigerian revealed that28never been diagnosed run” the original from , stressing that they have modes that he explained power sector,” intended continued were .

Chairman of to for a developin Onyemelukwe Senate g stated that Committee on

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE

Ogbe: Banks’ Outrageous Killing Busines Lending Rat e ses

Onyemeluk we: Hordes of Tech Nigeria’s Power Sector Has nical Deficie ncies

Ma e a sMa ke Says a anManu ac u e PROPERTY & ENVIRONM N ger anhasamaz ngpotent a asa Nigeria Re ENT ma Market, Say ins Africa’s Biggest Bu s Italian Ma ilding Materi market nAfr caforsan tarywares nufacturer als andf n sh ng nsp teoftheon go ng N recess on an ta anmanufacturer oftheseproductshassa d Mr Ja meQu ntana ExportManager ofCeram casGa aSA an ta an companythatmanufactures san taryproducts Page 28 Continued

on page 22

Senator Ben

Privatisation, Murray Bruce

T H I S D AY

• TUESDA Y, NOVEMB

ER 15, 2016

Nigeria rema ins shutting down Africa’s biggest building Ceramicas Galamost sectors of the econo materials market, in spite my. The nation of the undeniable S.A, an Italian has Manufactur igerian has er of home solutiamazing potential, says fact that recession is amazing potential a market in as Mr. Jaime Quin Africa for sanitary ons. Bennett wares and finishing, in tana of Oghifo repor of the on-going spite recession, ts Italian

INTERNATIONAL ObamaU gesAme ans oG veT umpaChan e

an manufactu rer of these products Mr. Jaime Quintana, has said.

Ceramicas Export Manager Gala manufactures S.A, an Italian company of sanitary products, that recently at the development maiden edition of stated this profession training for al profession Architects als and other construction in the nation’s building and Builders’ Mart,industry, organised

by QMB a building Other manufact solutions were facilitator urers’ representa provider. tives, s at the two-day who sion, were Fabrizio Morganti training sesTreesse; Kina Yang, Product ni of Gruppo Group Overseas Manager, Fotile representative, Division; Sylvia Chang, Sales and Mr. Tiger Fotile Group Overseas Sun, the Company Division; ’s Director.

Market outlook.. .

The Nigerian finishing is market for sanitary wares and the Export vibrant in all its segments Manager of , said Mr. Jaime Ceramicas Quintana.

Gala S.A, “The Nigerian market has I am sure amazing it in Africa, is going to be the leadingpotential; absolutely market , and coming to do the export first of all, we are awareness and we want to create the brand market in to grow with Nigeria.” the Gala, he said has a good in Northern distribution Africa- Morocco, network and that before the problemTunisia, Algeria, L-R; had a very Chairman/ in Libya, good market CEO, QMB they Biobaku; sub-Sahar Builders Mart and that an Ltd. Mr. Ayobami in the building and Export Manager, market. The market, Nigeria was Ceramicas Biobaku; Gruppo industry by the main Gala S.A, South Africa,company also has QMB Builders’ Treesse, Fabrizio presence in Mart in Lagos... Mr. Jaime Quintana, at Tanzania, Morgantini business in the maiden Kenya, with recently to the manufact free continuous ; Managing Director, Benin Republic, small urers and that the African QMB Builders profession what was Congo, adding they get to al training Mart Ltd. Mrs. available elsewhere know enables for the coming continent was the for profession Adetoro specification main als in the nation’s . “It aids target our is new us to know what He said Gala years. we need someof products and, in is available, and how of these componen our design for some years has been working we can incorpora what between have been into our designs, ts, which we told, are on Anthony every segment now and that they in Nigeria te them advise all and as soon try to satisfy Bank and KFC, and Oworosoki of architects, their websites. I will what is available the beside market in with their we can informas we know building profession and even because many partner, QMB collaboration It is designedand boast ample parking Zenith homeown our clients takes care clients als ers this kind of distributi Builders’ Mart, which urban, medium as a premium outlet space. of programm as well, to key into differences between don’t even aware on.

He said it and high-end for the e.”

Mefioye He said besides manufacturers.” of the mainland was important where the customer customers on that only quality workshop said what they learnt for them to saving costs, also a need “are ensure products were can source the to know the there was item required to make at the the country, we are required not new to us; every brought into and efficient. difference saying that a building every year, commercial and domestic business. by our between functional was the core Products which continuou “It is not doors, products. “At s profession association to have when you go to some of their easy with the times Jacuzzi,light fittings, ceiling, include granite, kind of programm al education airports, hotels highest quality to find companie or you restaurants , but this paints, marble, spar, amongst Gala is controllin s e broadens but in this or because they notice that the WCs our knowledg g 100 case, don’t last, items to clients in the other are available use domestic inspecting e, all brands them one per cent of the pieces, vicinity types. It “Our methodol of by one before Our products ogy carries ovens, amongequipment; washingcuts across along from delivery. the customers offer productsare of the highest standards machine, product and domestic others that have . We commercial and a minimum of guide, after sales service middle segmentfrom the economic types. This enlightens two years warranty kind of programm segment, and the highest us is the standard for all our we try to e maintenance the specifiers. This fulfill segment and saves costs, locally made products merchandise. We stock He said they of every market.” the short termtime; it may be expensive and sanitary, of excellent products with guarantee the long-life quality tiles solid wood, in cabinet be beneficial but on the long run doors, and of the in well-seaso if you bought they are sure five years warrantee it would equipmen ned, well-finis kitchen uncommo the right type of what because t.” they have hed and of wooden n designs. We also On the health been workingthey offer and that stock doors and years in Nigeria benefits on said some fittings, includingexquisite with QMB this for many of them were of these products, he doors with wood their partner security Builders’ finishing,” resistant organisms Mr. Ayobami made with Mart, said the CEO, of distributi in the market that bacteria Biobaku. , giving example WCs that their on. takes care He said, “We with some Good quality, only stock was infused manufacturing material, us he said was with bacteria the sanitary silicate, andpeace of mind; products products that give very important micro-organisms. resistant/anti-biotic even beyond that in were many ware business, saying for the users”,last a lifetime they have made the company offers. The products that there adding that QMB Builders` affair, displayingthe kitchen section offered by are mainly that fulfill bathroom Seminars… plates, cutleries, a lifestyle With the institution all and various equipment are able to the needs of the bathroom glass cups, of the training profession pliances, and types of wine, spirits, als in the programm products in produce, commercialise . “We decorative home ape, It is actually nation`s building constructio a bathroom items, among all the, n industry , starting f designed others.” and now have an to share informatio as a one stop opportunity for home owners to shop technical partnersn with QMB Builders` equip dining Mart`s delivery,area. The service their kitchen and and manufact The training we offer is urers. and is installatio for sales, all stakehold built environme n for all equipmen ers in the to the specification nt, including Architects, t QMB Builders` of the user. upwardly Mechanical mobile and Mart Limited Developers, Builders and Electrical consultants, leading building materials is Nigeria`s interact one Contractor “one-stop s who will for Do-it-yourself” shop collaboratorson one with QMB`S (DIY), Buy international Developers, Builders, from across it highlight trending sionals Europe ConstructionYourself cost- effective and Asia to in the and Home Improvem Profesthe industry. innovation Nigerian ent customer The operationa include corporate s Biobaku said, Property Market. l services of s in QMB fathers “The dream @qmbmart.com marketing, retail and at showroom sales online credibleis to, through multiple of its founding Lekki-Epe outlets, provide s located on expressway and sustainabl and Gbagada on environments, e alternative on the Lagos the Lagos island conducive quality products The Gbagada oriented services mainland and customer to the building facility on three branch is a purpose . market in Nigeria. floors and is materials –built you located at Gbagada all to choose We conclude by QMB – because writing Quality Makes at QMB, Life Better.”

Pres dentBarackObamahasurged Amer canstog vePres dent e ect Dona dTrump achancetoget ad ustedtotherespons b t esof thepres dencyBut nh sf rstnews conferences nce astweeksstunn ng e ect onresu ts Obamawarnedthat someofTrumpsexpectat onsw soonbeshakenupbythegrav tyof the ob Page 35

TUESDAY OCTOMB

ER 15, 2016 •T

INTERNATIO NAL Obama Urges Americans to Gi ve Trump Chance H I S D AY

35

email:foreigndesk

@thisdaylive.com

a

President Barack urged AmericansObama has felt anxious after to give the President-elect, Donald Trump, rhetoric of the campaign,explosive believe he will a chance to be succeeded including Trump, women and get by prescriptio minorities. whose volatile responsibilities adjusted to the ns than “I don’t think character presidents might a lot of other been he is ideological, and taboo-busting rhetoric But in his first of the presidency. I think vigorously criticized be since last week’snews conference in that ultimately he is pragmatic hardly strike a more overt could Do I have concerns?arriving with. leading as a The contrast of member of the American results, Obama stunning election him way and that can serve to the current president. course I’ve got Absolutely, nationalist alt-right well as long warned that some over the course people will judge concerns. He movement.

Obama said as he has got of Trump’s expectation of the next couple he told Trump and I differ on a whole good people Obama that his of years whether around him s will soon bunch appropriat said it would not of issues,” Obama be shaken up they like what and he tapping election achievement has a good be they by the gravity e for him to sense of direction,” see,” Obama into the enthusiasm in Obama dodged added. the job. weigh of Obama an opportunity on all of Trump’s appointme in of his to comment voters was impressive said.

He added: “Thissaid.

Obama said because nts office has a on Obama . “I think he is coming appeared of firebrand the appointment to his it would be incompatible way of waking you after meeting he was certain reporters to this office before fewer polemicist Stephen up. Those desire to provide Trump last week aspects of his with Bannon before leaving set hard and that his successor a smooth positions or as Trump’s senior transition of power United fast policy the predisposit his White sor.

House policy political foe was and longtime foreignStates on the last scheduled “I think it is to his succes- up with ions that don’t match adviser, who reality, he will important for has us to being president “sincere” about Greece, trip of his presidency, to find let him make Germany and his decisions. up pretty quick because shaken but also called for all Americans takes Peru. It place reality has a way of elect to reach on the President- subordinatwith many of Obama’s asserting itself.” out to people who the nation es and liberals across still barely able to

Aftershocks Rattle New Zeala nd after Quake Kills Two

A strong new a magnitude earthquake with New of Zealand’s Civil Zealand’s South 6.2 rattled New declared Defence hours after a moreIsland yesterday, for the a state of emergency Kaikoura region killed at least two powerful quake after soon Monday’s large people, damaged roads and buildings A tsunami warningaftershock. and sent thousands fleeing that led to to higher ground. mass evacuations after Emergency response quake was downgrade the original teams were already flying swells hit Wellington, d after large by helicopter to the region at the epicenter in the North of the original Island, and Christchurch.

7.8 magnitude There were no quake, just after midnight which struck issued new tsunami warnings after some the 91 6.2 km miles) northeast aftershock.

(57 New the South Island,of Christchurch in cally Zealand lies in the seismiactive “Ring of amid reports injuries and collapsed Fire”, a 40,000 of km arc of volcanoes buildings. and oceanic New Zealand’s trenches was a virtual capital Wellington Pacific that partly encircles the ghost town Ocean. Around workers ordered with of the 90 percent world’s earthquake while the local to stay away within s occur this region. council assessed the risk to buildings.

Stock exchange Severe weather with 140 kph Ltd said mark operator NZX gale-force winds ets were forecast for the was area, which could although many officestrading, cause more damage, in such as from capital were closed. The the U.S. colleges recruiting glass loosened NZX said its Wellington international students by The new tremor,the tremors. working remotely. staff were from Middle East, recorded at about a 6.2 quake South Asia and A flurry of Latin America 1.45 p.m. local listed property time, was the to boost budgets companies, including most powerful from tuition fee hundreds of of Investore Property aftershocks in South Pacific the issued and Argosy Property, country. It rattled notices to the frayed nerves NZX saying President-elect, Donald they were examining Trump, to has appointed memories of in an area where for any have my buildings Reince Priebus, a deadly 2011 a continue very successful team quake showeddamage. Initial inspections Washington insider who are still fresh. rival’s with me in heads the limited impact.

Republican National leading Bill husband, former President Christchurch, Committee, as our country,” Trump said Key was meeting Clinton. appointing a the largest city White House statement. “Steve in a on New Zealand’s special prosecutor chief of staff, signaling national emergency officials Trump, who and Reince ruggedly will succeed to investigate Clinton. are highly beautiful South on Monday a willingness to work with Democratic and postponed Trump, in an interview President Barack a trip to Argentina, to advance his agenda Congress who worked qualified leaders Obama recovering from Island, is still where that aired well together when he our on Sunday, backed on Jan. 20, which measuredthe 2011 quake, series he had planned to hold a takes office in January. on contemplat has campaign been and led us promise to build away from his ing the candidates But while giving historic to a and killed 185 6.3 magnitude of theof trade meetings ahead a wall on the people.

Asia-Pacific post to the low-key the influential them victory. Now I will have top jobs in the White House for U.S.-Mexican border, Powerlines and Economic both with me Cooperatio Priebus, in the White in various Cabinet positions and areas could instead saying some cations are down, telecommuni- summit n (APEC) leaders’ handed another senior WhiteTrump House.”

Tuesday’s victory. since House in Peru job to rabble-rous Trump, whose be “fencing.” revealed sizeable and daylight Before joining ing conservativ Priebus’ appointme “The situation this week.

Mexico to pay pledge to force Trump’s team, cracks in roads e Bannon spearheaded is still unfolding media figure Stephen and damage nt for and we Bannon, his Breitbart’s shift anger some hardline could was a centerpiece a border wall into a forum after the originalto infrastructure extent don’t yet know the full campaign chairman who Trump supporters of his for of the House, helped “alt-right,” a who were counting said in “certain White loose online confederati midnight shook quake just after St. John the damage,” Key said. engineer his surprise on Trump to victory on keep his campaign would accept fencing areas” he on of neoNazis, from their beds.New Zealanders sending Ambulance said it was Tuesday over Democrat instead of brick-and-mortar Hillary Semitics.white supremacists and anti- promise to “drain the Clinton. helicopters “It was the swamp” his wall, according a carrying Bannon’s hiringby of business-as medical and most interview with to Priebus is a -usual Washingto significant rescue personnel Trump’s insiders. shock I can the CBS program friend of U.S. campaign this year signaled to Kaikoura, n “60 Minutes.” remember in House of Representa where at least lington,” Prime WelPriebus tives Speaker businessman’s dedication the Minister John of those killed was found one Paul Ryan, who “But certain areas, Key told reporters to political is a longtime Wisconsin distanced himself operating outside the a wall is more collapsed house. in a from operative appropriate at a dawn norms of Trump during news conference with marshaling who was credited it’s called . I’m very good at this, 46 were pulled aliveTwo other people but embodies the campaign Washington. from the parliaparty resources ment’s undergrou Under Bannon’s the Republican building, disasterfrom the same establishm for be some construction, there could leadership, the Trump’s White House fencing,” he Breitbart site officials said. the capital city. nd bunker in The ent in Washingto bid. The Republican National said.

South “There will In the “60 Minutes” n conspiracy presented a number of quite major Committee be destinationIsland town, a popular and will play a critical stepped in and theories about interview, costs Trump said role in well shepherdin for whale Clinton as ran most and infrastruct around roads was Americans alarmed as Republican completely cut watching, Congress. g Trump’s agenda in ure.” s deemed to be party’s get-out-the-vote of the by his election lacking in conservativ Both Priebus off.

New Zealand’s had nothing to effort this “Don’t year in the New Zealand fear. beI afraid.

TH media reported are from Wisconsin and Ryan sured Monday’s Geonet mea- one Critics have accusede bona fides. operation absence of such an S D AYWe are going •TUESDA of the pilots first quake But Bannon, former.

Y NOVEMB was harboring anti-Semitic Bannon of While by the Trump campaign. to bring our country magnitude ER 15, 2016 back. But head 7.5, while the at Caw, the recently retiredRichie Mc- right-wing some Geological Survey Breitbart News of the nationalist sentiments. and white from Trump Republicans fled certainly, don’t be afraid,” U.S. New he said.

Zealand’s world captain of has been website, Demonstrat In during put Group a 2007 it filing during at 7.8. All the campaign, court Priebus fiercely The quakes and ors in major U.S. champion divorce proceeding Blacks rugby was unwaverin took toSports Editorcities Trump’s statementcritical of Ryan. Bannon’s buildings as far aftershocks rattled s, backing gEmail in his fifth the streets on Sunday forDuro Ikhazu former wife announcing Kevin Heays, team. a straight day to agbe Zealand capital,away as the New ment of Environ- appointments said Bannon the of making anti-Semiticaccused him estate for the New York protest against real duro.ik hazuag developer.

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11 to the microphone immigrants in Mohamed tactics when are out so we agenda-set Raouraou are apretty the country to illegally “Football is ter for the president, before he instigated the appearance take a bow for his campaign has declared well isolated.” the north African not statement that science.but Trump’s a presidential efforts. Ryan , most of whom are Hispanic. an exact Trump and his mentioned debate of three Who job on Sunday backed advisers women who now reassessin nation was thoughtBannon’s would first. “Ihave already have hedged said they away from g its objective that Cameroun am thrilled sexually on some of his from qualifying abused by his had been campaign promises, major the Trump’s promise during would campaign of Democratic for World lose two points at home Cup 2018 including a “deportatio on immigratio Zambia? We to force” to n n, healthcare need to think emphasis onby now placing about and immigrantsround up and deport at the Africa how to impress correct the near future and in the country Cup of Nations illegally. the gaps in the in Gabon group.

SPORTS Russ a20 8 A ge aSh sFo us oNa onsCup

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RELYING ON TUITION FEES

Trump App oints Chief of Staff

TUESDAYSPO RT

S Russia 2018: Alger ia Shifts Focus to Nations Cup

In Septembe next r next The Fennecs January. aspiration to have four matches year, we reach their to play, and Cup finals fifth FIFA World betterby then we will have a team with much compromisedin Russia was means,” more Raouraoua declared.

Nigeria which by a ruthless But Algerians 3-1 crushed the win should the Super Eagles their next two B fixture on in the Group to attain matches Saturday in the 12-point Uyo. The loss has realistically the trip to Algiers maymark, made topping Group B a out inconsequential as turn daunting Nigeria may have already propositio n for the Algerians secured the coached by ticket to Russia.

George Leekens Accordin are now required as they conducte g to a poll remaining four to win all football d by top Algerian website stand a chance. matches to per cent of those DZFoot, 43 Local Algerian polled the Fennecs have lost said quoted Raouraounews sources reaching a insisting on Russia 2018out on Sunday night they slumped after draws for thein Algiers, at the in Nigeria to a 3-1 loss at FA Cup, that 32nd Algerian However, the weekend.

31 per cent the set-back FAF would forget of the pursuing a against Nigeria by tough fans said it will be but possible of staking a realistic objective because to Nigeria will qualify third Africa bid for Algeria’s the slip in in Gabon. Cup Nations title theirqualifiers after winning first two matches.

The Fennecs Another will play in Group B Algeria are15 per cent said often at their Tunisia and with Senegal, best the tourname Zimbabwe at backswhen they have their nt against that the wall and holds so between January 14 and backthey could still bounce February 5, 2017. to advance “We should to the next World Cup. Cup defeat andforget the World Eleven per cent of those to think about seriously begin polled the Nations Cup have complete in Gabon which surrender ly the Desert Foxes. is a goal for in Africa ed, saying it is only that three World We will have to disregard finalists are drawn Cup Nigeria andthe defeat against qualifying in the same group.

Cup qualifiersthe 2018 World Algeria will host think about whatin Russia and the group’s last Nigeria in the Africa Cup is very close,- fixture World of Nations in in Novembe Cup Gabon. The r 2017 in a Nations Cup match that a very interestin will likely is determin for our national g challenge of the e the sole qualifier group for the team, which world’s biggest football competition. Carl Ikeme certified

to resume training Fidelity Bank Emer in a fortnight ges Champions Injured Ikem of 2016 Nigerian Bankers’ Games e to Resume Training

Injured Carl After weeks resume trainingIkeme will for of exciting the Nigeria sporting action, English Champio with his goalkeepe Fidelity fans first-choice Fidelity by were which is not Bank Plc has r on bad, but he must bizarre match punctuated Wolverhampton nship club Meanwhile, Saturday. winners in theemerged overall Tottenham Hotspur.

Rohr has play at a higher level,” It was indeed officiating. in a fortnight, Wanderers revealed 2016 Nigerian Rohr Bankers’ Games start to the contest a frenetic Nigeria coach according to centre, he hopes Super Eagles said.

Ekong, an internation (NBGs).

William Troost-Ek “He wants In athletics with both al since June 2015, has “He will startGernot Rohr. teams formed a great training with moves to a bigger club ong but it is not to go to Belgium, central games, Fidelity and indoor front looking to get on the Wolverha enough for foot when in Gent of defence partnershi than mpton Wanders Bank bagged 21 medals possession two weeks,” In the p in in improve Belgium so as to we will try to help him him, the Super Eagles disclosed Rohr. so that he could as a full silver and – 10 gold, 3 first second minute of the. with A hip injury 8 bronze. In half, Troost-Ekong international. he could go to a club, where Balogun, who featuresLeon stopped Ikeme keenly contested a into an First Bank stormed from last weekend’s Mainz 05 play has for early lead through in the German football game between World Cup on loan at Norwegia been higher level.” better and at a Bundeslig qualifier against a. defending calmly dispatched penaltya Algeria in Uyo. Haugesund, but will n club champions, The 23-year-ol Late kick.

It is a combo return Fidelity replaceme parent The to who represente d Ekong, goal came after club Gent in and 2015 finalist, Bank Plc First nt Daniel Rohr said Akpeyi from has given January. at “Ekong is changing South African Plc, Team FidelityFirst Bank on Bank forward latcheda club Chippa age-group d Holland of satisfactiohim a great deal levels, was United deputised must play at a high clubs, he recently n. their title, emergingdefended but to a hopeful long ball linked with “We level. was has already He impeded been a move football Fidelity’s have and overall playing in Norway, to England, where in champions he was once central defence. Theya good 18-yard box.Team on the books the second consecuti for goal knocked have The of Fulham and given us a good satisfactio ve year. the Top officials, he remarked n,” including the of our sail as Teamwind out .

Managing Director/Chief struggled to find Fidelity Executive Officer any kind The Sports Writers of Association Bank Plc, Nnamdi of Fidelity afterrhythm to their game of Nigeria (SWAN) the Nigeria the goal. Even Okonkwo leadership and Barbara media’s has described John when the first to play Mikel Obi’s language”.

Human CapitalHarper, Head, side,momentum was on our uncomplimentary their crucial But SWAN role of promotin comments of First BankDevelopment by contentious decisions about his the incident however viewed football g the country’s which would strengthen lack the referee present to cheer Plc, were players. as part of deflated our at Chelsea FC of regulation members our its zeal and with all necessary team’s concentration towards as uncalled for their teams In ’ sacrifice to victory. achieving qualificatio patriotism. move, Fidelitya surprising and should not have Nigeria’s qualificati towards “The collective n and not Bank’s MD view of the Nigerian been, in 2018 Team Fidelity controversy.

World Cup on for the being propagate responsibility defeateed took matters into media’s the Elephant contributions “While we d by SWAN The associatio in Russia. s of First Bank hands by giving his own and to commend the is already playing Plc in a dramatic the players Super n had the country’shis career communi a pep talk. qué issued in a the unprecedented out with GernotEagles and salute coach penalty football end shoot-out as a whole.

Rohr Okonkwo also at the Legacy cooperation of its conventioat the among critical Pitch, National promised to so far, we are for their efforts The Super Eagles reward Ilorin in Septembe n in stakehold however hopeful captain Surulere, Lagos.Stadium in if they the players financially had said comments r urged all towards the cause, which ers that the team’s upturned the resulted to the defence line has would made by Nigerians to see the country’s the team’s coach The final match be strengthe Gernot Rohr qualification for Russia leading their Super Eagles overcome was not adeficit. The second half goal before Saturday’s short of talking ned to World was 2018 group different greater Cup victories 3-1 after points win ball game loud roars as a national as we progress. challenges over Zambia - a Algeria were mistranslat over project. of hundred as celebration of hardwork Algeria in and ed and s of the indomitab SWAN and taken out We still stand respectively.Ndola and Uyo Federal also lauded the le human spirit. Nigerian of context by the resolution by this media, Government, “What we isn’t Mr Rohr’s as “English members and urge all our the expect from National Assembly, the Nigerians or much of to AkwaIbom and comments disregard Mikel’s stakehold critical well State Government, and continue ers as all other stakehold as time are actionsat this point in for thei ers a

SWAN Resolute

in Two Weeks

on Support for Eagle s, Ignores Mikel ’s Snide Comments

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2016 • T H I S D AY

9

NEWS

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

31 Killed in Kaduna by Herdsmen after Communities Sign Peace Accord Police sergeant, eight Shiites killed in Kano 10 sect members arrested

John Shiklam in Kaduna and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano A day after Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, set up a public apology billboard in Samaru Kataf, 31 people have been reportedly killed in Chawai Chiedom, Kamaru Ward in Kauru Local Government Area of the state.

This came as the Kano State Police Command yesterday confirmed that eight members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shiites had been killed in the state during the clash between the sect members and the police.

The governor had while unveiling the public apology billboard in Samaru Kataf of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area last Saturday, promised that the state government would prosecute people who called on locals to defend their communities.

The communities allegedly attacked on Sunday by suspected Fulani herdsmen, were said to have included Ungwan Rimi, Kitakum, Ungwan Magaji and Kigam in Kauru.

About 45 houses were said to have been burnt.

Residents, in conjunction with the leadership of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) were said to have compiled a list of the houses that were destroyed and while the death toll was put at 31.

An official of SOKAPU told THISDAY in a phone interview that he was yet to get details of the attack, but promised that a statement would be issued as soon as the facts are made available.

The spokesman of the state police command, liyu Usman, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), could not be reached to comment on the attack as his phone was switched off.

Meanwhile, the Kano State

Police Command has confirmed that eight members of Shiites have been killed in the state during the clash between the sect members and the police.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Rabiu Yusuf, said the Shiite members who were armed with bows and arrows, catapults with metals, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, attacked a police team, killing one police and critically injuring another.

Yusuf told journalists yesterday that “At about 08.00hrs, thousands of Shiite members obstructed motorists and other road users on the Kano -Kaduna Expressway between Kwanar Dawaki and Tamburawa village in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of the state.

“The Shiite also attacked innocent citizens, damaged police and personal properties thereby causing mayhem which led to general disturbances of public peace in the state.”

He also pointed out that an AK 47 riffle was later recovered and 10 members of the sect had been arrested.

The police commissioner stated that eight of the sect members were confirmed dead by the doctors on call, and the police boss was personally on the ground at the scene of the incident.

According to him, normalcy had been restored and urged the people of the state to report any suspicious person or groups to the nearest police station.

THISDAY in Kano learnt that the officer killed was a police sergeant.

It was learnt that members of the sect had cancelled their trekking from Kano to Zaria over the incident that occurred in Kano.

Reacting to the incident, the spokesman of the IMN, Ibrahim Musa, in a statement made available to journalists, revealed: “There are reports of at least 50 fatalities and

Former Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki Dies at 93 A former Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki, has died at the age of 93.

The former Sultan died yesterday in Kaduna and would be buried today by 2p.m. according to Muslim rites. Cause of his death is not yet known. Dasuki is the father of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

He was the 18th Sultan of Sokoto.

He was deposed in 1996 during the military government of Sani Abacha.

Prior to becoming Sultan, he held the traditional title of Baraden Sokoto.

Dasuki was the first Sultan from the Buhari line of the house of Dan Fodio and he was a close associate of Ahmadu Bello, a friend of Abubakar Gumi and was influential in the founding of Jama’atu Nasril Islam.

After the death of Abubakar Siddique, the 17th Sultan of Sokoto on November 1, 1988, Dasuki was among the leading contenders to become the new Sultan.

Some of his opponents included Shehu Malami and future Sultan, Muhammadu Maccido.

Maccido was the son of

Abubakar Siddique and he was popular among the populace in Sokoto.

But Dasuki was close to the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida and on December 6, 1988, he was announced as the new Sultan to the dismay of some in Sokoto. He was however, deposed in 1996 by the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

The announcement led to five days of rioting in which 10 people died. He was considered a modernist against the wishes of some who wanted the traditionalist candidate, Maccido.

As Sultan, Dasuki tried to endear himself to the Sokoto populace.

He built 10 Quaranic schools in 1990 and established an adult literacy class.

Channels Television reported that Dasuki also tried to unite the Muslim ummah through the reorganisation of Jama’atu Nasril Islam and the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

He gave impetus to the appointment of Lateef Adegbite, who became the first Yoruba secretary general of NSCIA.

hundreds of people injured after a combined operation of the Nigerian Army members of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the policemen opened fire on a peaceful procession making its way to annual 40th day commemorations of Martyred of the Grand Son of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).

Tear gas canisters were also fired at the procession by soldiers and police on the supervision of members of the DSS who blocked the road along Kwanar Dawaki in Kano State, seeking to stop the procession from proceeding to its destination.

The attacks come despite a letter last week by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) to President Muhammadu Buhari demanding that he should act to ensure the protection of those taking part in the annual 40th day

commemorations of Ashura next week.

The letter followed credible reports that the military planed to sabotage Arbaeen processions (as they are known) in a continuation of its persecution of the IMN which organises the events.

Meanwhile, the Shiite group has alleged that security forces were planning to attack its members embarking on the symbolic Arbaeen trekking.

At a press conference yesterday in Kaduna, the coordinator of the trek, Nasir Mansur, claimed that there were reports indicating that soldiers had mounted check points at the outskirts of Potiskum, Yobe State and detained a trailer carrying the personal belongings of those going to Kano to kick start the trekking.

He explained that the Arbaeen

trek is a religious duty incumbent on all supporters of the household of the Prophet Mohammed as a sign of solidarity.

According to him, “The Arbaeen is not quite new in this country and it is not a creation of IMN. Rather the symbolic trek has been done throughout history and also world wide in various ways.”

He disclosed that this would be the fifth time faithful would be trekking to Zaria, the headquarters of the IMN, adding that some Nigerians even travel to Iraq to be able to participate in the trek from Najaf to Karbala.

He said: “In previous years, we faced varying degrees of reactions from government and some people.

The increasing participation by millions of people in the trek over the years seem to attract severe opposition from some people and

the government.

Some have taken their hatred beyond bounds, which culminated in the detonating of bombs along the Kano route last year killing 23 trekkers.”

Mansur alleged further that soldiers were scheming to plant weapons in the luggage and thereafter claim that claim that the bags are for members of IMN. He maintained that throughout the nearly four decades of the existence of the IMN, it has never stockpile, carried or used weapons.

He reiterated the call for the immediate and unconditional release of the IMN leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has been in detention since his arrest following the clash between the Nigerian Army and his followers in Zaria in December 2015.

SMILING HOME WITH ANOTHER AWARD

The Provost, Lancaster University, Ghana and Lindi Bhembe and founder, The New Chapter Bookstore, South Africa, Prof. John Grainger (left); and Executive Chairman of Bua Group, Mr. Abdulsamad Rabiu (right), when Rabiu was presented with the 2016 All Africa Industrialist of the Year Award at the AABLA Grand Finale awards ceremony, held in Johannesburg, South Africa… recently

Higher Food, Commodity Prices Drive Inflation up to 18.3%

James Emejo in Abuja

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures inflation increased to 18.3 per cent year-on-year in October, compared to 17.9 per cent in the previous month, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated yesterday.

It attributed the 0.48 per cent increase to increases in food and other major divisions which determine the Headline index.

The food Index rose by 17.1 per cent (year-on-year) in October, up by 0.47 per cent from 16.6 per cent recorded in September.

The NBS, in its CPI figures for October noted that all major food groups which contribute to the food sub-index increased with fruits recording the slowest pace of increase at 11.5 per cent.

It added that communication and restaurants and hotels further recorded the slowest

pace of growth in October, growing at 5.7 per cent and 9.4 per cent year-on-year respectively.

However, it stated that the highest price increases were seen in Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels as well as, fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment and education.

The “all Items less farm produce’’ or core sub-index, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce increased by 18.1 per cent during the month, 0.4 per cent points from 17.7 per cent recorded in September as all key divisions which contributes to the index increased, the statistical agency added.

The urban index rose by 19.9 percent (year-on-year) in October from 19.5 per cent recorded in September while the rural index increased by 16.95 per

cent in October from 16.4 per cent in September.

The NBS added: “Significant price movement under the core sub-index was also recorded for clothing and footwear, which recorded as increase of 17.8 per

cent year on year.

The groups with least growth pace recorded in October were communication (5.7 per cent), restaurants and hotels (9.4 per cent) and recreation and culture (10.3per cent).”

Abdulsamad Rabiu Wins 2016 All Africa Industrialist of TheYear in South Africa The Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, at the weekend won the All Africa Industrialist of the Year Award at the 2016 All Africa Business Leaders Award grand finale held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Recall that Rabiu had recently been named West African Industrialist of the Year.

He was one of nine business leaders from across Africa who were honoured in different categories during the exclusive finale.

The winning business leaders triumphed at the All Africa Finale after an 11-month long journey in Africa’s leading business award, which recognised Africa’s bold leaders and change-makers of business in East, West and Southern Africa.

As the pinnacle of the AABLA, the All Africa Finale drew an audience from across the continent and the world, with attendees from as far afield as the United States, Australia, Scotland and India.

10

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

Falana: FG Should Release Dasuki on Bail Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has advised the federal government to release the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) as ordered by the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Falana argued in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday that this has become necessary to allow Dasuki to enjoy his human right to liberty within the context of the bails granted him by the trial courts.

“Having loudly proclaimed to operate under the rule of law,

Presidency: Grains Shortage Looms as Exporters Move Surplus Harvest Abroad Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The presidency has warned that Nigeria, currently Africa’s largest producer of cereals and grains, risks famine from early next year due to the huge demand in the global market for the country’s surplus produce.

Giving the grim forecast in a radio interview in Kano yesterday, a spokesman of the president, Garba Shehu, told Pyramid Radio that the “huge demand for our grains in the global market is creating an excellent environment for the mindless export of Nigerian grains across our borders and unless this curtailed, Nigerian markets will be bereft of food by January next year.”

When asked what the government was doing to avert the frightening situation, the presidential spokesman said Buhari had asked the Ministry of Agriculture to present a quick plan for the purchase of surplus grains to be stored in warehouses across the country to save for the rainy day but opined that there was the need for moral pressure on exporters by traditional and religious authorities to curtail the depletion of the home market.

The presidential spokesman said the Ministry of Agriculture had advised the president on the need to draw the attention of all Nigerians to this issue which, if not addressed promptly, could lead to a shortage of grains in our country by January.

“Over the past year, providence has blessed Nigeria with a bountiful harvest of grains, more than enough to feed the country and to export to other countries. At present, there is a high demand for grains from Nigeria, from African countries as distant as Libya and Algeria, and from places as far away as Brazil. However, the

ministry of agriculture has raised concerns about a massive rate of exportation, which could lead to a shortage of grains in Nigeria

by January,” Shehu said.

He explained that Nigeria currently enjoyed a free market situation.

He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari is not in any way opposed to or intent on tampering with that. On the other hand, exporters also have a moral obligation to make their produce available to Nigerians who live within our country’s borders, to ensure that our citizens have access to food.”

The president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity also said the Ministry of Agriculture estimated that no fewer than 500 trucks laden with grain leaves Nigerian markets every week, heading for countries outside our borders.

He identified the major markets involved in this exportation as the Dawanau market in Kano, Naigatari in Jigawa, Bama in Borno, and Ilela in Sokoto, as well as three other main markets in Kebbi State.

He further explained that Buhari had on various occasions reiterated his plan for Nigeria to become a foodproducing giant, self-sufficient to the point of depending very little on imported food.

He said: “This noble plan could easily be defeated by the pull of the foreign market if food continues to leave our shores to feed people elsewhere. If care is not taken, Nigeria could face a famine by January,” he stressed.

“Building our country into the edifice we envision it to be will require sacrifice and strategy from every single Nigerian. Let us remember that charity begins at home.”

FG Files 15-count Charge against Justice Ademola, His Wife Judge accused of receiving gratification Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The federal government has filed a 15-count charge against Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He is accused of receiving gratification and abuse of office.

His wife, Mrs. Olabowale Toluwatope Ademola, who currently serves as the Head of Service of Lagos State, is also charged with him.

In the charge filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja yesterday, Justice Ademola was accused of acting with his wife, Mrs. Ademola, in the charge marked: CR/21/16, filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, was said

to have aided her husband.

While Justice Ademola, who was one of the judges recently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), was accused of receiving gratification from some lawyers, law firms and companies, his wife was alleged to have in some instances, accepted some money into her account in GTBank Plc on behalf of her husband.

Justice Ademola, who sits in Abuja division of the Federal High Court, is the second of the arrested judges against whom the federal government has filed charges.

On November 8 a six-count charge was filed against Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Nigeria cannot afford to ignore the order of ECOWAS Court. Indeed, as a leading member state of the ECOWAS, the Nigerian government must contuinue to demonstrate leadership by example”, he said.

The senior lawyer argued further that if the federal government could persuade the former military dictators in Niger Republic to release ex-President Mammoud Tandja from custody in line with the order of the Ecowas court, “President Buhari should therefore direct the SSS to comply with the order of the

ECOWAS Court by releasing Col. Dasuki (rtd.) on bail without further delay.

He recalled two courts, a federal high court, Abuja and a Fedral Capital Territory (FCT) high court had admitted the former NS, who was facing charges bordering on money laundering offences, to bail.

He noted that though the authorities of Kuje prisons released him having fulfilled his bail conditions on December 29, last year, he was re-arrested by the SSS and has remained in detention since then.

Falana claimed to have advised

government to comply with the orders admitting the suspects to bail pending trial because the fresh arrest could not be justified under the constitution but that his advise was ignored for reasons best known to the government.

He reasoned that the development may have compelled the detainee to approach the ECOWAS court for the enforcement of his human rights to personal liberty guaranteed by Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

Although government

challenged the jurisdiction of the court, he noted that the objection was dismissed while the ECOWAS court held that the detention of the former NSA could not be justified under the Nigerian constitution without a court order.

He however clarified that that contrary to wrong impression created that Col. Dasuki was released by the court unconditionally, he said all that the ECOWAS court said was that the suspect be allowed to enjoy his human right to liberty within the context of the bails granted him by the trial courts.

PETROLEUM GURU

L-R: Representative of the Senate President, Senator Kabir Marafa; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; and Governor of Zamfara State , Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, during the presentation of books titled: Compendium of Oil and Gas Cases in Nigeria; Legal Issues in The Nigerian Petroleum Industry; and Petroleum Industry Bill Getting to The Yes by Kachikwu at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja...yesterday

FGYet to Take Decision on NNPC’s Public Listing Chineme Okafor in Abuja The federal government has not taken a precise decision on the proposed listing of the stocks of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) or any other stock exchange, THISDAY yesterday learnt in Abuja.

According to authoritative sources within the ministry of petroleum resources, the proposal to list the stocks of NNPC on the exchange after its restructuring as contained in a new draft national oil policy has not yet been approved by the government.

The draft policy document was released last week by the ministry of petroleum resources. It indicated that parts of the stocks of the NNPC would be listed for trading at the

NSE or other exchanges after its restructuring and corporation.

According to it: “The NNPC will be made autonomous from the state, it will relinquish all its policy making and regulatory activities, and it will be treated on an equal basis with private sector operators for projects.”

The document also said the corporatisation and restructuring of NNPC will involve separating NNPC into five independent autonomous units or profit centre subsidiaries which will be operationally independent, self-accounting and will hold funds in their own right.

It explained that there will be a new parent holding company to be called the National Oil Company of Nigeria (NOCN) which will replace NNPC as a

statutory corporation and legal entity.

“NOCN will be incorporated as a limited liability company, NOCN will be governed according to the governance rules of the Nigerian Stock Exchange prior to the listing of its shares, and by the rules of any bourse where its shares are eventually listed,” it stated.

One of the sources however told THISDAY on the status of the proposal, that it has not been approved by the government, and that it was still a work-in-progress.

“It is important to note that since 2009, the PIB (petroleum industry bill) in its different versions including the latest in 2014 has always prescribed that the holding company (hold-co) would list a minority stake in the Nigerian Stock

Exchange to provide a pathway for funding of the National Oil Company thereby improving its governance and funding for effective returns to its shareholders.

“In spite of the fact that this is the position adopted in the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, the issue of the funding of NNPC going forward is still under consideration of the government,” said the source.

