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Thursday, February 27, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 9

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Amalgamation NEITI: $22.8bn undisclosed in NNPC audited account not a mistake, says Jonathan lExecutive Secretary insists on privatisation of refineries as Centenary merous scandals affect- punch. disclosed in the corpora- tive Secretary, Mrs. Zainab Philip Nyam, celebrations The Nigeria Extractive tion’s audited financial Ahmed, is that “there may ing its image, the NigeAbuja rian National Petroleum Industries Transparency statements. be significant contingent begin ven as it is trying to Corporation (NNPC) was, Initiative (NEITI) revealed The implication of this, liabilities to the Federa-

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wriggle out of the nu-

yesterday, hit with another

that $22.8 billion was not

according to NEITI Execu-

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Yobe: Soldiers withdrawn shortly before killings - Gov

lArmy denies withdrawing troops lTambuwal, Saraki, APC: Nigeria is going down lSenate orders Chief of Army Staff to relocate to North-East ALLEGATION Yobe governor alleges soldiers’ withdrawal before fundamentalists attacked students

Ibrahim Abdul, Biodun Oyeleye and Cajetan Mmuta

G

overnor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State alleged yesterday that soldiers stationed near

the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, were ‘mysteriously’ withdrawn shortly before members of Boko Haram killed 43 students on Tuesday.

The governor wondered why the soldiers

were withdrawn a couple of hours before the dawn attack.

“It is unfortunate that soldiers guarding a checkpoint near the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, where Boko Haram

members laid siege in the early hours of Tuesday, were mysteriously withdrawn hours before the attack,” Gaidam said.

But the spokesman of 3 Division Special Operations Battalion, Damaturu,

Captain Eli Lazarus, described the allegation by the governor as baseless, unfounded and unfortunate.

He said the Nigerian Army would never deCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Judge to Sanusi: I can’t reverse your suspension lFixes March 12 for hearing SETBACK

Judge refuses to grant application seeking reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as CBN governor Tunde Oyesina, Abuja

Vice President Namadi Sambo with the widows of Senator Isaiah Balat during his burial service at ECWA Bafai Gora, Kaduna State... yesterday

AT A GLANCE

T

he Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday refused the ex parte application

INSIDE

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N130 million theft charge: Police withdraw suit against Lagos ex-deputy governor Page 10

Inside the party: Battle for Kwara Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership hots up Page 17

About a quarter of world’s population is expected to be using smartphones by the end of 2014 Page 37

By God’s grace, I’ll die a true Nigerian, says Mustapha Akanbi Page 28

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brought by the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, seeking his reinstatement, pending the determination of his suit.

Sanusi had filed the motion on Tuesday before the court, seeking an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the Federal Government from obstructing, disturbing, CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Lagos

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Soldiers withdrawn shortly before killings, says Gaidam CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ploy soldiers to the gate of schools.

The governor, who spoke through his spokesman, Abdullahi Bego, said survivors and community leaders of the area revealed this when Gaidam visited the now-deserted and destroyed secondary school, 70 kilometers south of the state capital, Damaturu.

“The community complained to the governor that yesterday, the military were withdrawn and then the attack happened,” he said.

Despite the fact that the nearest military base was a unit of about 30 soldiers in Buni Gari town, two kilometers away from the school, the community leaders said soldiers from Damaturu did not arrive until noon, “hours after the attackers had finished their work and taken off”.

According to Bego, the community leaders said they buried the bodies of 29 victims, “most of them aged between 15 and 20 years”.

Female students were spared in the attack, Bego said, adding that the attackers went to the female hostel, told the young women to go home, get married and abandon western education which, according to them, is an anathema to Islam.

He said the entire complex of the relatively new school had been razed by firebombs.

Affected are six dormitories, the administrative building, staff quarters, classrooms, a clinic and the kitchen.

“The militants locked the door of one dormitory where male students were sleeping and then set it ablaze, slitting the throats of those who tried to clamber out of windows and gunning down those who ran away”, said one of the teachers, Adamu Garba.