He further explained: “This clarifies that the government has not taken a position on the issues raised in the petroleum and gas policies which are still a work in progress and are for consultation at this juncture. It is ultimately for the government to decide on a final position on the issues after the consultative process with industry.”

BPE Boss Claims Ignorance of EFCC Investigation over Insurance Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The acting Director General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Vincent Akpotaire, yesterday told a House of Representatives Committee that he was unaware of an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for insurancerelated issues in his organisation.

The Hon. Adekunle Akinlabi-led ad hoc committee is charged with investigating insurance fraud in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), running into

billions of naira, between 2013 and 2016.

The committee members described the claim by Akpotaire as irresponsible, querying how an acting head of an organisation could feign ignorance of such investigations.

The BPE was also accused of breaching procurement laws by not advertising for insurers, but just selecting them.

The committee queried the modalities for the selection of some insurance and brokerage firms, by the organisation for its insurance

policies, and also queried why a single company was selected as lead underwriter and lead broker.

These details were found in documents submitted by the BPE to the ad hoc committee.

The acting DG in his response, admitted that the BPE had not advertised for insurance brokers and underwriters from 2009 to date.

This, he however, attributed to the cost of advertising being more than insurance covers, for the period under review.

He added that the successful

firms were handpicked from a pool of firms after the organisation conducted thorough investigations on their status by the Nigerian Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

“As I sit here, I cannot confirm that we breached the Procurement Act because for the year under review, we could not even afford to pay for group life, so there is no way we can advertise,” he said.

“Whatever I say concerning the investigation will be hearsay because I am not aware of any investigation,” Akpotaire said.

T H I S D AY TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2016

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 2016

COMMENT

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

AMERICAN WOMEN AND THE TRUMP CARD

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The President-elect has a place in the hearts of white women, argues Dipo Kehinde

he race for the White House between Hillary Rodham Clinton and Donald John Trump was so hot that the embers are still smouldering days after the smoke had cleared.

Many people have described the outcome as shocking, but nothing could be more shocking than the majority vote from white women that went to Trump. How did he do that? Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who founded the National Woman Suffrage Association in 1869, must have been turning in their graves.

We never knew that Trump had what it takes to do that magic, after all the things he had said about women, and after all the hoopla about women having the chance of a lifetime to actually rule the world.

Many people were so caught up with their affection for Hillary that they could not see the forest for the trees. As an artist who majored in painting, I knew I had to step back to get a better perspective of what was happening on that political canvas.

Days before the election, I went into my study and picked three books on Hillary and Trump that I had bought about four years back, but never had time to read.

The titles and authors of the books are: ‘What It Takes’, written by Amy Henry with a foreword by Donald Trump; ‘Living History’, by Hillary Rodham Clinton; ‘HILLARY – The Politics of Personal Destruction’, by David N. Bossie, the best-selling author of Intelligence Failure and former Chief Investigator for the United States House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, who made great efforts to deconstruct Hillary in his book.

Trump has been a star and an angel to many women.

Most of his critics couldn’t see that he has a place in the hearts of these women. One of them is Amy Henry, who wrote the book, ‘What It Takes’, with much gratitude to Trump.

There was so much focus on Trump’s boisterous exterior that many people failed to see the true Trump.

He did everything for effect, and it worked for him.

Like Republican political figures, such as the late President Ronald Regan, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Mayor Clint Eastwood, American women love actors and Trump was one, so to say.

After he had appeared at the Miss USA pageants, which he owned from 1996 to 2015, and had made cameo appearances in films and television series, Trump has become a folk hero of sort. He hosted and co-produced The Apprentice, a reality television series on NBC, from 2004 to 2015.

It was through this programme that Trump had inspired

LIKE REPUBLICAN POLITICAL FIGURES, SUCH AS THE LATE PRESIDENT RONALD REGAN, GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, AND MAYOR CLINT EASTWOOD, AMERICAN WOMEN LOVE ACTORS AND TRUMP WAS ONE

Amy and other women to succeed in their undertakings.

He says in the foreword, written for ‘What It Takes’: “Amy Henry’s life has changed dramatically since her experience with me on The Apprentice. She had a successful career in the high-tech sector before interviewing for the opportunity of a lifetime – a chance to work directly for me in a prestigious role at the Trump Organisation.

“On the show, I continuously watched in amazement at her astonishing victory record—ten wins in a row.

No matter where she went, her team always won. Was it Amy’s leadership ability, her team spirit, her positive attitude, her work ethic? I think it was a combination of many traits that demonstrated her solid business savvy.

She made it further than any other female contestant and was one of the final four to face me in the boardroom. During The Apprentice, I consistently called Amy the team MVP because she was always the first-round draft pick and the first person stolen time I reshuffled the teams until I told everyone, “Enough!” By telling me Amy was the first person they wanted on their team, her competitors only made her look better. I thought it was a terrible move; I’d never do that if I were in their shoes.

“I must admit I was not at all surprised to see Amy rise above the competition on the show given her past successes off the show...

“When Amy told me she was writing a book, I was delighted that she had already learned my number one rule of business: tell people about your successes or else they will never know about them. Amy goes many steps further and shares lessons she has learned from mistakes as well as victories. Business is tough, and her advice can help you stay focused, speak directly, take risks, be a leader, earn respect, and think big, as well as get the recognition you deserve and the money you are worth.

She may even share a few words of wisdom she learned from The Donald.

“I predict Amy will be a success at whatever she does. She’s got intelligence, discipline, pragmatism, and beauty, both inside and out. This woman has her bases covered, and I have to say that she was right to name her book after something I once said about her: Amy’s got what it takes.”

In her acknowledgments, Amy thanked Trump “for bringing The Apprentice to life and teaching me invaluable lessons for success in business”.

Experiences such as this must have contributed to most women showing preference for Trump over Hillary, who is their own.

The President-elect may not be a bad man after all.

ABA GARMENT AND LEATHER CLUSTER Okechukwu K. Ukegbu argues the concentration of men with similar skills will promote competition and the innovation

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he narrative of the Aba shoe industry is changing positively.

Recently, there was an order to an indigenous private firm to supply 50,000 pairs of military boots.

According to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who is the Chief Marketing Officer of the Made-in- Aba products, quality would be ensured in the production of the military boots to attract more supplies.

Also, during the 2016 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Forum held in Lagos recently, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who served as one of the panelists, was elated with the current strides of Gov. Ikpeazu to ensure that made-in- Aba products become global brands. Obasanjo said:”Governor, I listened to you and I commend you for what you’re doing in Abia. Please keep doing what you’ve told us you’re doing. So, Governor Abia, you have to send a pair of the shoes to me, I use size 42”.

The call by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki to other military and paramilitary outfits in the country to emulate the army by immediately banning the purchase of all imported foot wears in preference for locally produced ones raises more prospects for made-in- Aba foot wears.

“This is the essence of the amendment of the Public Procurement Act by the Senate since June. The new law compels all Ministries, Department and Agencies of government to compulsorily give preference to goods and services which can be sourced locally. We believe one of the gains that our country will derive from this recession is to make our people look inward and patronise locally made goods,” Saraki said.

It is an incontrovertible fact that Abia has comparative advantage in leather and garment works. And since the inception of the present administration, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu has demonstrated unrelenting efforts to ensure that these products are launched globally.

It will be recalled that Abia State Government last year organised an economic trip to Turkey. The contingents to the trip visited several shoe factories in Turkey where they were exposed to different machines which are used in making shoes. The essence of this exposure was to familiarise Aba shoe manufacturers with mechanised methods of manufacturing shoes which is the vogue in Turkey in particular, and the world in general. It was also to elevate their skill with training and exposure to modern technology

to enhance capacity.

The knowledge drawn from the Turkey trip affected the productivity of shoe manufacturers in Ariaria. Production has increased from less than 300,000 pairs of shoes weekly to over 600, 000 pairs. Brazilian investors who visited the market last year were enthralled by what they saw. They bought pairs of shoes and wondered what the market would be when manufacturing process is fully mechanised as the machines will soon arrive Abia. The breakdown of the production capacity of the various pits in the market is as follows: Togo pit now produces 60,000 pairs of shoes weekly; Cameroun,120,000; Lagos, 180,000; and Maiduguri, 200,000.

Presently the Ariaria shoe market is divided into six zones: Power Line, Omenma, Imo Avenue, Shoe Plaza, Umuehilegbu Industrial Market, and Old Site .The total number of shoe makers from the various zones is estimated at 70,000 and the shoe manufacturing process is supported by division of labour. Each process is manned by either a smoother, tailor, sprayer, or a wheeling machine operator. On the average, each production is expected to employ three persons.

To address the problem of the explosion, Ariaria shoe market, a cluster for garment, shoe, belt and bag workers has been proposed for Umukalika, a shouting distance from Aba. This cluster would be equipped with a resource centre that could enable businessmen to register their trademarks, do quality control and open them to markets beyond the shores on Nigeria.

The benefits of the cluster are multifarious. It will also ensure that the leather workers enjoy economies of scale. The concentration of men with similar skills will promote competition and the innovation and will provide the common spirit that is necessary for cooperation and cross fertilisation of ideas. By bringing the shoe manufactures into clusters, they will easily learn about changing economic conditions, adapt and benefit from the changes. The physical proximity of these would encourage interaction and promote the exchange of ideas and expertise and this will, at the end, stimulate innovation and economic growth.

There is an urgent need to actualise the Aba garment and leather cluster!

Ukegbu, a communication strategist, wrote from Umuahia

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

EDITORIAL WHY PUBLIC LIBRARIES MATTER

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Libraries are essential to learning, scholarship and development of any society

n most countries, public libraries are a serious component of the education curricular based on the recognition that without such resources, it is practically impossible to improve on literacy. But in Nigeria today, majority of the children, just like many adults, have limited exposure to quality reading materials. And that is very telling on the state of our nation.

To underscore the challenge we face, Professor L.O. Aina, the National Librarian, recently told the Senate that the federal government library would soon be thrown out by the landlord of its temporary site for owing rent amounting to N508 million. “The landlord has threatened to eject the organisation by November with all its unpleasant consequences”, said Aina. He said that the agency could no longer fund the collection of legal deposit resources, development of virtual library service department, capacity building in addition to overwhelming outstanding staff claims.

It is rather ironic that in an information and knowledgedriven world, those in position of authorities in our country are still not conscious of the importance and the need for libraries in IT IS RATHER IRONIC THAT our public space. Yet IN AN INFORMATION AND a functional library KNOWLEDGE-DRIVEN helps in providing WORLD, THOSE IN POSITION information to the OF AUTHORITIES ARE STILL society in different NOT CONSCIOUS OF THE formats in the bid IMPORTANCE AND THE NEED to encourage and promote a good readFOR LIBRARIES IN OUR ing culture which PUBLIC SPACE is a sine-qua non to personal and indeed national development.

A functional library is expected to stock all kinds of items that add to knowledge - from books to audio and visual materials, internet through computers and artefacts that advance the cultural and recreational needs of the society. Ironically, most public libraries in the country from those established in the states and run by the state governments to those in the universities - are largely

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‘LAGOS IS LEARNING’AND ILLITERACY

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dult education is education aimed at serving as a palliative- a second chance for those who have missed out on formal schooling.

In the past and now, there can be all sorts of reasons why people do not go to school and are not able to either read or write. Some grew up in very poor circumstances which made their parents just unable to send them to school. There are quite a number of women, who are illiterate, because where they grew up only the boys were sent to school. Many grew up as street children.

For these people and generally, the importance of adult literacy is difficult to overstate. In this modernday time, when the focus is on ‘knowledge economy,’ the role of education becomes all the more imperative in the development of human capital. According to the UNESCO there 775 million illiterate people living in 41 countries of which Nigeria is included. With a total number of 54 million illiterates, Nigeria is at the bottom in the global literacy index ranking.

The impact of low literacy levels on economic, civic and health outcomes of millions of our adult population is atrocious. It can be adduced as the cause of the festering intolerance, religious extremism, varied uncivil acts as well as avoidable infant and maternal mortality in the country. It poses broader public health issues, not the least of which involves using literacy to access and navigate the health care system and health information. It also seems clear

neglected. As demonstrated by the fate of the premier library in the country and in the heart of the federal capital territory, they are starved of funds and facilities to run their services.

In Nigeria today, public libraries, often named “the poor man’s university,” are kept unattractive and poorly maintained while in most cases, the infrastructural facilities are inadequate. Besides, the books in stock are dated just as it is a rarity to stumble on new and current journals. Indeed, reference materials, where they exist, are old and dusty. Audio-visual materials are hard to come by.

The quality of manpower is another story altogether.

Four years ago, the National Universities Commission (NUC) panel led by Professor Mahmood Yakubu on challenges of public universities (otherwise called the Needs Assessment Panel) reported that university library resources were mostly outdated and manual; and that no library in the public university system was fully automated. Unfortunately, not much has changed has changed since then.

On many occasions, the Nigerian Library Association has drawn attention to the poor funding of public libraries, all to no avail. Indeed, about the same time the contract for the National headquarters was awarded, the United Nations in its Human Development Report harped on the essence of investing in the knowledge of an individual.

According to the report, “a well-read mind is assertive, articulate and seeks information to help solve daily challenges.”

UNESCO has repeatedly harped on the fact that functional libraries are very important to the development of any society. This is because people who read are more alert and empowered while a good reading culture improves the academic performance of children and students and also helps them to develop knowledge outside the classroom environment. Therefore, the relevant authorities in Nigeria will do well to invest in public libraries and make them attractive to meet the informational, educational and the recreational needs of the people.

In a knowledge-driven world, we cannot afford to do less.

that there are significant implications for the children of low literate parents or grandparents serving as guardians as lower literacy levels can limit education they give to their children especially when such parents are seriously limited in vocational jobs.

Illiterates lack basic literacy, numeracy and essential skills which make him more vulnerable in so many ways. They often find it difficult in making the right choice during election, fill forms, do banking, read instruction manuals and other such activities.

Perhaps, more than corruption, illiteracy is killing Nigeria’s development and dreams of self-sufficiency.

In reality, there is a compelling need by government to devise ingenious means to improve the literacy skills of numbers of our population with low level skills. As this is national imperative, a series of federal initiatives must emerge as the country might not be able to actualise its change agenda without making reading and writing fundamental human rights of its citizens both children and adults.

Today, a broad consensus is emerging in many countries that government has an important role in allocating more resources for this disadvantaged population access to essential basic literacy. This is imperative as research has shown that the higher the rate of literacy, the better the potential to succeed and the easier for government to fight poverty, crime as well as reducing social injustice.

Rasak Musbau, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

PUTTING TRUMP’S VICTORY IN CONTEXT

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onald Trump has won and a new dawn has begun, people must be wondering how the hell this happened. Well, this is how.

First, in recent times, across the world, from Brexit in the UK to Le Pen in France and now Trump in America, there has been a surge in “nationalist” and “anti-establishment” movements. I dare even say that if IPOB (Biafra movement) was allowed to contest election in Nigeria, they would do very well in some states. The establishment has often failed to address core issues and have failed to listen to people at the grassroots for such a long time. Now, the “establishment” is paying the price, starting with the western powers.

Second, it baffles me that the Democrats chose Hillary Clinton, a scandalous person, who for long has been part of the establishment with relatively poor results (Libya, Syria, etc). A more credible candidate like Joe Biden or Bernie Sanders would have blown Trump away but they decided to appease Clinton and this is the result.

Third, people make this seem to be only about race. While it is true that race played a major part as many “white supremacists” like David Duke supported Trump en masse, race is not the only factor. Clinton’s close affiliation with “Wall Street” was seen as corruption especially

by people in the rural areas who were losing jobs due to technology as Wall Street significantly represents big businesses. Her email investigations and her calling Trump’s voters a “bunch of deplorables” didn’t help either.

Also, it should be noted that one-tenth of white people in the Midwest who voted President Barack Obama in the last election voted Trump this time. Surely, not a simple change of mind? Clinton’s reputation surely did not help matters; race was only one of the many issues which helped Trump to the White House.

Again, many people who dreaded a Clinton presidency because they believe she would get her way most times irrespective of checks and balances decided to vote Trump speculatively, believing that the Congress would effectively regulate any rash action (s) he tries to take. Let us hope this is the case because if it turns out otherwise, it would be dreadful. However, you can’t fault these people; blame the Democrats for their poor choice. I sincerely hope that this does not give the racists and bigots the voice they have longed for to persecute minorities. If that turns out to be the case, I hope all the minorities will stand strong and fight the oppression together and in four years use the same power to drive Trump out. Aluta continua, vitória é certa Oladapo Olaniyonu, Reading, United Kingdom

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

POLITICS

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

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING

AsJusticeOnnoghenMountstheSaddle…

Justice Walter Samuel Onnoghen, no doubt, is assuming office as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria at a time the image of the judiciary is at its lowest. But, can he make any difference in this all-important arm of government, asks Davidson Iriekpen

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fter a palpitating silence, President Muhammadu Buhari, last Thursday, swore in Justice Walter Samuel Onnoghen as Nigeria’s acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), succeeding outgoing Justice Mahmud Mohammed, who has just proceeded on retirement, after attaining the mandatory age of 70. Onnoghen would occupy the office till his appointment is confirmed by the Senate.

With just a few months to the retirement of Justice Mohammed, tension had enveloped the judiciary over alleged plans to truncate the seniority standard at the Supreme Court.

Findings had revealed that some entrenched interests had planned to alter the seniority rule that would probably see Onnoghen, who was the second-in-command at the Supreme Court, take over after Justice Mohammed retired from the bench on November 10.

The forces trying to truncate the seniority rule at the apex court had argued that anybody appointed to be CJN must not necessarily be the most senior justice of the Supreme Court.

The fear was that if President Buhari bows to the pressures to appoint Onnoghen, the South would miss the golden opportunity to occupy the office. The last Southerner to be the CJN was Ayo Irikefe, who held the position between 1985 and 1987.

As either acting or substantive CJN, the occupant of the office is also the Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) as well as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), the most powerful organ of the judiciary. Both agencies are involved in the process of promoting anybody to the position in the federal judiciary and that includes anybody who has to become CJN. Part of the reasons the forces were against Onnoghen’s ascension to the CJN’s office, it was gathered, was because they were not favourably disposed to having a southerner as CJN for a whopping four years, and the allegation that members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South in collaboration with their northern cohorts want to have adequate control of the judiciary ahead of the 2019 elections.

The plot gathered momentum when the APC expressed anger with the Supreme Court’s favourable verdict for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in most of the South-south states. Sources said the party is still shocked that the Supreme Court decided against its governorship candidates in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Taraba, Delta and Abia States.

Against this backdrop, there is a strong perception in the APC that the current crop of Supreme Court justices are pro-PDP and that any attempt to make one of them the CJN would spell doom for the ruling party in future elections. They also alleged that the justices of the court are corrupt and need to be headed by someone from outside, who would have been rich and not to be tempted by any inducement.

In a final push to stop him from assuming the exalted office, concerned observers had recently alleged that Justice Onnoghen was a target in the recent raid on the houses of some judges.

But by a stroke of providence, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), who conducted the raid, missed his residence.

Unfortunately, all these seem to be in the realm of speculations now as President Buhari last Thursday proved the forces wrong by swearing-in Onnoghen, who hails from Okurike Town, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.

There is no doubt that Justice Onnoghen is assuming the exalted position at a time the image of the all-important third arm of government is at the lowest ebb. If he is eventually confirmed by the Senate, the new CJN has four years to spend on the saddle before he retires in 2020, the longest in recent times. The last five occupants

Onnoghen during Swearing-in by Buhari

of the office did not have the opportunity to even serve three years before the mandatory retirement age of 70 caught up with them.

While some spent only one year, others spent two years.

This is why many analysts believe that with the four years the new CJN has to spend in office, he has every opportunity to turn things around for the better in the justice sector which is seriously yearning for a messiah to turn the tide around. Observers want the new CJN to do all within his power to prove those allegedly against his appointment wrong by constantly ensuring that justice is delivered to Nigerians

This is why many analysts believe that with the four years the new CJN has to spend in office, he has every opportunity to turn things around for the better in the justice sector which is seriously yearning for a messiah to turn the tide around. Observers want the new CJN to do all within his power to prove those allegedly against his appointment wrong by constantly ensuring that justice is delivered to Nigerians irrespective of tribe, political party and status

irrespective of tribe, political party and status.

Moreover, having been on the Bench for three decades, traversed every organ of the judiciary from the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, where he has been since 2005, many analysts believe that he perfectly understands the system and how to tackle the rot in the system. For some time now, observers believe that the judiciary, once revered, is now in the doldrums. People no longer have confidence in the institution. These days, it is common to see people deriding it. Where judgments are not leaked before they are delivered, they are sometimes vague, incoherent and incongruous.

There are other allegations that judges and justices sitting on some cases are or were induced or put under pressures “from above” to pervert the course of justice. To show how bad things are in the judiciary, lawyers and retired judges and justices have all joined in criticising the rot in the sector. They see what is currently happening as alien to them.

The late renowned retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Kayode Eso, once took a long view at Nigeria’s judiciary and concluded that the institution was full of judges and justices, who ought not to have been there in the first place. Eso lamented the all-important arm of government stinks of corruption, adding that until the bad eggs in the institution were flushed out, the justice sector would continue to witness retrogression.

He wondered if it was the same judiciary that produced the likes of Sir Egbert Udo Udoma, Akinola Aguda and Olayinka Ayoola, whose names vibrate and reverberate in the Halls of Chief Justices for great African countries that produced the current crop of judges and justices.

He said gone were the days when it was a pride to be counted among justices of the Supreme Court, who in the days of military dictatorship, held the notorious military decrees at bay, “But now regarded as being in the stygian chasm, pushed here and there by those who should never have been there in the institution in the first instance.”

Also, the new CJN is taking over the mantle of leadership at a time many Nigerians have lost hope and confidence in the judiciary owing to the time it takes to dispose of cases in courts.

It is believe that it takes over 15 to 20 years for cases to go from the High Court to the Supreme Court. Many analysts believe that

he needs not push a legislation that will make litigants reduce the number of cases that go on appeal but the time it takes to exhaust cases.

Many analysts therefore believe that Onnoghen has to take some tough decisions that would lead to the cleaning up of the institution. This can only be done when all the corrupt judges are exposed and dismissed from service. Interestingly, not feigning ignorance to the rot in the system, particularly corruption, the new CJN while speaking on the occasion of his swearing-in, promised to assist in the fight against corruption.

“In this state of our development and with your programme in tow, I assure you of the full cooperation of the third arm of government in the continuation of the war against corruption and misconduct in the judiciary. I intend to carry on where my predecessors stopped, modify certain areas but with the general ultimate goal of having a better judiciary befitting the nation, Nigeria. Thank you for the confidence reposed in me and by the grace of God, we shall succeed.”

Having taken over the leadership of the judiciary at a time the executive arm of government is believed to be doing everything possible to intimidate the all-important third arm of government, observers want Justice Onnoghen to not succumb to any such intimidation but defend the institution he represents.

The Man Onnoghen…

According to an abridged profile, Justice Onnoghen was born on December 22, 1950, at Okurike Town, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State. He attended the Presbyterian Primary School, Okurike Town, between 1959 and 1966, from where he left for Accra, Ghana, to attend Odorgorno Secondary School, Adabraka, between 1967 and 1972 for his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Exams. He was at Accra Academy, Ghana, between 1972 and 1974 for his WAEC (A-Levels) before proceeding to the University of Ghana, Legon, between 1974 and 1977 to obtain his Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B (Hons) and graduated with 2nd Class Upper Division and was among the best graduating students.

He attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, between 1977 and 1978 for his B.L certificate. He completed his compulsory National Youth Service Scheme, NYSC, in July 1979. His previous professional appointments/

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Governor Nyesome Wike

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu

Senator Magnus Abe

Wike, Senate and INEC The federal government has a responsibility to ensure that the Rivers State rerun polls are free and fair, writes Wale Suleiman

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here is little doubt that not a few Nigerians may have been shocked watching Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on television complained about the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the rerun election for the state and National Assembly elections.

Watching the governor on that particular day, it was apparent to see that he struggled to control his emotion when he asked: “How can the National Assembly discuss the Petroleum Industry Bill without Rivers State, which is a major oil producing state, being part of it?”

It was a question that brings to mind a proverb made popular by late M.K.O Abiola. “You cannot shave my head in my absence!” The National Assembly is now in the second quarter of the second legislative year, yet Rivers State has but an insignificant number in the House of Representatives while there is no senator in the Senate all these time.

It is an indictment of the legislature that no one had thought about the incongruity of debating the PIB without the input of legislators from Rivers, one of the four states that produce 80 per cent of the crude oil for this country. The others are: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Delta States.

Aside the issue of the PIB, if the legislators take their jobs seriously, would they have allowed a situation, where a state with a population of 5.2 million people (2006 census) is denied representation in the national legislature for upward of nearly two years? But righting the wrong is never too late, and the Red Chamber redeemed the legislature when it threatened to suspend sitting if the INEC failed to conduct the rerun election before December 10.

And as if to prove that the delay in conducting the election was a deliberate act of sabotage against the state, the electoral

commission announced almost as soon as the Senate issued the threat that it was ready to conduct the election. It also came out immediately with a timetable fixing December 10 for all the outstanding state and National Assembly rerun polls.

If Governor Wike had kept quiet and never raised any alarm, and the Senate never acted on Wike’s concern, the chances

Aside the issue of the PIB, if the legislators take their jobs seriously, would they have allowed a situation, where a state with a population of 5.2 million people (2006 census) is denied representation in the national legislature for upward of nearly two years? But righting the wrong is never too late, and the Red Chamber redeemed the legislature when it threatened to suspend sitting if the INEC failed to conduct the rerun election before December 10

are that INEC may not have announced a timetable yet for the election. Especially in view of the fact that INEC had earlier come out in reaction to Wike that it was ready to conduct the election but it was the Rivers State government and other stakeholders that were unwilling to guarantee peace.

So, if one may ask, who gave INEC the guarantee for peace and security that made it change its mind about the election? I think there is a need for the legislature to investigate INEC before the elections are conducted on the actual reasons for delaying the rerun. Is it possible, as the Peoples Democratic Party in the state has severally alleged, that INEC was acting the script of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who fearing the erosion of his political base, if the PDP wins all the three senatorial seats, as is likely to happen?

The plan to rig the rerun elections which was exposed again by the governor is another food for thought. A man said to be a relative of Dakuku Peterside, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2015 election and now Director General of NIMASA, was caught with printed INEC-marked ballot papers and result sheets. The young man was captured on TV channels looking incredulous and sober while confessing to the heinous criminality to deny the people of Rivers credible representation.

The PDP in the state appropriately alerted the nation again about a possible plan by the APC-led federal government to rig the forth-coming elections. The alleged arrest of three suspects by the Rivers Command of the police further gives credence as to why the allegation against Amaechi and the APC must not be dismissed as propaganda.

The statement by the APC leadership in the state that the alleged plot to rig the election was “stage-managed” by the Wike administration to blackmail Amaechi and Peterside is hollow and puerile. The party

must jettison this persecution complex and make credible offer of support for investigation of the plot.

As the ruling party at the federal level, APC must know that the success or otherwise of the rerun depends on the extent the government is willing to go to make it transparent and credible. It does not augur well for our democracy when a state governor, as Wike did last week, alleged that he sent 15 petitions to the Inspector General of Police over posting of some senior police officers with “questionable” character to the state, which are ignored.

Wike alleged at a press conference that the plan was to use the police to destroy evidence, including video, of the rigging plot. He has threatened that people of the state would not fold their hands and allow any rigging plan to succeed. “If you rig, you rig your life,” he threatened.

Such skewed handling of grave allegations by the ruling government can only encourage resort to self-help, as Wike has threatened. Government owes citizens the duty to act on their concerns and allay their fears, especially on such an important issue as election matters. It is an incredible way to restore the peoples’ confidence in government.

President Muhammdu Buhari hit the right cord last week when he charged security agencies and INEC to ensure hitch-free elections in Rivers and Ondo states. He said the elections would be the litmus test for the agencies preparedness for the 2019 general election.

One cannot agree less with the president.

But he must not just mount the moral high ground to pontificate; a more useful measure is to give INEC and security agencies all necessary logistics support, and put APC and PDP stalwarts in the state under close surveillance.

-Suleiman wrote from Abuja

AS JUSTICE ONNOGHEN MOUNTS THE SADDLE… positions include Pupil State Counsel, Lagos State, (1978 -1979) and Partner in the Law Firm of Effiom Ekong & Company, Calabar (1979 – 1988).

He was also the Principal Partner/Head of Chambers of Walter Onnoghen & Associates, Calabar (1988 -1989); Chairman, Cross River State Armed Robbery and Fire Arms

Tribunal (1990 – 1993); Chairman, Judicial Enquiry into the Crisis between Students of the University of Calabar and Obufa Esuk Orok Community, Calabar (1996); Chairman, Failed Banks Tribunal, Ibadan Zone (1998); High Court Judge, Cross River State Judiciary (1989 – 1998); Justice of the Court of Appeal (Nov 1998-June 2005).

Onnoghen was appointed a Justice to the Supreme Court since 2005. He is also a Justice of the Supreme Court of The Gambia. A Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and Fellow of the National Judicial Institute, Onnoghen has attended several conferences and seminars within and outside Nigeria and

presented scholarly papers.

He is a member of the Body of Benchers and Life Bencher; Chairman, Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and Vice-Chairman, Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee among others. He is currently the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court.

18

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016 • T H I S D AY

FEATURES

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

Abuja, a City Excluding Its Poor Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital city, continues to build modern infrastructure to support its economic expansion. But not all of its residents are benefitting from the city-state. Chineme Okafor speaks to two countryside women in Kayache, a community approximately 38 kilometres away from the city centre, on how Abuja's development has remained non-inclusive

Laraba Obadiah's threshed corn provides her home food and income for some upkeep

“

My name is Laraba Obadiah, I am from Kayache community. I am married. I am a farmer and I have eight children and six grandchildren.

“The lands I farm on are three different plots and they all belong to my husband, I don’t have any of my own.

“Once, I lost a farm land I was using; I was at home when people came to me and said my attention was needed on the farm, they wanted me to come because a road construction was going to affect my farm,” said Obadiah.

Obadiah who puts her age at slightly above 40 years, is one of the many urban poor women who shared their life experiences with THISDAY. THISDAY, which collaborates with the Media Information and Narrative Development (MIND), an Abuja-based non-governmental organisation to amplify the voices of the city’s urban poor through a strategic project on urban poverty - Women’s Advancement Through Cinema and Human exchange (WATCH), had spent time with community folks in Kayache to understudy their challenges living in the periphery of the opulent Abuja.

Cruising on a 100 kilometre per hour speed drive, it took this reporter an average of 22 minutes and 28 seconds from the city centre to get to Obadiah in her Kayache home.

In the centre of her enclosed home which was built with mud and cement, Obadiah sat on the floor threshing a heap of corn seeds she harvested from her farms. She engaged THISDAY in a lively chat, albeit with an occasional translator, Dikko Emmanuel

who interfaced at instances of challenges with the English and Gbagyi language that the conversation was conducted.

When I got there, I asked them if they won’t let me harvest my products before they start the construction. I asked them how come my farm has become their land, and from whom they bought the land from?...It is because I did not go to school; this is why they treated me that way.

If I had gone to school I would have known how to resist them. I feel really bad

Her husband was also busy behind her slicing Okro into sizeable bits for sun-drying while her female children cooked food for dinner from an end of the compound. Obadiah narrated to THISDAY her challenges living in a rapidly expanding Abuja society with no consideration for the civil liberties the national constitution guarantees her.

“When I got there, I asked them if they won’t let me harvest my products before they start the construction. I asked them how come my farm has become their land, and from whom they bought the land from?

“But they said they bought the land from the government. Then, I said to them, you paid the government but it is me that farms this land not the government.

“We had a long argument. Then they said they will pay me N8000 for the farm.

I told them that if I farm the land I will get a lot more than that and how come they are offering me that, but they threatened that if I don’t take the money they will go ahead and construct the road anyway.

“We eventually settled when they rounded it up to N10, 000 and I had to take it. I was not happy the way my farm land was taken. It was very painful because every year I farm that land and get food to feed,” Obadiah explained.

Exiting from Obadiah’s home, the reporter walked some few metres away and into the home of Awyetu Elisha, another resident of Kayache whose story was not very different from that of Obadiah.

Though widowed, Elisha is also a farmer with six children. She also had a chat with THISDAY on her challenges with exclusion from Abuja’s progress.

Arriving at her home, Elisha was wrapping

Corn Jellos, a local corn pottage commonly called agidi or eko across Nigeria, in transparent cellophane for sale to community members. She sat on a very low stool with a bowl containing the Corn Jellos between her thighs.

In very quick succession, she finished wrapping the Corn Jellos and then moved over to wrap the kuli-kuli (peanut bars) she earlier prepared and left open to cool, while she chatted with this reporter.

She stated that a wrap of the Corn Jellos and kuli-kuli sold for N50 and N20 respectively, and that she supplemented what she gets from them with her earnings from farming and wood picking.

She also explained that she had no farm land of her own and relied on people’s goodwill to cultivate any empty unused land within the community.

Although, she said it takes her between 25 and 35 minutes to walk to any of the farms she planted on, Elisha however stated that such uncertainties had hurt her in the past when a landowner dug up her crops without her knowledge and consideration of the work she had put in cultivating the land.

“I don’t own any farmland. There was one piece of land I farmed one time and the owner came one day and started building on it without even letting me know, I had to leave with nothing because the man came and dug up everything,” Elisha said.

She noted: “I told him that he should have told me before he dug them up but he said he owed me no explanation and does not need permission from me to build on his land.

“I had to accept it that way since the

19

• T H I S D AY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

FEATURES land does not belong to me. Honestly, I was hurt. I already planted on the land, and I pitied myself for the loss. It was very painful and made me shed tears,” she added.

Both women’s stories reflect the fears of the United Nations that most of the world’s largest cities notwithstanding their economic opportunities are also the most unequal in terms of social inclusion and defence against human rights abuses.

This is the backdrop against which MIND is leading a coalition of Abuja-based civil society groups and media organisations including THISDAY to facilitate a significant media action aimed at drawing public attention to the human rights implications of urban poverty.

Focusing particularly on the rights of women and girls who tend to be hardest hit by the negative outgrowths of urbanisation, the significant media action which is tagged 55 days of media based activism, aims to ‘step down poverty and step up human rights.’

The campaign also hopes to leverage on significant United Nations (UN) recognised international days between October 17, 2016 which was marked as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and December 10, 2016 which will be marked as World Human Rights Day to trigger a multi-platform media-based dialogue aimed at putting urban poverty in the FCT on the front burner of national discussion to equally urge newly elected political leaders across the FCT to respond to collected citizen’s petitions against the city’s sustained practice of unequal inclusion and step up public service delivery to urban poor residents living in and around it.

It was on the back of this that THISDAY’s time with Obadiah and Elisha showed what forms and ways being excluded from a city’s growth could come or mean.

“It is because I did not go to school; this is why they treated me that way,” Obadiah responded in reaction to her exclusion from the city’s development thoughts.

She also added: “If I had gone to school I would have known how to resist them.

I feel really bad. If I had gone to school, I would have been doing better as a farmer, I would learn more about farming and gain more experience but I did not go to school and this makes it difficult for me.

I hear there is school for adults. I won’t mind attending one.”

Similarly, Elisha said: “I didn’t have any right to take him to anywhere to demand for compensation, it was not my land, it belonged to him.”

She further stated: “If there is an association of female farmers here, I will like it, I will be happy to join them because it will help me, even if it is to get a farmland I can be using and repay for on installments, that way, nobody will come to dig up my crop without me harvesting them.”

Closely looking at their narratives, they indicate that Obadiah and Elisha do not still

If there is an association of female farmers here, I will like it, I will be happy to join them because it will help me, even if it is to get a farmland I can be using and repay for on installments, that way, nobody will come to dig up my crop without me harvesting them

Awyetu feels she could have done better with an education

Awyetu warpping Corn Jellos in front of her home

Laraba and her husband working hard to provide for their family needs

belong in the much gloried Abuja master plan, even though Kayache is approximately 38 kilometres away from the centre of Abuja, specifically the Three Arms Zone which houses the national legislative chambers, the federal courts, and the presidential villa.

Their stories from a development point

of view also suggest that the productivity potential of urban poor women and girls like them are not considered by Abuja in its economic plan.

While they are denied their rights from participating in Abuja’s shared development, the women are equally overlooked as a

part of the city’s productive citizens. This also pushes one to ask that in the face of increasing migrations to urban cities like Abuja, a trend that is happening across most of the regions of the country, how exactly is the larger development agenda of Nigeria including inclusions?

22

IMAGES

R-L: CEO, X3M Ideas, Steve Babaeko, presents the Cristal Awardsí Bronze for ìBest use of Social Mediaî award won in Morocco courtesy the agencyís work for Etisalat, Love Stories (Valentine) to CEO, Etisalat, Matthew Willsher, at the Etisalat Head office, Banana Island, Lagos...recently

L-R: Head of Supply Chain Management, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria (SCBN), Gloria Ikpea; Regional Tax Manager,? SCBN, Olutoyin Ojomalade; Executive Director, Finance, SCBN, Mrs Yemi Owolabi; Managing Partner, Ijewere & Co, Mr. Omoniyi Jegede; and Head, Finance Risk and Controls, SCBN, Mr. Tunji Iyiola, during the 2016 Finance Master Class organised by the bank...recently

L-R; Registrar/ CEO, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Nkechi Onyenso; Council Member and Chairman ICSAN @ 50 Planning Committee Taiwo Owokalade; Chairman Ecobank Nigeria Limited John Aboh; and the Bankís Deputy Managing Director, Anthony Okpanachi, during a courtesy visit by ICSAN member to Ecobank Head Office in Lagos,..recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

R-L: Representative of the Lagos State governor and Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello; Head of European Union Delegation, Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Michael; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries (LCCI), Mrs. Nike Akande; and State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Slovak Republic, Mr. Luka Parizek, during the opening ceremony of the 5th EUNigeria business forum in LagosÖrecently

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

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

L-R; Editor in Chief, Brand Nigeria, Taiiwo Oluboyede; Regiionaal CEO West Africa V+O, Commu Josephine Aligwekwe; Country Manager AJEAST Nigeria, Theo Williams; Advisory Board Member, Top 50 Brands Nigeria, Joseph Okonmah and COO, CWG Plc, Kunle Ayodeji at the launch of Top 50 Brand Nigeria 2016 iin Lagos....recentlly Abiodun Ajalla

National Project Coordinator, Nigeria Fallen Heroes Project, Dr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu, led a delegation to commiserate with the wife of late Lt. Col Mohammed Abdu Ali in Kawo Kaduna...recently

eTranzact Founder and CEO, Mr Valentine Obi (left), and the Nigerian Minister of Defence, Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali, during the launch of the Military Pensions card in Abuja...recently

L-R: Director, Operations, Rack Centres, Mr. Ezekiel Egboye; CEO, Garanntor Hosting Ltd, Mr. Olalekan Ajayi; Business Developmemt Manager, West Africa, Garanntor Hosting Ltd, Tolani Thomas; Managing Director, Rack Centre, Mr. Ayotunde Coker; and Finance Directot, Rack Centre, Mr. Azfar Hussain, at the unveiling of Garanntor in Lagos...recently ETOP UKUTT

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 2016

BUSINESSWORLD NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

R A T E S 22.4167 17.5789

A S

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

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19.4165 22.1505

Group Business Editor ChikaAmanze-Nwachuku Email: chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157, 08057161321

N O V E M B E R 1 1 ,

NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH 3-MONTH

14.8670 15. 1635 16.1521

6-MONTH 9-MONTH 12-MONTH

19.6338 21.3478 22.4766

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EXCHANGE RATE N304.75US DOLLAR AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Shell Wins SERAs Awards

WOMEN OF SUBSTANCE

L-R: Head Investments, PAL Pensions, Ms. Abimbola Sulaiman; Managing Director, Progress Trust CPFA, Mrs. Titi Lawani; Country Head, IFC, Ms. Eme Essien , a Private Equity Investment Professional, Mrs. Ijeoma Agboti-Obatoyinbo and Co-chair PEWIN Africa and MD, CBO Investment Management, Ms. Joanne Yoo at the Private Equity Women Investor network Launch and roundtable in Lagos … recently

Ogbe: Banks’ Outrageous Lending Rate Killing Businesses Kuni Tyessi, in Abuja The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh has condemned the lending rate currently being charged by banks in the country, pointing out that with the development, it would be difficult for businesses to survive in Nigeria.