Some students were burned alive in the attack that began around 2 a.m., he said.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday described the killings as ignoble, wicked and horrendous.

In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Af-

L-R: Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Major-General Oladayo Popoola, his wife and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State during Popoola’s 70th birthday thanksgiving service in Ibadan.

fairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal tasked security agencies to redouble their efforts and change their tactics, especially now that those engaged in the killings have increased their attacks on softer targets.

He said the only way to console the families of the victims and Nigerians is by fishing out perpetrators of the dastardly act by bringing them justice.

“While attending prayers organised to mark the 89th birthday celebration of former President Shehu Shagari in Sokoto, my attention was drawn to the horrendous act of barbarity visited on innocent college students in Yobe State.

“My first thoughts go to the families and friends of the kids brutally gunned down in an act of cowardice by people whose humanity must be called to question.

“While we must all join hands to bring this insanity to an end, we must, however, bear in mind that we are running out of excuses in our responsibility to our citizens.

“We, in the House of Representatives, feel the grief and pain of the families of the victims. In this their hour of need, we will stand with them hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder. We assure them that as brothers, we will continue to confront headlong, the threats of terror facing our nation, and we know we will come out stronger, and victorious.”

While expressing sympathy with the families of the victims, Tambuwal urged Nigerians to be more vigilant and to help

security agencies with useful information that will help to secure their areas.

In his reaction, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said the latest attack indicates the need for all stakeholders to rise towards finding a lasting solution to the menace of the insurgents.

In a condolence message, the former governor of Kwara State said the Yobe incident indicated that the governor of the state and the President have not been “on the same page” and urged parties involved in finding solution to the threat by Boko Haram to put aside their individual differences to tackle the violence in the region.

He expressed distress that leaders are made to issue condolence messages so often over the activities of the sect and asked the presidency, the governors of the state concerned as well as other stakeholders to do everything possible to bring peace to the troubled area.

In its reaction, the All Progressives Congress (APC) unreservedly condemned the attacks.

In a statement by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the attacks, which were extremely gory even by the scorched-earth tactics of the terrorists, plumbs the depth of horror. ‘’What a sad day for Nigeria and indeed for all of humanity, when innocent school children were used as soft targets by a group of cowardly terrorists,

who have shed their toga of humanity on the altar of a meaningless ideology. ‘’We condole with the families of the victims as well as the government and people of Yobe State over this abominable crime. We urge the state and federal government to work together to ensure that schools in the state are adequately protected,’’ it said.

APC called on Jonathan to immediately visit the state to offer succour to the families of the victims and the state government, saying that is the least the Federal Government can do to help soothe the pains of those involved.

The party said the President should also use the opportunity to pay a visit to Borno, which has been reeling under ceaseless and deadly attacks from the terrorists, as well as to the brave and patriotic soldiers who have been putting their all into the battle against these insurgents. ‘’A visit from Mr. President will be a morale booster for our troops in battle, and will also show the beleaguered people of the affected states that they have not been abandoned to their cruel fate by the federal government as well as their compatriots,’’ it said.

In the same vein, the South-South Mandate, a socio-cultural pressure group, has called for urgent attention of members of the United Nations (UN) to wade into the senseless genocide being carried out in Nigeria by Boko Haram.

President of the body,

Curtis Ugbo, and the spokesperson, Mathew Edaghese, in a statement in Benin, Edo State capital, observed with dismay that the UN and western powers have not been fair to the country in the face of the raging onslaught.

The group said: “Posterity will not be kind to the United Nations and Western World if they stand aside and watch with hypocrisy the extermination of the entire people of North-Eastern region of Nigeria”.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Defence and Army on Wednesday in Abuja, urged the Chief of Army Staff to relocate temporarily to Maiduguri.

The Senator Thompson Sekibo-led Committee made the call at the 2014 budget defence of the committee.

Sekibo said the committee condemned what it described as the atrocity being unleashed by Boko Haram on innocent citizens of the North-East.

He said that as part of measures to curb the activities of Boko Haram, the committee also wanted all schools and health institutions from now on to be provided with special security.

“We heard of your planned relocation to Maiduguri, we hereby, as the committee overseeing your activities, direct that your office relocate temporarily to the 7th Division in Maiduguri.

“This is so that you take urgent and appropriate steps to quell the situation.

“The Chief of Army staff should also restrategise on possible new ways of curbing these excesses

and mobilise all military resources and face the insurgents,”Sekibo said.

He said because of the situation, the committee would receive the budget proposals without going through the lines.

“No one goes to the town square to dance when there is fire in his house.

“For us, the quelling of this insurgency and giving confidence of safety to Nigerians is of utmost priority.”

The committee further called on Jonathan to mobilise all the needed resources for the Armed Forces to face the challenge.

“This battle must be won to sustain our nation’s stability and unity as it is only in the atmosphere of peace and tranquility that development can be carried out,” Sekibo said.

He also said the committee would take a tour of the three affected states when senate resumed from its recess.

In his response, the Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Kenneth Minimah, said that the Army was in dire need of more funds.

Minimah assured the CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

TODAY’S WEATHER FORECAST PORT HARCOURT

31o 22o Storm

ABUJA

38o 24o Partial Cloudy

KANO

36o 14o Mostly Sunny

ENUGU

36o 24o Very Cloudy

IBADAN

34o 24o Storm

CALABAR

32o 24o Storm

MAIDUGURI

40o 21o Partially CLoudy

ONITSHA

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NEITI: $22.8bn undisclosed in NNPC audited account CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tion that is not being disclosed”.

She spoke while making a presentation to the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (upstream), Petroleum Resources (downstream) and Justice on the investigation of alleged connivance of NNPC with Swiss oil dealers.

Mrs. Ahmed also recommended the privatisation of the country’s refineries, saying they are operating “far below their name plate capacities”.

This is just as the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) disclosed that the 445,000 barrels of crude oil that are allocated to it on a daily basis are not fully utilised by local refineries.

Mrs Ahmed said: “NEITI observed that these transactions which sum up to $22.8 billion are off balance sheet items (not disclosed in NNPC’s audited financial statements). The implication is that there may be significant contingent

liabilities to the Federation that is not being disclosed”.

She told the committee that although the refineries were operating far below their name plate capacities, their operational and overhead cost remained same, irrespective of the volume of production.

She suggested that the 445,000 barrels per day allocation to refineries should be reviewed to their actual refining capacity, explaining that “As the refineries got older, their performance deteriorated due to the poor maintenance culture in place”.

She said that because of the inability of the NNPC to utilise its domestic crude allocations, it usually exported it. According to her, NNPC had agreements with Societe Ivoirenne De Raffinage ( SIR) and Nigermed for processing some quantities of the crude oil offshore, adding that there was no cost efficiency in the transactions with the offshore processing Organisations of SIR and Nigermed.

Managing Director of PPMC, Haruna Momoh, in his presentation, corroborated NEITI that the 445,000 barrels of crude oil that are allocated to it on a daily basis are not fully utilised by local refineries.

He explained that the NNPC had to enter into agreements to satisfy domestic demands for refined products.

“The epileptic nature of our refineries is due to the following: frequent pipeline vandalism, which disrupts the supply of crude oil to the refineries and evacuation of finished products. There is also the problem of security challenges in the country.

“The 445,000 barrels al-

located to PPMC per day is not fully utilised by the local refineries. NNPC had to enter into agreements to exchange the unutilised crude oil volumes for refined products to satisfy domestic consumption through Offshore Processing Agreement (OPA) and SWAP arrangements,” Momoh added.

Momoh pointed out that NNPC imported petroleum products on the basis of open account through tender process from reliable oil trading companies, prior to the introduction of OPA and SWAP. He explained the genesis of fuel scarcity, especially in 2009/2010 with the attendant negative conse-

quences to the economy.