Ogbeh made the remark in Abuja at the 2016 annual conference of the Business and Professional Women (BPW) of Nigeria with the theme: ‘Leaders Growing Leaders’.

Ogbeh said while there had been arguments that the lending

ECONOMY rate cannot be lower than the inflation rate, the development was not good for the economy.

His words: “Nigeria is a tough environment to do business in. One of the issues that I have always complained about is the outrageous interest rate, which banks charge today.

“For the last 30 years, it has become nearly impossible for small and medium businesses to survive. The interest rate has been hovering around 18 per cent to 22 per cent and now to 30 per cent.

“But for some strange reasons,

it has been impossible to change it. The argument has always been interest rate cannot be lower than inflation rate and yet we expect this economy to grow. We have imaginary dreams of growth because what has been growing is poverty.”

He said his ministry as part of efforts to make funding available for farmers has pegged interest rate on loans given by the Bank of Agriculture at seven per cent.

He urged the professional and business women to embrace agriculture, adding that the ministry would make rice mills available to them in any location of their choice.

He said the renewed commitment of the federal government to importation of food had started yielding result with the country seeing gradual reduction in food import bills.

Ogbe added: “We have always been importing all types of things and we have been making the world very happy.

“But since the dollar has dried up. I have received delegation from as far as Iceland. Prime ministers have arrived and come to my office to complain that Nigeria has stopped buying their goods.”

Continued on page 22

Onyemelukwe: Nigeria’s Power Sector Has Hordes of Technical Deficiencies Ejiofor Alike A former Chief Electrical Engineer of the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN), Mr. Clement Onyemelukwe has identified what he described as hordes of technical deficiencies as the bane of Nigeria’s power sector.

The former ECN boss, who was recruited in 1962 from the Central Electricity Generation Board of UK where he was the Deputy Head of Planning, told THISDAY from his United States base at the weekend that the technical problems of power in Nigeria started shortly after the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) was inaugurated in 1976. He argued that electricity requires funds but added that funding is in second or third place.

Onyemelukwe revealed that

ENERGY there has been a tendency that started since the early days of NEPA to copy technical standards and practices that do not suit a poor developing economy like Nigeria.

According to him, the result is that with all the colossal sums put into power over the past 20 years, the power position in Nigeria has in some respects worsened.

Onyemelukwe who chose the current 330kv structure for Nigeria’s electricity supply industry, also planned the present 400KV of the United Kingdom.

According to him, the basic technical deficiencies in the 330/132KV that developed after the inauguration of NEPA have never been diagnosed, stressing that they have continued to

escalate as additions are made to it.

“You have asked me what I think about power in Nigeria.

My answer is simple. The electricity in Nigeria needs technical leadership. Electricity in Nigeria needs funds but that is in second or third place. If your machine is not working, the first need is to diagnose it technically to find what is wrong with it before committing funds to it. The power sector in Nigeria is not working. It needs technical diagnosis. Seeking for funds without sorting out technical leadership and diagnosis will only aggravate the situation where private investment, local or international, will find it increasingly difficult to invest in the Nigerian power sector,” he explained.

Onyemelukwe stated that

Nigeria’s power sector has hordes of technical deficiencies, which must be solved if the sector is to survive.

“I have come across write-ups that have tended to suggest that the power problems in Nigeria were because enough funds were not made available for power expansion and reinforcement at critical times. This claim is basically incorrect,” he added.

Onyemelukwe said the pattern of the technical development of the sector had become increasingly expensive to meet the needs of a poor but growing economy.

According to him, changes made in Nigeria’s 330/132 KV deviated substantially from the original modes that were intended for a developing Continued on page 22

Shell Companies in Nigeria took home two trophies at the 10th edition of The Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards (SERAs)-Corporate Social Responsibility Awards in Lagos at the weekend.

Shell Nigeria’s kinetic pitch won in the SERAs 2016 Innovation Award category, beating seven other nominees, while the Afam VI Power Plant won Shell Nigeria the Best Company in Climate Action Award against five other competitors. The awards follow similar recognitions under on the SERAs platforms since they were instituted in 2006.

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company’s (SNEPCo) General Manager, Deepwater Production, Effy Okon led Shell Nigeria’s team of General Manager, External Relations, Igo Weli; External Relations Communications Manager, Sola Abulu; Head, Business Relations, Alan Udi; and Social Performance Discipline Adviser, Hope Nuka to receive the awards.

Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria and Managing Director of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) Osagie Okunbor commented: “We are pleased at the recognition of our modest contributions towards a better life for our people. CSR is part of the DNA of the Shell business and we are striving to improve our partnership with NGOs, government and communities to ensure our people participate more in the execution of programmes and own them for greater sustainability. We see the latest SERAs laurels as a call to continue on this path.”

IMF Approves Egypt’s $12bn Loan

Egypt won International Monetary Fund approval at the weekend for a three-year, $12 billion bailout program aimed at reviving a struggling economy, bringing down public debt and controlling inflation while seeking to protect the poor.

The IMF said its executive board’s approval immediately disbursed an initial loan tranche of $2.75 billion to Egypt’s central bank. The remainder will be phased in over the next three years subject to five reviews on required reforms.

The injection of new funds increased the Central Bank of Egypt’s foreign reserves to $23.3 billion, state television said in Cairo.

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde described the Egypt bailout as a “homegrown economic program” that the IMF will support “to address longstanding challenges to the economy.”

“These include a balance-of-payments problem manifested in an overvalued exchange rate and foreign exchange shortages, large budget deficits that led to rising public debt and low growth with high unemployment,” Lagarde said. “The authorities recognize that resolute implementation of the policy package is essential to restore investor confidence.”

US Drillers Add Oil Rigs

US oil drillers increased rigs this week for a 21th week in the last 24, as energy firms follow through on plans to add rigs made months ago when crude was still trading over the key $50 a barrel level analysts said should lead to more drilling.

Drillers added two oil rigs in the week to November 11, bringing the total count up to 452, the most since February, but still below the 574 rigs seen a year ago, energy services firm Baker Hughes Inc said on Friday.

Since crude topped $50 a barrel in May, June and October, drillers have added 136 oil rigs, its biggest recovery in over two years since prices collapsed due to a global oil glut.

The Baker Hughes oil rig count plunged from a record 1,609 in October 2014 to a six-year low of 316 in May as U.S. crude collapsed from over $107 a barrel in June 2014 to near $26 in February 2016.

“During our visits so far, we have seen privatised companies that are well-run, some average, while some are badly run” Chairman of Senate Committee on Privatisation, Senator Ben Murray Bruce

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD OGBE: BANKS’ OUTRAGEOUS LENDING RATE KILLING BUSINESSES

The National President, BPW, Mrs. Angela Ajala said the conference with theme “Leaders growing leaders” would enable them brainstorm on some of the qualities needed to succeed in a dynamic environment to like Nigeria.

She said: “The leadership model for women to excel in their assignments has changed from what we know. Some leadership styles and practices that served us well in times past are no longer suited in today’s world.”

ONYEMELUKWE: NIGERIA’S POWER SECTOR HAS HORDES OF TECHNICAL DEFICIENCIES

country with increasing cost patterns and system losses.

He said the distribution system handed to private investors was in very poor state having been neglected almost since 1980s, adding also that the investors don’t have the resources and sometimes the expertise to have a good efficient distribution which is a vital part of a country’s efficient power system.

“A former staff of mine at the time who singularly wrote a good book on distribution now in his ‘80s half-jokingly told me recently that Nigeria should tear up all its distribution and start all again,” he added. He further stated that the deficiencies have made it increasingly difficult for Discos to recover their costs, even as the method of cost recovery/ tariff does not reflect the cost pattern of the system.

“There is therefore increasing pressure for tariff increase which is already high for a poor economy even as it is increasingly difficult for Discos to be financially viable which in turn makes it difficult for Discos to undertake the investment they need to attain the distribution standards of the good old days,” he added.

Speaking on the issue of gas, he stated that the 2010 Power Roadmap forecast a gas shortage for power in 2014 unless certain things were done, adding that those things were not done and so gas shortage started in 2014.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku 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 (Maritime) Ejiofor Alike (Energy) James Emejo (Nation’s Capital) Obinna Chima (Money Mkt) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Cap Mkt)

NEWS

FG, Seven Energy Seal $112m Risk Guarantee for Gas Supply Stories by Ejiofor Alike Seven Energy International Limited has signed a $112 million Partial Risk Guarantee (PRG) with the federal government for the supply of natural gas, by its wholly owned subsidiary Accugas, to the 560MW Nigerian Integrated Power Project (NIPP), Calabar, Cross River State.

According to a statement

by Seven Energy, the partial risk guarantee is a financial instrument that will secure the supply of up to 130 million cubic feet per day (MMcfpd) of natural gas to NIPP Calabar, thereby enabling the consistent generation of an additional 560 MW of electricity to the national grid, approximately 20 per cent of current power generation in Nigeria.

This arrangement, which guarantees payments to Accugas for gas supply, is backed by the federal government and the World Bank.

It will be the first of its kind for gas supply in Nigeria and is a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to increasing power supply in the country and stabilising the ‘gas to power’ value chain.

Commenting on the agreement, the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo was quoted as saying that “I must say that this is a very significant event for us and as we all know this is the first PRG for gas that we are signing.”

“We know that it will encourage investment in gas infrastructure and we are

certainly looking forward to the multipliers that will come from it,” Osinbajo added.

Osinbajo commended Seven Energy for completing the 69 km, Uquo to Creek Town pipeline which will provide a continuous flow of natural gas from the Uquo Field in Akwa Ibom state to NIPP Calabar in Cross River state and add up to 560 MW to the national grid. The construction of the pipeline included completion of the longest

horizontal directional drilling (HDD) river crossing project in Africa, all done using local contractors.

He stated that “Given the current power situation, we expect that this gas that will go into the Calabar plant will provide another 500MW of power which is very significant given our current situation”.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, Seven Energy, Mr. Phillip Ihenacho said that “The signing of the

The big challenge for people who are investing in the gas sector today is the worry about payment risk. If I build my infrastructure and I am supplying gas to my customer, will my customer pay me on time? This structure enables the investor to be confident that they will get paid on time because there is a guarantee from the World Bank and that unlocks a lot more investments in the gas and power sectors in Nigeria,” Ihenacho explained.

INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM EXHIBITION

L-R: CEO Mubadala Petroleum, Musabbeh Al Kaabi; Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu; President ADH International, Gamal Hassan; and Senior Representative Brazilian Petroleum Industry, who spoke on the panel, ‘The Resilience of the Oil and Gas Industry’ at the recently concluded Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in Abu Dhabi…recently

Wood Mackenzie: Emissions Goal Implied by Paris Agreement Likely to be Missed Wood Mackenzie’s latest analysis and preliminary outlook on energy demand shows the emissions goal implied by the current version of the Paris Agreement is likely to be missed.

The Paris Agreement comes into force on November 4 this year, imposing greenhouse gas emission limits on countries across the globe.

According to Wood Mackenzie’s study, developed countries have committed to emissions cuts they will be unable to make without additional efforts to decarbonise their economies.

Such efforts include increased energy efficiency, greater focus on renewable energy and the trend towards electric vehicles.

Although developed economies have progressed in addressing greenhouse gases, a lot more needs to be done to boost renewable energy and increase efforts to lower emissions.

The Research Director for Global Trends at Wood Mackenzie, Paul McConnell argued that emerging markets should meet their Paris Agreement targets with relative ease, given the fact that these are

agreement is very significant because it is the first gas to power guarantee that the World Bank has provided for encouraging investment in the gas sector in Nigeria.”

“It assists in securing and leveraging the $700 million investment already committed into gas infrastructure in Nigeria. The World Bank has a programme of gas to power guarantees that could be used to encourage further investment in gas to power.

not much of a constraint on development.

“Some emerging economies may choose to go further on emission constraints, particularly if there is any political ground to be gained by ‘climate leadership,” he added.

But NGOs and other external actors are certain to demand all parties do more to ensure the Paris Agreement meets its self-proclaimed goal of limiting global warming to 2 °C above pre-industrial levels.

“Whether more stringent targets emerge now or some years in the future, recent trends suggest continued pressure on emissions growth is a reliable bet,” McConnell said.

“Hydrocarbon fuel consumption is in the firing line, and energy sector impacts are being felt already, despite Paris Agreement targets not kicking in until the end of the decade,” he added.

Wood Mackenzie’s study shows a formalised global policy framework favouring low-carbon energy challenges the traditional business models in oil and gas production, coal extraction and power utilities

in the longer run.

“Judging the pace of transition from old to new is among the big difficulties facing companies as they survey this emerging energy landscape,” McConnell said, adding that “companies will need to change, beginning with understanding their own carbon footprint, then developing strategies to adapt.”

The energy implications of China’s rapid evolution from an industrially-driven to consumer-led economy have been a defining feature of Wood Mackenzie’s analysis over recent years.

“Wood Mackenzie’s view is that coal consumption in China has peaked and is in terminal decline, as growth shifts to renewables, nuclear and gas.

We expect China’s emission growth to increase slightly from the current sharp decline, but by 2030 GHG output will remain below peak levels of 2013.

In intensity terms, China will deliver a 70 per cent cut versus the 2005 base year – significantly beyond its NDC commitment,” said the report.

FG Urges States, LGs to Commence Registration of Artisanal Miners Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government has restated the urgent need for states and local governments to commence registration of artisanal miners operating in their domain in a bid to ensure safer mining environment and improve revenue.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, made the call recently when he paid a courtesy visit to the mining site, where illegal mining activities recently claimed four lives at Muye Kafinkoro Village, Paikoro Local Government Area, Niger State. Fayemi, who was accompanied by the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon. Abubakar Bawa Bwari, lamented the unfortunate incident, where a mango tree fell and killed four out of about a hundred local miners looking for gold dust in an illegal site, located in the earth of the village.

He hinted that environmental degradation and unhealthy practices that characterised illegal mining activities would be curtailed if artisanal miners are properly registered into groups within their localities.

According to him, “Many

of the artisanal miners were ignorant people, who were out to eke a living, and in the process got involved, unconsciously, in some other nefarious activities.

He said: “Illegal mining activities remained a major threat to big miners. In organising and formalising activities of artisanal miners, the country would also be protecting the big miners and assuring them that Nigeria is a safe mining destination. The Minister noted that, “If the states and local government authorities can assist in registering them into groups, it will be easy for the federal mining offices in the states to relate with them, provide them with logistics and professional supports and give them licenses that will enable them operate legitimately.

“The ministry’s officials will organise them into cooperatives, tutor them on safer mining processes, introduce them to equipment leasing, coordinate them to benefit from our financial support and then they can operate in a more professional manner, which will also translate into better sources of income for them and increased revenue for government.

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Omorodion: Nigeria Has Longest Contracting Cycles in the World President of Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, Mr. Nosa Omorodion spoke to Ejiofor Alike on the challenges facing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and identified fiscal instability and uncertainties in regulating policies as some of the factors that led to the loss of investor confidence in the sector. Excerpts: well finding oil theoretically and on the pages of newspapers, about time we match this zeal with practical enabling fiscal and political environment. E&P does not have to be exploration and production only. It also means environment and politics, economics and profitability, enhancement and professionalism, etc. We need to get into the other E&P. Our ideas find oil and gas but for the ideas to nurture everyone has a part to play.

It is about time we stepped up to exploit and maximize the potentials we have been bequeathed by God. Many will crave to be so blessed. Non hydrocarbon resources and the agricultural sector are also begging to be exploited.

With the drop in oil prices and the attendant cut in budget and staff of many oil companies, what is NAPE doing to prepare its membership for this current reality?

NAPE is the umbrella association for persons involved in the professional application of geosciences and related disciplines to the exploration and production of oil and gas in the country. We have over 7, 000 members. It has been our practice to hone the professional skills of our members so that they deliver exceptional service at their work places.

Periodically we organize seminars and sessions to prepare to navigate through situations like this. We also have a programme for Young Professionals where they are mentored by older colleagues in the industry. Specifically on the issues of job losses, we set up a number of palliatives and options for our membership.

We have set up a Career Centre to help with job postings, subsidized training and sponsorship for members, working on a Graduated dues scheme for unemployed members, as one of our initiatives aimed at retaining members.

We have also commenced an Online Training Platform to help retool the professional careers of members. Members, associates, and staff of NAPE and their dependents can now access excellent quality healthcare comparable to what is the industry standard through our recently launched Health Management Insurance scheme.

Nigeria’s oil and gas industry has suffered loss of investments in recent years as operators cite the uncertainty in the operating environment to suspend or relocate investments to other countries where they consider the fiscal regimes as predictable. How critical in your opinion is the impact of fluctuating fiscal regimes in the oil and gas?

Thank you for your question. Last year when this present administration assumed office, NAPE proactively organized a special workshop titled “Positioning the Oil and Gas Industry for enhanced Performance in a New Dispensation ‘’The thinking behind organizing the workshop was to produce a document that would serve as a roadmap to guide the new administration on issues relating to the oil and gas industry. At the end of the workshop a communiqué was issued and transmitted to the Presidency. One of the topics discussed at that workshop was the issue of fiscal regimes.

As you know, the fiscal regime of a country is a set of laws, regulations and agreements which governs the economic benefits derived from petroleum exploration and production.

The regime regulates the transactions between government and the oil companies. The Nigerian upstream fiscal regime consists of a combination of taxes, bonuses (signature and production), rents, fees and royalties, as well as, in the case of PSCs, production sharing arrangements. Fiscal instability, significant gaps and uncertainties in oil and gas regulating policies and laws in Nigeria have resulted in the loss of investor confidence in the past. Not only that, it has led to preferential investment in other countries in Africa and other regions by international oil companies. The lingering PIB situation has not helped matters either. It has become the easiest alibi for inactivity whether right or wrong. I must also mention here that the insecurity and pipeline vandalism being experienced in the Niger delta have been major contributory factors. It is heartwarming though to see that concerted efforts are ongoing by the administration but more can be done. The Niger Delta situation needs to be addressed and more focused solutions targeted. It is most unfortunate that Nigeria has perhaps the longest contracting cycles in the world, some times as long as 36months. This long

Omorodion procurement and contracting cycle has lead to high levels of uncertainties in costing and planning. I am in alignment with NAPE’s recommendation that the length of contracting cycles be shortened by optimizing the functions of NIPEX. The contracting cycles for services and projects should be shortened to 3 months and 9 months respectively. Fluctuating fiscal regimes also impacts on Foreign Direct Investment which is promoted by the size of the domestic markets, fiscal stability, fiscal returns and high levels of transparency in government and government agencies.

I believe that the regulatory framework should be enhanced. The DPR should be empowered, made more independent and renamed Petroleum Directorate to reflect its new status and function. Finally, the PIB should be unbundled to meet the exigencies of current realities. I will appreciate it if the reading public can take time to visit the NAPE website to read the communique on this workshop.

In these challenging times for the oil and gas industry, do you see technology playing a key role on the road to recovery?

Well, yes for over a century now new technologies have changed the way reserves are identified, developed and produced. New technology has improved the quantity and quality of information available about different geological structures and this has enhanced the likelihood of finding oil and gas. I will give an example, today many new tools enable us to find deeper and harder to reach fields.

As a matter of fact, it was technology that literally extended the reach of the industry in grilling into frontier fields and deeper depths.

Additionally technology also helps to unlock new oil in old fields. I must commend the federal government’s intensified and intentional efforts in finding hydrocarbon in frontier basins.

Finding more oil from these other fields will improve our reserves base and mitigate the short fall in production arising from disruptions in the Niger Delta. I will like to say that our

Pre- Conference Workshop this year will be focusing Stimulating Investment opportunities in Nigerian Frontier basins. One other way technology has helped is in transforming resources once thought to be unconventional into conventional ones. Don’t forget that only forty years ago, all offshore oil was considered unconventional. Today, this portion of total global oil supply accounts for 30%. Improved technology has improved recovery rates and extended the life of existing fields and some fields feared to be depleted have been brought back to life.

The federal government recently pronounced Lagos State officially, as an oil producing state; what are your thoughts on this development?

Our business as explorationists is to find oil and gas. In that regard I am elated. In one of our Monthly Technical Meetings, we invited the Folawiyo Group, the company that spearheaded the search for hydrocarbon in the Dahomey basin, to tell the story of their journey to striking oil. It was a narrative of tenacity, grit and foresightedness. I am happy that the federal government has stepped up its endeavors in the search for oil in any region where prospective finds exist. In our conference this year, we also have the CEO of Lekoil who will be sharing the company’s experience and strides in Dahomey basin.

Lagos state is just one new state to join the league of oil producing states; certainly more states will be joining this elite league.

The prospects for successful hydrocarbon campaign in other sedimentary basins are high. Anambra Basin has proven to also be relatively successful. Benue and Chad have potentials. There are mini-frontiers within the Niger Delta yet to be explored. It was such thoughts that informed the theme for our Management Session 2, for this year’s conference which focuses on Exploring Ultra Deep Reservoirs – a precursor to reserves replacement. We have the 6thlargest bitumen deposits in the world and yet this remains highly under explored. We have done very

The youth hold the keys to the future. What plans are in place by NAPE to ensure the gene pool for the production of professionally competent individuals is sustained?

It has been said that success without a successor is failure in disguise. NAPE as an association is very conscious of that maxim, and has put in place a comprehensive and robust agenda for the production of professionally competent individuals’ right from tertiary institutions to through to the industry. NAPE has Students’ Chapter in most of the tertiary institutions offering geosciences courses in Nigeria. There is a programme called the University Assistance Programme (UAP).The objective of the UAP programme is to support and supplement academic knowledge with industry experience and expertise mainly in the geosciences as well as career management in the oil and gas industry. The program was designed to be implemented through 5 key initiatives: A conference hosted for Nigerian geosciences students biennially;, a Leadership Forum that provides interaction and collaboration between industry practitioners and academics on finding ways to advance and improve the study of geosciences education in Nigeria; Grants-in-Aid award programme, supported by individual or corporate donors to deserving beneficiary students and schools and the Visiting Geosciences Program that supports the presentation of seminars/ workshops in geosciences and career management in Nigerian tertiary institutions. NAPE also has a Young Professionals (YP) committee specially conceived for rookies in the industry to interact share lessons, knowledge and life experiences with older and more seasoned industry leaders. We birthed the Young Professionals (YP) Leadership forum last year and it proved to be an instant success.

This year we have created a leadership and recognition award scheme aimed generally at sustaining the YPS, on the growth path in the industry.

Finally as you step aside as NAPE president come end of this ongoing conference, what will you like to be remembered for?

Tough question. I have done my bit, contributed my best and have been able to sustain the membership’s enthusiasm for our association despite the turbulent times. We were able to put in place programs that speak to the concerns of the industry, we engaged at the right levels like never before, we maintained a quarterly communication with the membership on the state of the industry, we reinvigorated , set and enforced new milestones. We set up templates for the recognition of long standing membership. We launched a Special Business publication that chronicles the positions and conversations we have had on very topical government and business issues…above all we initiated and launched a local Medicare program we christened the NAPE HMO scheme for the benefit of our members.

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Akah: Upcoming Tariff Review Will Be Mindful of Country’s Recession The acting Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Anthony Akah, in an exclusive interview with Chineme Okafor, spoke on sundry issues in the power sector, including the market’s growing illiquidity, the metering plans by Discos, as well as the upcoming tariff review, which he said will be mindful of the country’s economic recession and consumers’ ability to pay. Excerpts: From your angle as a regulator, what does the N809billion power sector financial shortfall mean?

There is clearly a major issue or constrain which has to do with the liquidity in the power sector right now. And a combination of factors contributed to this liquidity gap, some of which include MDAs debts, volumetric risks and exposure and freezing of the tariff last year, as well as right pricing of electricity tariff, poor collection of revenue by the distribution companies, and also the non-compliance to the market rules.

As the sector regulator, we are working with the various industry players, and the minister of power has equally set up a team to look into that so that issues that involve political decisions can be taken care of and those that involve regulatory interventions can also be taken care of by the Regulator.

A number of proposals have also been put forward on this. We are confident that we will get over this issue. We have submitted our proposal on this to the inter-agency committee headed by the permanent secretary in the ministry of power, and within the commission, we are looking at our processes to ensure that distribution companies improve on their collection efficiency.

As mandated by law, we are supposed to do a minor review of the electricity tariff and the commission is already taking care of that.

There are proposals that are waiting for the consideration of the political decision makers, but those that are regulatory, we are taking care of them.

Will you be willing to disclose some of these regulatory actions and proposals you are taking?

There is no doubt that the collection inefficiency is very high in the market at the moment, the Regulator is also constrained at this moment because of the very many court cases some distribution companies filed against the introduction of the Transition Electricity Market (TEM) that would have provided an end-to-end contract based electricity market.

The issue of collection inefficiency wouldn’t have become a problem with the TEM because if you don’t remit the money required, your letters of credit can be called upon and the value chain contracts would not have being facing these problems. Like in any jurisdiction where such a comprehensive reform was done, there is always these teething problems for three to five years, and after which there are steady increase in the quality and quantity of power supplies when these teething problems are taken care of. We are however not waiting for this long time, we are addressing these challenges and expect that the MDA debts will be cleared up, after which a framework to ensure that all MDA debts are paid or deducted from source.

We hope that the ongoing discussion initiated by some of the distribution companies to have the case settled out of court will yield positive results soon so that we can take off the restraining order and allow the market to play.

Will it be right to say that this restraining order contributed to the market shortfall?

Well, essentially, it limits the extant that we can enforce high collection efficiency in the sector because the letters of credit of the distribution companies cannot be called upon under the circumstances, but we are challenging it in court and confident it will be overturned.

But in the interim, the discussions with our solicitors and that of some of the distribution companies to get it out is ongoing. Regardless of that restraining order, we have the ample power, being mindful of the restraining order, to come up with some other regulatory interventions

doing some and there are some issues of concern to us, which we have written to them in line with our processes so that we are sure that our findings are based on verified grounds.

We are yet to complete some of them because there is a need to have a holistic process and make a comprehensive pronouncement, but very soon, we will have a holistic picture and be able to provide authoritative information.

Generally, there are some areas of concern to the commission and we have written them to explain.

Akah to bring about discipline in the market and we are already doing that.

These proposals - the regulatory and interagency committee, what are their characters and contents?

Essentially, they are geared towards taking away all the liquidity challenges. At this point in time, they are before the decision makers within the political space and it will be unethical to disclose their contents but what is fundamental is that the root causes of the growing illiquidity are being addressed head-on.

We are confident that we will be able to get over this hurdle. Of course, it is clear that electricity must be rightly priced and there are changes in the variables, how that will done is what we are looking at so that there won’t be a rates shock and that it will trigger the desired improvements in the sector.

Are you part of the fresh N100 billion stimulus being negotiated by the NBET and CBN for the sector?

Yes, we are as a regulator and feel it is something that be good for the sector because even if we don’t allow that and the operators borrow money from the commercial banks, the interest rates will impact heavily on the end tariff for consumers, but when such bond is available on friendly terms, it will be tied to areas that will enable the sector improve in its quality and the regulator will monitor this.

We should understand that all inputs to production of power must be recovered through the tariff and if you have a cheaper fund or financial intervention like the bond, it means that increment in tariff will be minimal, but if they have to source for the money through commercial banks which regrettably their books are not good enough now for the banks to give them good money, their interests will also go back to the tariff. We are working with operators to ensure that such stimulus will not be a waste when it eventually comes to the sector.

You’ll soon do a minor tariff review, and indices like FX and inflation are high now, what will be the likely outplay?

The minor review has to do with review of such indices – FX, inflation rates, gas price,

and capacity. In any other business enterprise, those factors are adjusted as changes in the market and we have to get these processes through dynamism.

We have to accept that electricity is a product and treat it as one, and also ensure that consumers get value for money, but if we have to see electricity as a social commodity while all other sectors adjust their prices in line with the economics, then we are not serious.

We have to face the realities. As a regulator, we are coming up with energy efficiency plans to help Nigerians to mitigate tariff increase and save energy because we are wasting electricity.

We also about to operationalise the Power Consumers Fund that will take care of the low income earners to reduce their consumption of power. Most importantly, we are working to come up with a scheme that will rapidly close the metering gap, we will meet the sector players to deliberate on how to implement that.

Have you started the minor review process for the tariff now?

Yes, we have started the process, we are doing the verifications of the data that are needed and the publication of the notice for tariff will be out next week. However, the sector operators are extremely mindful of the recession in the country. They are also mindful of the ability of consumers to pay and are on the same page with us to find a way to ensure that it will not have a rate shock on Nigerians and also help them solve their liquidity problems. It is not as if NERC is flushing with the sector players to rush and increase power price.

Would you mind talking about the new metering scheme, this is based on claims by the Discos that their metering plans may be impacted by the shortfall?

Mindful of that, we are coming up with the proposal but as a Regulator, we cannot announce a regulatory policy without their inputs even if we may not totally accept their inputs.

The scheme will relieve them of that burden and encourage investment in the sector and accelerate metering.

Have you concluded the audit of the sector player’s books, what is it looking like?

We have finished some of them, we are still

Your enforcement actions seem to have being stepped up, have you cashed-in the financial penalties, what is the total sum now?

Well, our enforcement has increased and that has also led to increased compliance rates by the operator. Where is infringement, we commence action immediately.

We have sanctioned a lot of Discos for not obeying our regulations especially on issues bothering on customers’ complaints and even the TCN and Gencos. We have gotten some payments from the Gencos, some Discos wrote to ask for reconsideration. Most of them accepted that they violated the commission’s regulations and asked for mercy.

We have given some of them who wrote to us discounts while others didn’t write and we wrote back to inform them of our intention to take additional enforcement actions on them.

We are not unmindful of the fact that any regulated industry where the Regulator imposes sanction and they are neglected, it is as good as not having a Regulator. The commission has resolved in this regard to protect jealously the powers of the Regulator and strictly enforce these sanctions. All the Discos and other defaulters will see further stronger actions if they fail to heed to our enforcement notice.

How many per cent discount did you grant to those that wrote you back?

We gave 40 per cent discount across board to those that wrote back and those that didn’t, we asked that they will pay that including the five per cent interest that runs with the fine for as long as they fail to pay. The commission’s regulations will not be treated with levity notwithstanding their liquidity challenges which we have gone even beyond regulatory mandates to help them out.

The Gencos are of the opinion that the Discos are not totally honest to the market because they take power from them and still don’t remit half the value of what they take and want to sell directly to high demand customers, do you share this opinion? I must say their concerns are valid on face value, they have the capacity to generate and some of them have stranded power. We are already having an in-house discussion on how to solve this issue and we will call the sector players to have a discussion on all the issues that are affecting the sector.

The law allows for eligibility and the minister of power has to declare this so that the Gencos can sell willing customers, but we are also looking within our regulations on how we can have some stranded powers to productive places so that the Gencos can recover their costs.

What is the outcome of your investigation into the electrocution in Lugbe part of Abuja?

The Lugbe incident is an accident that reflects the generally poor distribution network in Nigeria. The network, upon investigation is totally at variance with the distribution code and all other regulations bothering on safe Continued on page 27

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Forging Multi-sectoral Partnerships to Battle Malnutrition Crusoe Osagie discusses the awareness being generated by HarvestPlus on how to beat nutrients’ shortage and malnutrition afflicting a huge swathe of the population in the country Nigeria, in recent times, has recorded scary indices of malnutrition. From the horrors of the Nigerian Civil War to the recent disturbing images of malnourished children at the Internally Displaced Persons’ camps in the North East, the urgency to tackle the menace beset both government and non-government actors in the society.

The trend is a waiting time-bomb, some experts would say, a view that is not unconnected to concerns that hidden hunger— a condition whereby one is lacking in essential micronutrients even after eating supposedly good meals — limits many from contributing to national development. Malnutrition has been linked to deaths of children and pregnant women, poor school performance, suboptimal work performance and increased risk of diseases in adulthood. According to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey in 2013, about 100 children of children under the age of five die every hour for reasons that include primarily malnutrition. The ramification of the indices for social and economic development in the near future is quite disturbing.

To engage concerned stakeholders and stimulate conversations that would help in reversing this trend, HarvestPlus Nigeria organises a yearly Nutritious Food Fair (NFF), an awareness creation and advocacy platform for key players in the health, agriculture, manufacturing and education sectors.

The second edition of the Fair held at the weekend at the Calabar International Convention Center (CICC) in Calabar, attracted actors in the public and private sectors, including top executives of Cross River State Government, notably the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. John Lebo; representatives from the Federal Ministries of Health and Agriculture; and development organisations such as United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF). The United Kingdom’s Department of International Development (DFID)-Market Development in the Niger Delta (MADE) programme; community based organisations; farmers; equipment fabricators; and food manufacturing companies, including Nestle and many others were also in attendance.

Experts at the Fair stressed that Nigeria stands a better chance at curtailing the scourge of malnutrition if stakeholders in the health, agriculture, educational and manufacturing sectors develop strategies that promote the production and consumption of locally-grown nutritious foods.

In his address, the Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh said that the link between nutrition and agriculture needed to be strengthened to ensure that Nigerians grew and consumed more nutritious crops and foods, noting that the Fair would strengthen partnerships to overcome malnutrition and grow the country’s food basket.

The minister, who was represented by Ms. Winifred Ochimabo, commended HarvestPlus for hosting the Fair, saying that he was fully committed to supporting policies and initiatives that promote the production of more nutritious crops.

“I commend HarvestPlus for this event.

I also congratulate the former Director of HarvestPlus, Howarth Bouis on winning the World Food Prize for pioneering work on biofortification. My office is fully committed to promoting the cause of biofortification, and this event is another milestone in that direction.”

Deputy Director, Micronutrient Deficiency Control Unit at the Federal Ministry of Health, John Uruakpa said the event was instrumental in driving advocacy and boosting awareness on the available options for collaboration among the critical sectors and industries involved in the production of nutritious food in Nigeria.

He said: “There has been a call for people

Country Manager, HarvestPlus Nigeria, Paul Ilona (4th left) and Speaker, Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Lebo (right), tour exhibition stands during Nutritious Food Fair, which held ,in Calabar, Cross River State, at the weekend to eat healthy food, but not many know what to eat. This platform has given participants a clearer picture of the foods they can consume.

We have a number of foods grown locally that are rich in essential micronutrients, such as vitamin A cassava. There are also the options of dietary diversification and supplementation. At the ministry, we are especially happy that we are collaborating with HarvestPlus in promoting biofortification in Nigeria, which has ensured that crops are enriched with essential micronutrients.”

Country Manager, HarvestPlus Nigeria, said that this year’s edition of the Fair marks a giant stride in the quest to tackle

Experts at the Fair stressed that Nigeria stands a better chance at curtailing the scourge of malnutrition if stakeholders in the health, agriculture, educational and manufacturing sectors develop strategies that promote the production and consumption of locally-grown nutritious foods

malnutrition in Nigeria, noting, “It remains quite scary that approximately 100 children under the age of 5 die every hour for reasons that include primarily malnutrition. It is our collective believe that every child should have an equal right to grow to full capacity.

We are excited to be here and hope you are too. We expect that interventions at this fair would change the landscape of production and consumption of more nutritious foods and contribute to reducing mortality rate in children and women of child bearing age.”

He added that this year’s Fair presents a rare opportunity to build a robust discourse around the food we eat; how they are produced and why we should opt for more nutritious options.

“The Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Education have adopted measures to mainstream nutrition into their policy documents.

State governments diversifying their economies through agriculture are equally supporting and stimulating the private sector to invest in growing and processing more nutritious foods. This is not happening in isolation.

It complements efforts and policies around food fortification, dietary diversification, and supplementation adopted by the government over the years, all of which were geared towards tackling malnutrition,” he said.

Member representing Ohaozara/Onicha/ Ivo Constituency, Ebonyi State, at the House of Representatives and Chairman of House Committee on Agriculture Institutions and Colleges Hon. Linus Okorie, noted that the event is an innovative advocacy and awareness creation platform to engage experts, policymakers and residents of the host state, Cross River, on a burning national issue such as malnutrition.

“I am excited about what HarvestPlus is doing and how they are bringing everybody together to have a conversation on nutritious foods. This is supporting government’s efforts to tackle malnutrition from the policymaking angle. Here, we are meeting with the people and telling them what they need to know about eating the right food, at the right time and for the right reasons,” he said.

Edet Effiong, a farmer with Cuso International, a non-governmental organisation, said that the Fair has afforded him opportunity to learn of opportunities in the value chain of

nutritious foods, noting that gaining practical experience at the capacity training booths was very beneficial.

He said: “I have learnt of the immense opportunities to learn from the different exhibitors at this fair. The opportunities are wide and encouraging. I never knew that these products existed before. At the training booths, I learnt that one could produce a lot of a lot of things. The other development organisations here also have a lot of things that would benefit one in the long.

Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA), Dr. Adeola Odedina said that the large turnout at this year’s Fair was not surprising because people are interested in platforms that speak about health and wealth. Noting that the Fair has tremendously improved from what obtained last year, he said, “I am very excited about what we witnessed this year.

We have a mix of the small and medium scale business people here. A number of them have been able to see what obtains in the nutritious food basket.”

Aside the funfair, the event intends to build capacity of the local residents and participants.

There were sessions for hands-on training on opportunities in vitamin A cassava and maize value chain, especially production technologies, processing, marketing and commercialisation.

FECA anchored the training session on production of pudding. Dr. Odedina said the platform was instrumental in passing knowledge on the production techniques of some of the innovative products developed

by HarvestPlus and partners.

According to him, “This is a novel idea on technology transfer. We are able to train participants at the fair on how to make innovative products. They have the opportunity to access equipment that would help them in setting up small business, also.

The Fair also featured NutriQuiz, a quiz competition that tests secondary school students on their knowledge of nutrition and agriculture. The competition was fiercely contested by students from Imo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Benue States. Government Girls Secondary School, Big Qua Town, were crowned champions after sparing off with eight other finalists.

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Oil Production Up as Buhari’s Man Friday Reengages the N’Delta The improvement in oil production testifies to the effectiveness of the Buhari administration’s Niger Delta engagement campaign led by the Minister of State, Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu. Nantim M. Joseph canvasses the vigorous implementation of the campaign and seven big wins in the new oil master plan on which it is anchored It’s clear that Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, a man known for his passion and irrepressible can-do spirit is taking his job as the President’s Man Friday for the Niger Delta very seriously indeed.

In addition to his many other responsibilities within the critical oil and gas policy space, the Minister of State Petroleum, along with other members of the Buhari team, has embarked on a frenetic, multi-pronged and multi destination campaign in the region.

The campaign has many facets. One week, he is leading peace missions to dialogue with key militants in the region. The next he is playing the role of a vocal insider-advocate for accelerated development of the region as a baseline for peace and stability in the region. Slowly but surely, the ongoing Niger Delta re-engagement strategy is having a positive effect on the initial negative perception of the Buhari administration as hostile and insensitive to the very important region.

And the results are becoming increasingly visible. The incidence of pipeline attacks and vandalism has dropped significantly. As a result, oil production has increased from a low level of 1.5m barrels per day (bpd), according to Bloomberg reports, to 2.1m bpd last week. This

If the current progress is maintained the revenue prospects for the country will witness a definite improvement which will be felt at different levels of the economy. It is of course too early to conclude that the good news will last. Experience shows that like the graph of national revenues since oil prices crashed mid - 2014, the graph of peace in the Niger Delta is characterised by great volatility. But the progress being realised by the Kachikwu team in the Niger Delta demonstrates that progress is very possible when the long-standing issues are confronted with the right strategy, passion and a focus on results

Kachikwu represents a very significant 40% increase, very good news for the battered and depleted national treasury. Hopefully, as the implementation of the recently launched oil and gas industry roadmap that gives priority attention to the Niger Delta region gathers steam, a new phase in government and Niger Delta relations may just be on the horizon. Largely thanks to the leadership of Kachikwu and the strong political support of President Buhari.

Much of this will of course take time to bear sustainable fruit with a lot depending on policy consistency and speedy translation of the good talk to practical action. Both factors being scarce decimals in the long history of the federal government’s relationship with the Niger Delta, a relatioanship fraught with broken promises, distrust and cynicism. Decades of government interventions have witnessed the alleged investment of trillions of Naira without any demonstrable improvement in the physical development of the region and the economic conditions of the people. Navigating this historical distrust requires continuous dialogue, a transparency, sincerity of purpose and force of action that is based on a clear plan.

It’s indeed a good omen that the federal government’s latest effort to rev up its engagement of the Niger Delta is coming at the same time that the 7 Big Wins, an innovative, practical and detailed blue print for the oil industry recently launched by President Buhari is being implemented. Talk is cheap, as they say. Having a strong plan as the anchor of the Buhari administration’s much advertised good intentions towards the region inspires confidence that this time, the efforts will result ina real and lasting difference.