“PPMC started witnessing default from oil traders during the open account, especially around winter months when Nigerian specs of gasoline is expensive and high freight cost.

The open account also exposed PPMC to certain vulnerable market conditions, where suppliers request PPMC the payment of premium as high as $116 per metric ton for two ports discharge and $122 per metric ton for Calabar deliveries,” he said.

Following the OPA entered into with Messrs S.I.R. on September 1, 2010, PPMC allocates 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day to S.I.R. for processing at

their refinery located in Ivory Coast.

“NNPC delivers two crude oil cargoes per month, representing 60,000 barrels per day in cargo size of approximately 950,000 barrels each to S.I.R. The crude oil is refined at a processing fee of $2.20 per barrel, and S.I.R. delivers the refined products (PMS and DPK) to PPMC in cargo sizes of 27,000 metric tons and 38,000 metric tons,” he added.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Muraina Ajibola (PDP, Oyo) said that the CBN would be further invited to shed more light on the issues raised by NEITI.

‘Yobe killings, crossing the border of decency’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

committee that the Army was up to the task and it was just a matter of time before it would bring the insurgents to their knees.

Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, also described the killings as “crossing the border of decency”.

In a statement, Ndoma-

Egba said the killing of about 40 students showed that the sect planned to plunge Nigeria into a “bleak and blank future’’.

The Senate Leader said: “It is obvious that we are now dealing with a bunch of animals to whom human life is now totally meaningless and worthless.”

L-R: Senate President David Mark; Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State; Vice President Namadi Sambo; Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media, Umar Sani and Governor Lamran Yero of Kaduna State during the burial of Senator Isaiah Balat at ECWA Bafai Gora, Kaduna State... yesterday

13,133,240

5,030m

155,557,000

The total number of connected Mobile (CDMA) lines in the first quarter of 2012 Source: Natiional bureau of statistics

The height of Carstensz Pyramid, the highest mountain in Australia/Oceania.

Source: worldfactsandfigures.com

155,557,000 The size of the Pacific Ocean (in sq.km).The largest ocean in the world.

Source: worldfactsandfigures.com

Judge to Sanusi: I can’t reverse your suspension CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

stopping or preventing him in any manner whatsoever, from performing his functions as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and enjoying in full, the statutory powers and privileges attached to the office.

Praying the court to expeditiously grant his interlocutory application, he maintained that any delay might cause irreparable and serious damage and mischief on him in the exercise of his statutory duties as the CBN Governor.

Ruling on the ex parte application, Justice Ga-

briel Kolawole held that the court has not only the judicial powers to declare the suspension unlawful but to order that the plaintiff be returned to perform his duties as the Governor of the CBN. He further held that the court can also, even where the tenure had lapsed, order the defendants to pay the plaintiffs such remunerations and allowances, “this is on the basis that the plaintiff suspension also carries with it the plaintiff ’s stoppage of remuneration and allowances”.

Sanusi had supported

his application with a nine-paragraph affidavit and two exhibits attached, marked Exhibit AA1 and AA2.

Exhibit AA1 was a copy of a letter dated June 14, 2009, titled appointment as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria.

By Exhibit AA1, plaintiff was advised on his office as the Governor of CBN acknowledging that as the Governor of CBN, he is governed by the Central Bank Act number 7 of 2007 and other terms of service applicable in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Exhibit AA2 is a letter dated February 19, 2014 addressed to the plaintiff by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the federation, titled ‘suspension from office’, advising the plaintiff on his suspension from office, the exhibit is pursuant to the relief being sought before the court.

Going through the reliefs sought, the trial judge said he felt hesitant and constrained to grant the plaintiffs motion ex parte.

Said the judge: “It is unsafe, judicially speaking to embark on far-reaching

interim orders which have all the attributes of a mandatory injunction without according the defendant a hearing.