This Niger Delta component of the oil industry master plan has clear objectives regarding what needs to be done to address problems such as environmental degradation and maintaining

peace and stability in the region. It also includes an infrastructure strategy to achieve the rapid development of the region and a clear set of steps and initiatives for realizing capacity building and economic empowerment of the people especially the youth.

A key part of the plan is sustaining multi-level engagements and dialogue with militant groups, opinion leaders and relevant stakeholders. It was in pursuit of this vital objective that Kachikwu last week Monday facilitated a dialogue session between President Muhammadu Buhari and key Niger Delta leaders. Present at the forum were governors, ministers and other top officials from the region accompanied by top political leaders including Chief Edwin Clark and former governor, Obong Victor Attah. The meeting was attended by over a hundred representatives from the region.

According to media reports, the dialogue was frank and sometimes even blunt as the President spoke his mind about the responsibility of the region’s leaders to play their role in realising peace and defining development priorities for the beleaguered region. But overall the dialogue was productive according to the region’s representatives and other attendees.

The general view of the leaders of Niger Delta that attended the three-hour close-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, at Aso Villa, was that the meeting was a good start and that it has broken the barrier between the president and the region.

During the meeting, the leaders of the Niger Delta region presented a 16-point demand to President Muhammadu Buhari which outlined specific proposals they believe would help create the conditions for lasting peace in the oil-rich region. Top on the list of demands is the relocation of the administrative and operational headquarters of major International Oil Companies (IOCs) to the Niger Delta region;

clean-up of other communities affected by the environmental degradation caused by oil spills besides Ogoniland and a review of the amnesty programme’s core mandate of providing a robust exit strategy to ensure that those trained have jobs to return to or are given stipends amongst several others.

After the meeting, Kachikwu was quick to point out that the meeting was the first of several meetings that would hold quarterly in different states in the region. An indication that this is a continuous exercise that will lead to greater involvement of Niger Delta leaders in the government’s plans to develop the region.

“What that means is that it is going to be an ongoing engagement. It will never finish. The Ministry of Petroleum is continuing a quarterly meeting involving the oil companies who fairly beaten up a little bit today and the governors and the stakeholders which will happen once every 3 months,” Kachikwu said.

He said that the reality is that the substantial increase of production to 2.1 million barrels would not have happened without the behind the scene engagement of traditional rulers and leaders as well as cooperative militant leaders. He assured that the behind-the-scene engagements which are helping to improve the prospects for a peaceful Niger Delta will continue to take place on a regular basis.

To say the obvious, the efforts to realise a rapprochement with key stakeholders in the Niger Delta did not start last week. The current efforts are actually complementing earlier engagements between Kachikwu and various political, community and militant leaders.

Following the resumption of hostilities in the region in May and talk of the use of force by the federal government to contain them, Kachikwu had come out strongly to express President Buhari’s desire and preference for peace and the deployment of force only as a last resort.

At an interactive session with a coalition of civil society groups in Lagos, Kachikwu said government should rather use the opportunity to educate the militants on why their actions are inimical not just to the national economy but even more to their region.

“The military battles cannot stop or solve the problem of militancy in the Niger Delta region. I will have to go back to my brothers; they are our brothers we will go and dialogue with them. They are our brothers, we will talk with them and make them see reason” Kachikwu said.

The spike in oil production is proof that the work done by Kachikwu and the rest of the Buhari team in the Niger Delta is delivering positive dividends for the country. For a country that has for so long been suffering the negative consequences of a simultaneous price shock caused by the crash in global oil prices and a quantity shock as a result of vandalism and militancy in the Niger Delta, the improvement in daily oil production is very good news indeed for the treasury.

And if the current progress is maintained the revenue prospects for the country will witness a definite improvement which will be felt at different levels of the economy. It is of course too early to conclude that the good news will last. Experience shows that like the graph of national revenues since oil prices crashed mid - 2014, the graph of peace in the Niger Delta is characterised by great volatility. But the progress being realised by the Kachikwu team in the Niger Delta demonstrates that progress is very possible when the long-standing issues are confronted with the right strategy, passion and a focus on results.

- Joseph is a policy expert based in Abuja

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

INDUSTRY

Japanese Companies See Opportunities in Nigeria Despite the Economic Headwind Stories by Crusoe Osagie Although Nigeria is in the midst of a severe economic recession, many of Japanese companies are still eager to tap into this attractive market or expand their business here in Nigeria.

Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), a Japanese

government-related body, which promotes trade and investment between Japan and other nations, just opened the Japan pavilion at Lagos International Trade Fair 2016. This is the third year of participation since 2014.

Within the pavilion, which is one of the biggest in the fair, nearly 30 Japanese firms and their local distributors are showcasing their products

and technologies to Nigerian businesspersons and citizens through the 10 days event. This year, Canon Central and North Africa built a largest stand in the Japan pavilion showcasing wide range of its products such as cameras, printers, camcorders, and photocopiers. The global giant of imaging products has just set up Canon Nigeria

Imaging Solutions in Lagos to expand its business in Nigeria.

“We came here to make a long term commitment to the Nigerian market together with our customers and partners in Nigeria”, said Mr. Roman Troedthandl, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa. “Although Nigerian economy is now in a tough time,

we are quite optimistic about the future business outlook and ready to serve Nigerian citizens’ quality of life with our cutting-edge products”, he added.

Among other exhibitors are; Panasonic Marketing & Services Nigeria, Koncept Autocentre (partner of Isuzu Motors), R.T. Briscoe Nigeria (distributor of

Toyota’s trucks, forklifts, etc.), CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria, Suzuki Motor, Massilia Motors (partner of Mitsubishi Motors), and so on.

Small and medium-sized enterprises producing high-quality products also participated in the Japan pavilion. Tajima is the world top brand of high-end embroidery machines.

of the nation. According to him, Quality goods and services are better and safer to use and give better value for money, while standards help to instil order in any society.

A major highlight of the progamme was the invitation of three schools from the Lagos area, to come and listen to the DG’s directive and also to make presentations. The schools were Agape Bundles Montessori School, Ojodu; Careland children School Ajao Estate and Chrisland School

in Victoria Garden City.

Each of the schools made presentations, extolling the virtues of standardisation and also commending the SON for its job of sanitising the Nigerian economy of substandard products.

The Head of Consumer Feedback Collaboration, Mosunmola Samuel reiterated the belief that if you could teach a child, you have touched a nation. According to her, the SON intends to reach out to all the tiers of education but

just decided to start with the private schools in Lagos as starting point.

He said two months earlier, the team was in Abuja the FCT for the same purpose, promising to ensure that more Lagos neighbourhood would experience a programme of that nature. Many of the students spoken to were excited, and thanked the SON for making possible the progamme. They advised that governments at different levels look into the matter.

SON Takes Standards Enlightenment to Schools The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has said that its decision to take the message of standardisation to schools is to inculcate in Nigerian children, the ideals of standardisation early in life.

The Director-General of the SON, Mr. Osita Aboloma, who made this assertion in Lagos, added that if a child learns good behaviour early in life, it would be difficult for the child to forget.

Aboloma, who was represented at the event by Mrs.

Cynthia Ifeagwu, Director of Marketing said children as integral part of society should have knowledge of standardisation in that their own lives are affected by it.

He said standards has many advantages, including saving lives, saving resources and also help in instilling order in any society.

According to him, “Children of today will become the adults of tomorrow. We all know that good behaviour, good attitudes and god habits learnt when

we are young becomes part of our character when we are growing into adulthood.

That is why we are starting the programme of engaging youths”, he said.

According to Aboloma, the SON believes that this is the right time for the young ones to begin to lean about standards so that they would relate with the situation when they grow up. He underscores the importance of standardisation in the lives of people and the economic well-being

AKAH: UPCOMING TARIFF REVIEW WILL BE MINDFUL OF COUNTRY’S RECESSION delivery of power.

Ordinarily, by now, we would have concluded the enforcement action on Abuja Disco if found guilty. We have done our preliminary investigation which shows that Abuja Disco is culpable by delivering power via a distribution network that is significantly at variance with the

distribution code.

Necessary sanctions would have been taken by the commission including compensations but as we speak, we regrettably have more than 10 lawyers with multiple court cases claiming to represent the victims and community and in some instance to the disagreement of the victims and

communities.

When these cases go to court, the commission take a back seat because we won’t go against the court proceedings.

We however appeal to Nigerians on this, that when incidents like this happen, lawyers should stay away because there is already a

commission with the ample power to impose sanctions and resolve these issues. The communities that get lawyers create problems because the commission will stay back and allow the Discos defend themselves in the court for as long as it will take them in court.

The lawyers are not helping the

communities, we treated the case in Lagos without unnecessary court cases or payments to any lawyer, there are precedents to show that the commission is up to its task in protecting consumers from bad practices of operators. The Regulator does these free of charge, and so people don’t need lawyers to get their claims rectified.

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Nigeria Remains Africa’s Biggest Building Materials Market, Says Italian Manufacturer

Nigeria remains Africa’s biggest building materials market, in spite of the undeniable fact that recession is shutting down most sectors of the economy. The nation has amazing potential, says Mr. Jaime Quintana of Ceramicas Gala S.A, an Italian Manufacturer of home solutions. Bennett Oghifo reports

N

igerian has amazing potential as a market in Africa for sanitary wares and finishing, in spite of the on-going recession, an Italian manufacturer of these products has said.

Mr. Jaime Quintana, Export Manager of Ceramicas Gala S.A, an Italian company that manufactures sanitary products, stated this recently at the maiden edition of professional development training for Architects and other professionals in the nation’s building and construction industry, organised by QMB Builders’ Mart, a building solutions provider.

Other manufacturers’ representatives, who were facilitators at the two-day training session, were Fabrizio Morgantini of Gruppo Treesse; Kina Yang, Product Manager, Fotile Group Overseas Division; Sylvia Chang, Sales representative, Fotile Group Overseas Division; and Mr. Tiger Sun, the Company’s Director.

Market outlook...

The Nigerian market for sanitary wares and finishing is vibrant in all its segments, said the Export Manager of Ceramicas Gala S.A, Mr. Jaime Quintana.

“The Nigerian market has amazing potential; I am sure it is going to be the leading market in Africa, absolutely, and first of all, we are coming to do the export to create the brand awareness and we want to grow with the market in Nigeria.”

Gala, he said has a good distribution network in Northern Africa- Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and that before the problem in Libya, they had a very good market and that in the sub-Saharan market, Nigeria was the main market. The company also has presence in South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, with small business in Benin Republic, Congo, adding that the African continent was the main target for the coming years.

He said Gala has been working in Nigeria for some years now and that they try to satisfy every segment of the market in collaboration with their partner, QMB Builders’ Mart, which takes care of distribution.

He said it was important for them to ensure that only quality products were brought into the country, saying that was the core of their business. “It is not easy to find companies with the highest quality but in this case, Gala is controlling 100 per cent of the pieces, inspecting them one by one before delivery.

Our products are of the highest standards. We offer products from the economic segment, middle segment and the highest segment and we try to fulfill of every market.”

He said they guarantee the long-life of the products with five years warrantee because they are sure of what they offer and that they have been working on this for many years in Nigeria with QMB Builders’ Mart, their partner in the market that takes care of distribution.

Good quality, he said was very important in the sanitary ware business, saying that there were many offers. The products offered by the company are mainly bathroom equipment that fulfill all the needs of the bathroom. “We are able to produce, commercialise all the, products in a bathroom, starting from the tiles to the bath tubs, mixers, porcelain, sanitary wares, WCs, wash basins, bidets. These make Gala one of the leading companies in this field worldwide,” said Quintana.

Professional assessment...

The training programme was received by Nigerian professionals as a welcome development. The moderator of the first day training session, Architect Olumide Mefioye said the training helps in introducing professionals to new products in Nigeria, brings them closer

L-R; Chairman/CEO, QMB Builders Mart Ltd. Mr. Ayobami Biobaku; Gruppo Treesse, Fabrizio Morgantini; Managing Director, QMB Builders Mart Ltd. Mrs. Adetoro Biobaku; and Export Manager, Ceramicas Gala S.A, Mr. Jaime Quintana, at the maiden free continuous professional training for professionals in the nation’s building industry by QMB Builders’ Mart in Lagos... recently

to the manufacturers and they get to know what was available elsewhere. “It aids our specification of products and, in our design we need some of these components, which we have been told, are on their websites. I will advise all architects, building professionals and even homeowners as well, to key into this kind of programme.”

Mefioye said what they learnt at the workshop “are not new to us; every year, we are required by our association to have continuous professional education, but this kind of programme broadens our knowledge,

The Nigerian market has amazing potential; I am sure it is going to be the leading market in Africa, absolutely, and first of all, we are coming to do the export to create the brand awareness and we want to grow with the market in Nigeria

enables us to know what is available, what is new and how we can incorporate them into our designs, and as soon as we know what is available we can inform our clients because many clients don’t even aware of the differences between manufacturers.”

He said besides saving costs, there was also a need to know the difference between commercial and domestic products. “At times when you go to some hotels or restaurants or airports, you notice that the WCs don’t last, because they use domestic types. It cuts across all brands of equipment; washing machine, ovens, among others that have commercial and domestic types. This kind of programme enlightens us the specifiers. This saves costs, maintenance time; it may be expensive in the short term but on the long run it would be beneficial if you bought the right type of equipment.”

On the health benefits of these products, he said some of them were made with bacteria resistant organisms, giving example with some WCs that their manufacturing material, silicate, was infused with bacteria resistant/anti-biotic micro-organisms.

QMB Builders` Seminars…

With the institution of the training programme, professionals in the nation`s building and construction industry now have an opportunity to share information with QMB Builders` Mart`s technical partners and manufacturers.

The training is for all stakeholders in the built environment, including upwardly mobile Architects, Mechanical and Electrical consultants, Developers, Builders and Contractors who will interact one on one with QMB`S international collaborators from across Europe and Asia to highlight trending cost- effective innovations in the industry. The operational services of QMB include corporate marketing, retail sales online @qmbmart.com and at showrooms located on Lekki-Epe expressway on the Lagos island and Gbagada on the Lagos mainland.

The Gbagada branch is a purpose –built facility on three floors and is located at Gbagada

between Anthony and Oworosoki beside Zenith Bank and KFC, and boast ample parking space.

It is designed as a premium outlet for the urban, medium and high-end customers on the mainland where the customer can source every item required to make a building functional and efficient. Products which include granite, doors, light fittings, ceiling, paints, marble, Jacuzzi, spar, amongst other are available items to clients in the vicinity “Our methodology carries the customers along from product guide, after sales service and a minimum of two years is the standard warranty for all our merchandise. We stock locally made products of excellent quality tiles and sanitary, solid wood, doors, and kitchen cabinet in well-seasoned, well-finished and uncommon designs. We also stock exquisite wooden doors and fittings, including security doors with wood finishing,” said the CEO, Mr. Ayobami Biobaku.

He said, “We only stock products that give us peace of mind; products that last a lifetime and even beyond for the users”, adding that they have made the kitchen section a lifestyle affair, displaying plates, cutleries, glass cups, and various types of wine, spirits, home appliances, and decorative items, among others.”

It is actually designed as a one stop shop for home owners to equip their kitchen and dining area. The service we offer is sales, delivery, and installation for all equipment to the specification of the user.

QMB Builders` Mart Limited is Nigeria`s leading building materials “one-stop shop for Do-it-yourself” (DIY), Buy it Yourself Developers, Builders, Construction Professionals and Home Improvement customers in the Nigerian Property Market.

Biobaku said, “The dream of its founding fathers is to, through multiple outlets, provide credible and sustainable alternative conducive environments, quality products and customer oriented services to the building materials market in Nigeria. We conclude by writing you all to choose QMB – because at QMB, Quality Makes Life Better.”

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

Elegushi, Channeldrill Introduce Imperial International Business City Bennett Oghifo A city of the future, Imperial International Business City (IIBC), is evolving in the Lekki axis, courtesy of a unique collaboration between HRM, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi and Channeldrill Resources Ltd, who are the joint developers.

Imperial International Business City (IIBC), which was presented recently, is conceived as the first self-sustaining ecofriendly smart business city that will be built in Africa, said the Managing Director/CEO Channeldrill resources Ltd., Mr. Femi Akioye.

Imperial International Business City is situated in the neighbourhood of Lekki Phase I. There are three access roads to IIBC presently; Freedom road through Lekki Phase 1 (Lekki Third Roundabout); Kunsenla Road by 4th Roundabout of Lekki Epe high way; and Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi Road by spare supermarket before Jakande. Another access road to be constructed will be through Femi Okunu by Jakande roundabout in the future.

The project offers different varied sizes of plots. The minimum plot-size is 650 sqm.

Other sizes include: 800sqm, 1000sqm and 1200sqm, 2000sqm, 3000sqm and 5000sqm.

He said, “This vision is majorly about building the city for the future. There are two things that will define the

future of modern cities in the world, Smart and Green and there is no better place to start this campaign in Africa than Nigeria.

“There is also definitely not a more qualified city in Nigeria to kick start this revolution than Lagos state which is the economic nerve center of Africa. One of the major keys to the sustenance of Lagos remaining that economic capital is the Lekki axis and within that axis, the Ancient Ikate Elegushi Kingdom seats at the center of the area that has been projected will account for over $50b Foreign Direct Investment in the next four years.”

Akioye said Lagos state is the 4th largest economy in Africa with a GDP of $131B equaling the economy of 42 countries, the state has over 18million population, an unbelievable growing middle class of 4-5 million people that needs a good place to live.

The state also accounts for 90% of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nigeria within the last one year. It is also one of the largest growing cosmopolitan cities in the world and Lekki is a big part of that.

There is a lucky-deep scheme to enable those who desire a piece of the city to win a plot of land. It is called Imperial City Promo. “The Elegushi Royal Family and Imperial City have decided to give hard working citizens of Nigeria the chance

to dream and be part of this future even when they cannot ordinarily afford it.

“Imperial City Promo is a special Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and awareness campaign that is happening for the first time in Africa. This is a chance for the average Lagosian and Nigerian to win a plot in a city that will become the most expensive in Africa in few years’ time for just N500.

“This promo is borne out of the vision to make the IIBC an all-inclusive project where those we refer to as the average Nigerian can aspire to and obtain a piece of the future. We want those on minimum wage, the working class men and women, your

hard working social worker, the civil servant, the teacher and all other citizens who have been putting in their fair share into the commonwealth to be part of this future we talk about.

“For the very affordable fee of N500, you can become a part of the future by buying a raffle ticket for our special draws which has been approved by the Lagos State Lotteries Board.”

Akioye said, “In preparation for this massive investment that is coming to Ikate Elegushi domain, IIBC is determined not to only build a city for the future, but to build a city that will become a case study all over Africa. The future they say is for the visionary person that sees what people will see in 10 years today and that is

what IIBC is about.

To help us actualize this dream, we have engaged the best contractors and consultants the western world can offer to make this a reality.

The project Consultants and contractors are: Dredging Company- Dredging International Limited- Belgium; Marine engineer and reclamation consultants- Royal HaskoningDHV- Netherlands; Infrastructure engineering consultants – Mott MacdonaldUnited Kingdom; and Master and town Planner- Gensler associates – United Kingdom.

The city will have roads with walk and bicycle way; waterways and lakes within the city; underground drainage; sewage treatment; water and water

treatment plant; independent gas fired electricity and cooking gas piped to every house; fibre optics cable; cloud enabled Communication network and smart city/house infrastructure for willing subscribers; Mini marina and water park; Mini Gulf course; Perimeter Fencing; First Smart Shopping Mall in Africa; cloud-enabled 24 hours spy-eyed security connected to a central security center; Private Data center; and world class hospital & recovery resort within a dedicated Healthcare Zone.

The city will be zoned into Residential, Mixed used and commercial. Each zone will have low, medium and high density area within each zone.

Each area will also have lagoon/ water view area.

Knightstone Properties to Unveil New Identity, Ambassador Knightstone Properties Limited (formerly known as Adaksa Nigeria Ltd), will officially unveil its new brand identity and Brand Ambassador in Lagos, tomorrow.

The event is expected to attract leading stakeholders, entrepreneurs and investors in the nation’s property landscape.

According to a statement signed by Miss Menzi Iwedi, Branding and Communications Executive, Knightstone Properties Limited, “the evolution and rebranding process from Adaksa Nigeria Limited to Knightstone Properties Limited is a culmination of the totality of experiences garnered by the company in 12years of operations in the Nigerian Market. It is also an expedient and strategic move to reposition the company’s products and services, in line with fresh challenges in the nation’s dynamic property market.”

Iwedi, in the statement, explained that the company’s logo has been given a fresh appeal to reflect the creativity and dynamism in Nigeria’s property market, while the name change represents Nobility (Knight) and Bedrock (Stone). It also represents a strategic reawakening to the company’s present strengths and determination to play stronger and more dynamic roles in the market in the near future.

“We are indeed proud to unveil this New Corporate Identity as part of the ongoing evolution of our company’s brand. As a business, we have grown tremendously in

12 years and we felt this kind of brighter presentation of our logo underscores our transformation process, just as our new unique products effectively state our resolve to continue to play big in the industry,” she explained.

The event will feature a lecture on the theme: - Private Sector: Bridging the Housing Deficit Gap in Nigeria, to be delivered by Mr. Dele Martins, Group Managing Director, HFP Limited. Another highlight will be the unveiling of the Company’s Brand Ambassador whose face would adorn diverse promotional platforms for the company’s various product offerings.

Knightstone Properties Limited, a construction and real estate company, was incorporated in 2003. It presently has built-up properties and land for sale in various estates and locations namely Ibeju Lekki (Lagos); Ajah (Lagos); Shapatti (Lagos); VGC (Lagos); Ikeja GRA (Lagos); Bwari (Abuja) and Kuje (Abuja). These include terrace apartments, 4-Bedroom/ Semi Detached Duplex, 3-Bedroom Apartments and 3-Bedroom Terrace Apartments.

According to Miss Iwedi, “the company’s houses are available on very flexible payment plans structured over four years; while possession can be taken with as low as 60 percent down payment. Plans are also at an advanced stage on a Rent-To-Own scheme, where buyers will have the opportunity of moving into our properties with payment structure as rent.”

: L-R: Mr. Akin Bolarinwa; Managing Director/CEO Channeldrill resources Ltd., Mr. Olufemi Akioye; Chief Segun Elegushi; Chief Moruf Elegushi and Mr. Benson Evboren, at the launch of the Imperial City promo in Lagos... recently

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Tackling Poverty and Climate Change Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Developing nations have contributed the least to the climate change crisis through their carbon emissions, yet their often impoverished, vulnerable citizens are more likely to suffer its devastating impacts, including food insecurity, damage to marine communities, lack of access to safe water and displacement.

Left unchecked, increasing global temperatures and climate change impacts will only make this untenable and unjust situation worse, and ensure a widening chasm between the rich and poor in our world.

With the entry into force of the historic Paris Agreement last week, we have an unprecedented international commitment to change course, limit emissions and build a thriving net zero greenhouse gas emissions economy.

To achieve the true ambition of Paris, however, we must ensure that we prioritize efforts to provide vulnerable communities with access to the sustainable energy resources they need to achieve their fundamental right to development. Because solving climate change is, at its core, about upholding the human rights of people around the world.

A sustainable, resilient economy is compatible with

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

growth in the developing world. We must focus not just on the transition, but on how we are transitioning. If effectively managed, building low-carbon, clean-energy growth economies across the global south will create millions of new jobs, engage young people, lift communities out of poverty, reduce inequality and improve health.

That’s why, of the many noteworthy components of the Paris Agreement, among the most significant was the pledge by wealthier nations to mobilize $100 billion in annual climate finance by 2020 to enable all countries and people to make the transition to a clean energy economy on the same timescale, while simultaneously preparing to adapt in order to manage already irreversible impacts.

The $100 billion in annual investments is a significant

figure - and can undoubtedly help to move us closer to a just transition. But it’s not enough to protect lives and enable communities to survive and thrive without jeopardizing positive development in areas like education, infrastructure and healthcare.

Achieving net zero emissions, realizing Paris’ ambitious targets, and creating a climate resilient economy requires both public and private finance at scale. Effective mobilization of private investment, in particular, can help us to reach these critical financing needs, supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure for energy projects, urban development and effective land use management.

To make this transition inclusive, we must also ensure that the public sector has the resources it needs, by ensuring

all companies pay their fair share of taxes. We need more companies to do the right thing, and recognize that their future success is inextricably linked to the success of their employees, and the communities in which they do business.

Tackling poverty and climate change go hand in hand. A green energy economy is a more resilient economy. New energy technologies in wind and solar, once seen as the provenance of rich countries, are gaining momentum around the world. According to a report by the United Nations Energy Programme, in collaboration with Bloomberg New Energy Finance, developing and emerging economies committed $156 billion to renewables in 2015.

This is an increase of 19% from 2014 and an astonishing 17 times the 2004 investment levels.

As we make economies more climate resilient and less carbon-intensive by increasing access to low-emission energy and transport; energy-efficient buildings, cities and industries, let’s be sure that we increase respect for the rights and growth aspirations of the developing world. Closing the gap between rich and poor depends on it.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, B Team Leader and Fmr. Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Nigeria

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

PROPERTY NEWS

Africa Mulls Tourism Certification Framework to Manage Water, Waste Bennett Oghifo Experts at the ongoing climate talks in Marrakech have advocated the development and adoption of a policy and strategic framework that support expansion and mainstreaming of sustainable tourism certification in Africa, according to PAMACC News Agency.

Speaking at a side event in the Africa pavilion on the second day of the COP22 climate conference, water and tourism experts were unanimous in their view that African states should encourage and incentivise green certification of tourism, specifically in relation to monitoring and reducing water and waste.

This, according to them, will set the stage for existing African and International certification programs to have adequate criteria, and established processes and systems for working with the hotel sector to assess and monitor their waste and water management systems.

In addition to other environmental, social and socio-economic components of sustainable tourism, the framework will provide a mechanism to recognise that certification standards use a

common and comprehensive approach to sustainability as well as summarise existing monitoring data being gathered by national tourism authorities and international/regional certification bodies specifically relating to the accommodation sector in Africa.

According to Dr. Anna Spenceley, a consultant with the African Development Bank (AfDB), African states can integrate sustainability criteria into their hotel quality-rating programs as a way of supporting Sustainable Development Goal 12 which places emphasis on responsible consumption and production, and also contribute to the objectives of the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Tourism.

Jean Michel Ossete, the Coordinator of the African Water Facility, jointly sponsored by the AfDB and the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) believes that the AfDB could support member states to raise awareness on the benefits of sustainable tourism certification in Africa particularly those with currently low levels of certification, improve linkages between established certification programs and member states,

where there the program is aligned with the country’s objectives, and providing guidance on the design and implementation of incentives to promote improved waste and water management.

Recognising that sustainable tourism certification provides an independent mechanism for evaluating and measuring water and waste management in African hotels, Oseloka Zikora of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) advocated support for the development of national waste and water management capacity, to ensure that countries are able and willing to establish and enabling policy framework for good practices, and that hotels

can implement them.

“This should be done by providing technical advice and mentoring to governments on how they can promote better water and waste management and certification in the hotel sector through congruent policies, including through incentives, commissioning and sharing research findings on the financial and non-financial benefits of certification, and of good waste and water management practices, that provides clear quantification of the benefits that can be understood by decision makers,” Zikora added.

He further recommended the adoption of a train-thetrainers approach to making the outreach cost effective

and locally relevant, as well as establish an online resource library containing tools on waste and water management, training guides and case study examples.

The experts also agreed on the need to develop external coordination and cooperation mechanisms to ensure good communication, linkages and compatible approaches.

Strategic partners identified for this include multi-laterals such as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), bi-lateral organisations such as GiZ, and NGOs like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the Travel Foundation and International Tourism Partnership, and also

networks such as the Sustainable Tourism Certification Alliance Africa.

Collectively, the African and international certification programs have certified at least 715 accommodation facilities in 19 African countries, against their environmental, social and economic criteria.

Though the total actual number of hotels in Africa is not known, Booking.com lists 20,844 hotels in 51 of Africa’s 52 countries. It therefore implies that the number of hotels that are monitoring their waste and water consumption, and taking efforts to improve their practices, are a tiny proportion of the number of accommodation facilities on the continent.

World Alliance for Clean Technologies Launched at COP22 The Solar Impulse Foundation launched the World Alliance for Clean Technologies today during COP22, as a legacy to the first ever solar flight around the world. Its goal is to federate the main actors in the field of clean technologies, in order to create synergies, promote profitable solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental and health challenges, and give credible advice to governments.

Less than four months after the landing of the first ever solar flight around the world, accomplished by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, the Solar Impulse Foundation is launching, at COP22, the World Alliance for Clean Technologies – a second phase in the realization of Bertrand Piccard’s vision that clean technologies can accomplish impossible goals and offer tangible solutions to solve many of the challenges facing global society today as well as reach the objectives of the Climate Action Agenda.

The Alliance’s overarching ambition is to globally advance the cause of clean technologies, which it defines as “any practical solution that allows to bridge the gap between ecology and economy. They are not limited to the production of renewable energy, but encompass technologies, systems, know-hows or processes that protect the environment, improve health, increase energy efficiency or save natural resources, while creating jobs, generating profit and sustaining growth”.

“We need to embrace clean technologies, not because they are ‘eco-logical,’ but because they are ‘logical,’” said Bertrand Piccard, Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation. “Even if climate change didn’t exist, energy efficient technologies

would make sense to create jobs, generate profit and boost economic development, while also reducing CO2 emissions and protecting natural resources.”

Until now, there was no such organization, gathering the clean technologies stakeholders around the world; hence the Alliance will bring together start-ups, companies, institutions and organizations producing, implementing or supporting the use of clean technologies.

Together, the members will share experience and create synergies in order to improve the overall value chain and demonstrate concrete solutions to support governments, corporations and institutions in reaching their environmental and health targets, advising them depending on their specific situation.

Commenting on the launch of the Alliance, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “The Solar Impulse flight showed the world that it is possible to push the limits of technology in order to build the foundation for a sustainable future. By harnessing this and other innovative technologies, we can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”

“Initiatives like the World Alliance for Clean Technologies are exactly what we need to further enable investors, governments, cities and citizens to harvest the rich variety of clean technologies that already exist or are under development,” added Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Patricia Espinosa, who was present at the launch.

“We need the best and brightest minds – from the North and the South – to deliver clean

L-R: Head, Procurement Unit, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Mrs. Omotunde Oyedeji; Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare and Permanent Secretary, Mr Adeyemi Saliu, at the presentation of expression of interest on cleaner Lagos initiative, in Alausa, Ikeja Lagos….recently KOLA OLASUPO

Africa Presents United Front, Calls for Action at COP22 The 22nd Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP22) began on Monday, 7 November in Marrakesh (Morocco).

A collaborative partnership between the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), the African Union Commission (AUC), the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) established the Africa Pavilion in the blue zone of the COP22 village, dedicated to engagement, networking and dialogue. The Pavilion also aims to provide a platform for the voices of the continent to be heard.

The Pavilion embodies the united front of an Africa “speaking with one voice” in articulating its interests given the high stakes of climate change negotiations Over the next two weeks of COP22, the Africa Pavilion will feature a dynamic program of round-tables, conferences and bilateral meetings, where key issues of adaptation and mitigation; green industrialization; agriculture; transport; health; water and sanitation; biodiversity and innovation will be discussed.

Both COP21 President

and French Minister of the Environment, Energy and the Sea, in charge of international climate negotiations, Segolène Royal and COP22 President and Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs Salaheddine Mezouar, visited the Africa pavilion in the early days of COP22. The pavilion is drawing crowds with its unique architecture and interesting features such as living green walls. Several African heads of State and high level officials are also expected to visit the pavilion during the High level week of COP22, and especially on Africa Day, Wednesday 16 November 2016.

COP22 is the fourth COP to take place on African soil - the second time in Morocco – presenting an important opportunity to place special emphasis on the continent’s needs and proposals. Africa is among the world’s regions most vulnerable to climate change and its key priorities include ensuring that global ambitions and historic responsibilities regarding means of implementation, particularly predictable financing, to facilitate low carbon climate resilient development are in line with the continent’s development goals.

Transport Delivers Actionable Vision Towards Net-zero Emission Economy Reducing emissions from the growing transport sector is one of the key challenges in limiting global temperature rise well below 2°C and possibly 1,5°C as agreed in the Paris Agreement. Theglobal transport sector is working together to deliver the transformation necessary to respond to the challenges of climate change. This means both changes in transport patterns, modes and technologies to dramatically reduce emissions from transport and adapting transport systems and services to ensure their resilience to the effects of climate change.

The transport community is meeting together in Marrakesh to galvanize coordinated ambitious action to transform the global transport sector, and for the first time transport Ministers, CEOs and non-State Actors are formally engaged in the UNFCCC Global Climate Action Agenda (GCAA) discussions.

Over the last two year 15 voluntary transport initiatives (as part of the Global Climate Action Agenda (GCAA)), representing significant parts of the transport sector, have

brought together hundreds of partners from all over the world to lead the transformation of transport – to deliver safe, affordable, low carbon access for all. They have demonstrated that reducing emissions from the transport sector is possible and cost effective – whilst simultaneously delivering significant sustainable development co-benefits such as .

The lessons and experiences from these initiatives will be brought to the attention of the UNFCCC Parties.

Michelin Challenge Bibendum (MCB) and the Partnership on Sustainable Low Carbon Transport (SLoCaT) have joined together to develop a Global Macro Roadmap for moving towards net-zero emission Transport.

The Macro Global Roadmap provides a common, phased, action oriented, integrating global framework for the whole transport community so that they can move in concert to deliver low carbon transport by 2050. Twenty urgent (pre-2020) Quick-Wins actions have been identified to put the sector on the right track for transformative change.

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PROPERTY NEWS

Fashola: FG Budgets for Rehabilitation of Roads in Six Geo-political Zones in 2017 Bennett Oghifo The Federal Government has made financial arrangement in the 2017 budget for the management of roads, designated as critical, in the six Geo-political zones of the country.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola stated this during a press briefing to report activities in the Ministry one year after assumption of office.

In the section of a presentation, ‘2017 and Beyond – Works, Fashola said “Going forward in 2017, we have developed proposals for the budget to intervene in critical roads in the 6 (SIX) Geo-political zones that lead to and from major food producing states based on information supplied by the Ministry of Agriculture.

“We plan to do the same for states that produce minerals from mining activity, and for states where we have strategic fuel depots. For decades, we have paid almost no attention to bridges built across the country as though they are indestructible.

“We are beginning to see erosion, stress, and in some cases failures and near collapse in Kano (Tamburawa), Lagos (Ijora), Kogi (Lokoja) Ogun (Long bridge on Lagos-Ibadan) Kaduna (Jaji) and other places.

“Although we have started some work in a few places, we have only about N2 Billion to work in the 2016 budget. We have nonetheless developed a 3 (THREE) year plan to cover

42 (Forty-Two) bridges that will require about N277 Billion authorization by Parliament over the period.

“We received representation from parliamentarians about roads in their constituencies and from the monthly FRSC reports all of which have been factored into our next three-year plan.

“How far we go, how much we get and how much we can do, now depends on how much money the country can get, and how much she gets approval to spend.”

He said, “This ministry as we all know is responsible for civil works, especially the construction of roads, bridges, buildings and other similar civil engineering undertakings.

“As I mentioned during my briefing on the agenda setting, we had inherited about 206 road projects already contracted out; with outstanding completion costs in the region of N1.5 Trillion.

“Although the works ministry share of the 2016 appropriation was N260 Billion, which was a lot more than the 2015 budget of only N18 Billion that the last administration left, it is a drop in the ocean against the liabilities that were outstanding to contractors.

“Our interactions with contractors showed that many of them had not been paid for an average of two to three years before we resumed, and this explained the stoppage of works, by the contractors, the layoff of workers, and consequently poor condition

Senate Committee on Environment Urges Judicious use of Funds Fadekemi Ajakaiye The Chairman, Senate committee on Environment, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has advised the Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON) on judicious use of funds.

The Chairman, Senate committee on Environment gave the advice recently when the Senate committee visited the Council as part of the Senate oversight functions.

According to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, their visit was not to force anything on the Council, rather their visit was just to see that money allocated to the Council was put to good use for the Nigerian people.

Also, speaking at the meeting, the Co-Chairman of the Senate committee on Environment, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi stated that their visit was to strengthen the Agency by way of collaboration between the National Assembly and the Council, adding that they were in the Council to interface with them and to know their impediments and how the National Assembly could be of help to the Council.

The senator, advised the Council to double its effort on the collection of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), saying “it is a way of assisting government having not to provide for every cost effect, be it Capital or recurrent expenditure.”

Earlier, the Registrar of the Council, Sanitarian Dominic Abonyi commended the effort of the government, adding that the Council had enjoyed government attention more now than ever before.

The Registrar, however, used the opportunity to commend the National Assembly for being able to amend the Act setting them up, saying as Oliver twist, he would want to plead with the government and the National Assembly to approve more funds for the Council to enable the Council recruit more Staff particularly Environmental Health Officers in order to tackle myriads of Environmental Health and Sanitation problems in the Country.

On the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the Registrar informed the Committee that one of the Critical things the Council does is to accredit Schools, give them assessment and qualify them to train Environmental Health Professionals in Nigeria while they pay token for accreditation.

The Registrar, hinted the Committee that “the Council’s Act is such that we could not take anybody to court without passing through the Office of the Attorney-General,” adding that the Council could not also get Fiat to prosecute until last year when a lawyer was posted to the Council which now made it possible for the Council to commence litigations.

of many roads.

“With limited resources against liabilities, with debts already owed, we had to make difficult choices of deciding which of the 206 roads under contract we should start with, and how many. Our choices were informed by the realities of our economy and the size of our resources.

“We resolved that all roads are economic roads but that some were more urgent and more impactful than others. So our choices were determined by roads that carried the heaviest cargo, to allow farmers, businessman, industries and travelers move their goods and themselves across the country in order to drive productive

activity.

“Secondly, we chose roads that support our energy sufficiency and put our resources in roads leading to and from petroleum tank farms so that we can move petro, diesel and kerosene across Nigeria.

“We also chose roads that led to and from our major sea and airports so that maritime business can go on, to drive the economy.

“Therefore, we re-mobilized contractors back to work on roads across the six Geo-Political zones. Some important roads in this category are: The Port Harcourt- Aba Road, where mobilization was delayed until Monday 31st October because of rains, and the difficulty of

establishing a works yard.

“Sokoto – Tambuwal Makera-Kontagara Road where work is going on, - (SokotoKebbi-Niger States); Ilorin-Jebba Road, - (Kwara State); LokoOweto Bridge, - ( Nasarawa/ Benue States); Shagamu- Ibadan, - (Oyo-Ogun State); Shagamu – Lagos, - (Lagos-Ogun State); Ogbomosho-Oko-Ilogbo-Osogbo , -(Oyo-Osun State); FuntuaKatsina , -(Katsina State); Wukari-Akwana, - (Taraba State); Abriba –Arochukwu – Ohafia , - (Abia State); Abuja – Lokoja – Airport , - (FCT/ Kogi State); OjiAchi-Obeagu-Mmaku-AwguNdeaboh-Mpu-Okpanku , -(Enugu State); Ajase Ipo – Offa – Erinle – Osun State Boundary

, - (Kwara State); and Ikot Ekpene Border- Aba – Owerri Dualisation, - (Akwa Ibom/Abia and Imo States).

According to Fashola, “We also paid consultants who are supervising these roads and had been denied payment for 2 to 3 years. This has helped to recover lost jobs, and put some money back in circulation, as part of a government strategy to build out of this recession.

“As I said during our first briefing, our short-term objectives are to complete uncompleted road contracts, restore motorability back to as many roads as possible, improve journey times and reduce the cost of travel for commuters.

L-R: Registrar, Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria, Sanitarian Dominic Abonyi; chairman, Senate committee on Environment, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; and Co-Chairman of the Senate committee on Environment, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, during the committee’s oversight visit on the council in Abuja... recently

Africa Urged to Avoid Being Caught in ‘Capacity Building Syndrome’ Africa should avoid the ‘Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) trap’ by perpetually pushing capacity building and miss out on serious climate funding opportunities, Balgis Osman Elasha of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has said. Dr. Osman Elasha, who is the Principal Climate Change officer at the bank’s Quality Assurance and Results Department, says “Africa could not benefit from the CDM because it was caught up in the capacity building mode while others were taking action.” CDM of the Kyoto Protocol provided for emissions reduction projects aimed at to assist parties not included in Annex I in achieving sustainable development and compliance with their quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments.

“For Africa to benefit from the Paris Agreement, we should, this time avoid the CDM trap”, Dr. Osman Elasha told delegates at an AfDB side event on day two of the UN Climate Change conference currently holding in Marrakech, Morocco.

Discussing ‘Access to means of Implementation-key concern for Africa post COP 21’, Dr. Osman Elasha said there is no room for Africa to waste on capacity building while the rest of the world would be taking

action. The panel discussion focused on the challenges that Africa faces and windows of opportunities that the continent could take advantage of, in the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Seen as a historic Agreement and fastest international treaty to enter into force, the Paris Agreement which is anchored on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), places obligations on all Parties to fulfil what is contained in their climate action plans. However, for Africa, several gaps have emerged, one of which is the vagueness of most African countries’ NDCs, even before the bigger issue of means of implementation (finance and technology transfer) is brought into picture. “The way forward is a major challenge for most developing countries—it’s not just about getting the money but also what to do with it to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement,” said Kurt Lonsway, Manager for the Climate and Environment portfolio at AfDB. Lonsway, however, was quick to point out that the Bank stands by its commitment to support African states as they seek to rework their climate action plans to ensure that they benefit from available climate funding windows.

Ocean Climate Action Making Waves A special Oceans Action Event at the UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech (COP22) is bringing together over 400 high-level participants from around the world to advance oceans and climate change issues and to pledge concrete actions in support of the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal number 14, which is to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.

The global ocean is fundamental to sustaining life on Earth. It is a major carbon sink; it absorbs heat, and produces half the oxygen we breathe. It sustains the lives and livelihoods of the coastal and island communities who call it home, and who rely on its bounty to meet their nutritional needs.

The important role our oceans play was recognized at the 43rd Session of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in Nairobi, Kenya earlier this year, which decided to prepare a special, scientific report on climate change and the oceans.

But while oceans are key to mitigating climate change, a warming planet also places them, and the services they provide, at great risk. Climate variability and change, habitat degradation and ocean acidification all pose additional risks to the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans, and to the

well-being of dependent coastal and island communities.

Ocean Climate Action announcements were made in Marrakech. At a recent event, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the World Bank and the African Development Bank has announced the African Package for Climate-Resilient Ocean Economies. This ambitious package of technical and financial assistance will support ocean economies in Africa, and build greater resilience of coastal areas to climate change, tailoring approaches based on the countries’ specific priorities and objectives.

The initiative will mobilize 500-900 million USD and implement programs linked to climate change adaptation and mitigation over the period 2017-2020.

The Kingdom of Morocco has announced its Blue Belt Initiative aimed at building the resilience of coastal communities and promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in keeping with SDG14 expectations. Focus areas will include integrated coastal monitoring systems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture throughout the entire value chain. Solutions for adaptation and contributions to curbing greenhouse gas are proposed as part of a priority roadmap for implementation.

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2016

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TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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INTERNATIONAL Obama Urges Americans to Give Trump a Chance

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

President Barack Obama has urged Americans to give President-elect, Donald Trump, a chance to get adjusted to the responsibilities of the presidency.

But in his first news conference since last week’s stunning election results, Obama warned that some of Trump’s expectations will soon be shaken up by the gravity of the job.

Obama said he was certain after meeting Trump last week that his successor and longtime political foe was “sincere” about being president for all Americans but also called on the Presidentelect to reach out to people who

felt anxious after the explosive rhetoric of the campaign, including women and minorities.

“I don’t think he is ideological, I think ultimately he is pragmatic in that way and that can serve him well as long as he has got good people around him and he has a good sense of direction,” Obama said.

Obama appeared before reporters before leaving the United States on the last scheduled foreign trip of his presidency, to Greece, Germany and Peru. It takes place with many of Obama’s subordinates and liberals across the nation still barely able to

believe he will be succeeded by Trump, whose volatile character and taboo-busting rhetoric could hardly strike a more overt contrast to the current president.

Obama said he told Trump that his election achievement in tapping into the enthusiasm of his voters was impressive. “I think he is coming to this office with fewer set hard and fast policy

prescriptions than a lot of other presidents might be arriving with.

Do I have concerns? Absolutely, of course I’ve got concerns. He and I differ on a whole bunch of issues,” Obama added.

Obama dodged an opportunity to comment on the appointment of firebrand polemicist Stephen Bannon as Trump’s senior White House policy adviser, who has

been vigorously criticized as a leading member of the alt-right nationalist movement.

Obama said it would not be appropriate for him to weigh in on all of Trump’s appointments because it would be incompatible to his desire to provide a smooth transition of power to his successor. “I think it is important for us to let him make his decisions.

The American people will judge over the course of the next couple of years whether they like what they see,” Obama said.

He added: “This office has a way of waking you up. Those aspects of his positions or his predispositions that don’t match up with reality, he will find shaken up pretty quick because reality has a way of asserting itself.”

Aftershocks Rattle New Zealand after Quake Kills Two A strong new earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 rattled New Zealand’s South Island yesterday, hours after a more powerful quake killed at least two people, damaged roads and buildings and sent thousands fleeing to higher ground.

Emergency response teams were already flying by helicopter to the region at the epicenter of the original 7.8 magnitude quake, which struck just after midnight some 91 km (57 miles) northeast of Christchurch in the South Island, amid reports of injuries and collapsed buildings.

New Zealand’s capital Wellington was a virtual ghost town with workers ordered to stay away while the local council assessed the risk to buildings. Severe weather with 140 kph gale-force winds was forecast for the area, which could cause more damage, such as from glass loosened by the tremors.

The new tremor, a 6.2 quake recorded at about 1.45 p.m. local time, was the most powerful of hundreds of aftershocks in the South Pacific country. It rattled frayed nerves in an area where memories of a deadly 2011 quake are still fresh.

Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s ruggedly beautiful South Island, is still recovering from the 2011 quake, which measured 6.3 magnitude and killed 185 people.

Powerlines and telecommunications are down, and daylight revealed sizeable cracks in roads and damage to infrastructure after the original quake just after midnight shook New Zealanders from their beds.

“It was the most significant shock I can remember in Wellington,” Prime Minister John Key told reporters at a dawn news conference from the parliament’s underground bunker in the capital city. “There will be quite major costs around roads and infrastructure.”

New Zealand’s Geonet measured Monday’s first quake at magnitude 7.5, while the U.S. Geological Survey put it at 7.8.

The quakes and aftershocks rattled buildings as far away as the New Zealand capital, Wellington, 300 km (185 miles) to the northeast.

Key said he hoped to travel on Monday to the tourist town of Kaikoura, about 150 km (90 miles) northeast of Christchurch and which appeared to have borne the brunt of the quake.

New Zealand’s Civil Defence declared a state of emergency for the Kaikoura region soon after Monday’s large aftershock.

A tsunami warning that led to mass evacuations after the original quake was downgraded after large swells hit Wellington, in the North Island, and Christchurch. There were no new tsunami warnings issued after the 6.2 aftershock.

New Zealand lies in the seismically active “Ring of Fire”, a 40,000 km arc of volcanoes and oceanic trenches that partly encircles the Pacific Ocean. Around 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes occur within this region.

Stock exchange operator NZX Ltd said markets were trading, although many offices in the capital were closed. The NZX said its Wellington staff were working remotely.

A flurry of listed property companies, including Investore Property and Argosy Property, issued notices to the NZX saying they were examining buildings for any damage. Initial inspections showed limited impact.

Key was meeting national emergency officials on Monday and postponed a trip to Argentina, where he had planned to hold a series of trade meetings ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit in Peru this week.

“The situation is still unfolding and we don’t yet know the full extent of the damage,” Key said.

St. John Ambulance said it was sending helicopters carrying medical and rescue personnel to Kaikoura, where at least one of those killed was found in a collapsed house. Two other people were pulled alive from the same building, disaster officials said.

The South Island town, a popular destination for whale watching, was completely cut off.

New Zealand media reported one of the pilots was Richie McCaw, the recently retired captain of New Zealand’s world champion All Blacks rugby team.

Kevin Heays, of Environment Canterbury in Kaikoura, told Radio New Zealand there had been a lot of damage to roads. “There are a lot of poles down,” he said. “I’d say we will be without power for a long, long time. I understand that the roads north and south are out so we are pretty well isolated.”

RELYING ON TUITION FEES

U.S. colleges recruiting international students from Middle East, South Asia and Latin America to boost budgets from tuition fee

Trump Appoints Chief of Staff President-elect, Donald Trump, has appointed Reince Priebus, a Washington insider who heads the Republican National Committee, as White House chief of staff, signaling a willingness to work with Congress to advance his agenda when he takes office in January.

But while giving the influential post to the low-key Priebus, Trump handed another senior White House job to rabble-rousing conservative media figure Stephen Bannon, his campaign chairman who helped engineer his surprise victory on Tuesday over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Priebus is a friend of U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, who distanced himself from Trump during the campaign but embodies the Republican establishment in Washington and will play a critical role in shepherding Trump’s agenda in Congress. Both Priebus and Ryan are from Wisconsin.

But Bannon, former head of the right-wing Breitbart News website, has been fiercely critical of Ryan.

Trump’s statement announcing the appointments said Bannon and Priebus would be “working as equal partners to transform the federal government,” with Bannon serving as chief strategist and senior counselor to the president.

The White House chief of staff serves as a gatekeeper and agenda-setter for the president, but Trump’s statement mentioned Bannon’s job first. “I am thrilled

to have my very successful team continue with me in leading our country,” Trump said in a statement. “Steve and Reince are highly qualified leaders who worked well together on our campaign and led us to a historic victory. Now I will have them both with me in the White House.”

Before joining Trump’s team, Bannon spearheaded Breitbart’s shift into a forum for the “alt-right,” a loose online confederation of neoNazis, white supremacists and antiSemitics. Bannon’s hiringby Trump’s campaign this year signaled the businessman’s dedication to operating outside the norms of Washington.

Under Bannon’s leadership, the Breitbart site presented a number of conspiracy theories about Clinton as well as Republicans deemed to be lacking in conservative bona fides.

Critics have accused Bannon of harboring anti-Semitic and white nationalist sentiments. In a 2007 court filing during divorce proceedings, Bannon’s former wife accused him of making anti-Semitic comments on at least three occasions.

As head of Breitbart, he repeatedly attacked the Republican Party establishment including Ryan, alienating many veteran Republicans.

Bannon showed his willingness to engage in brutal political tactics when he instigated the appearance before a presidential debate of three women who said they had been sexually abused by his Democratic

rival’s husband, former President Bill Clinton.

Trump, who will succeed Democratic President Barack Obama on Jan. 20, has been contemplating the candidates for top jobs in the White House and in various Cabinet positions since Tuesday’s victory.

Priebus’ appointment could anger some hardline Trump supporters who were counting on Trump to keep his campaign promise to “drain the swamp” of business-as-usual Washington insiders.

Priebus is a longtime Wisconsin political operative who was credited with marshaling party resources for Trump’s White House bid. The Republican National Committee stepped in and ran most of the party’s get-out-the-vote effort this year in the absence of such an operation by the Trump campaign.

While some Republicans fled from Trump during the campaign, Priebus was unwavering in his backing for the New York real estate developer.

Priebus frequently traveled with Trump on the campaign trailandwas seen as a positive force who helped rein intheunpredictableTrumpintheclosing weeks.Trumpmadehishighregardfor Priebus known on election night when he pulled him to the microphone to take a bow for his campaign efforts.

Trump and his advisers already have hedged on some of his major campaign promises, including on immigration, healthcare and

appointing a special prosecutor to investigate Clinton.

Trump, in an interview that aired on Sunday, backed away from his promise to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border, saying some areas could instead be “fencing.”

Trump, whose pledge to force Mexico to pay for a border wall was a centerpiece of his White House, said in “certain areas” he would accept fencing instead of a brick-and-mortar wall, according to his interview with the CBS program “60 Minutes.”

“But certain areas, a wall is more appropriate. I’m very good at this, it’s called construction, there could be some fencing,” he said.

In the “60 Minutes” interview, Trump said Americans alarmed by his election had nothing to fear.

“Don’t be afraid. We are going to bring our country back. But certainly, don’t be afraid,” he said.

Demonstrators in major U.S. cities took to the streets on Sunday for a fifth straight day to protest against Trump. Trump said in the interview that once he takes office, he would remove immigrants with criminal records who are in the country illegally.

During the campaign, Trump said he would deport the estimated 11 million immigrants in the country illegally, most of whom are Hispanic.

Ryan on Sunday backed away from Trump’s promise during the campaign of a “deportation force” to round up and deport immigrants in the country illegally.

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BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

NDIC Slams Okereke-Onyuike over Call to Merge Commission with AMCON James Emejo in Abuja The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) yesterday described as unfortunate, remarks by a former Director General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Dr. Ndidi Okereke-Onyuike, that the commission be merged with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) because the institutions have a common mandate.

It said her remarks showed she “clearly lacked adequate understanding of the roles of the NDIC in the Nigerian financial system, which had been widely acknowledged over the last 27 years.”

In a statement signed by the NDIC management and made available to THISDAY, the corporation also said contrary to Okereke-Onyuike’s assertion, “the NDIC does not enjoy any government subventions. Its income is derived from investment of insurance premium paid by the insured banks, adding that “In fact, the Corporation has been remitting billions of Naira of its annual operating surpluses to the Federal Government as required by the Fiscal Responsibility Act.”

The commission further reminded the former DG that the corporation was established in 1988 and commenced operations in 1989 to administer Deposit Insurance System (DIS) in the country.

“The objectives of NDIC include Protection of Depositors, particularly small savers by providing an orderly means of reimbursement in the event of failure of an insured banking institution. The core mandates of NDIC include Deposit Guarantee, Bank Supervision, Failure Resolution and Bank Liquidation,” the NDIC stated.

It said: “It is also on record that the Corporation in collaboration with the CBN in 2009 midwifed the establishment of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

AMCON was purposely set up to purchase toxic assets from the banking institutions and engage in debt recovery of such non-performing loans.”

Okereke-Onwyuike stirred the hornet’s nest when she called on the federal government to merge the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) with Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) as their mandates were similar during her speech

at a book launch in Lagos. The failure resolution mandate of the Corporation allows it to extend Technical and Financial Assistance to eligible banks, assist in Purchase and Assumption (P&A) transactions, Deposit Transfer, Merger and Acquisition (M&A), Bridge Bank as do “The failure resolution mandate of the Corporation allows it to extend Technical and Financial Assistance to eligible banks, assist in Purchase and Assumption (P&A) transactions, Deposit Transfer, Merger and Acquisition (M&A), Bridge Bank as done in 2011 in collaboration with the CBN to prevent monumental banking crisis in Nigeria and outright liquidation of failed institutions.

It is also worth mentioning that through the bridge bank initiative, over three (3) million depositors and 6,600 jobs were saved.

“The NDIC’s mandate and scope of operations are far beyond such narrow scope as was ignorantly painted

by Mrs. Okereke-Onyuike.

Hence, the call for the merger of the NDIC and AMCON is misplaced and totally uncalled for,” the corporation added.

‘Post Offices in Africa Now Providing Access to Financial Networks’ Post offices in Africa now deliver more money than mail. They are becoming essential to provide poor rural populations with access to affordable financial services, including remittances, which amounted to over US$ 65 billion in 2015. This will be the focus of the Second African Conference on Remittances and Postal Networks to be held on 15 -16 November in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, and hosted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

“More than 15 per cent of adult Africans use the over 26,000 existing post offices and postal agents to access basic financial services, including picking up remittances. Most of them live in rural communities many miles away from

banks,” the Coordinator of the Financing Facility for Remittances at IFAD, Pedro De Vasconcelos said.

“In Africa, post offices are now considered part of the nation’s social fabric and an immediate access point to financial services.”

While the average cost of sending remittances is 7.6 per cent globally, Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most expensive region in the world in which to send money home, with an average cost of 9.5 per cent in 2016. In an increasing number of African countries, post offices are able to provide a remittance service at an average cost of 5 per cent or less.

A new report exploring remittances and the role of the post office in Africa will be launched at the conference.

The IFAD report, “Remittances at the post office in Africa: Serving the financial needs of migrants and their families in rural areas,” focuses on African National Postal Operators as distribution channels to provide access to remittances and financial services. It examines the role post offices play in Africa’s remittance market and ways to make these existing, publiclyowned assets more competitive and inclusive.

About 120 delegates including national postal operators, postbanks, regulatory authorities, governments, private sector banks, money transfer operators, fintech firms, international organizations, civil society and others involved in the remittances market from across Africa will participate.

Diamond Bank Rewards Customers Diamond Bank Plc held its Diamond Xtra Savings draw for its customers in the Northern region in Abuja recently.

The draw, which was held at the Diamond Bank, Nyanya branch, according to a statement, was the continuation of its annual Diamond Xtra savings Draw, which is in its 8th season.

In line with its commitment towards ensuring that all its customers had a chance to win in the promo, Diamond Bank segmented the draws to cover all the major geo- political zones in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Head, Mass Markets, Diamond Bank, Mr. Osita Ede, said the main aim of the promo was to encourage a savings culture in the populace and of course to also put a smile on the faces of their customers.

He said since the beginning of

the promo, the bank has created over 4,500 millionaires and given out Billions of Naira to reward its customers He said “To qualify for the monthly draw, a customer is to maintain a minimum monthly balance of N5,000.00 while additional deposits will count as multiple entries and increase the customer’s chances of winning.”

Officials from KPMG and the National Lottery Regulatory Commission were also on hand to vouch for the authenticity and transparency of the promo.

Speaking at the event, a representative of KPMG, the audit firm in charge of the validation process for the promo, Mr. Kenneth Ukanwa, said the processes put in place for picking eventual winners and even those qualified for the promo was transparent and above board.

Some of the past winners were also on hand at the occasion to authenticate and confirm this and also spoke about their experiences on winning. Rabiat Jubril Guzzau, a customer from Nassarawa State who won N1 million said she had just opened the account in May only to be called up in October that she had won the sum of N1 million.

A representative of the National Lotto Regulatory Commission, also assured the audience that even though some of the winners announced were not present, the Commission would ensure that they were duly rewarded with their winnings.

Forty names were announced as winners in the Diamond Savings Xtra draw with the grand prize of a Hyundai SUV being carted away by Udochukwu Unigwe from the Diamond Bank branch in Jalingo.

Managing Director, NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JUNE 2016 Broad Money (M2)

21,684,965.22

-- Narrow Money (M1)

9,125,933.16

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,379,187.93

---- Demand Deposits

7,746,745.22

-- Quasi Money

12,559,032.07

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,105,663.47

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,579,301.76

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

24,318,143.03

---- Credit to Government (Net)

2,893,190.01

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

2,893,190.01

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

-2,111,487.25

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

21,424,953.01

--Other Assets Net

-9,738,841.27

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,370,199.87

--Currency in Circulation

1,684,725.89

--Banks Reserves

3,685,473.98 • 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

20

120.47

120.47

Stanbic IBTC Ethical

1

1.10

1.13

Stanbic IBTC GIF

142.90

143.38

UBA Balanced Fund

1.2563

1.2493

UBA Bond Fund

1.3443

1.3443

UBA Equity Fund

0.8205

0.8074

UBA Money Market Fund

1.1510

1.1510

ARM Aggressive Growth Fund

N13.0544

N13.4480

ARM Discovery Fund

N288.2515

N296.9425

ARM Ethical Fund

N22.5268

N23.2060

ARM Money Market Fund

13.1030 (Yield % ) • Monetary Policy Rate - 14%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT FRIDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 2016 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $41.54 a barrel on Friday, compared with $42.67 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. \The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon), Minas (Indonesia), 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), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

37

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

14-Nov-16

11-Nov-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

01 Dangote Cement Plc

164.00

164.00

0.00%

2,794,643,214,420.00

9.20

17.82

4.92

4.88%

3.73

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

142.00

142.00

0.00%

1,125,932,326,096.00

4.03

35.19

3.73

2.54%

6.87

03 Nestle Nigeria Plc

814.97

814.97

0.00%

645,991,065,692.44

8.81

92.49

3.74

3.56%

20.47

04 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

21.00

21.48

-2.23%

618,054,763,704.00

4.90

4.29

1.54

8.43%

1.26

05 Zenith Bank Plc

14.50

15.13

-4.16%

455,249,159,897.00

3.91

3.71

0.96

12.41%

0.65

06 Lafarge Africa Plc

48.00

48.00

0.00%

218,635,286,880.00

-9.39

-5.11

1.03

6.25%

1.08

361.00

361.00

0.00%

199,745,022,993.00 -44.58

-8.10

2.57

4.41%

0.51

48.10

48.10

0.00%

181,976,549,625.00

0.69

69.49

2.74

0.10%

19.40

9.60

9.80

-2.04%

176,155,691,664.00

0.68

14.19

0.30

6.46%

0.28

10 Presco Plc

43.85

43.85

0.00%

174,105,418,423.25

0.03 1,499.67

2.44

2.96%

4.16

11 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

16.50

16.50

0.00%

165,000,000,000.00

2.04

8.10

1.18

0.61%

1.40

12 United Bank for Africa Plc

4.30

4.30

0.00%

156,001,963,184.60

1.75

2.46

0.47

13.95%

0.36

07 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd 08 Unilever Nigeria Plc 09 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

13 Access Bank Plc

5.36

5.30

1.13%

155,053,927,942.16

2.59

2.07

0.44

10.26%

0.35

14 Guinness Nig Plc

89.00

90.00

-1.11%

134,024,048,732.00

-3.06

-29.10

1.30

3.60%

3.40

15 Forte Oil Plc.

94.32

104.50

-9.74%

122,850,017,634.96

3.31

28.53

0.80

3.66%

2.84

3.07

3.05

0.66%

110,198,548,871.44

0.21

14.80

0.21

4.89%

0.18

17 Total Nigeria Plc

290.00

290.00

0.00%

98,461,332,730.00

38.02

7.63

0.37

4.83%

4.32

18 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

143.32

143.32

0.00%

91,809,410,825.16

-0.05 -3,137.82

0.99

1.54%

4.14

6.25

6.25

0.00%

75,000,000,000.00

1.03

6.09

0.52

8.00%

1.20

190.00

190.00

0.00%

68,513,099,780.00

19.32

9.83

0.75

3.79%

3.70

21 International Breweries Plc

19.89

19.89

0.00%

65,522,618,179.20

0.02

882.74

2.46

1.26%

5.97

22 Julius Berger Nig. Plc

38.00

38.00

0.00%

50,160,000,000.00

-2.95

-12.90

0.43

3.95%

2.64

23 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

18.88

18.92

-0.21%

49,545,598,090.56

-1.19

-15.82

0.12

10.59%

0.50

4.09

4.30

-4.88%

49,221,591,276.46

-3.15

-1.30

0.19

18.34%

0.31

25 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

42.47

42.47

0.00%

40,512,557,700.00

4.82

8.80

6.16

0.24%

2.51

26 U A C N Plc

17.76

17.67

0.51%

34,114,551,513.12

3.37

5.27

0.45

5.63%

0.45

27 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc

0.83

0.86

-3.49%

32,138,427,862.75

-0.47

-1.78

0.62

0.00%

0.44

28 Wema Bank Plc

0.62

0.63

-1.59%

23,916,168,970.22

0.06

10.41

0.47

0.00%

0.51

29 Fidelity Bank Plc

0.82

0.82

0.00%

23,749,320,267.44

0.39

2.12

0.16

19.51%

0.13

33.74

35.40

-4.69%

23,618,000,000.00

2.28

14.77

3.54

3.41%

13.80

31 Diamond Bank Plc

0.98

1.01

-2.97%

22,697,181,188.64

-0.29

-3.34

0.11

0.00%

0.10

32 Sterling Bank Plc

0.77

0.80

-3.75%

22,168,621,957.02

0.29

2.68

0.21

11.69%

0.27

33 FCMB Group Plc

1.08

1.07

0.93%

21,386,927,643.48

0.61

1.76

0.13

9.26%

0.12

34 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.63

3.75

-3.20%

21,351,167,027.85

0.76

4.76

0.58

3.86%

0.75

10.57

11.12

-4.95%

19,852,595,562.80

0.50

21.17

0.71

12.30%

1.94

36 Mansard Insurance Plc

1.87

1.84

1.63%

19,635,000,000.00

0.28

6.71

0.98

2.67%

0.93

37 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

7.18

7.55

-4.90%

19,022,967,554.04

0.85

8.45

1.01

7.66%

2.57

38 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

15.00

15.00

0.00%

17,938,147,320.00

-2.98

-5.03

0.64

2.00%

2.04

39 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

15.77

16.49

-4.37%

15,770,000,000.00

5.69

2.77

1.10

0.63%

0.42

40 Continental Reinsurance Plc

1.01

1.01

0.00%

10,476,471,755.12

0.42

2.40

0.47

11.88%

0.56

41 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.14

1.20

-5.00%

9,040,425,330.12

-0.40

-2.82

0.19

14.04%

0.27

42 Skye Bank Plc

0.55

0.57

-3.51%

7,634,165,775.50

-2.93

-0.19

0.05

54.55%

0.07

43 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.52

0.50

4.00%

6,959,023,891.04

0.18

2.89

0.89

5.77%

0.42

44 Unity Bank Plc

0.58

0.60

-3.33%

6,779,816,006.36

-0.10

-5.66

0.10

0.00%

0.08

45 Resort Savings & Loans Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

5,664,866,202.00

0.03

17.71

3.72

0.00%

1.94

46 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

4.48

4.48

0.00%

5,629,916,391.68

0.22

20.46

0.51

2.23%

0.52

47 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

2.80

2.80

0.00%

4,812,499,986.00

0.30

9.36

1.14

25.00%

0.14

48 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.60

0.60

0.00%

4,158,122,688.00

0.22

2.69

0.14

8.33%

0.41

49 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

2.25

2.30

-2.17%

3,654,492,187.50

0.15

14.89

0.45

8.89%

0.61

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

1.25

1.25

0.00%

1,875,000,000.00

0.24

5.31

0.29

4.00%

0.29

16 FBN Holdings Plc

19 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc 20 Mobil Oil Nig Plc

24 Oando Plc

30 Cap Plc

35 Cadbury Nigeria Plc

TOTAL

8,406,407,091,421.91

TOTAL MARKET CAP

8,945,729,383,518.06

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

93.97%

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion) Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Open 11-Nov-16

Close 14-Nov-16

Change %

26,170.88 9.01

25,986.81 8.95

-0.70 -0.70

108.74 8.47

107.97 8.41

-0.71 -0.71

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open Close Change 11-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 %

Wapic Insurance Plc Mansard Insurance Plc Access Bank Plc FCMB Group Plc FBN Holdings Plc

0.50 1.84 5.30 1.07 3.05

0.52 1.87 5.36 1.08 3.07

4.00 1.63 1.13 0.93 0.66

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

Open Close Change 11-Nov-16 14-Nov-16 %

Forte Oil Plc. Honeywell Flour Mill Plc Cadbury Nigeria Plc National Salt Co. Nig. Plc Oando Plc

104.50 1.20 11.12 7.55 4.30

94.32 1.14 10.57 7.18 4.09

-9.74 -5.00 -4.95 -4.90 -4.88

Market begins week bearish as Index drops by 0.70% Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Monday, November 14th, 2016 resumes its downward trend as stock market closed red today. This was further highlighted by negative performances from the NSE Sub sectors: Banking, Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas (Save Insurance). Trading activities decreased in volume as 161 million shares worth of N1.12 billion in 2,431 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 2.26 million shares worth of N2.63 billion in 3,346 deals which exchanged hands on Friday. Topping in volume terms were Mass Telecommunication Innovations Nigeria Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Wema Bank Plc, while Guinness Nigeria Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed negative with 0.70% (-184.07) decrease to close at 25,986.81 from 26,170.88 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization depreciated in tandem to N8.95 trillion from N9.01 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index followed suit with a decrease of 0.71% to close at 107.97 from 108.74 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at 8.41 trillion from 8.47 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 10 stocks gained on the bourse today while 22 stocks declined, 67 leaving stocks unchanged. Wapic Insurance Plc merged as the day’s toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 4.00% to close at N0.52 per share. It was followed by Mansard Insurance Plc with a gain of 1.63% to close at N1.87 per share. Others on the gainers list include: Access Bank Plc, FCMB Group Plc and FBN Holdings Plc; while on the decliners’ list, Forte Oil Plc with a loss of 9.74% to close at N94.32 per share. It was followed by Honeywell Flour Mill Plc with a loss of 5.00% to close at N1.14 per share.

Others on the decliners list include: Cadbury Nigeria Plc, National Salt Co. Nig. 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

38

T H I S D AY •TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

MARKET NEWS

NSE Market Capitalisation Falls to N8.9trn on Continued Bear Run Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie Trading at the stock market resumed for the week, sustaining the negative trend. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index fell by 0.70 per cent to close at 25,986.81, while market capitalisation dipped below N9 trillion to N8.945 trillion.

Year-to-date, the market has declined by 9.2 per cent on

the continuing bearish trend in the past weeks.

The market had dipped by 3.0 per cent last week due to depreciation recorded in the shares of high-capped stocks across consumer goods, cement and banking sectors was responsible for the huge loss.

“Continued downward valuation revisions following the announcement of the widely unimpressive July-September

corporate earnings -- and exacerbated by the weak prospect of a recovery in the near term -- may have contributed to the selloffs in the latter sectors,” analysts at Cordros Capital had said.

Apart from the NSE ASI that fell, trading activities declined by 92 per cent and 57.6 in value and volume terms respectively.

The total value of stocks traded was N1.12 billion, down by 57.64 per cent from N2.63 billion

recorded the previous trading day. Twenty-two stocks declined in value yesterday led by Forte Oil Plc. The oil stocks fell by 9.7 per cent to close at N10.18 per share. Honeywell Flour Mills Plc trailed with a depreciation of 5.0 per cent to be at 1.14 per share. Cadbury Nigeria Plc and NASCON Allied Industries Plc went down by 4.9 per cent in that order.

Oando Plc shed 4.8 per cent,

just as CAP Plc and Champion Breweries Plc fell by 4.6 per cent apiece. Vitafoam Nigeria Plc and PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc lost 4.4 per cent and 4.3 per cent respectively.

On the other hand, May & Baker Nigeria Plc led the price gainers with 4.7 per cent to close N0.89 per share. WAPIC Insurance Plc appreciated by 4.0 per cent, just as Livestock Feeds Plc and Mansard Insurance Plc

gained 2.5 per cent and 1.6 per cent respectively.

Market analysts at Meristem Securities Limited, said: “We attribute the day’s negative outing to continued investors’ apprehension towards the equities market, given the weak economic fundamentals. We expect the mix of profit taking and bargain hunting activities to determine the direction of market sentiments going forward.”

DAILY STOCK MARKET REPORT T H E

N I G E R I A N

STO C K

E XC H A N G E

39

tuesdAY, NOVeMber 15, 2016 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Skye MD Assures Stakeholders of Strong Corporate Governance Goddy Egene Managing Director/CEO of Skye Bank, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru has reassured stakeholders that the bank under his watch will enthrone strong corporate governance culture and stimulate the needed growth for the bank.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) to the management of Skye Bank in Lagos, Abiru expressed appreciation to stakeholders of

the bank, especially customers and shareholders for the tremendous support and confidence they have reposed in him and his team.

“Skye Bank under my watch will enthrone strong corporate governance culture and stimulate the needed growth for the bank,” he declared.

Before now, Abiru had said that team and the board would work to achieve value enhancement for shareholders, customers and other stakeholders by bringing the cost-income ratio

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

to acceptable levels, improve the risk assets quality and work towards increasing the liquidity and capital adequacy of the bank.

The Skye Bank boss thanked the President of CIBN Prof.

Segun Ajibola and its council members for the visit.

According to him, as active members of the Institute Skye Bank will continue to live by the tenets and ethics of banking profession. He also pledged his support to the institute especially in carrying out their activities

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 11-Nov-2016, unless otherwise stated.

and programmes.

In his speech, Ajibola lauded Abiru for the leadership qualities he has demonstrated in strengthening the operations of the bank since he assumed office.

Ajibola stated that they were on a mission to familiarise themselves with the new leadership of the bank and seek areas of mutually beneficial cooperation between the bank and the institute.

While soliciting the support of players in the banking

industry for the institute, the renowned academic charged members to continue to engage and contribute to professional enhancement of banking profession. He used the opportunity to invite the management of the bank to the forthcoming annual bankers’ dinner.

The CIBN president enumerated the vision of the institute under his leadership as being guided by seven Cs: capacity building; certification; codification; communication;

creativity; consolidation and constructive engagement.

He further noted that “the seven Cs is intended to transform and enthrone a contemporary institute that is responsive, reliable and resourceful in all areas of its mandate scholarship, professionalism, relevance, ethical and result-oriented.”

The CIBN is the umbrella professional body for bankers in Nigeria. It was incorporated in 1976 as the Nigerian Institute of Bankers and Chartered in 1990 (now CIBN Act 5 of 2007).

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Afrinvest Equity Fund 121.93 Nigeria International Debt Fund 218.88 ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.68 AIICO CAPITAL LTD Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price AIICO Money Market Fund ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name ARM Aggressive Growth Fund ARM Discovery Fund ARM Ethical Fund ARM Money Market Fund AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund AXA Mansard Money Market Fund CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Nigeria Global Investment Fund Paramount Equity Fund Women's Investment Fund FBN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name FBN Fixed Income Fund FBN Heritage Fund FBN Money Market Fund FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Equity Fund Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Growth Fund

100.00

aaml@afrinvest.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 122.74 11.85% 219.98 9.36% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.69 10.23% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

16.21%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 12.24 284.61 22.47

Offer Price 12.61 293.19 23.14

Yield / T-Rtn 0.43% 1.83% 1.90%

1.00

1.00

15.27%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price 104.42

Offer Price 105.07

Yield / T-Rtn 4.74%

1.00 1.00 14.32% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.11 9.10

Offer Price 2.16 9.34

Yield / T-Rtn 3.64% -7.62%

82.72

84.84

1.98%

invest@fbnquest.com Bid Price 1,075.74 110.09 100.00 $101.59 $101.40 110.09

Offer Price 1,076.81 110.63 100.00 $102.37 $102.17

Yield / T-Rtn 4.97% 4.39% 13.40% 5.42% 5.22%

110.63

10.36%

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Bid Price 0.92 2.52

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.94 2.20% 2.52 8.54% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 2,184.59

Offer Price 2,209.89

Coral Income Fund 2,064.58 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price

Yield / T-Rtn 0.43%

2,064.58 9.14% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund

1.00

1.00

15.25%

Vantage Balanced Fund

1.65

1.66

0.93%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 0.99 1.01 11.40% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 995.38 995.38 -0.46% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 9.41 9.49 -3.84% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 13.95% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.04 1.05 5.17% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.30 10.36 3.32% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 107.74 108.47 5.75% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.23 1.23 8.80% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 1,809.03 1,819.37 7.72% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 152.08 152.08 3.40% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.77 0.78 3.33% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 182.42 182.42 7.50% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 134.49 136.17 -0.61% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 16.34% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,517.79 7,617.45 4.60% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.14 1.16 8.40% United Capital Bond Fund 1.25 1.25 15.97% United Capital Equity Fund 0.68 0.69 -1.31% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.00% ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 9.56 9.71 0.17% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.06 11.15 -3.46% Zenith Income Fund 16.77 16.77 4.52%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.58 122.85

3.99% 6.04%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.72 74.75

8.82 76.17

-8.93% -10.18%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

2.44 7.22 11.95 16.89 129.31

2.48 7.30 12.05 17.09 131.31

5.58% 12.91% -4.76% -12.01% -

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

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ASUU Declares One Week Nationwide Warning Strike Opposes TSA in universities, calls APC’s change mantra cosmetic Paul Obi in Abuja The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has declared a one week warning strike to press home its demands to the federal government.

ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, told journalists in Abuja that the strike became necessary given government’s inability to address several demands and agreements it reached with the body.

According to ASUU, government failure to adhere and implement the 2009 agreement prompted the body to asked its members nationwide to embark on a one week warning strike from tomorrow, Wednesday, November 16, 2016 to protest against government action.

ASUU also accused the government of turning the establishment of universities into constituency projects to score cheap political points, an approach the union is vehemently opposed to.

Speaking with journalists at the end of its emergency National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, ASUU National President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi stressed

that despite several efforts by the union to get the government to respect the tenets of their agreement, the government has failed to see reason with ASUU, thereby, creating anxiety among the nation’s academic community.

ASUU enumerated areas of disagreement between the union and government to include payment of fraction to staff entitlement and the denial of staff entitlement in respect of earned academic allowance amounting to about N128 billion, funding of universities for revitalisation and the refusal to register the Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company by the National Pension Commission.

Others include “the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), affecting university autonomy, decrease in budgetary allocation to education and the refusal by government to renegotiate the 2009 agreement which was due for renegotiation since 2012.

He said: “Our members across the nation are worried that six months after the meeting with the Minister of Education and a

series of letters to amplify the need to respect the spirit and letters of the 2009 agreement and the 2013 MoU, there has been no tangible results on the issues raised.

“This failure puts ASUU leadership in a severe difficulty responding to enquiries from members of the union about the state of affairs in our engagement with the federal government.

“Following a nationwide consultation with out membership, the National Executive Council of ASUU rose from its meeting on Sunday, November 13 with a resolution to embark on a one week warning strike starting from Wednesday, November 16, 2016.

“The nationwide strike action is total and comprehensive. While it last, there shall be no teaching, no

examination and no attendance of statutory meeting of any kind in any of our branches.

“We use this opportunity to call on all education loving Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to prevail on the government to address the patriotic demands of ASUU. For us in ASUU, we shall not surrender until the Nigerian university system is repositioned for transforming the country and global competitiveness.”

On the setting up of more universities by both the federal and state governments, Ogunyemi stated that, “we are not against democratizing university education by providing more opportunities. But we also believe that if government followed the path which it had agreed on,

universities will not be made constituency projects as we are beginning to see.

“When you say every state must have a university without doing your home work and every governor think that a university must be established in their constituency, it then means we are not paying attention to quality, but using the establishment of universities to make political points.

“That is what we are against.

In other places, what they do as a part of the democratisation of university education is to expand facilities, open space for more students to come, improve the quality of laboratories, library and offices. We are not seeing that happening here. Government is

now turning establishment of university into constituency project and that is not acceptable to us.”

While taking a swipe on APC leg-government policies, Prof.

Ogunyomi said the union and Nigerians have not see any light at the end of the tunnel in terms of the change promised by the APC led federal government, saying “this government is not different from the previous one because it is the same ruling class.

“We have not found genuine patriots who will do things differently. Our expectations and hopes were raised when we heard the word change. But what we have had so far is just cosmetic. We have not really had the radical change that Nigerians yearned for.”

Frank Drags APC, Oyegun to Court, Risks Expulsion Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The estranged Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, has taken the national ledership of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to court for the suspension clamped on him by the leadership of South-south zone of the party.

THISDAY gathered that the party was yesterday served with the court summons to appear today before Court 23 sitting in the Apo District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A reliable source at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja who confirmed the receipt of the court papers by the legal department, said the leadership had assembled a legal team to represent it at the court.

However, the embattled deputy spokesman might be facing a risk of expulsion for violating a section of the party’s constitution which bars members from suing the party until they have exhausted internal mechanisms.

Article 21 (section D, subsection 5) of the APC constitution states: “Any member who files an action in court of law against the party or any of it’s officers on any matter or matters relating to the discharge of the duties of the party without first exhausting the avenues for redress provided for in this constitution shall automatically stand expelled from the party on filing such action. And no appeal against the expulsion as stipulated in this clause shall be entertained untill the withdrawal of the action from court by the member.”

The party’s National Vice Chairman (South-south), Ntufam Hilliard Eta, had said the suspension of Frank followed due process.

According to Eta, Frank

was suspended after the zonal leadership of APC considered and adopted the recommendations by the disciplinary committee set up to investigate allegations against him.

He explained that the suspension from the party was in line with article 1 (d) and (f) of the party’s constitution.

But the deputy spokesman of the ruling party had rejected the verdict of the disciplinary committee and threatened to deploy all legal means to fight for his right.

While responding to his suspension, Frank said: “I made it clear from the word go that I will not appear before any committee not constituted by the respected party members and NEC because such committee lacks legality. Yes, I got invitation letter from the panel but I made it clear that I will not recognise any committee set up outside NEC. “I want the party members and Nigerians to disregard anything to that effect. It is a mere desperation act by the party chairman. I still remain the acting spokesman until the appropriate organ of the appoints a substantive officer.

“I did not appear before the committee because it is in our constitution that only NEC can suspend any national officer. Therefore, there is no way I would have appeared before a kangaroo committee set up by the zone,” he said.