“One other issue that the court would like to raise when defendants have been duly served with the originating summons and motion on notice is that whether in the light of the third alteration Act number 20 of the constitution of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, whether the Federal High Court notwithstanding the questions plaintiff has set down for determi-

nation in its originating summons still has the jurisdiction to entertain the plaintiff suit.

The court, however, held that it will rather review the plaintiff’s motion ex parte and direct that the motion be served on the defendants.

The court added that the plaintiff shall effect service of the originating summons on the defendants together with the motion on notice.

The court later adjourned till March 12 for hearing of the motion on notice.

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Qualities my successor must possess, by Fashola SUCCESSION Governor Fashola says his successor must achieve in four years what he will do in eight years

S

ixteen months to his exit from the Lagos Government House, Governor Babatunde Fashola, yesterday, revealed why he was interested in the process that will lead to the emergence of his successor.

Fashola said when he leaves office on May 29, 2015, his successor must be far better than him in performance.

Fashola also declared that his greatest interest in the 2015 general elections is who becomes the next governor of Lagos State, saying it is when the person performs better than his administration that he can proudly claim to have had his own governor.

Speaking at an interactive session with Lagos State Governor’s Office Correspondents at his official residence in Marina, Fashola said he would be happier and proud to have a successor who would take four years to achieve the giant strides his ad-

ministration would have recorded in eight years.

He added that governance in Lagos State had been institutionalised over the years, saying it would only become easier for every successor to improve upon his successor.

His words: “We are fortunate. Over the years, the government of Lagos is becoming more institutionalised. Therefore, it will become easier for every successor to improve upon his successor.

I am not worried but I’m concerned because I will be involved. I have said to those who ask me. The honest true is that I hope first that the next person is a lot better than me.

He reiterated that whoever must emerge as the next governor must be able to prove and demonstrate that his eight years’ achievement is a child’s play, given the overwhelming performance of that person.

He also said the person must also be that personality would be ready to best protect and advance a course in the overall interest of Lagosians.

Fashola added: “I hope that person can do, in four years, what it has taken

us eight years to do. That can only be beneficial to all of us. Because it is by that time I will then have my governor because right now, I don’t have a governor. I’m everybody’s governor. I can claim to have my own governor when the person is a lot better than me. That is what all

of us can see. Somebody who can do this thing in a shorter time and make all of what we have done look like child’s play.

Fashola, who also reiterated that he would not want to be best governor in the state, said the idea of best governor is a futuristic idea but emphasised

that the new governor should be better than his successor.

This, according to him, is the best and the only way the state can move forward.

“That is why I said I don’t want to be the best governor of Lagos. The best governor of Lagos is

a futuristic idea. Any new governor of Lagos should be better than the last one.

That is the only way we can have a better Lagos.

My interest in the next election is Lagos who will best protect and advance the course that will interest Lagos State,” Fashola added.

Some of the recently sacked workers of Cocoa Research Institute (CRIN), Ibadan on peaceful protest …yesterday

1.166m The total tea production of China (the world’s highest).

Source: Telegraph.co.uk.com

22.2% The working percentage of the West Bank and Gaza (the world’s lowest).

Source: Telegraph.co.uk.com

41.3% The rate at which Foreign Direct Investment from the European Union into China’s economy fell in January 2014.

Source: Reuters

Adebolajo gets life jail for Lee Rigby’s murder

M

ichael Adebolajo was sentenced to die behind bars on Wednesday for the “barbaric” murder of Lee Rigby, a soldier mutilated in a London street.

Adebolajo was given a whole-life tariff while his accomplice, Michael Adebowale, was sentenced to life in prison with a 45year minimum term.

The pair were not in court at the Old Bailey in central London as they were sentenced after being removed from the dock shortly beforehand after shouting protests at the remarks of the judge, Mr Justice Sweeney.

They were pinned to the ground by security guards before being removed to the cells.

A jury had found them guilty in December 2013.

On Wednesday before the killers’ removal, as

the judge told them they had been radicalised after converting to Islam, Adebowale had shouted: “Lies.”

During the altercation with guards Adebolajo shouted: “Allahu Akbar”.

Sobs could be heard from the Rigby family.

The judge had delayed sentencing until a court of appeal ruling clarified whether those convicted of the most serious murders could receive sentences meaning that they would never be released.

That ruling came earlier this month and paved the way for the two men who butchered Rigby in an attack in which he was almost decapitated to be face life imprisonment with no parole or prospect of ever being freed, though on Wednesday only Adebolajo was given a whole life term.

Earlier on Wednesday, the court were read victim impact statements from Rigby’s family, telling of their pain and grief.

His wife, Rebecca, mother of their son, Jack, who was two at the time of the killing, said it had catapulted her into the “public gaze” leaving her feeling so distraught she felt she “did not want to go on”.

She said: “Of all the feelings I have, the one thing that overrides everything is that I know my son will grow up and see images of his dad that no son should ever have to endure, and there is nothing I can do to change this.”

The savagery of the murder in May 2013, in which Rigby, 25, was repeatedly stabbed and hacked in the neck with a cleaver, had a deep effect on community relations.

It was the first murder-

ous attack in Britain by those motivated by the al-Qaida ideology of violence since the July 7, 2005 bombings of London’s transport system by four suicide bombers. The pair were the first al-Qaida-inspired terrorists to carry out their plan to murder on British soil without killing themselves in the process to come before an English court for sentencing.

Adebolajo, 29, the dominant one of the pair of converts to Islam, and Adebowale, 22, had been convicted after one of the most overwhelming cases of guilt in English criminal history, with key parts of the attack caught on CCTV and smartphones.

They had waited for a victim as they turned British soldiers into prey, stalking them near Woolwich barracks in south

London.

At the time of the attack, Rigby was attached to the regimental recruiting team and was on his way back to barracks in Woolwich from a shift working at the Tower of London.

Previously he had served a tour of duty in Helmand, Afghanistan, fighting Islamist militants.

After running Rigby down with a car and pulling his body into the road, mutilating him so badly that he had to be identified by dental records, they remained at the scene and encouraged people to take pictures with their mobile phone cameras.

They claimed they were soldiers of Allah and driven to conduct a strike against the West because of their disgust at its foreign policy.

Adebolajo, assessed by a psychiatrist as sane, was recorded at the scene brandishing a cleaver and a knife in his bloodied hands, and with the body of Rigby lying metres away, saying: “We swear by almighty Allah we will never stop fighting you.

The only reason we have done this is because Muslims are dying every day.

This British soldier is an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”

In a police interview, he said he had picked Rigby because he was the first soldier they saw. The fusilier was stabbed with weapons including knives bought from Argos the day before. He claimed he slashed his neck because it was the most humane way to kill someone and added: “So I struck at the neck and attempted to remove the head.”

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Sovereign Investment Authority leads Julius Berger, others to finance second Niger Bridge PROJECT Second Niger Bridge to be constructed by Julius Berger, others Abdulwahab Isa, Abuja

T

he Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) is leading other consortium including the construction giant, Julius Berger plc to finance construction of second Niger Bridge under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

NSIA Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Uche Orji, who confirmed the development yesterday in Abuja at a press briefing, said that a new investment arm -Motorways Investment under infrastructure fund component of the Authority had been incorporated and had secured soft commitment from potential equity partners.

He said second Niger Bridge construction will be the first federally tendered PPP project in Motorways in Nigeria and expressed optimism that the negotiated construction cost will be bankable

in the current structure.

Speaking, he said “what we have signed is to play two roles- this includes the PPP which includes the development, build, operate and transfer. So our roles first of all, is to commit development capital and we have already committed some through the negotiation process and we hired an expert to help us review the cost of the project which formed the basis for validation. The second role we are playing ,is that Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN) plc is going to commit equity as well as we are going to be committed , so JBN is going to use their financial services which is their investment company as well . So we are going to be bringing our own equity and JBN bring their equity “.