Frank’s offences against the party include disregard of the supremacy of the party constitution (Article 2); alleged embarrassing statements against the party and his persistent defiance of the directives of the party, thereby exposing the party to contempt, ridicule and disrepute.

REMEMBERING THE GREAT OLOYE

L-R: Wife of the Kwara State Governor, Mrs. Omolewa Ahmed; Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed; Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; his wife, Toyin, during the fourth year remembrance prayer in honour of the late Abubakar Olusola Saraki at his residence in Iloffa Road GRA, Ilorin...yesterday.

APC Accuses Mimiko of Plan to Shift Election Date Sheriff: Jimoh remains the PDP candidate James Sowole in Akure Barely 12 days to the Ondo State governorship election, the campaign organisation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised the alarm that Governor Olusegun Mimiko was working surreptitiously to ensure a postponement of the poll.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued in Akure, the Ondo State capital yesterday by the Director of Communications of the Akeredolu Campaign Platform, Mr. Soji Alakuro who expressed the readiness of the APC candidate, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for the poll.

He however, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies not to succumb to the antics of the governor. ‘’We are aware of the untoward moves and pressures being mounted on the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) as well as friendly security heads in the state by Governor Olusegun Mimiko on the need to postpone the forth-coming governorship election in the state. ‘’As a way of laying a false

template for such, the governor is plotting a three days street wide protest in the state capital, Akure and other major towns in the state.

“This is planned to hold between November 23 and 25. Undoubtedly, this is a recipe for violence and the governor should be held responsible for any acts of crisis. ‘’To say the least, this is a mindlessly conceived move aimed at obstructing the democratic zeal of our people to elect a new governor.

It is condemnable and should be stopped or at least discouraged by all well meaning people of the state. ‘’While we are not against the legitimate right of individuals to pursue cases as they affect them, even up to the Supreme Court, the move such as conceived

by Mimiko to mislead friendly security agents as well as INEC is undemocratic, most uncharitable and mischievous. ‘’For us in the APC, the party and our candidate, Oluwarotimi , are both prepared for the poll.

Not only are we prepared, we are ready to encourage every bit of human effort to bring about a peaceful election but not as

though the candidate of Ahmed conceived by Mimiko.

“Therefore, we call on all Makarfi’s faction, Mr. Eyitayo security agencies and INEC Jegede had approached the Court not to cave in to this misleading of Appeal to challenge the action of the INEC. motive,” he said.

He charged members of the Responding to the allegation, the peoples Democratic Party party to work harder and ensure (PDP) Director of Publicity, Mr. that the party’s flagbearer for the Ayo Fadaka, said the APC was election wins the poll.

Sheriff said: “Today is the jittery that the party’s candidate, Eyitayo Jegede would win at the beginning of the journey and on November 23, I will come Court of Appeal.

He said the APC knew that and close the journey at the grand with Jegede in contest, Akeredolu finale. Make sure you vote for cannot win the election. So the the PDP, vote for Jimoh Ibrahim.”

The PDP factional candidate, APC is jittery and went about Ibrahim, while addressing with frivolous allegations.

Meanwhile, the factional National his supporters at the rally, Chairman of the PDP, Senator Ali said if elected, he would Modu Sheriff, yesterday declared positively transform the state that the party had no other from the state of hopelessness, candidate for the November 26 poverty and injustice.

He promised to uplift the Ondo State gubernatorial election standard of education of the other than Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim.

Sheriff stated this at Ore in state, give better life to traditional Odigbo Local Government Area rulers in the state.

He added that the abandoned while presenting the flag of the party to Ibrahim at the campaign Olokola Free Trade Zone would revived. rally organised by his faction of the.

He said: “During our time you Ibrahim was declared the candidate of the party by the will not suffer, during our time we INEC, following the order of a will use your money to develop Federal High Court in Abuja, Ondo State “

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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Fani-Kayode Regains Freedom at Last Ex finance minister, Usman, seeks severance, transfer of criminal charge

Alex Enumah in Abuja The embattled former Minister of Aviation and Director

of Media and Publicity, Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Femi FaniKayode, finally regained his

Eminent Personalities Grace Olusola Saraki’s FourthYear Remembrance Prayer Hammed. Shittu in Ilorin Eminent personalities across the country yesterday stormed Ilorin, the Kwara State capital to be part of the fourth year remembrance prayer held in honour of the late political icon, Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki.

Late Olusola Saraki died on November 14, 2012 at the age of 83.

Among the personalities that were in attendance included the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, Senate Deputy Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah Senate Minority Whip, Senator Phillip Aduda, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media, Senator Abdullahi Sabi and Senator Baba Kaka.

Others were Senators Mohammed Sha’aba Lafiagi and Rafiu Adebayo, members of the House of Representatives from Kwara State, Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad, Ambassador Nimota Akanbi and Ambassador nominee, Professor Muhammad Gana Isa. Also in attendance were members of the State Executive Council, state Chairman and executive members of the All

Progressives Congress (APC), former local government chairmen, traditional rulers and Islamic clerics.

The Senate President, Dr, Bukola Saraki, and some federal lawmakers had arrived in Ilorin Sunday afternoon to put finishing touches to the preparations for the prayer.

The prayer was held at the Ilofa road, Ilorin GRA, the country home of late Olusola Saraki.

At the prayers led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir, he prayed Allah to forgive the late Saraki and grant him Aljanah fridaus.

Sheikh Bashir also prayed Almighty to guide and guard the Senate President in his political career.

In his sermon, the Grand Mukadam of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulaiman Dan Bornu urged those in position of authorities to impact positively on the lives of the masses as Saraki did during his life time.

Sheikh Dan Bornu extolled the virtues of the politician, saying that the deceased would for long be remembered for his love for the poor.

NCC to Sanction MTN, Airtel, Others The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday said it would sanction 13 telecommunications operators for failing to comply with the ‘2442 Do Not Disturb (DND)’ directive on unsolicited telemarketing.

According to a statement signed by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, the directive was issued on April 20, 2016.

Ojobo, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the 13 operators included: Airtel Network Ltd., MTN Nigeria, Globacom Nigeria, Smile Communication, Visafone Communications, Ntel, Etisalat, Multi-Links, Starcomms, Danjay Telecoms, Gamjitel Ltd., Megatech Engineering Ltd. and Gicell Wireless.

According to him, the service providers have been given another one-week ultimatum, from Monday, November 14, 2016, to remedy the situation or face the sanctions enshrined in the directive.

“Worried by the non-compliance by the operators, occasioned by a deluge of complaints by subscribers across Nigeria, the NCC inaugurated an eight-member committee to look into the matter.

“After several meetings, including those it held with the network providers, it became necessary to issue the latest ultimatum to redress the menace of incessant unsolicited text messages and

phone calls for telemarketing via the various networks,’’ he said.

Ojobo said the commission had written to the providers on whose networks it had received series of complaints from subscribers regarding the efficacy of DND. He said the phrase ‘NetworkGenerated SMS’ referred to in Part (d) of the directive shall be taken to mean messages and calls, with respect to only information on emergencies.

According to him, the information on emergencies, include: national security, fire, notifications on network maintenance programmes down times and notification regarding subscribers’ bundle usage and service renewals.

“Other text messages and voice calls informing subscribers of new products and service offerings are not regarded as ‘NetworkGenerated’ and, therefore, regarded as “unsolicited marketing messages’’.

“NCC has therefore, asked these network providers to ensure that information on the Do Not Disturb service should be disseminated after every revenue-generating activity via the End of Call Notification (EOCN).

“For the period not less than 45 days, within the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, from the receipt of the latest letter on the subject.”

freedom after spending about 24 days in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Fani-Kayode, regained his freedom yesterday after he perfected his bail condition granted by Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The EFFCC had on Thursday, 10 November arraigned the former minister on a five-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N26 million.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and his counsel consequently applied for his bail.

Adedipe, while stating that the offence his client is been accused of is bail able drew the attention of the court to

the fact that Kayode, who was arrested outside the Federal High Court, Lagos premises was held for 21 days without a warrant of arrest or detention from the any court of law.

He disclosed that Fani-Kayode was earlier granted bail in a sister case where he was accused of misappropriating N1.2 billion and had not breeched the terms of his bail.

He therefore urged the court to grant him bail on self recognition of on a liberal term.

Delivering ruling on the application, Justice Tsoho, held that the offence the defendant was accused of was bailable.

Tsoho described as mere speculation claim by the

prosecution that the defendant was a flight risk and was likely to temper with evidence if granted bail.

He stated that there was no evidence to show that when the defendant was granted bail in the sister case, he breeched the conditions of his bail.

He therefore granted the bail application in the sum of N50million with a surety in like sum, adding that the surety must owned landed property in Abuja.

The surety is expected to produce the original documents of the property for citing and inspection before the Deputy Registrar, Litigation.

The defendant and the surety are both expected to

produce two recent passport photographs, while he is expected to submit any travelling document with him and would only get same from the court if the need arises.

The judge added that the defendant be remanded in Kuje prison pending his meeting of the bail condition.

Speaking shortly after he perfected his bail conditions yesterday, Fani-Kayode told newsmen that having spent a total of about three months in detention, he was no longer afraid of incarceration by the ruling government.

Fani-Kayode was rearrested by operatives of the anti-graft agency in Lagos on October 28 before his arraignment in Abuja.

HONOURING DORA AKUNYILI

L-R: Director/Principal, Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Calabar, Dr. Ijeoma Essien; Late Dora Akunyili’s husband, Chike; former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke; and Representative and S.A on Political Matters to the Minister of State for Education, Frank Ibezim, after the inauguration and naming of one of the newly-built hostels in honour of Dora by FGGC in Calabar... weekend

FG Reads Riot Act to Defence, Intelligence Agencies on National Security Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The federal government has charged the defence, security and intelligence agencies to either come up with novel, actionable and effective strategies on sustainable solution to the burgeoning security challenges in the country or be sanctioned.

The Minister of Defence, Brig-Gen. Muhammad Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd), gave the riot act yesterday while declaring open the 2016 Defence Advisers/ Attaches (DAs) Annual Conference tagged: “Harnessing the Potentials of Defence Attache System for improved National Security in Nigeria”, at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Headquarters, Abuja.

To this end, Dan-Ali warned the DAs and concerned authorities that the federal government would no longer tolerate any form of shoddiness and lack of creativity in handling of national security matters.

He called for innovation, noting that “given the complexity and uncertainty of

today’s security environment, our defence architecture and thought process would have to significantly to provide sustainable military and political outcomes.

The minister stated that the conference will provide the opportunity “to generate meaningful dialogue to determine assessment of strategic landscape...and the prospect to harness the best ideas and innovations for a comprehensive improvement to our joint readiness and the capability to project decisive force against our adversaries.”

He noted that “the war against terror in the North-east, sabotage warfare wage on strategic economic installations in the Niger Delta, challenges to the nation’s sovereignty by non-state and sub-state actors as well as widespread herdsmen/ farmers attacks within communities throughout the country, together constitute the biggest, overt national security threat matrix that Nigeria has ever faced at the same time since our nation was created.”

Dan-Ali said added to these national security challenges, is the economic recession the country is currently facing, as well as the global security environment, which is also under relentless and vicious attacks by terrorists and criminals who are opposed to the existing world order.

Therefore, he said, the consequences of these emerging scenarios necessitated our military professionals to articulate new and effective means of tackling these prevailing challenges in the face of reduced resources.

He said to achieve our national quest for peace, security, stability and prosperity, our military roles now transcend to the old school notion of war fighting and elevate a dynamic enterprise that contains and eliminates threats from a position of strength.

The minister however, emphasised that this desired transformation must come with continuous engagement with Nigeria’s allies and international partners with the DAs being

at the vanguard of the defence diplomacy that would ensure the maximum utilisation of this collaboration and cooperation.

In the same vein, the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Air Vice Marshal Mohammed Usman, said that the DA system “is a unique phase to identify, articulate strategies and shape the future of defence strategies.”

According to Usman, this will take Nigeria on the right trajectory to sustainable peace and security.

“Our idea is to have a system that is motivate, prudent and performance oriented. This reality in security environment has rendered obsolete the old ways of doing things for national security,” he said.

Also, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, called for new and effective measures to address the myriad of security threats facing the country.

Lawan said the DAs are one of the ways and personnel we use to develop these strategies especially from the international arena.

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TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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Retreat: Economic Recovery Plan to Lay Emphasis on Implementation Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja The National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan scheduled for launch later in the year will lay more emphasis on policy implementation, monitoring and evaluation so as to ensure speedy attainment of envisaged goals.

This was one of the major indications at the National Economic Retreat which ended in Abuja at the weekend, one of the technical experts who attended the retreat told THISDAY in Abuja.

The retreat which featured Nigeria’s economic and multiple technical experts drawn from both the public and private sectors as well as the academia, were assembled to fine-tune government’s economic policies and contribute ideas towards the production of an expansive and all inclusive medium term economic plan (2017 -2019), Under the guidance of the

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo-led Economic Management Team, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning (MBNP) is currently developing Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which a source said would present a coherent summary of Nigeria’s short- and medium-term economic plans for the period, 2017-2020.

The ERGP intends to build on the existing Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), which was an interim plan developed in April 2016.

In the foreword to the SIP, President Muhammadu Buhari had promised Nigerians that the federal government would prepare a fuller and more comprehensive medium-term plan by end -2016.

However, in the course of 2016, Nigeria also slipped into a recession, creating what an expert described as added urgency to develop a plan which provided short-term initiatives to re-invigorate the economy.

The ERGP, according to our source, will fulfill this dual goal of identifying short-term recovery initiatives and also presenting a medium-term growth plan. ‘’The ERGP will focus on five broad areas namely: macroeconomic policy, economic diversification & growth drivers, competitiveness, social inclusion & jobs, and governance & other enablers,’’ the technical expert who attended the retreat told THISDAY. ‘’Macroeconomic policy will discuss how we better coordinate our fiscal and monetary policies;

and also identify initiatives to improve revenues, to reduce costs, and achieve greater macroeconomic stability. ‘’Economic growth and diversification will look at shortand medium-term initiatives to drive growth in the non-oil sector, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, and services. ‘’Competitiveness will identify specific measures to improve Nigeria’s business climate, and also drive investment in the power and transport sectors. The ERGP will

also suggest ways in which we can leverage private sector capital to invest in our infrastructure. ‘’Social inclusion and jobs will identify social programmes which can be implemented by the government to support the poor and the vulnerable. ‘’Governance and enablers will examine a range of cross-cutting issue---including governance, security, human capital development, coordination with States – which will be needed to ensure success of the ERGP.’’ He said there would be a major

emphasis on implementation and monitoring and evaluation of this ERGP, adding that given the current challenging economic environment, the government will consider setting up a special delivery unit (with a “war room”) to drive implementation of the ERGP. The technical expert further stated that the plan would have a big emphasis on implementation, saying each group was encouraged to look at implementation, how the federal government can do things differently.

Arms Deal: Obanikoro Transported N1.2bn to Akure, Says Witness Alex Enumah in Abuja A Prosecution Witness, Alade Sunday, yesterday indicted former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, in the ongoing trial of Biodun Agbele, an associate to the governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, stating that the former minister on June 17, 2014 brought the sum of N1.2b in two aircraft and was transported to the Akure branch of Zenith bank for onward disbursement to Spotless Investment, De Privateer limited and Ayodele Fayose’s account.

The witness, told a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, that the person he saw at the Akure airport where he went to receive a certain amount of money had a resemblance of the former minister.

Agbele and three others are been prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an 11 count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N1.2 billion being fund allegedly transferred from the Office of the National Security Adviser by Col. Sambo Dasuki.

The other defendants are: Sylvan Mcnamara Ltd, De Privateer Ltd and Spotless Investment Ltd. At the resumed trial yesterday, the witness who was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Wahab Shittu, told the court that, “It appears like Senator Obanikoro from what I see in the television because I have never met him before According to the witness, the sum of 1,219,490,000 (one billion, two hundred and nineteen million, four hundred and ninety) was brought in two aircraft by the former minister who later handed it over to Agbale.

The witness said the cash were in N1, 000 and N500 bills and were deposited into the accounts of Spotless Investment, De Privateer limited and Ayodele Fayose’s account on the instruction of Agbele”.

Corroborating his earlier statement at the court’s last sitting in October, 27th, 2016, the witness stated that Agbele having received custody of the cash instructed that

the money be transferred to the Akure branch of Zenith Bank.

However, during cross examination by Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), counsel to the first defendant, the witness admitted that he did not make a formal report of the suspected transaction in line with financial regulations.

He said he did not report the transaction because it was not his duty to do so, even though he claimed to have worked in the bank for the last 18years and was a compliance officer.

He also told the court that he was not aware if any department of the bank alerted relevant authorities of the transaction.

While disclosing that it took him and his staff ten working days to count the money, he stated that the first defendant agbele however left after they took the money to the bank.

He disclosed further that he had never met the defendant prior to the June 17, 2014 transactions, adding that he never discussed anything related to money nor any meeting.

Earlier, Wahab Shittu, prosecuting counsel while announcing his appearance, informed the court that he had initiated the process of retrieving the defendant’s international passport from the EFCC, to be brought before the court.

It will be recalled that the court at the last adjourned date, had asked the EFCC, to produce the defendant’s international passport, having written the court that the defendant would embark on a foreign trip for medical treatment.

Original letter written by the Zenith Bank to the EFCC with the bank opening packages and other packages dated June 3, 2016 of Fayose’s account was tendered before the court and admitted as exhibit AA2, while account opening packages of Spotless Investment limited and De Privateer Limited were similarly tendered, and marked exhibit AA3 and AA4 respectively.

The matter has been adjourned trial till November 17, 2016 for continuation of cross examination of the witness.

FACILITY VISIT

L-R: Acting Deputy High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission Lagos, Ahmed Bashir; Director, Dorman Long Engineering Limited, Sanyade Okoli; Chairman, Dorman Long Engineering Limited, Dr. Timi-Austen Peters; and Head of Energy, Department for International Trade, British Deputy High Commission, Lagos,Ola Sorunke, during a facility visit to Dorman Long Engineering Limited Idi-Oro, Lagos.... yesterday

Atiku: Court Cleared Me of Corruption Charges Cooked up by EFCC, FG Says he’s forgiven Ribadu Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has given himself a clean slate from corruption tag, saying that court has cleared him of the corruption allegations “cooked up” by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and gazetted by a government white paper during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

Atiku stated this in the interview granted to the editorial team of the EFCC, which was published in the latest edition of their in-house Magazine, “Zero Tolerance”.

He noted that he is one of the strongest advocate of the anticorruption war, having pioneered the establishment of the major anti-graft agencies including the EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He said: “Well, if Atiku Abubakar was corrupt, he would have been found guilty of corruption by all the panels and probes and cases that were brought before the courts.

“I remember the only corruption indictment against me was a white paper which was cooked up by our own administration overnight including the very EFCC that I

helped found, and other cabinet ministers, which I challenged in court. The court rightly dismissed all those indictment as being mere political; and till today nobody has ever indicted me of corruption.”

The Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also spoke on his relationship with the then Chairman of EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu, saying he has rested their differences.

He said that Ribadu apologised to him on several occasions and that he has forgiven him despite the fact that he refused to do so publicly as he demanded.

“I can recall when he (Ribadu) came to ask for my forgiveness, I said if you want me to forgive you Nuhu, go to the same television stations where you said I was corrupt and say you now realised that I am not corrupt. Then he said sir, ‘you have forgiven so many people who have offended you publicly, without them going to TV stations to apoligise to you.

Why is my own case different?’ I said, ‘your case is different because first of all I helped to found the EFCC; I made sure that even when you had no budget, I took money from the privatisation council and gave you as a loan

so that you can function before the National Assembly approved your budget. I was instrumental to your appointment, so I believe I had contributed to your development and that is what you are paying me back with’.

“In any case, he kept apologising and I said ‘okay’, no problem’. That closed the chapter”.

Atiku however, insisted that it was Ribadu and the then Minister of Federal. Capital Territory (FCT) and current Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, that Obasanjo “used in cooking up the indictment that was eventually thrown out.”

“So where is the evidence of corruption? Its not just fair for you to say somebody is corrupt without substation. This is the same el-Rufai who testified on TV that he worked with me as Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) for four years and there was never a time I asked him or instructed him to do anything unethical in those years. So, how am I a corrupt person? This is the same el-Rufai and others who incorporated Transcorp during my time as Vice President and offered me shares and

I declined. I wrote them officially to it was unethical of me to have accepted those offers. So, where is the corruption toga coming from?,” he queried.

Atiku debunked the allegations made by El-Rufai in his book: “Accidental Public Servant”, that he spearheaded the N50 million bribe scandal involving Senators Ibrahim Mantu, Jonathan Zwingina and others during his ministerial confirmation screening.

He said that the former DG of BPE might have “misconstrued what happened”, saying “He actually ran to me to say that he was denied confirmation by the Senate”.

“Of course, I called Mantu and others and confronted them, and they admitted that yes they denied him because they do not see him as a Minister. It is also on record, because I controlled the campaign funds; and el-Rufai now went and said those campaig funds were meant to be a bribe. This is how he came about concocting that story.

Of course, my boss, the President (Obasanjo), investigated the story and found out that indeed every Senator got contributions from the campaign fund which I was managing.

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T H I S D AY •TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2016

TUESDAYSPORTS

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

Russia 2018: Algeria Shifts Focus to Nations Cup Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President of Algeria Football Federation (FAF) Mohamed Raouraoua has declared that the north African nation was now reassessing its objective from qualifying for World Cup 2018 by now placing emphasis on how to impress at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon next January.

The Fennecs aspiration to reach their fifth FIFA World Cup finals in Russia was compromised by a ruthless Nigeria which crushed the Algerians 3-1 in the Group B fixture on Saturday in Uyo. The loss has realistically made topping Group B a daunting proposition for the Algerians coached by George Leekens as they are now required to win all remaining four matches to stand a chance.

Local Algerian news sources quoted Raouraoua insisting on Sunday night in Algiers, at the draws for the 32nd Algerian FA Cup, that FAF would forget the set-back against Nigeria by pursuing a realistic objective of staking a bid for Algeria’s third Africa Cup Nations title in Gabon.

The Fennecs will play in Group B with Senegal, Tunisia and Zimbabwe at the tournament that holds between January 14 and February 5, 2017.

“We should forget the World Cup defeat and seriously begin to think about the Nations Cup in Gabon which is a goal for the Desert Foxes. We will have to disregard the defeat against Nigeria and the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Russia and think about what is very close,the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. The Nations Cup is a very interesting challenge for our national team, which

will fancy returning with the trophy to Algiers as African champions.

“Football is not an exact science. Who would have thought that Cameroun would lose two points at home to Zambia? We need to think about the near future and correct the gaps in the group.

In September next year, we have four matches to play, and by then we will have a better team with much more means,” Raouraoua declared.

But should the Super Eagles win their next two matches to attain the 12-point mark, the trip to Algiers may turn out inconsequential as Nigeria may have already secured the ticket to Russia.

According to a poll conducted by top Algerian football website DZFoot, 43 per cent of those polled said the Fennecs have lost out on reaching Russia 2018 after they slumped to a 3-1 loss in Nigeria at the weekend.

However, 31 per cent of the fans said it will be tough but possible to qualify because Nigeria will slip in the qualifiers after winning their first two matches.

Another 15 per cent said Algeria are often at their best when they have their backs against the wall and so they could still bounce back to advance to the next World Cup. Eleven per cent of those polled have completely surrendered, saying it is only in Africa that three World Cup finalists are drawn in the same qualifying group.

Algeria will host Nigeria in the group’s last World Cup fixture in November 2017 in a match that will likely determine the sole qualifier of the group for the world’s biggest football competition.

Carl Ikeme certified to resume training in a fortnight

Fidelity Bank Emerges Champions Injured Ikeme to Resume Training in Two Weeks Carl Ikeme will for the Nigeria first-choice which is not bad, but he must Tottenham Hotspur. of 2016 Nigerian Bankers’ Games Injured resume training with his goalkeeper on Saturday. play at a higher level,” Rohr Ekong, an international since English Championship club Meanwhile, Rohr has said.

June 2015, has formed a great After weeks of exciting sporting action, Fidelity Bank Plc has emerged overall winners in the 2016 Nigerian Bankers’ Games (NBGs).

In athletics and indoor games, Fidelity Bank bagged 21 medals – 10 gold, 3 silver and 8 bronze. In a keenly contested football game between defending champions, Fidelity Bank Plc and 2015 finalist, First Bank Plc, Team Fidelity defended their title, emerging football and overall champions for the second consecutive year.

Top officials, including the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo and Barbara Harper, Head, Human Capital Development of First Bank Plc, were present to cheer their teams to victory.

Team Fidelity defeateed the Elephants of First Bank Plc in a dramatic penalty shoot-out at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

The final match was not short of talking points as loud roars of hundreds of

Fidelity fans were punctuated by bizarre match officiating.

It was indeed a frenetic start to the contest with both teams looking to get on the front foot when in possession.

In the second minute of the first half, First Bank stormed into an early lead through a calmly dispatched penalty kick. The goal came after a First Bank forward latched on to a hopeful long ball but was impeded in Team Fidelity’s 18-yard box. The goal knocked the wind out of our sail as Team Fidelity struggled to find any kind of rhythm to their game after the goal. Even when the momentum was on our side, contentious decisions by the referee deflated our players. In a surprising move, Fidelity Bank’s MD took matters into his own hands by giving the players a pep talk.

Okonkwo also promised to reward the players financially if they upturned the goal deficit. The second half was a different ball game - a celebration of hardwork and the indomitable human spirit.

Wolverhampton Wanderers in a fortnight, according to Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr.

“He will start training with Wolverhampton Wanders in two weeks,” disclosed Rohr.

A hip injury stopped Ikeme from last weekend’s World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo. Late replacement Daniel Akpeyi from South African club Chippa United deputised

revealed he hopes Super Eagles centre, William Troost-Ekong moves to a bigger club than Gent of Belgium so as to improve as a full international.

Troost-Ekong has been on loan at Norwegian club Haugesund, but will return to parent club Gent in January.

“Ekong is changing clubs, he must play at a high level. He has been playing in Norway,

“He wants to go to Belgium, but it is not enough for him, we will try to help him so that he could go to a club, where he could play better and at a higher level.”

The 23-year-old Ekong, who represented Holland at age-group levels, was recently linked with a move to England, where he was once on the books of Fulham and

central defence partnership in the Super Eagles with Leon Balogun, who features for Mainz 05 in the German Bundesliga.

It is a combo Rohr said has given him a great deal of satisfaction.

“We already have a good central defence. They have given us a good satisfaction,” he remarked.

SWAN Resolute on Support for Eagles, Ignores Mikel’s Snide Comments The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) leadership has described John Mikel Obi’s uncomplimentary comments about his lack of regulation at Chelsea FC as uncalled for and should not have been, in view of the Nigerian media’s contributions to his career and the country’s football as a whole.

The Super Eagles captain had said comments made by the team’s coach Gernot Rohr before Saturday’s 3-1 win over Algeria were mistranslated and taken out of context by the Nigerian media, as “English isn’t Mr Rohr’s or much of

the Nigeria media’s first language”.

But SWAN however viewed the incident as part of its members’ sacrifice towards Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The association had in a communiqué issued at the end of its convention in Ilorin in September urged all Nigerians to see the country’s qualification for Russia 2018 World Cup as a national project.

We still stand by this resolution and urge all our members to disregard Mikel’s comments and continue

to play their crucial role of promoting the country’s football with all necessary zeal and patriotism.

“The collective responsibility being propagated by SWAN is already playing out with the unprecedented cooperation among critical stakeholders towards the cause, which has resulted to the Super Eagles leading their group after victories over Zambia and Algeria in Ndola and Uyo respectively.

“What we expect from Nigerians and critical stakeholders at this point in time are actions and statements

which would strengthen our team’s concentration towards achieving qualification and not controversy.

“While we commend the Super Eagles and salute coach Gernot Rohr for their efforts so far, we are however hopeful that the team’s defence line would be strengthened to overcome greater challenges as we progress.

SWAN also lauded the Federal Government, the National Assembly, the AkwaIbom State Government, as well as all other stakeholders for their continuous support to the team.

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS: WHO REALLY PREVAILED?

15.11.2016

Hillary Clinton

2/DASHBOARD

15.11.2016

Publication: Fundamental Precondition for Action in Defamation PAGE 4

Honourable Justice Onnoghen Sworn in as Acting CJN PAGE 5

That States Might Work PAGE 5

‘Ambitious Lawyer Needs Pupillage Under Good and Experienced Principal’ PAGE 6

QUOTABLES 'A clear choice in this election. A choice between division and unity, between an economy that works for everyone or only those at the top, between strong steady leadership or a loose canon who could put everything at risk. So make no mistakes, our core values are being tested in this election. We know enough about my opponent. We know who he is. The real question for us is what kind of country we want to be and what kind of future we want to build for our children.'

– Hilary Clinton, Lawyer, Senator, Former Secretary of State and 2016 Democratic Presidential Candidate, United States of America

'My opinion is that amending the Code of Conduct Tribunal Act now is akin to changing the goal post in the middle of the football match.'

– Gabriel Agwu, Legal Practitioner, Lagos

Excerpts from Women and the Law PAGE 8

Professor Jadesola Akande CON OFR, Role Model and Mentor Per Excellence PAGE 9

Law Reports and Our Judicial System

COLUMNIST STEPHEN KOLA-BALOGUN Stephen Kola Balogun, is a vastly experienced Legal Practitioner who obtained his LL.B from University of Ife and LL.M from School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London.

He has Post-Graduate Diplomas in Intellectual Property Law, Construction Law, Management and Arbitration. He has served in various capacities since his Call to the Nigerian Bar in 1982, including practicing at Akinjide & Co., and lecturing part-time at Oxbridge Tutorial College. He was the Honourable Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Special Needs, State of Osun, August, 2011 to November, 2014. He is currently the Principal Partner at Kola Balogun & Partners. SKB, as he is fondly called, is accredited with several publications to his name, both International and Domestic.

PAGE 12

Exercise of AGF’s Prosecutorial Powers: Saraki and Ekweremadu Example PAGE 14

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE EDITOR JUDE IGBANOI DEPUTY EDITOR TOBI SONIYI ASSISTANT EDITOR AKINWALE AKINTUDE REPORTER TUNDE BUSARI GROUP HEAD OCHI OGBUAKU II ART DIRECTOR

/3

We’re Gonna Make America Great Again

M

ost consider the United States of America to be the most liberal, permissive and democratic country in the world.

But how true is that, when 240 years post- declaration of independence (1776), America is yet to produce a female President?

Countries that are considered to be not so westernised or traditional/conservative, like Pakistan, had Benazir Bhutto as its 11th Prime Minister, just 41 years after independence in 1947. She was the first woman to head a Muslim majority nation and she was elected twice, in 1988 and in 1993. That says a lot. Could it be that most people are under a very wrong impression about the Muslims? That it is the “bad eggs”, the extremists within the religion that are giving it an undesirable name? That when Islam is practised in the true and proper sense, it is fair, just and progressive? After all, what the so-called enlightened USA has not achieved in 240 years, Islamic Republic of Pakistan achieved in 47 years.

Hillary Clinton is eminently qualified for the position of President of USA. Some have argued that out of all the 2016 hopefuls, she was the most qualified. She has a world of experience. In terms of educational qualifications, she is a lawyer, a product of the prestigious Yale Law School. In terms of politics, she was a US Senator from New York for 8 years. In terms of governance, she was the Secretary of State during Obama’s first term, and in terms of the home-front, she was the First Lady of Arkansas from 1983-1992, when her husband, Bill Clinton was Governor of the State, and subsequently, the First Lady of USA, the wife of a two-term President.

Yet, I remember with amusement and disgust, when Hillary made the first attempt at her Presidential ambition (during the Obama time), even the white supremacists, KKK (Ku Klux Klan) came out to say something about they would ‘rather vote for a Nigger than a Bitch!’(excuse the language, not my words).

So, it didn’t really matter about how qualified she is for the job, for them, the fact that she is a woman ruled her out.

Do you really think that with all the scandal about Trump and his sexcapades, tax issues, his derogatory remarks about women, his campaign that seemed to lack any positive direction etc, he would still have won the election if Hillary was a man? I think not. But then again, you may just say that my opinion here is simply attempting to buttress my opinion that America is sexist. That it was likely that

Trump would win anyway, because Nigeria may have infected America with its ‘Change’ sentiments! Seriously, maybe having spent eight years straight with Democrats, the American people just wanted a change, just like Nigerians thought that they needed a change from PDP. It happened after Bill Clinton did eight years as President, and contrary to popular thought that Al Gore, the then Vice-President would succeed him, George Bush, a Republican won the subsequent election, even though he did not seem to qualify, as he was totally ignorant about a lot of important issues at the time. It also happened after Bush had served his eight years. It seemed unlikely that a non-white person could ever win an American Presidential election, but Obama, who is half black, a Democrat, emerged as the winner of the election and made history.

Had it been in Nigeria, and Hillary was a member of PDP, she would have recognised this cycle and defected to APC to run in the election, seeing as Nigerian politics is not based on any ideology whatsoever, but on which party platform you are more likely to win an election.

China, that is seen to have an authoritarian government, a closed and somewhat conservative country, had Soong Ching-ling as acting President of People’s Republic of China from 1968-1972, serving with Dong Biwu (over 40 years ago). Though the list is by no means endless, we have had several female leaders all over the world. Isabel Peron in Argentina, Corazon Aquino and Gloria Arroyo in the Philippines, Indira Gandhi and Pratibha Patil in India. We have had the ‘iron lady’, Margaret Thatcher, and presently Theresa May, in Great Britain, Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese in Ireland, and Angela Merkel who is currently the German Chancellor (Angela Mitchell of Western Germany, as some refer to her!). Even here in Africa, we had Joyce Banda, who was President of Malawi from 2012-2014 and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who has been the President of Liberia since 2006.

Coming back home to Nigeria, sadly, only one woman, Remi Sonaiya, has ever been a female Presidential candidate. She achieved this feat in the 2015 elections under the umbrella of her relatively unknown party, KOWA. So far, a female President in Nigeria, seems unlikely in the near future. With the somewhat disappointing statements of our President about his wife, not caring that he was making the statements during a state visit to a female world leader, saying that his wife belonged to his kitchen, his living room and ‘the other room’ (that went viral and became #theotherroom), shows the mind-set

of a great many men all over the world, including America, and their perception of what the role of a woman is, a cook, a housekeeper and a sex object. Very sad.

Its not about feminism, in the simple sense of ‘what a man can do, a woman can do better’ and so on, its about letting the best man or woman for a job, secure it, irrespective of their sex.

The practice introduced by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos State, appointing women to the position of Deputy-Governor, was a step in the right direction. Unfortunately it seems to be the highest position that women now aspire for in Nigeria, and it isn't even an elective position per se. Aside from Senator Aisha Alhassan who ran for Governor of Taraba State in the 2015 elections, Dame Virgy Etiaba who was Governor of Anambra State briefly, remains the only female Governor in Nigeria so far, and even that was by default.

It seems that women who have aspired for more in Nigeria, end up being the butt of jokes and are even seen as delusional. For example, Dr (Mrs) Sarah Jubril, when she tried to clinch the Presidential ticket in the PDP Primaries in 2011, scored only 1 vote.

Obviously, she alone, voted for herself. Like America, I hope it won’t take Nigeria as long to produce a female President.

Hillary Clinton, by running for one of the strongest positions in the world, making such a strong impact, and 'losing' just narrowly, has shown the world that women can be taken very seriously, not just in politics, but in all endeavours. The truth of the matter is that, had it been a world election, Trump would not have stood a chance against Hillary.

Some of the lessons that we have learnt from the 2016 American Presidential election are: a) Never take the media polls seriously!

Actually, I stopped following the polls from the time of Al Gore, when he led consistently in the polls and when the election results were released, the exact opposite occurred, Bush Junior won b) Americans are actually still racist and sexist. Yes, Obama is the President, but at the end of the day, he is half white, not full black c) All that talk about having experience to do something or the other, or having to be a conservative Saint to qualify for office, is just trash. If people want you for the job, whether you have experience or not, or you are naughty or a 'goody goody', they will take you. Trump, though a successful businessman, is the oldest person to be elected President of the US (70), the first American President whose wife has posed naked to the world, the first American President who has allegations of sexual impropriety and tax issues levelled against him (even during the campaign), the first American President that has never served in any capacity in government (an outsider) nor did he serve in the military, but he was still elected as President. Hillary Clinton, in her campaign elucidated a lot of well-thought out coherent plans and policies. Trump on the other hand, in his campaign, did not seem to have any

"YET, I REMEMBER WITH AMUSEMENT AND DISGUST, WHEN HILLARY MADE THE FIRST ATTEMPT AT HER PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION (DURING THE OBAMA TIME), EVEN THE WHITE SUPREMACISTS, KKK (KU KLUX KLAN) CAME OUT TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THEY WOULD ‘RATHER VOTE FOR A NIGGER THAN A BITCH!’"

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE

THE ADVOCATE onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive.com blueprint, aside from his favourite slogan, “we’re gonna make America great again”, yet he won the election. Let’s hope that he was simply keeping his gunpowder dry and when he actually takes up the mantle of office in January, 2017, he will start to unveil his plans, and surprise the world with his excellent governing skills!

I hope this will serve as a lesson to half of our leaders in Nigeria, who have 'served and over-served' this country, and have refused to quit the stage for newer and more vibrant minds to get the country out of the rut that they have put it in, that if Trump, who has zero governing experience can be elected President of one of the strongest countries in the world, new minds in Nigeria will probably lead better than they have done.

The most important lesson that I learnt from the 2016 US election, and indeed Hillary Clinton, and I think all Nigerian politicians should take a leaf from her book is, be graceful and maintain your dignity, even in defeat. E ye lo court lo jo jumo! (Stop going to court incessantly). Why is it that every politician that loses an election is at the election tribunal, even when the matter is frivolous and lacks any merit? Trump was the one who said that America had a rigged electoral system (I don't hear him complaining about that anymore!).

Why hasn’t Hillary Clinton jumped on that allegation and used it against him, by filing lawsuit upon law suit? After all, the race was close. It was also reported that some people were disenfranchised, for example, in Durham County, North Carolina, in which about 40% of the population are said to be blacks who would probably have voted for Hillary, it was reported that the laptops used to verify voter registration encountered software malfunctioning. In some cases, they ran out of election materials, thereby causing extremely long queues, resulting in some voters not even being able to cast their ballots. Voting also had to be extended in some areas. In another instance about 7,000 voters were illegally removed from the voters list and they just happened to be blacks.

I say hearty congratulations to you, Hillary Clinton. She did a great job. An excellent role model for women all over the world, showing that we women, can reach beyond the moon and the stars. On the final day of the campaign, she said ”when your kids and grandkids ask what you did in 2016 when everything was on the line, you’ll be able to say you voted for a stronger, fairer, better America. An America where we build bridges, not walls”. I certainly believe that she would have delivered on this. I think she would have been an excellent President.

Do you think Hillary Clinton should run again in 2020? Or perhaps some other women with Presidential ambitions would have emerged by then? What do you think?

As for Trump, thankfully, he has began to sound different from his campaign, more coherent, conciliatory in a way. Best of luck.

The world will be watching with extremely keen interest, to see him make America great again. Make it beautiful!

4/LAW REPORT

15.11.2016

Publication: Fundamental Precondition for Action in Defamation

“T

he law is common knowledge that it is the opinion or estimation of a person by ordinary reasonable members of the public or society in which he lives/works/stays which lowers or negatively affects his name, reputation and expose him to ridicule, co-tempter hatred, etc. that amounts to defamation or/libel. No matter how much or high a person rates and estimates himself, his good name, reputation or character is not relevant in the determination of whether any words spoken, or written and published of him by another person, would amount to a libel or defamation for him to be clothed with legal right to initiate and maintain an action for libel/ defamation in a Court of law.”

Facts The appellant was the chairman of the burial committee for the late Mrs. Christy Essien Igbokwe. The respondent was a member of this committee. In the course of the preparation for the burial, the respondent alleged that the appellant received the sum of N3,000,000.00 (Three Million Naira only) from the government of Cross River State which he “pocketed” (appropriated dishonestly). This information was sent via e-mail to members of the committee, amongst whom were DW2 to DW4, who testified during the trial. The appellant felt slighted by the allegation and consequently, filed a suit for defamation against the respondent at the High Court of Lagos State.

Parties led evidence in proof of their case. The appellant called witnesses and tendered documents, including the print-out of the e-mails sent to members of the committee by the respondent. The trial court rejected the e-mails which were electronic evidence, containing the words alleged to be libellous of the appellant. Nonetheless, in the course of cross-examining the defendant witnesses, counsel for the appellant was able to elicit evidence relating to the e-mails received by members of the committee from the respondent.

Under cross-examination, DW 2 to DW4 admitted that they received the e- mail and believed the contents thereof. They further testified that the allegations in the e-mail affected their impression about the good name, reputation and character of the appellant.

The trial court, after evaluation of evidence before it, concluded that the appellant did not establish that the email alleged to have been sent to members of the committee by the respondent defamed him. Thus, the case of the appellant was dismissed on ground of lack of proof. Dissatisfied, the appellant filed this appeal and raised three issues in his brief of argument to wit: (i) Whether the trial court was wrong not to have considered the evidence of DW3 and DW4 under cross examination before coming to the conclusion that the appellant failed to establish that the email defamed him; (ii) whether in the light of uncontroverted evidence and admissions that the respondent sent the defamatory email to persons other than the appellant himself, the trial court was wrong to have come to the conclusion that the appellant did not establish publication of law; and (iii) whether the trial court was right not to have determined all issues raised before it and thereby occasioned a substantial miscarriage of justice. The respondent also formulated three issues in her brief of argument. The reply brief of the appellant was struck out for failure to comply with the provisions of Order 18 Rule 5 of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2011 which stipulates that a reply brief shall deal with all new points arising from the respondent’s brief.

On the first issue, the Counsel for the appellant submitted that the trial court in holding that he failed to establish his claim of defamation, did not consider the evidence elicited by him from DW3 and DW4 under cross-examination, which related to the facts pleaded by the appellant. Relying on the court’s records, counsel pointed out that the court merely relied on the testimony of the appellant’s witnesses and failed to consider the relevant evidence of the respondent’s witnesses.

On the second issue, counsel opined that in view of the clear admission and evidence adduced by the appellant, the trial court was wrong in its conclusion that there was no proof of publication of the defamatory email. Relying on decided authority, counsel submitted that evidence of DW2 to DW4, who were members of the burial committee that they received the email in question and the admission by the respondent that she sent it to them, constitute sufficient proof of publication in law. Counsel contended on issue

In the Court of Appeal of Nigeria Holden at Lagos On Friday, the 28th Day of October, 2016 Before Their Lordships Mohammed Lawal Garba Sidi Dauda Bage Ugochukwu Anthony Ogakwu Justices, Court of Appeal CA/L/444/2013 Between Chief Tony Okoroji .... Appellant And Onyeka Onwenu ....Respondent (Judgment Delivered by Mohammed Lawal Garba, JCA)

three, that the trial court did not take into account the electronic communication and publication of the words complained of by way of email to persons other than the appellant. The court restricted itself to publication in the press, thereby occasioning miscarriage of justice.

For the respondent, the trial court rejected the emails which were electronic evidence, containing the words alleged to be libelous of the appellant along with the prints-out.

Having rejected the documents, they could not be used or considered by the High Court. Counsel submitted that action in libel being declaratory, admission by the respondent cannot be used to establish publication.

Court's Rationale and Judgement Deciding the case, the appellate court held that for a claim in libel/defamation to succeed, some essential ingredients must be proved on the balance of probability. Relying on the locus classicus of SKETCH PUBLISHING CO. LTD. v. ALH. A. AJAGBEMOKEFERI (1989) 2 SC (11) 73, their Lordships relied on the dictum of OPUTA JSC to the effect that the onus is on the plaintiff to establish that the defendant did the following: (i) published the statement in a permanent form; (ii) that the statement referred to him; (iii) that one statement was defamatory of him in the sense that it lowered him in the estimation of right members of the society, exposed him to hatred, ridicule and contempt

"IT IS PUBLICATION, FOR THE PURPOSE OF A CLAIM FOR DEFAMATION, IF IT IS PROVED THAT THE DEFAMATORY WORDS ARE INTENTIONALLY BROUGHT TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF AT LEAST ONE PERSON OTHER THAN THE CLAIMANT, WHO KNOWS OR IS ACQUAINTED WITH HIM AND UNDERSTAND THEM TO REFER TO HIM"

or injured his reputation in his office, trade or profession or injured his financial credit.

Their Lordships held that the appellant was right on the law that evidence extracted or elicited by a plaintiff during cross-examination of the defence witnesses which supports the case put forward by him in his pleadings, is relevant evidence adduced by him in proof of the claim he made before the court. Such evidence is as good as evidence given by the plaintiff’s own witnesses in support of the claim and the trial court has the duty to evaluate it in the consideration of the totality of the evidence adduced in support of his case.

The question then is – was the evidence elicited by the appellant considered or evaluated by the trial court in its conclusion that the appellant was not defamed? From the records of court, it is evident that the trial court relied only on the evidence of the appellant’s witnesses. Since the evidence elicited under cross-examination are relevant to the case put forward by the appellant, the trial court had a legal duty to evaluate it along with other material evidence. It is not for the court to pick and choose which evidence to consider. It borders on an error of law for a trial court to disregard any relevant and material evidence before it in determination of a case. If the trial court shirks its primary duty as in this case, the law is that an appellate court is entitled to interfere with its decision, coupled with a duty to evaluate such evidence and ascribe the deserved probative value thereto.

Clearly, from the evidence of CW2 to CW4 and DW2 and DW3, who are persons other than the appellant, the words complained of, negatively affected their estimation of his good name, reputation and character. In view of this, it is not correct to say that the witnesses did not give evidence of what they think about the appellant after reading the publication. “The law is common knowledge that it is the opinion or estimation of a person by ordinary reasonable members of the public or society in which he lives/ works/stays which lowers or negatively affects his name, reputation and expose him to ridicule, co-tempter hatred, etc. that amounts to defamation or/libel. No matter how much or high a person rates and estimates himself, his good name, reputation or character is not relevant in the determination of whether any words spoken, or written and published of him by another person, would amount to a libel or defamation for him to be clothed with legal right to initiate and maintain an action for libel/defamation in a Court of law.” In the circumstance, the publication in question was libellous of the appellant.

On the second issue, the trial court held that there was no publication of the words complained of. In the law of defamation/libel, publication is the live wire of a legal action or claim by a person against another. It is publication, for the purpose of a claim for defamation, if it is proved that the defamatory words are intentionally brought to the knowledge of at least one person other than the claimant, who knows or is acquainted with him and understand them to refer to him. The members of the burial committee and the others, to whom the respondent was found to have sent the email, are persons other than the appellant. And so, publication in law was satisfactorily proved.

Defamation is actionable per se and once there is credible evidence that it was proved as required by law, the court can find for the claimant and award damages as appropriate. Where there is a wrong, there must be a remedy. The appellant’s right to his good name and reputation was infringed by the act of the respondent. As a consequence, he is entitled to a remedy for the violation or infringement of his right and defamation resulting therefrom. In this instance, the appropriate remedy is for the respondent to write an apology to the appellant and circulate, send and publish it in the same manner and to the same people she sent, circulated or published the offending e-mail. In addition, costs in the sum of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira only) was assessed by the court as the sum for the prosecution of the appeal.

Appeal allowed.

Representation: Justin Ige for the Appellant Fred Agbaje with Adeniji Pokanu and Olubusola Ashiru for the Respondent Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited (Publishers of Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR))

15.11.2016

NEWS/5

Lagos Holds Forensics Symposium for Administration of Justice Stakeholders Akinwale Akintunde

Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen being congratulated by President Muhammadu Buhari

Honourable Justice Onnoghen Sworn in as Acting CJN Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The judiciary begins a new era following the peaceful transition of leadership from Honourable Justice Mahmud Mohammed CON OFR to Honourable Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen CFR. Justice Mahmud retired on November 10th, 2016, having attained the age of seventy, the mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court Justices. He leaves behind a successful career in the judiciary.

Justice Onnoghen, 66 was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

The President swore in Justice Onnoghen last Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja.

Onnoghen's appointment by the President is in accordance with section 230 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.

Section 230 (4) provides, "If the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria is vacant or if the person holding the office is for any reason unable to

perform the functions of the office, then until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office, or until the person holding the office has resumed those functions, the president shall appoint the most senior justice of the Supreme Court to perform those functions".

The National Judicial Council had recommended Justice Onnoghen, for consideration for appointment as CJN. The President may have

to regularise the appointment within the next 30 days.

Onnoghen takes over the judiciary at a very difficult period in the history of the institution.

Last month, the Department of State Security raided houses of some judges and arrested them for alleged corrupt acts.

This resulted in face off between the judiciary and the executive. The events are still unfolding.

Justice Onnoghen already has his job cut out for him.

That States Might Work Jude Igbanoi

Until leaders and political office holders are held accountable by the people, good governance at the state level in Nigeria, will continue to elude the citizenry.

This was the consensus of the speakers and discussants at the 11th Aelex Annual Lecture which was held at the MUSON Centre in Lagos last Wednesday.

The law firm of Aelex has over the past 11 years, consistently addressed a wide range of societal issues through its crowd-pulling public lectures, and this year’s lecture was by no means different.

This year’s lecture was chaired and moderated by the former Cross River State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke and discussants included the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Professor Anselm Chidi Odinkalu, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and

Mr. Isaac Babatunde.

Discussants spoke on the theme ‘Making the State Work’ and the venue which was filled to capacity, had attendees from different strata of the society, including lawyers and bankers.

Mr. Duke, in his opening remarks, pointed out that there is an increasing disconnect between the government and the governed, and he posited that every state executive must tackle this challenge with a clear vision, a strong will and sustainability.

Speaking from his experience as Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi submitted that governing a state should start with the vision of the leader, and that a state chief executive must have a definite and clear plan for that state.

In demystifying governance, Mr. Obi said state governors must plan, based

on the revenue of the state and that they must ensure that they curtail waste, by putting in place a solid procurement system.

From a banker’s perspective Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede held the view that, state governors must think out of the box by ensuring that they develop sources of revenue beyond the monthly federal allocations.

Imoukhuede lamented the fact that the reality today is that, only six states are economically viable, mentioning Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Kano, Oyo and Rivers as those states.

As succinctly put by Professor Chidi Odinkalu, Nigeria’s present woes date back to the era of the military's misadventure in governance, blaming the military for creating states without sustainability in mind.

To get out of the present

quagmire, Odinkalu said the panacea is to tackle corruption frontally, build strong institutions and create an efficient and reliable civil service.

For Executive Director, Corporate & SubSovereign Ratings, Mr. Isaac Babatunde, Lagos is a veritable example of a state that works without overdependence on federal allocations.

He urged other states to emulate Lagos, which derives 76% of its revenue from internally generated revenue.

The thrust of the lecture, which ended with a robust interactive session with the audience, was that states’ leadership should be held accountable in governance, and that corruption must be tackled with all seriousness, no matter how deep it has eaten into the fabric of our society.

The Lagos State Government will on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 hold its first Forensic symposium, which is aimed at identifying and minimising the crime rate in the State.

The symposium, which will take place at the Banquet Hall, De Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja is expected to bring together stakeholders in the administration of justice, such as Judges, Magistrates, Lawyers, Legislators, Police, Investigators, Forensics, Medical Practitioners, Journalists, amongst others.

The event will feature

leading and world renowned faculty with cognate experience in forensics, DNA technology, judiciary, legislative issues and law enforcement, to ensure that the process and procedures are well understood and fully utilised by the respective sectors.

The Symposium will provide information on how the state-of-the-art DNA Forensics Centre will assist criminal investigations, especially in the areas of DNA collection, DNA data analysis and interpretation, DNA evidence preservation, Legal issues and Court room testimony.

ICCN Marks International Contract Terms Rules’ 80th Anniversary Akinwale Akintunde The International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN) has concluded plans to hold its Annual Dinner & Dance on Friday, November 25, 2016.

The 2016 edition of the Annual Dinner, which will take place at The Main Auditorium of The Metropolitan Club, 15 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, is to mark the 80th Anniversary of the ICC International Contract Terms (Incoterms®) Rules which were officially established in 1936.

Acoording to a statement

by ICCN Secretary General, Mrs. Olubunmi Osuntuyi, ICC Incoterms® Rules, are designed to explain a specific set of responsibilities of the buyer and seller in a contract for the sale of goods, relating to transport and delivery.

She stated that dignitaries to grace the event include President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Professor Segun Ajibola, who is also the Special Guest of Honour/Keynote Speaker.

“A cross-section of carefully selected Corporate Chieftains, notable Business Leaders and Captains of Industry, in both the private and public sectors of the economy, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps are also expected at the event”, she added.

Other activities lined up for the day according to Mrs. Osuntuyi, include the award of certificates to successful participants of the International Finance Corporation Finance for International Trade (IFC FIT Initiative programme). The successful participants are drawn from Sterling Bank Plc. “The IFC FIT Initiative Certification program is a

three-month online capacity building training leading to Certificate of Achievement from ICC Headquarters, Paris and Institute of Export UK. The e-learning program was designed with two important goals, which are to train and certify international trade finance professionals in their core area of expertise and thus enhance their productivity in their day-to-day roles, and to build an online global network of international trade professionals, who could share expertise knowledge on an online platform.

“It would be noted that International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), founded in 1919, is the largest, most representative business organisation in the world.

Nigeria joined the ICC in 1979 and was re-organised in 1999, sequel to the realisation of the benefits, which the business community could derive from the broad network of over 90 countries with National Committees linked with ICC Headquarters in Paris."

“ICC’s global network comprises over 6 million companies, chambers of commerce and business associations in more than 130 countries. More than 2,000 experts drawn from ICC's member companies, feed their knowledge and experience into crafting the ICC stance on specific business issues."

“The United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, the G20 and many other intergovernmental bodies, both international and regional, are kept in touch with the views of international business through the ICC. It has established several Commissions to examine major policy issues of interest to world business”, she stated.

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15.11.2016

Court Told How Businessmen Impersonated Ex-Customs Boss to Defraud Importer Akinwale Akintunde A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja was told how two Oyo State based businessmen, Jimoh Aremu Oderinde and Sheriff Olaseni Ajaga, allegedly used the name of former ComptrollerGeneral of Nigerian Customs Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko to obtain N30.7 million, under false pretence.

An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kajethan Egerue, who testified against the businessmen before Justice Kudirat Jose, said they collected the money from their victim in the name of Dikko, as cost to facilitate the release of his goods, which were seized by the Nigeria Custom Service.

The duo of Oderinde and Ajaga were arraigned before the court by the anti-graft commission, on a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain

money and obtaining money by false pretence contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act No 14 of 2006.

While being led in his testimony by EFCC counsels, Mrs. Vera Agboje, and Olakunle Afolabi, the witness told the court that he knew the defendants following a petition written by one Jimoh Oyesiji, dated February 9, 2015.

The witness explained that the complainant, sometime in 2014, imported 8,000 bags of rice, which was seized by the Nigeria Custom Service, and Oderinde told him that he was acquainted with someone working at the Presidency, who would facilitate the release of the goods.

According to him, Oderinde then arranged a meeting between the complainant and Sheriff Ajaga, who acted as George Olawale, and at the meeting, he asserted that he had discussed the matter with customs boss, Alhaji Dikko.

“Before the meeting, the first defendant (Oderinde) collected the sum of N200, 000.00 to facilitate the meeting and second defendant collected N1million.

Then the second defendant (Ajaga) forwarded the details of a First Bank account to the complainant, to which the complainant instructed his business partner to transfer the sum of N29.5million into,” Egerue said.

He further told court that the operative then wrote the bank to get account details of George Olawale and the bank responded.

“From the response, we discovered that the sum of N29.5 million was paid by the complainant. We also found out that N7million was transferred to one Toyin Oderinde, wife of the first defendant.

Then N7million was also transferred to the second defendant’s Diamond Bank account in the name Oderinde.

“When Toyin Oderinde was invited, she said her husband (Sheriff) transferred

the money into her account. The second defendant instructed the first defendant how to transfer the money, Ajaga alias Olawale was subsequently arrested."

“Ajaga used N7.8million to purchase a Honda Accord, 2014 model. The car was later collected from him and registered as exhibit. He then agreed to refund the money while Oderinde transferred money to Agro Company Limited to buy a tractor, which was then recovered at Owode in Oyo State and he made a refund N2 million".

However, under cross-examination by the defendant’s counsel, Olanrewaju Ajanaku, the witness affirmed that he carried out discreet investigations, saying there was no prior business transaction between the complainant and defendants.

Egerue said in the cause of investigation, he did not come across anything showing the defendant had a quarry business before the incident.

Legal Personality of the Week Kamar Raji

‘Ambitious Lawyer Needs Pupillage Under Good and Experienced Principal’ the matter. He approached the Plaintiff’s lawyer thereafter and the matter was settled before the next adjourned date.

My name is Kamar Raji, I am the Managing Partner of Delaw Chambers, a multi-dimensional law firm based in Lagos.

I graduated from from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where I obtained my LL.B (Hons) in 1991. I then proceeded to the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Bar in 1992.

I did NYSC in Enugu State in 1993/94 at Allied Bank Ltd. In 2002, I obtained LL.M from University of Lagos.

I am a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators both in England and the Nigerian Branch. I am also a member of International Bar Association.

Apart from the period of NYSC when I worked in the Bank, I have been in active legal practice up till the present moment.

What was your most memorable experience?

My most memorable experience was a matter I did with my friend, Mr. Sesan Ogundeko, while we were youth corpers in Enugu. It was a pro bono case. It was memorable because we stood against a much more experienced lawyer, who knew we were youth corpers and was taunting us while the matter was going on. Even though the odds were stacked against us, we were determined to prosecute the case successfully. In the end, judgement was given in our favour despite the antics of the opposing counsel, and the influence of the defendant. What made it more memorable was the fact that it was our first case, and we had no previous experience in practice as we were both doing our primary assignments with different commercial banks.

Have you had any challenges in your career as a lawyer and if so what were the main challenges?

In term of legal practice, none, but in terms of growing up and life in general, everybody has challenges.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?

The day when my witness, a legal officer of an Insurance Company, who was to testify on behalf of his company, disappeared from the court a few minutes before the trial was to commence. The witness was in court with me when the matter was mentioned and stood down for trial. This was a case in which we had sought several adjournments because there was nobody who was willing to testify on behalf of the defendant company.

This witness was employed about a month or two before the trial date and he was sent to us as a witness in this particular matter. Being a lawyer, I was confident he would be up to the task, but

Kamar Raji

unfortunately before the trial commenced, he chickened out.

I had to explain the circumstances to the Presiding Judge. Unfortunately, the Judge insisted that the defence case had to be closed, notwithstanding the circumstances.

When I got to the office, I explained the circumstances to my boss, Mr. Ayo Olawoyin. My boss sympathised with me and brought his wisdom to bear in

Who has been most influential in your life?

Without any doubt, my big brother, Mr. Ganiyu Raji, he was a top banker of the 80’s generation. He was the one that insisted I read law and was instrumental to changing my course of study to law. It is also important to mention Chief Arthur Mbanefo who was the Pro-Chancellor of the University at the time. It was a “conspiracy” between Chief Mbanefo and my brother that changed the course of my career path to law.

The other people of influence in my life/ career are my former principals, Professor Gabriel Olawoyin SAN, for his hard work and uncommon forthrightness, Mr. Ayo Olawoyin, a very good trial lawyer, for his advice about my legal career and the challenges of life generally, and Mr. ‘Soji

Awogbade, who is a wordsmith and also a thoroughbred commercial lawyer; with a high sense of professional integrity. I took all these qualities from my previous bosses.

Why did you become a lawyer?

As I already mentioned, I became a lawyer by default, my brother, who was responsible for my training, thought it would be good if I did a professional course and he ensured I read law. As they say, he who pays the piper dictates the tune.

With hindsight, he was right on my career choice and I am forever grateful to him.

What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law?

A person who wants to succeed in legal practice must work very hard and must have patience. It is essential that such an ambitious person work under a good and experienced lawyer, because a young lawyer will imbibe the traits of his master. If such lawyer works with a principal of dodgy or lazy character, it is not impossible that such a young lawyer, will imbibe the negative culture and the character of his principal. In other words, a young lawyer needs a good mentor/ teacher, who will take him/her under his/ her wing. It may be tough and rough in the beginning, but with hard work and the right approach, the sky will be the limit.

If you had not become a lawyer, what would you have chosen?

I probably would have become a banker or sports administrator.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

All things being equal, I hope to be in the topmost rank of practising lawyers in the country, as well as an international arbitrator of repute!

15.11.2016

COVER/7

US Presidential Elections: Who Really Prevailed?

The recently concluded United States Presidential election has been adjudged as the most rancorous in the 238 years history of the country. Speculations were rife that Mrs. Hillary Clinton would make history as the first female president of the US, but against all odds, a politically inexperienced Donald Trump, a storming petrel upturned all permutations.

Jude Igbanoi examines why and how the loser lost and the winner won

T

he recently concluded United States Presidential election has been adjudged as the most rancorous in the 238 years history the country. Speculations were rife that Mrs. Hilary Clinton would make history as the first female president of the US, but against all odds, a politically inexperienced Donald Trump, a storming petrel upturned all permutations. Jude Igbanoi examines why and how the loser lost and winner won That Mrs. Hilary Clinton didn’t win the US presidential election has many still pondering on what really went wrong, but for some, the former US Secretary of State and former Senator would go down in history as the first female to have really created an impact in the race to the White House.

Hillary Clinton no doubt commanded media attention and had a better control of the media throughout the campaigns leading to the epic battle for Capitol Hill. Not a few took it for granted that the tough talking, battle hardened and eminently experienced, former First Lady of the United States of America would clinch the ticket to govern the most powerful nation on earth come January 2017.

But November 9, 2016 became a monumental watershed in the political history of the US. This was the day a political neophyte, perceived roughneck, inexperienced Donald Trump without enviable credentials, and no perpendicular moral standing, stood reason on its head by the winning the ticket to the White House on the platform of the Republican Party. This was against all permutations, expectations and calculations.

There were prophesies and purported divine pronouncements that Clinton would effortlessly walk victoriously into the White House as the next President of the USA. This was not to be as the American people spoke loud and clear that they would rather settle for tempestuous Trump with all his imperfections, foibles, failings and human frailties.

The Hidden Truths Behind the Peoples Choice of Trump Despite the undoubted visibility of Hilary Clinton, Trump prevailed in spite of himself over Hillary, not because he is anywhere near what could be described as a presidential material by American standards, but simply because as many have said, there was a divine intervention in the affairs of the world’s most powerful nation.

It has also been pointed out by political experts and pundits have been ruminating and pondering over why Mrs. Clinton didn’t win. According to Joseph Mattera, an internationally known author, activist and theologian; Clinton didn’t win because “first, her Supreme Court Justice Selections, her view on the Freedom of Religion, her view on Abortion, her Constant email Scandals, her Foreign Policy which seemed disastrous etc.’

Mrs. Clinton had been First Lady, US Secretary of State and a Senator, yet those matchless and unrivalled credentials couldn’t get her there, and a keen observer of American politics noted succinctly that Americans were just not prepared for a female president. Not at this time. Could the American society be said to be chauvinistic and gender insensitive?

Not quite so, it therefore would mean that Clinton came before her time. So some said.

There also allegations that Hilary is part of a network of terrorist organisations, which have made the world most unsafe in the past decade. Her connections to these organisations have been subject of debates, with reports from global media outfits like Wikileaks, who had churned out a retinue of reports linking her to these organisations, including alleged funding from the Clinton Foundations to terrorists.

Another of Clinton’s numerous sins included defending a child rapist and laughing about it. She illegally accepted millions of dollars from foreign governments through the Clinton Foundation. She was allegedly endorsed by the incumbent President, Barack Obama, who is on record to have muscled the country into passing the Same-Sex Marriage Law, under questionable circumstances.

The Role of Electoral College Another argument is that US electoral collegiate system

"TO WIN THIS YEAR, TRUMP DIDN’T NECESSARILY WIN THE MOST VOTES, BUT HE WON THE MOST VOTES IN THE RIGHT PLACES TO BECOME THE 45TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. UNDER THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE, THAT’S WHAT MATTERS. IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS THEREFORE, CLINTON WON THE POPULAR VOTE, BUT LOST THE ELECTION" played a negative role in why Clinton failed at the polls.

History has it that the Founding Fathers had something particular in mind when they set up the U.S. presidential election system.

Americans call it the presidential obstacle course and the Electoral College and some call it the odd political contraption. The argument is that, after all, state governors in all 50 states are elected by popular vote; why not do the same for the president? The quirks of the Electoral College system were exposed last week when Donald Trump secured the presidency with an Electoral College majority, even as

Hillary Clinton took a narrow lead in the popular vote.

According to another political expert, ‘the founding fathers chose the Electoral College over direct election in order to balance the interests of high-population and low- population states. But the deepest political divisions in America have always run, not between big and small states, but between the North and the South, and between the coasts and the interior.

‘One Founding-era argument for the Electoral College stemmed from the fact that ordinary Americans across a vast continent would lack sufficient information to choose directly and intelligently among leading presidential candidates.’

To win this year, Trump didn’t necessarily win the most votes, but he won the most votes in the right places to become the 45th President of the United States of America.

Under the Electoral College, that’s what matters. In the final analysis therefore, Clinton won the popular vote, but lost the election.

The Campaigns The groundswell of spirited campaigns saw the candidates cross swords and crisscrossed the entire length and breadth of 50 states, canvassing for votes from rural peasants, city dwellers, the poor and middle class Americans. But the battle wasn’t really in the field; it was mainly in the media,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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15.11.2016

Excerpts from Women and the Law The late Professor Jadesola Akande CON OFR's paper, Women and the Law, was delivered at a Seminar organised by the United States Information Agency in Lagos in 1992. It is an analysis of the legal status of women in Nigeria.

I

the children. Thus a widow is either left in the unhappy position of returning destitute to her own family or alternatively remaining in the husband’s family by agreeing to be “inherited” by one of the kinsmen. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council attempted a piece judicial manipulation out of one such situation. But the task of correcting this degradation should not be left to the occasional court intervention. The demand for the recognition of the wives’ right to a fixed portion of the husband’s property appears to be growing.

Islamic Law already operates this because a wife is entitled to a specific portion.

Introduction t seems to me that the purpose of this Seminar is to address the need to clarify the role of law and how the law serves and could serve as an instrument for raising women’s legal and, therefore, social, economic and political status. I know that the Seminar will discuss how the law – formal and customary – affects women and their development and whilst focussing attention on the role which law plays in determining women’s status, highlighting possible areas for law reform.

In Africa, and perhaps a great part of the Third World, certain issues are more critical than others. Some of the most critical issues relate to the role in the family, including maintenance, custody, divorce, succession and inheritance; economic rights such as property ownership and access to land and credit facilities as well as a range of problems relating to formal and informal employment. I intend to address a few of these issues.

Family Law In most parts of Africa, because of the super-imposition of the laws of the colonial masters upon the existing customary laws and rules of common usage of the various people of the colonised states, several types of law exist. There is the system of the colonial masters, which is often the carbon copy of the law of the masters and generally labelled “statutory” law.

There could also be as many as two or three other recognised systems. For example, in Kenya, the sources of family law include customary law, Hindu law and Islamic law and in Nigeria the sources include customary law and Islamic law.

Each of the systems has its own view on the role of women in the family. However, in none of the systems other than “statutory” law are women accorded any status. Thus, the area in which it has always been felt that legal modernisation is needed to enhance the status of women is family law, particularly the institution of marriage.

Originally, the only marriage law known to Nigeria was the customary law of marriage which varies from tribe to tribe. However, with the spread of Islam in the latter half of the of the 18th and early 19th centuries, a second marriage law emerged.

Customary Law Customary marriage permits polygamy and the marriage is legalised by some sort of payment consisting of goods such as cattle, cloth, money or services rendered. This payment is transferred from the family of the groom to that of the bride in public, establishing proof of the families’ consent and sealing the social contract between the two kinship groups.

Unless this payment, known as “bride-price” is paid, the marriage is not legal and the children cannot be claimed by their father. This is particularly important because Nigeria is predominantly a patrilineal and patriarchal society.

Islamic marriage also permits polygamy but limits the allowed number of wives to four. All the other requirements of a valid customary law marriage apply except that the “bride-price” is paid to the bride herself.

The institution of bride price in traditional times was not conceived as a sale of the girl but was proof of the girl’s importance to both families. Her family must be compensated for her loss, and it ensures that the husband’s intentions are serious and not just a desire for a frivolous association.

The parents of the bride-to-be, after accepting the gifts, will make every effort to ensure that the marriage succeeds.

Unfortunately, the beginning of a money economy and the introduction of the commodity concept, led to a tremendous rise in bride-price. From a symbol for the pact between two classes, it has been turned into a commercial operation. A daughter has become a source of monetary gain. This has led to disastrous consequences.

Rich old men monopolise the young girls. Young men who find it difficult to meet the demands live together with the willing girl without a legal marriage.

Where a maximum limit has been fixed by law, it has in practice often been evaded. Moreover, an action for the payment of bride-price is still enforceable in a court of law.

It has been suggested that the payment of the bride-price should no longer be a legal requirement affecting the validity of a customary law marriage.

Islamic Law One of the chief defects of Islamic law marriage is that it permits child marriage. The dangers of child marriage cannot be over-emphasised. The yoke of sexual intercourse before the physical and anatomical growth of the child can accommodate the stresses endangers the health of the child.

The burden of child-bearing and rearing is thrust on shoulders which carry a head that should still be on its mother’s laps.

This shortens the life expectancy of the child bride. There are now alarming reports of VVF (Vesico Vagina Fistula), an after

Marriage under the Marriage Act Marriage under the Marriage Act is essentially monogamous.

Therefore, it is bigamy to contract a second marriage. It is also an offence to contract a second marriage during the subsistence of the Statutory Marriage. But these provisions are more honoured in their breach than in their observance.

The rights of the wife on dissolution of the marriage are definitely more favourable under the Act than at customary law.

Rape The most heinous offence that may be committed against a woman is, of course, rape. There are the usual rules, such as the one that consent negates rape and the usual tests as to what constitutes consent.

But the problem is societal attitude which is that “when a woman says no, she really means yes”. This attitude coupled with the institutions that the woman must have “asked for it” effectively dissuades many victims from seeking redress.

Surely the vagaries of the law should not make a woman of today submit to this complete denial of her right to protect her body.

The Late Professor Jadesola Akande

effect of delivery problems by children brides. These victims of VVF are eventually ostracised by their families and society.

Another defect of the Islamic/Customary form of marriage is the issue of purdah or seclusion. It is to be noted that while it is still practised predominantly in the northern part of Nigeria, there are many instances of its existence in the south particularly in the rural Yoruba-speaking areas. The justification for thus preventing women from contributing to a developing society is usually religion based.

Of all aspects of traditional family life, the custom of a man having more than one wife – polygamy – would seem to be one of the most likely casualties of social development, particularly development accompanying urbanisation. The society has grown from the tribal age, when polygamy was cherished for both its useful economic and social purpose.

The need for procreation of a large number of children to provide labour on the farm is disappearing. The high rate of inflation has increased considerably the cost of upbringing of children. The world-wide economic recession is adding a new dimension to the economic resources available to each family. There is no doubt that for a better quality of life, there must be limited numbers of children. Yet Nigeria remains by and large a country of polygamy.

Widows Indeed the predicament of widows under customary law is one which should cause concern to those who wish to improve the legal status of women. A wife under the system cannot inherit the husband’s estate which passes mostly to

"OF ALL ASPECTS OF TRADITIONAL FAMILY LIFE, THE CUSTOM OF A MAN HAVING MORE THAN ONE WIFE – POLYGAMY – WOULD SEEM TO BE ONE OF THE MOST LIKELY CASUALTIES OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, PARTICULARLY DEVELOPMENT ACCOMPANYING URBANISATION. THE SOCIETY HAS GROWN FROM THE TRIBAL AGE, WHEN POLYGAMY WAS CHERISHED FOR BOTH ITS USEFUL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PURPOSE"

Powerful African Women of the Past The history of Africa is replete with stories and legends of powerful women who exerted great influence in the political activities of their country. Powerful women who “ruled” the society and/or participated in a system of diffuse authority, fluid and informal leadership, shared rights of enforcement and a more or less stable balance of male and female power.

Into this system the colonialists tried to introduce ideas of specialised political institutions of the western model with participation on the basis of individual achievement. Such achievement presumes a level of literacy and proficiency in the language of the colonials. Thus a system was created in which there was very little place for women. Hence, by interfering with the traditional balance of power, women’s ability to protect themselves and their own interests was effectively eliminated and the modernised system made them dependent upon men for protection against men.

However, in the political slogan, “one man – one vote” which swept through Africa in the late fifties and early sixties, the masculine was taken to include the feminine. Therefore in Nigeria, women did not face a long struggle to obtain political rights. By the time the Nigerian Constitution was being written, the rights of women to vote and hold offices were by and large well established in many parts of the world.

On the attainment of independence, the general principle of adult suffrage was written into the Constitution. It is now enshrined in Section 7(12) of the Constitution, 1989.

Inequality in Women’s Participation in Decision-Making Yet despite the general equality of political rights, women do not in fact appear to take an equal part in government.

Thus the proportion of women members of parliament is consistently low. There are a small number of women who have achieved prominence in the modern political and governmental spheres but they are still regarded as exceptional.

The question then is, In what way can law ensure greater participation of women? This is an area where it might be necessary to have a form of inverted discrimination as a temporary measure. Electoral rules and regulations might insist that each registered political party must field a minimum percentage of women candidates. Furthermore, it could be provided that the votes of women candidates be counted separately from men.

When the political awareness and courage of women are deemed sufficiently awakened such a measure or measures will, of course, be withdrawn. There is precedent for this, even in Africa; for example, Ghana’s Representation of People (Women Members) Act of 1959 and 1960.

There is no doubt that the Constitution of Nigeria intends all citizens, irrespective of sex, to be protected by the provisions of the fundamental human rights. Indeed Section 39 provides that no citizen shall be subjected to any form of discrimination on the basis of sex.

Written in 1992 by the late Professor Jadesola Olayinka Akande CON OFR, Professor of Law, Former ViceChancellor, Lagos State University, Former Pro-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure

15.11.2016

TRIBUTE/9

Professor Jadesola Akande CON OFR, Role Model and Mentor Per Excellence Today, which would have been her seventy-sixth birthday, Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa writes this tribute to her mentor, a renowned female academic, the first Nigerian lawyer and law lecturer to become a University Vice-Chancellor, the late Professor Jadesola Olayinka Akande CON OFR

I

f there was a woman who shone the light of leadership bright to other women and who loudly trumpeted the message, “there’s nothing that a woman can’t do”, I’d say that woman was known by the name, Jadesola Olayinka Akande.

Professor Jadesola Akande blazed the trail in her generation. Although she was not the first Nigerian female to pursue legal education and subsequently a career in law, she gave unrivalled visibility to Women in Law. She was the first female in legal academics in Nigeria. At a time when it was more widely believed that a woman’s place was in the home and that women were intellectually inferior with little value to offer in the workplace in the public sphere, Professor Akande dared to challenge stereotypes and defied the rules of exclusion. At a time when university-level academics were predominantly males, held in awe by majority of the population, Jadesola Akande breached the defined boundaries. Having chosen, academics, she dared to venture beyond the fields of Education and Sociology, where women had gained some acceptance and once in, it is on record that she not only held her own, she broke down barriers for other women and smashed the glass ceiling. She not only obtained a Masters and the Ph.D. degree in Law as did male peers, she wrote and published avidly. Professor Akande rapidly rose to the rank of Professor, which is the peak of an academic career and this was soon capped with her appointment as the Vice- Chancellor of the Lagos State University; thus becoming the second Nigerian female academic to become a Vice-Chancellor and the first Nigerian lawyer/law lecturer to become a Vice-Chancellor.

But many bag academic titles with little to show for it in terms of the disciples they produce. I didn’t attend Unilag and so didn’t have the pleasure and privilege of being taught by her, but even while at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) I heard from my friends in Unilag about Dr. Jadesola Akande who taught them Constitutional Law. At some point, I bumped into the textbook she authored – Introduction to Constitutional Law published by Sweet and Maxwell, and this encounter left me even more enamoured by this woman. One thing I knew assuredly was that Sweet and Maxwell was a Publisher of no mean repute, so that she was published by them, convinced me that this was a woman and, indeed, a lecturer to be reckoned with.

You can then imagine my delight when I arrived at the Lagos State University (LASU) in 1988 to begin a career in legal academics and found her as my Dean and soon thereafter, my Vice-Chancellor. Fortuitously, she

The Late Professor Jadesola Akande

chose to mentor me. She did not say that was what she was doing, and I didn’t even recognise it but today, with the full benefit of hindsight, I don’t think this was a chance happening. As I recall how she guided me through my legal academic career in the early years, I see a purposeful mentor who had a mission. I can only say I am proud to have been mentored by her.

Professor Jadesola Akande didn’t teach by lectures. She didn’t teach by dishing out precepts. She taught by simply living a life of example.

She taught by giving the young opportunities. She taught by letting go of the pilot’s seat and ask you to take over. She taught by inviting you to walk alongside her as a colleague, even when she was far ahead of you

"IF THERE WAS A WOMAN WHO SHONE THE LIGHT OF LEADERSHIP BRIGHT TO OTHER WOMEN AND WHO LOUDLY TRUMPETED THE MESSAGE, “THERE’S NOTHING THAT A WOMAN CAN’T DO”, I’D SAY THAT WOMAN WAS KNOWN BY THE NAME, JADESOLA OLAYINKA AKANDE"

in status. She allowed you to grow and in time, gave you recognition as a peer.

All too often, as we worked together in the development community, I could not help wondering if she remembered when she related to me, that I was as young as her daughter and only just began my career at the time she was reaching the highest peak of hers.

Till date, I never cease to be amazed and humbled, each time I recall her humility.

When I say Professor Akande gave visibility to Women in Law, I do not only mean that she gave leadership visibility to females in the legal profession, I mean also that she placed women in the centre of the study of law. She gave visibility to the study of the interrelationships between women and the law. Starting with her Masters’ degree dissertation which focused on Women’s Property Rights in Nigeria, she never waned in the struggle to centre and validate the study of women’s life and experience with law, as an authentic field of legal scholarship. But for her vision and her passion; but for her purpose and her action, protégés like me who today claim to be experts in fields such as Gender and the Law and Feminist Jurisprudence would probably never have been “born”. At a time, when these fields were being denied status, Professor Akande was not ashamed to be associated with them. She lent her well-earned reputation as an erudite Constitutional Law scholar to validate and authenticate the fields. You could not go too far in any attempt to denigrate the fields if someone as respected as Professor Jadesola Akande considered that it mattered, researched it and published on it. One thing no one could not say was that, the erudite scholar was venturing into “soft law” because she could not stand the heat of “hard law”.

If she was in it and for it, it had to be respected and well-respected, the fields have come be with an array of scholars and scholarship to the credit.

Professor Jadesola Akande, today I recall your face with that gentle mien which belied the strong, disciplined and highly motivated woman you were. I see your smiling face and I recall the jokes, for you were a very humorous person. You will never know how much being publicly recognised your mentee has leveraged me. I remain grateful and proud. Grateful to God that I met you and for which, I can only say “Thank you, God” for giving me (us) the privilege of being acquainted with one whom you had destined for great things – your daughter, Professor Jadesola Olayinka Akande, I say today as always, “Thank You, Prof”.

Tribute by Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa, Professor of Law, University of Lagos

10/IMAGES

15.11.2016

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK (Nigeria Branch) held its Annual Conference on Nov 10th-11th, 2016 at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt. Below are some of the Participants Governor of Rivers State, HisExcellency, Nyesom Wike delivering his address

Mrs. Doyin Rhodes-Vivour, Chairperson, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK (Nigeria Branch) delivering her address

Mr. Henry Chibor, Chairman, Port Harcourt Chapter, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK (Nigeria Branch)

Mr. Tunde Busari SAN 1st Vice Chairman, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK (Nigeria Branch)

Honourable Attorney-General, Rivers State, Emmanuel Aguma SAN

Mrs. Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, Chairperson, 2016 Conference Planning Committee

Mr. Supo Shasore SAN, Former Attorney-General, Lagos State

15.11.2016

IMAGES/11

L-R: Mrs. Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, Mr. Ope Olugasa, Mrs. Morenike Obi Farinde, Mrs. Doyin RhodesVivour, Mr. Dele Belgore SAN and Mr. Ike Iheribe

L-R: Mr. Ukala SAN, 2nd Vice President Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK (Nigeria Branch) Mr. Gbola Akinola, Mr. Dele Belgore SAN, Mr. Tunde Busari SAN, Mr. Pascal Madu, Mrs. Funke Adekoya and Mr. Bodunrin Adewole

L-R: Mr. Agada Elechi, Mr. Mena Ajakpovi, Mrs. Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, Mrs. Sola Adegbonmire, Mrs. Doyin Rhodes-Vivour, Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo and Mr. Oluseyi Akinwunmi

L-R: Mr. Supo Shadore SAN, Professor Idornigie SAN, Mrs. Doyin Rhodes-Vivour, Mr. Tunde Busari SAN, Mr. Wale Atake, Mr. Yemi Akisanya and Mrs. Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya

Mrs. Obosa Akpala, Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK (Nigeria Branch)

Mrs. Mia Essien SAN, a Speaker at the Conference and Prof Paul Idornigie SAN, a member of Exco and also a Speaker

L-R: Mrs. Mia Essien SAN, Mrs. Funmi Roberts, Dr. Sienye Lulu-Briggs, Mrs. Doyin Rhodes-Vivour, Mrs. Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya, Mrs. Ozim Obasi, Mrs. Enobong Ozor and Mrs. Ijeoma Bassey

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15.11.2016

Law Reports and Our Judicial System Book Review Title: Editor -In-Chief: Publisher: Reviewer:

O

Supreme Court Judgments on Lands Bamidele Adeleye Alexander Payne Co. Limited Gbolahan Gbadamosi

ne of the legacies of Hon. Justice Mohammadu Lawal Uwais GCON as Chief Justice of Nigeria (1995-2006) was the “creation of an environment, through his liberal policy which supports the struggle for the environment of competent law reporting installations in Nigeria.”

The above phrase was culled from “The Art & Place of Law Reporting” written by a Lagos lawyer and a law publisher himself, Mr. Taiwo Kupolati.

Against this background, the efforts at reinventing the old culture of publishing law reports by Alexander Payne Co. Limited edited by another Lagos lawyer, as its Publisher and Editor-In-Chief Bamidele Adeleye can be appreciated.

To date, the company has in its stable, Supreme Court Judgments on Evidence (7 volumes spanning from 1951 -2011; Supreme Court Judgments on Lands (6 volumes) from 1907-2013; Intellectual Property Law Reports (6 volumes) from 1917-2011 and Nigerian Company Law Cases, also in 6 volumes from 1957-2016).

As a member of the Hon. Justice Salihu Modibbo Alfa Belgore (GCON) led National Committee on the Reform of the Law of Evidence, I can easily appreciate the Supreme Court Judgment in Evidence cited as S .C. J. E In the case of AARON AKPAN v THE STATE, reported on pages 646-652, the Supreme Court on April 14, 1972 before their Lordships Elias, Lewis and Udoma, laid down the principles of law on the sworn evidence of a child.

The facts of this case were that the appellant was tried and convicted at the High Court, Uyo of the murder of one Grace Aaron (his wife) and sentenced to death. The ten year son old of the deceased was the only eye-witness to the killing, and he gave evidence at the trial of the appellant. Immediately after the deceased died, the appellant went to the police station and made some confessional statement that he killed her. However, at the trial, he denied making the statement and raised up a different defence entirely – that the deceased was killed by an unknown person.

Citing AKPAN v THE STATE (1967) N. M. L. R 185 and P v CAMPBELL (1958) B. 432, Justice Lewis JSC who read the lead judgement dismissed the appeal on the ground that the evidence of the 3rd P. W (the child) was enough to dismiss the appeal.

On its Intellectual Property Law Reports (I. P. L. R) cases, with six volumes started from 1957-2016 aptly quoted the golden words of Belgore J. (as he then was) in EXXON CORPORATION v EXXON NOMINEES INDUSTRIES LTD (1977 -1989) 2 I. P. L. R thus: “But the tribute the mediocre can pay to the genius by limitation has a limit. He does not extend to the genius by boundary of injuring the name the reputation or the business of the genius; not at least when the genius has protected himself by the provision of the law”.

Land law, which is one of the earliest areas of law in our jurisprudence, for example, in Vol. 2 (1980-1993) in honour of the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria Mariam Aloma Mukhtar GCON is worth considering.

A cursory look at the case of CHIEF OBI ONIAH v LOUIS ONIAH & ORS delivered on February 10 1989 by their Lordships: Justices G. Karibi- Whyte, Andrew O. Obaseki, Chuk-

wudifu Oputa, Abubakar B. Wali and Salihu M. Alfa Belgore made pronounced dictum on Customary tenancy, Proof of Possession; Ascription of Possession to a person with superior title; Trespass, forfeiture and Reliefs from forfeiture.

On determination of Customary Tenancy, the Supreme Court held that, “Forfeiture is the usual mode for determining a customary tenancy. The real basis of the misconduct or misbehaviour which renders the tenancy liable to forfeiture is the challenge to the title of the overlord. This may be alienation of part of the land under claim of ownership, refusal to pay the tribute due or indeed, direct denial of the overlord’s title by the customary tenant himself, as in the instance case.

Facts of the case, according to Justice KaribiWhyte, who read the lead judgement was that, the plaintiff/respondents claimed to have granted the defendant/appellants a specific and clearly delineated area verged Blue and Yellow in plan No. MWC. 893/76, and known as Aniolu and Aniocha lands, as customary tenants. However, the defendant/appellants entered into other lands belonging to the plaintiff/respondents and claimed ownership of the entire lands.

The plaintiff/respondents relied on several judgements in support of their claim. The defendant/ appellants, on their own part, denied that they had at anytime been the tenants of the plaintiff/respondents.They claimed that the entire Aniolu and Aniocha lands belonged to their ancestors from time immemorial, who first settled in those lands and did not belong to plaintiff/ respondents' ancestors as claimed.

At the end of the trial, the court granted the plaintiff/respondents' claims in part. Dissatisfied, both parties appealed and both the defendants later withdrew their appeal and same was accordingly dismissed. The plaintiffs appeal at the Supreme Court, while the defendants cross-appealed.

Volume 6 of the Supreme Court Judgment on Lands which covered 2010-2013 has 31 cases, 78 subject matters and 316 referred cases.

The Nigeria Company cases boasts of over 6000 pages of Appellate courts’ cases with robust and fine executive briefs.

The Nigeria Company Law cases cited as NCLC in its 6th volume spans 2011-2016 and has 20 cases.

One of the cases deserving of review is the case of OLUBUNMI OLADIPO ONI v CADBURY NIGERIA PLC (SC 546 / 2013) delivered by the Supreme Court on January 22 2016 now cited as NCNC (2011-2016), vol. 6 350.

The apex court was confronted with the

"THE PRINTS OF THE REPORTS WERE WELL LAID OUT, LUCID LANGUAGE, READER FRIENDLY FONTS, HIGH QUALITY PRINTING AND ATTRACTIVE. THE ADDED ADVANTAGE IS THAT IT CONTAINS INDEX OF TABLE OF CASES REPORTED, INDEX OF SUBJECT-MATTER AND INDEX OF CASES REFERRED TO"

removal of a director and jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to ascertain same.

The panel of the Supreme Court Justices were: Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad; M. S. Muritala – Coomassie; Bode Rhodes-Vivour; Clara Bata Ogunbiyi and Chima Centus Nweze who delivered the lead judgment.

The fact of this case is as follows; At the High Court of Lagos State, the Claimant/Appellant challenged his termination of employment, noting that there was no valid meeting of the Directors of Cadbury Nigeria Plc. This was refuted by the Defendant which also counter-claimed. At the close of evidence, judgement was delivered. The Claimant/Appellant’s claim succeeded in part, while the counter-claim was dismissed.

Both parties appealed, the Court of Appeal affirmed the High Court’s decision and dismissed both Appeals. Both filed appeals at the Supreme Court and the Defendant/Respondent for the first time raised the issue of jurisdiction.

The only issue for determination was: Whether the state High Court has the jurisdiction to entertain suits in relation to removal of company directors.

While holding that the appeal lacked merit, Honourable Justice Nweze on p. 670 of the report said “ In effect, contrary to the submission of the counsel, the Appellant’s impeachment of the procedure for his removal, (via the meeting which he impugned in paragraph 8 (a) and (e) of the pleadings)” – a matter governed by actions 262 and 266 of CAMA was the pivot of his complaint at the lower court. As such, by virtue of sections 257 (1) (e) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) the proper forum for the ventilation of that complaint should have been the Federal High Court, see LONGE v FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC (2010) 6NWCR (pt. 1189) 1.

YALAJU AMAGE v A.R.F.C LTD (1990) 4 NWLR(pt. 145) 422”.

Honourable Justice Nweze also backed his reasons with cases like; BABINGTON – ASHAYE v E. M.A GENERAL ENTERPRISES (NIG.) LTD

(2011) 10 NWLR (pt. 1256) 479, 522; NJIKONYE v MTN NIG. COMM. LTD (2008) 9 NWLR (pt. 1092) 339, COTECNA INTERNATIONAL LTD v IVORY MERCHANT BANK LTD (2006) 9 NWLR (PT. 985) 275; MADUKOLU & ORS v NKEMDILIM (1962)2 NSCC 374 among others.

In conclusion, Honourable Justice Nweze held that: “I find that this appeal is unmeritorious and is therefore struck out for want of jurisdiction of this court as well". NDIC v CBN (pt. 706) 300; OLORIODE v OYEBO (1984)1 SCNCR 390.1984 5 SC 1. Parties to are to bear their cost.

The prints of the reports were well laid out, lucid language, reader friendly fonts, high quality printing and attractive. The added advantage is that it contains Index of Table of Cases Reported, Index of Subject- Matter and Index of Cases Referred to.

I agree with Mr. Adebayo Sowemimo, who while reviewing the NCLC described it as “a veritable research material for the academic lawyer because it covers judgments of courts from the Colonial era to the Independence era to the Republican era to the Military era to now. For lawyers in practice, it is quite useful. The judgments are cited as authorities to their support their legal positions. In fact those solicitors will find NCLC very useful while writing legal opinions”.

Mr. Sowemimo’s candid opinion is true of all the law reports from the stable of Alexander Payne & Co. At this juncture, the entry of these law reports, is a reminder of what Kupolati who cut his publishing teeth from Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s Nigerian Weekly Law Report (NWLR), said, that “Notwithstanding this parlours reminder the private entrepreneurial import has resuscitated the beauty and glory of law reports... In fact as law reports are run in England and Wales as a practical enterprise, nothing is amiss with adopting the same in Nigeria".

It is in this category that Adeleye’s effort in private law reporting must be appreciated.

Gbolahan Gbadamosi, Legal Practitioner, Lagos.

15.11.2016

THE LIGHTER SIDE/13

LEGAL HUMOUR

We Hold Your Brief JUDE IGBANOI jude.igbanoi@thisdaylive.com

Deal Counsel, Your advice would be very much appreciated.

My auntie who brought me up, after I lost both of my parents at an early age, passed away three weeks ago. She died of what we suspect to be food poisoning. She lived alone, so there was no reason to suspect foul play.

But we were advised to take her body to the hospital for a post-mortem, because, according to a family friend, when there's death under such circumstances, the government always requires certain information. We did as we were advised, but as I send you this email, we still haven’t been able to give her a befitting burial. The hospital says that they have done all the necessary things they are required to do, yet they have refused to release her corpse to us. They said there are some documents which we must obtain from government, and that if they permit us move the body without fulfilling the requirements, we would get into trouble with the authorities and similarly, put them in trouble.

Kindly, shed some light on this, because we want to avoid anything that would make us fall foul of the law.

R.E., Abuja.

Dear R.E., While I sympathise with you over the passage of your auntie, I must confess that I would have been in a better position to advice you more specifically, if you had given me a little more information.

For instance, where did she die? Where do you intend to bury her? Was a Coroner's Inquiry ordered?

However, the Anatomy Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 provides in Section 5 that a corpse cannot be removed without a certificate in the following circumstances.

‘1) The body of a person shall not be removed for anatomical examination from any place where such person may have died unless twenty-four hours have elapsed from the time of such person's decease; and- (a) a certificate stating in what manner such person came by his death shall have been signed by the medical practitioner who attended such person during the illness whereof he died; or (b) if such person was not attended by a medical practitioner during such illness, a certificate stating to the best of his knowledge and belief the manner or cause of death by some medical practitioner who shall be called in after the death of such person to view his body, but who shall not be concerned in examining the body after removal. (2) In the case of the removal of a body for anatomical examination, such certificate given under the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall be delivered, together with the body, to the person receiving the same for anatomical examination. (3) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prohibit the preservation of a body for anatomical examination at any time after death by injection or otherwise by the Superintendent of a school of anatomy who is licensed under this Act or by some person authorised by such superintendent.’

Depending on where the death took place and where you intend to bury her, I suggest that you approach your lawyer for further advice.

US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS: WHO REALLY PREVAILED? with Clinton maintaining an unprecedented visibility as her party and campaign organisation had an unquestionable control of the mainstream media.

Starting on a rather shaky leg, most did not give Trump any chance as he stumbled and fumbled in political misspoke unguarded utterances. But picking the Republican Party nomination saw him refining and retooling his machinery, making him better prepared to face the real battle.

But a more experienced Clinton, who had spent over three decades in the corridors of power had her own colossal

A lawyer is driving down the street with his arm out of the window. Another car swerves too close and sideswipes him, causing severe damage to his car, and dismembering his arm. The lawyer pulls over to the side and jumps out of his car, immediately lamenting the damage to the other driver. "My car! It is a brand new Porsche! How are you going to make this up to me You better have insurance." The other driver looks disgusted and says "You lawyers are all the same. You care so much about money you didn't even notice your arm is gone!" The lawyer looks down at his arm and exclaims "Oh my god...my Rolex!"

••• A lawyer defending a man accused of burglary tried this creative defence: "My client merely inserted his arm into the window and removed a few trifling articles.

His arm is not himself, and I fail to see how you can punish the whole individual for an offence committed by his limb."

"Well put," the judge replied. "Using your logic, I sentence the defendant's arm to one year's imprisonment. He can accompany it or not, as he chooses." The defendant smiled. With his lawyer's assistance, he detached his artificial limb, laid it on the bench, and walked out.

••• A man is at his lawyer's funeral and and is surprised by the turnout for this one man. He turns to the people around him.

"Why are you all at this man's funeral?" A man turns towards him and says, "We're all clients." "And you ALL came to pay your respects? How touching." "No, we came to make sure he was dead."

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

political luggage, including her actions and inaction while serving Secretary of State.

A general overview of the entire campaign process shows that the candidates unwittingly gravitated away from addressing serious national issues and their manifestoes, but rather launched personal attacks on their persons, families and associates.

As things would turn out, most agreed that the election was devoid of fraud, manipulations and violence as some had anticipated in both camps. In contrast, the hand of God

was seen as intervening in the affairs of the United States.

The predominantly Christian America saw Christians of Pentecostal and orthodox persuasions coming together in prayers, seeking divine intervention in the affairs the nation.

They prayed the Democrats out of power for their perceived ungodly acts, including same-sex marriage, outlawing prayers in public school, legalising abortion, etc. There was also a global network of Christian bodies that stood in prayers with the Republicans and the result is what transpired on November 9, 2016.

Dear Editor

Re: Shine Una Eye, Police No Be Your Friend Dear Editor, I thoroughly enjoyed your piece Shine Una Eye, Police No Be Your Friend. It is sad that those that are meant to protect us may be the ones that we may need protection from.

Apparently, most of the cases filed against the

Police are fundamental human rights cases, some of which judgements have actually been delivered against the Police. However, it seems that enforcing monetary judgements against the Police is an uphill task, as they are in the habit of saying they have no funds to compensate the victorious parties.

The Government really needs to look into this law enforcement lawlessness and recklessness and do something about it, as it also damages our image as a nation.

T.O. Lagos

Dear Editor, Thank you ma'am for your very chilling article, yet it needed to be said. It is appalling, the response from all arms of government, concerning the plight

of the IDPs despite glaring evidence as to what is going on in these camps. More importantly, the article reminded us how we have largely ignored extra judicial killings which happen almost everyday. If those meant

to protect you from it are the ones at the fore front, what hope is there really for some reform?

Naima Nasir Jos.

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15.11.2016

Exercise of AGF’s Prosecutorial Powers: Saraki and Ekweremadu Example Olukayode Majekodunmi in this article, using the Saraki - Ekweremadu example, attempts to show the importance of the Attorney-General's duty to make cogent decisions in prosecuting matters, based on proof of evidence and prospects of securing a conviction, as opposed to playing to the political and public galleries

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AGF's Power to Discontinue Criminal Proceedings he constitutional power of the Attorney General of the Federation, to discontinue criminal prosecution at any stage before judgment is delivered, in any criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by him or any other authority or person, is not in doubt. The only debate is, as to the propriety or otherwise, of the exercise of the awesome powers vested in the Attorney General in Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The popular sentiment is that in the exercise of this power, the Hon Attorney-General should avert his mind and have regard to public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process. In several celebrated cases, our courts have deliberated on the overriding consideration.

The central conclusion is that the bona fide of the Attorney-General cannot be questioned.

Saraki - Ekweremadu's Forgery, the Matter The genesis of the allegation of forgery of Senate rules that culminated in the preferment of charges and arraignment of Dr Bukola Saraki and Mr Ike Ekweremadu, the President and Deputy President of the Senate respectively, is traceable to the inner power struggle within the APC and political intrigue to their assumption of the plum offices at the inauguration of the 8th Senate of the National Assembly. Dr Saraki fashioned an accord with his erstwhile political soul mates in the PDP, to thwart the anointed candidate of the APC, Ahmed Lawan. Having been outmanoeuvred

by Saraki and his backers from across the aisle, the members of the APC supporting Ahmed Lawan became bellicose and swore to bring down Saraki and Ekweremadu. They expressed special resentment of the idea of having a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the Deputy President of the Senate. To them, the duo must be made to pay for their actions. And as they say, as in war, all things are fair in politics.

After futile bids to oust the Senate Leadership, the anti-Saraki/Ekweremadu camp eventually came up with allegations of alteration to sections of the Senate Standing Rules. The replacement of ‘open’ with the ‘secret’ voting system, among other amendments to the rules, thus set the stage for the calls to prosecute the Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, on allegations of conspiracy and forgery. There were explanations from some standing Senators and members of House of Representatives that it is the practice of Parliaments worldwide for bureaucracy to work on the Rules of Parliament and the elected officials only vote to adopt or reject the amendments at any time, subject to their convenience.

Some Senators reported the alleged forgery to the Police high command with a call for investigation and if need be, prosecution of those involved. However, on June 27th, 2016, about a year to the break of the news of the alleged forgery, four persons, namely Bukola Saraki, Ike Ekweremadu, Mr. Salisu Maikasuwa, and Mr. Benedict Efeturi were arraigned at FCT High Court, Abuja. The latter two, were the Clerk of the Senate and his deputy at the time of inauguration of the 8th Senate. From the onset, Saraki had consistently proclaimed his innocence as to the formulation of the contentious Senate Rules. He alleged that the

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu

preferment of forgery charges and his arraignment before the FCT High Court, Abuja, was another phase in the orchestrated persecution he had been facing since his emergence as Senate President.

One must recall that while all this was going on, Senator Gilbert Nnaji (PDP-Enugu East) approached a court to stop the police from investigating the alleged forgery of the 2015 Senate Standing Order. Responding to the suit, the former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, via a counter-affidavit, said that no court of law in the country had the power to stop the police from carrying out its statutory function of investigating crimes.

According to him, nobody in the country, including the 74 political office holders covered by the provisions of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is exempted from investigation.

The points raised by the then Inspector General of Police were very strong in law, especially if one considers the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Gani Fawehinmi v Inspector General of Police where the Court established the principle that immunity does not stop investigation.

Senator Saraki alleged that some cabals, who had taken over the control of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, were now using it to perpetrate their nefarious activities. He said that the trial of the Senate leadership was an attack on the legislative arm of government. He stated thus: “Today, we

the leaders of the Nigerian Senate reiterate our innocence against the charges filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) at the FCT High Court on the allegations of forgery of the Senate Standing Rules document,’’ It is instructive to note that the comment by the Senate President later found strong support in the recent interview of Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the first lady of Nigeria with BBC. Mrs. Buhari herself suggested that the administration of her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari, has been hijacked by some persons alien even to her, the wife!

Withdrawal of the Forgery Charges The Federal Government recently withdrew the forgery charges it instituted against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, and the two others. Lead prosecuting counsel, Mr. Aliyu Umar (SAN), told the trial judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu of FCT High Court, that the charges were being withdrawn because of a pending case related to the charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The lead prosecuting counsel said, “This government respects the rule of law, and hierarchy of the judiciary. It is obvious from these two applications (filed by Saraki and Ekweremadu) and the similar case before your learned brother, Justice Kolawole, at the Federal High Court who is dealing with the issue, that we are withdrawing the charges. It is trite that two matters of the same subject-matter

"THE GENESIS OF THE ALLEGATION OF FORGERY OF SENATE RULES THAT CULMINATED IN THE PREFERMENT OF CHARGES AND ARRAIGNMENT OF DR BUKOLA SARAKI AND MR IKE EKWEREMADU, THE PRESIDENT AND DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE RESPECTIVELY, IS TRACEABLE TO THE INNER POWER STRUGGLE WITHIN THE APC AND POLITICAL INTRIGUE TO THEIR ASSUMPTION OF THE PLUM OFFICES AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE 8TH SENATE OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY"

cannot be before different courts of coordinate jurisdiction...’’

Conclusion The essence of this short piece is to impress it on us all, most importantly, the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation that, the duty of making a decision to prosecute is a very sacred one that should not be the subject of political expediency. How can one explain the fact that someone in the office of the Ministry of Justice could have given the go ahead to prosecute this case, while all non-lawyers in Nigeria are aware of the pendency of the suit

by Senator Nnaji at the Federal High Court?

More importantly, it is not all acts of indiscretion that founds criminal prosecution. The overriding consideration of savvy prosecutors, is the proof of evidence and the prospects of securing a conviction. The mere spectre of a public trial that ultimately fails, is a waste of public resources.

One cannot help but recall the recent decision

by F.B.I. Director, James Comey recommending that of “No Charges” be filed against Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State for her handling of classified information while she was Secretary of State. Mr Comey rebuked Mrs. Clinton as being “extremely careless” in using a private email address and server. He further questioned her judgment, but concluded that to warrant a criminal charge, there had to be evidence that Mrs. Clinton intentionally transmitted or wilfully mishandled classified information. The F.B.I. found neither, and as a result, he said, “our judgment is that no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case.” The Director of the F. B. I got a lot of slack from political adversaries of Secretary Clinton who held up hope that her indictment would truncate her presidential aspiration. Mr. Comey, a registered Republican stood firm, in essence disappointing his political base.

These are the standards that our AttorneysGeneral and their Prosecutors should hold themselves to. They should resist political correctness and be true disciples of Law. Olukayode Majekodunmi, Legal Practitioner, Lagos

15.11.2016

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MY BRIEF BY SKB STEPHEN KOLA-BALOGUN

stephenkolabalogun@yahoo.com

Misconduct of Judges and Lawyers at the Rubicon, Wither Now!

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orruption is one of the most deadly, social and ethical problems facing Nigeria today. It is perhaps for this reason that one of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy outlined under Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) states that: “The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power” This is an integral part of the rule of law in Nigeria and the same Constitution demands in Section 1(1) that: “.....its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Despite these constitutional provisions, successive governments have struggled to abolish corruption in all its ramifications here in Nigeria, but perhaps our Constitution needs to be amended so that it can become more specific in detailing what is considered to be graft or corrupt practices. A guiding clue can be taken from the situation in the neighbouring country of Ghana. The Ghanaian Constitution prohibits a sitting President or political office holder from collecting any form of gift (either in cash or in kind), because it could be termed as amounting to a form of bribe or undue influence.

The incumbent Ghanaian President, John Mahama presently stands accused of having received a Ford vehicle as a gift from a contractor, who happens to be a national of Burkina Faso. Enraged at this situation, the Ghanaian Parliament wasted little or no time at initiating the process of trying to impeach the Ghanaian President, for what it considers to be a grave breach of the Constitution and the code of ethics, for political office holders.

Nigeria is replete with instances where political office holders, legislators and even judges have accepted gifts in one disguise or the other, from members of the public thereby undermining their respective positions and the offices they hold. It has become so endemic, to the extent that it now forms part and parcel of our culture and way of life. Tradition and complacency may well be inhibiting, but we cannot, in all honesty, continue to justify this errant behaviour.

How on earth, can we justify the daughter of a sitting President being given about one hundred and thirty-four (134) cars during her wedding ceremony just over two years ago?

A legal system is only as good as its ability to respond to new pressures and circumstances and our Constitution needs to be further updated, by specifically barring all political office holders, legislators and judges from accepting any form of gift (either in cash or kind) while in office. It is only by doing this, that we can be seen to be making the right attempt to stamp out graft from our daily way of life and restore confidence in our ailing public institutions.

The judiciary, for instance, is the foundation upon which the rule of law is built. It is the conscience of the people, yet so many judges in recent times have been seen to compromise themselves, by accepting gifts from either lawyers (most notably Senior Advocates) or members of the public. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is beginning to frown at this behaviour, but many perpetrators argue that they are doing no more than rendering charitable assistance. If the truth be told, it is difficult to point an accusing finger of guilt at most of them, but if we are to guide the EFCC in clamping down on this practice, then we need to make the acceptance of gifts

Lawyers in the courtroom

a specific offence.

There is a Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers here in Nigeria. It provides that a judge and members of his/her family shall neither ask for nor accept any gift, bequest, favour or loan on account of anything done or omitted to be done by him in the discharge of his duties. Significantly, however, Rule 3 paragraph f of this code permits judicial officers to accept personal gifts or benefits from relatives or personal friends.

The real question though is, whether lawyers can seek protection under this rule, having regard to the rules of professional conduct in the legal profession? There is a fine line between a bribe and a gift! Whether a gift can be construed as a bribe or not depends on the motivation, the reason or intention for giving the gift in the first place. Any act or deed aimed at influencing a decision or behaviour for benefit of another, whether now or in the future is corruption. This is the underlining problem of a practicing lawyer giving a judge a gift no matter how innocent!

By giving a judge a gift, he or she is cultivating a relationship between himself/ herself and the judge or between his/her practice and the judge, which ultimately at some point in time will stand to their benefit. There is therefore little or no doubt that, the giving of gifts to judges by lawyers constitutes corruption or undue influence.

The Ghanaian Code of Conduct for Judges states clearly that neither judges nor members of their families residing in their households, shall accept a substantial gift, bequest, favour or loan from anyone, except under certain stringent conditions. The rule however prohibits judges from accepting gifts, favours, bequests or loans from lawyers or their firms, if they have come or are likely

to come before the judge. It also prohibits gifts, favours, bequests or loans from clients or their lawyers or their firms when the clients’ interests have come or are likely to come before the judge. Under Ghanaian law a judge is also expected to discourage family members from obtaining any form of gift, bequest or loan, because it could be seen as an attempt to try and obtain influence over the judge. He is not however expected to know all instances pertaining to when a family member could obtain such benefits, provided he cannot be reasonably expected to know of such instances The Code of Conduct for Ghanaian Judges just like the Ghanaian Constitution, goes much further than the Code of Conduct for Nigerian Judicial Officers, but against the backdrop of the recent raids on the homes of Judges across the country and as part of measures to enhance the independence of the judiciary, the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) has barred judges and other court staff from accepting gifts from other arms of government. The move is aimed at enhancing the independence of the judiciary, as it also outlawed any form of lobbying of other arms of government by the judiciary or any of the institutions. The new measures are also set out to curb corruption and other unethical conduct among judicial officers and other court staff. These form part of the provisions of a new National Judicial Policy (NJP) launched in Abuja just over a fortnight ago. The new policy not only bars judges and other court staff from accepting gifts from other arms of government, but makes compliance mandatory. Unfortunately, in my respectful opinion, the new NJP doesn’t really go far enough.

The press, the so called fourth estate of the realm, has a leading role to play if we are to

"THE PRESS, THE SO CALLED FOURTH ESTATE OF THE REALM, HAS A LEADING ROLE TO PLAY IF WE ARE TO STAMP OUT THIS CULTURE OF GRAFT THAT HAS BEEN PLAGUING US FOR SO LONG. AGAIN, IN GHANA, THE MEDIA SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR THE ROLE IT HAS PLAYED IN TACKLING CORRUPTION. ETHICAL JOURNALISM IS EVOLVING IN GHANA, AND RECENTLY SOME CORRUPT JUSTICES WERE BROUGHT DOWN BY SOME INTENSIVE INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM, AND THESE SAME INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISTS EXPOSED THE CAR GIFT SITUATION OBTAINED BY THEIR PRESIDENT"

stamp out this culture of graft that has been plaguing us for so long. Again, in Ghana, the media should be commended for the role it has played in tackling corruption. Ethical journalism is evolving in Ghana, and recently some corrupt justices were brought down by some intensive investigative journalism, and these same investigative journalists exposed the car gift situation obtained by their President. The opposite appears to be the case in Nigeria in that investigative journalism is not at all encouraged. The recent NJP introduced measures to keep complaints against judges and other court staff from the media and public domain. Provisions in this regard are contained in Section 2(2) (4) - 2(2)(9) of the NJP. They state that complaints of misconduct against judicial officers or employees of the judiciary, shall not be leaked or published in the media. Where complaints or allegations against judicial officers and court employees are submitted for investigations, the complainant(s) shall be made to give an undertaking not to do anything to prejudice the investigations or actions that may be taken. The NJC would be obliged to cease further action where such complaints are leaked or discussed in the media. Personally I find this particular policy rather odd. Apart from the fact that it discourages investigative journalism, it also provides the judicial officer against whom the complaint is being made the opportunity to leak it to the press in order to halt further investigations. The policy is also contrary to Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which states that: “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”

This must however be counter balanced against Section 39(3)(a) which states “Nothing in this section shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society” “for the purpose of preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and independence of courts or regulating telephone, wireless broadcasting, television or the exhibition of cinematograph films...”

The pertinent question therefore is, whether restricting the media from reporting complaints against judicial officers to the NJC is a justifiable law or policy in a democratic society? I have my doubts especially if the experience in Ghana is anything to go by.

Conclusion Corruption poses a real threat to judicial legitimacy and limits their capacity to effectively fulfil their constitutional mandate.

The phenomenon of judicial corruption is not just a perception but real, and independence is all the more difficult when you have relationships, friendship or kinships. Aspects of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers should be put in our Constitution, in order to further cement the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy aimed at abolishing all corrupt practices and abuse of power. Finally, we can also help as lawyers by designing brochures and posters with clear mission and ethic based value statements, aimed at discouraging the practice of bribe payments to judges and court staff. Collectively with the right will and determination we should be able to bring back fairness and equity into our administration of justice system here in Nigeria, but with Christmas and New Year fast approaching, I am sure our Judges will obtain a lot more than just the odd hamper, bags of rice, turkey and groundnut oil, from various lawyers and the public, over the festive period.

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15.11.2016

The 11th Annual Lecture of AELEX took place at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos last Wednesday. The event was chaired by the former Governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke. The theme of the lecture was 'Making the State Work'. Below are some distinguished personalities who attended the event

Partner, AELEX Legal Practitioners and Arbitrators, Mr. Soji Awogbade (left) and former Governor, Cross River State/Discussant, Mr. Donald Duke

Former Governor, Anambra State/Discussant, Mr. Peter Obi (left) and President, Nigeria Stock Exhange/Discussant, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede

Partners, AELEX Legal Practitioners and Arbitrators, Mr. Theophilus Emuwa (left) and Mr. Fubara Anga

Air Vice-Marshal Olu Adekoya (rtd) (left) and Hon. Justice Solomon Hunponu-Wasu

L-R: Mrs. Igbeaku Evulukoy, Mrs. Sena Anthony and Mr. Adesina Salawu

Mr. Wale Adesokan SAN(left) and Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch, Mr. Martin Ogunleye,

Professor Chidi Odinkalu and Mr. Isaac Babatunde, both discussants

L-R: Mr. Sam Ifeme, Adaora Obiwulu and Ijeamaka Nzekwe

Mr. Chike Obianwu (left) and Mr. Olumide Akpata both Partners, TemplarsLaw Firm

L-R: Mr. Ishaya Amaza, Mr. Olatoye Akinbode and Mr. Ibifubara Berenibare, all of ALEX Legal Practitioners and Arbitrators

T H I S D AY TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2016

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Tuesday November 15, 2016

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Price: N250

MISSILE Fayose to Buhari

“At the time the NJC recommended Justice Onnoghen to President Buhari, it was 28 clear days to the November 10, 2016 retirement date of Justice Mahmud Mohammed. Why then was his (Justice Onnoghen) name not sent to the Senate for confirmation? Why appoint him as acting CJN when his name should have been sent to the Senate between October 13, 2016 when he was recommended to the president and November 10, 2016 when Justice Mahmud Mohammed retired?” – Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose accusing President Muhammadu Buhari that the appointment of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) is “a grand plot to deprive him of his welldeserved appointment as CJN because he is from the South-south region”.

CHIDIAMUTA GUEST COLUMNIST

Triumph of the Nasty O

n the triumph of Donald Trump, most of us in the liberal media and society were wrong. I have since been reflecting on this historical accident and felt in good company: The New York Times, Washington Post, The Economist, Financial Times, The Cable News Network (CNN) and indeed the entire gamut of influential media and world leaders; we all gave the real estate merchant with a discoloured patch skimpy chance.

But see what we have? Donald Trump is US president imminent. As Garrison Keillor wrote in The Washington Post of 9th November, “Raw ego and proud illiteracy have won out, and a severely learning-disabled man with a real character problem will be president.” Easily one of his signature verbal indiscretions was at the final debate when he interrupted Hillary Clinton: “Nasty Woman!”

Every now and again in history, democracy delivers an illegitimate child.

Adolf Hitler was one. Closer to this copy is Silvio Berlusconi, another licentious and noisy moneybag. Here comes another, Trump, a loud mouthed and unstable Manhattan real estate mogul with scant knowledge of government except as a target for unrelenting vitriol and abuse.

Yet, the fact of winning the election to the presidency in America by a laser thin electoral college margin does not in itself absolve Mr. Trump of the heinous negatives that have become the trademarks of his nasty campaign, dubious identity and even more surprising triumph. The man remains a racist, bigot, misogynist, merchant of hate and unscrupulous businessman.

The best that can be expected from his presidency would be a deliberate reversal of these etchings. But even ahead of formal inauguration, the man prefigures a stubborn unwillingness to course correct.

He has continued to blame and threaten the American media, accusing them of inviting the nationwide protests against his thin electoral victory. He has threatened to invoke a non-existent national libel law (a threat to the First Amendment of the US Constitution) and to sue media houses under applicable state libel laws if they remain critical of his illiberal methods. He has proceeded to appoint his Campaign Chief, the racist propagandist, Stephen Bannon, as his Chief Strategist come January 20th.

Clearly, Mr. Trump is more likely to want to rule than govern America. If that fear holds true, this will be the first time that American democracy will produce a Third World type autocratic ruler, a development that will test the institutions and traditions of that democracy to the limit. What is historic about the emergence of Mr. Trump is that the American political system has literally defied the founding vision of the country to deliver this nasty fellow as its next president.

There also lies the glimmer of redemption.

The faint belief is that the very Washington system against which Mr. Trump relentlessly railed and cursed during the campaign

Trump

would either bend him to tow a rational path or show him the way back to Trump Tower in New York.

Perhaps the Trump affront is America’s headache first and foremost. The ongoing street riots, the deep divisions along racial, ethno-national, class and sectarian lines that threaten to engulf America remain domestic headaches. But the resurrection of ancient antagonisms and primal negativism long buried under the rubble of nascent civility ought to keep the American ruling class awake. Power transition is good if those who must rule can find a quiet followership to command. But when the reign of an accidental sovereign is greeted by endless riots, racial conflict, religious uprising and even an intensification of existing terrorist headaches, then democracy and the structures and pretensions that sustain it are critically endangered.

Beyond the borders of America, Mr. Trump’s imminent advent embodies developments that could endanger the symbolic integrity of the Statue of Liberty.

Such developments can only unsettle a world that has got used to seeing America as the recourse of immigrants from all

President Muhammadu Buhari was among the first six world leaders to congratulate Trump.

He called back 10 leaders within a few days and was yet to call our man back at this writing

corners of the globe. The world thrives in peace when the lonely lady on Ellis Island braves the waves of the open sea to continue to beckon and welcome the hungry, the distressed, the oppressed of all nations to partake in the gift of hard work for reward which America promises.

But clearly, Mr. Trump is against America’s defining exceptionalism of diversity and multiculturalism. He and his fellow white bigots have a narrower definition of America, one that would rather exclude people that look different, worship differently, feel free to love and belong differently. Between this mean shrinkage notion of America and the diverse essence of over two centuries of inclusive history, Mr. Trump’s ascent may inaugurate a season of prolonged tension the end of which may unsettle his troublesome presidency.

The political consequences of rising populism are everywhere in evidence.

Before Brexit, there was the uprising in Greece which rode on the back of a thrashed economy to prop Syriza to power. Briefly, all manner of rabble-rousers including my friend the economist Yanis Faroufakis came to power with no idea of how to run a government. Many of them fled after a few weeks of prime time television grandstanding. Then came Brexit with itinerant noise merchants like Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson whose activities have sent the British economy hovering at the brinks of a major crisis.

Similar populist pressures are mounting in France and Poland. The defining mantra of these populist movements is ‘change’, an opportunistic exploitation of pent up frustration with the established political status quo by persons with scant notion of government. They ride on the wagon of change to come to power and then do practically nothing except worsen things.

I wouldn’t know how today’s Nigerians relate to this new global fraud of exploiting ‘change’ to mess up things.

Outside America’s borders, a global order that has held sway since after 1945 is about to be upset. A Russian favourite candidate is about to inhabit the White House. Except his handlers shorten his leash, Trump may destabilise NATO, send Germany and Japan back into the nuclear arms bazaar, unleash Iran on its Arab neighbours and encourage Saudi Arabia to buy nukes off the shelf. Israeli hawks will be happy to do in the open what they have always done undercover because Trump’s followers also include anti-Semitic elements.

An emboldened Russia under an ambitious Vladimir Putin may now feel free to insist on a sphere of influence stretching from the Baltics to the outer fringes of the old Soviet republics. Putin may even claim a right to help Assad of Syria to exterminate his opponents in a return for a permanent foothold in the Middle East. China with new wealth and power will encircle South East Asia and garrison the South China Sea, unhindered by fear of US reprisals. Europe, splintered

and weakened will collectively seek the protection of The UK and France and ask Germany to pay for their collective security. Under pressure from a new isolationist America, the Eurozone may just melt away as leaders in the mould of Trump and the Brexit bunch sprout all over Europe.

For those of us in Africa, Trump has no idea of ‘where the heck Africa is’ on the map. A racist American president who holds the liberal media in disdain and hardly reads any books is clearly a tragedy made in hell. Trump sure knows about Africa especially Nigeria but only as the source of thousands of aggressive undocumented immigrants who are all over the United States, having taken jobs from Americans. President Muhammadu Buhari was among the first six world leaders to congratulate Trump. He called back 10 leaders within a few days and was yet to call our man back at this writing.

It is easy for some of our Nigerian elite to feign indifference to the rise of Trump.

Some have even counselled that we should also retract inwards and ‘forget America’!

But if Trump the campaigner translates into Trump the president, Nigeria may not fair too well. There is an estimated $7 billion in annual inward transfers from diaspora Nigerians living in the US. Income from Nigeria’s trade with the US is another estimated $12 billion. Of our 21 odd banks, 20 have correspondent banking linkage with major US banks without which we can hardly trade with the rest of the world.

Undocumented Nigerian immigrants and their families in the US could be anywhere between 85,000 and 100,000 of the estimated 350,000 plus Nigerian Americans. Not to talk of the children and dependents of the immigrants in schools and colleges or at work all over the United States.

But America is not an ordinary nation even though this uncouth outcome has exposed its rough underbelly. On a normal day, what irks America troubles the world.

Trump will aggravate the ripple effect of America’s global import. If he makes good his myriad apocalyptic threats, the echoes will reverberate from Beijing to Mexico City, from Tehran to Lagos, from Brussels to Bhutan. From America’s untidy past, frightful images of the KKK, of race riots and waves of intolerant behaviour will return. Already, a section of American school kids misguided by Trump’s rhetoric are shouting ‘Build that Wall’ in class. The contrary voice is even louder: ‘Not My President’. The latter voice has spread unto the streets of major cities. The repercussions for the American society and for the rest of the world can only be imagined. Between combatting the repercussions of his divisive rhetoric and incendiary ideology and settling down to create the prosperity he arrogantly promised Americans, Mr. Trump may have his work all cut out. The real excitement of the moment is to await the actual onset of the Trump presidency- a season of endless drama of the unknown.

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