Orji said capital structures guiding the investment were still being worked on and promised to make it public as soon as it is finalized.

“The capital structure has not been finalised.

When it is finalised, I will tell you how much we are going to commit but we have an envelope that we have addressed and we

have agreed on our commitments. We will commit equity, JB will commit equity and we get other equity partners and then we raise funds for the project.

So, this is how most of the PPP projects are done. We are taking the role of lead equity partner to provide the core equity to get this done. The government also provides for what it describes viability capi-

tal gap funding that is essential to get PPP of this nature functional. Having said that, JBN is also on the other side, a construction company but this is a financial construction that we invest in it that we now negotiate with Construction Company to make it work “, Orji clarified.

Shedding light on how the Authority intends

to invest $550 million (about N89.650 billion) allocated to it recently by the federal government in addition to the initial $1billion (N163 billion) seed money allocated to it, Orji said $350 million (about N57.050 billion) of the fund will be managed under the stabilization fund and the $250 million (N40.750 billion) to be managed under

infrastructure fund and declared, “we are in the process of on-boarding the additional $550million (about N89.650 billion)”.

He declared that all the investments undertaken by the Authority were profitable as of the end of December 2013 and promised that the agency’s annual report for the year ended 2012 would be published April 2014.

L-R: CBN Representative, Mrs. Bunmi Adebiyi; Group Head, Customer Experience and Analytics, Heritage Bank, Mr. Raphael Omoregie; Heritage Financial Literacy Brand Ambassador, Zuriel Oduwole and Executive Director, Heritage Bank , Mrs. Mary Akpobome during the launch of Heritage Bank Financial Literacy programme held at Heritage Bank Training School, Victoria Island, Lagos…yesterday.

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2.164m

4.25

The time (in minutes) the Turks spent eating and drinking per day.

Source: Telegraph.co.uk.com

The number of bottles of champagn econsumed in Guadeloupe per head per year.

Source: Telegraph.co.uk.com

The total coffee production (in tonnes) Source: Telegraph.co.uk.com

N575m scam: Appeal Court insists on Ehindero’s trial TRIAL Appeal Court orders ex-IGP Ehindero and ex-police commissioner to face trial over missing fund Tunde Oyesina, Abuja

F

or allegedly embezzling N557 million, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, yesterday, ordered that former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Sunday Ehindero, must face trial.

Also to face trial with him is a former Commissioner of Police in charge of Budget, Mr. John Obaniyi.

The court ordered the

duo back to the High Court to face criminal trial.

Ehindero and Obaniyi were earlier arraigned before an Abuja High Court over alleged complicity in the misappropriation of N557 million belonging to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

They pleaded not guilty to the six-count criminal charges preferred against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and consequently admitted to bail.

Specifically, the antigraft agency maintained that its investigations revealed that the accused persons, diverted N300 million out of N557 million that was donated to

the NPF by the Bayelsa State Government when President Goodluck Jonathan was its governor, adding that the money was traced to a fixed deposit account at Wema Bank Plc where it had already yielded an interest of N9.8 million.

Observing that the money was donated for the procurement of arms, ammunition and riot control equipment, ICPC equally alleged that the accused persons placed another N200 million out of the money in a fixed deposit account at Intercontinental Bank Plc where it has generated an interest of N6.5 million.

Though Ehindero piloted the affairs of the NPF between 2005 and 2007,

however, the prosecuting agency said the fraud was perpetuated between May and November, 2006.

The accused persons later filed notices of preliminary objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the court as well as the leave granted the ICPC to file charges against them.

They had prayed the court to quash the sixcount charge preferred against them by the antigraft agency.

In his ruling on the objection, the trial judge, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, dismissed the application and asked the accused to go ahead and face their trial.

Not satisfied, the accused persons approached the Court of Appeal to

challenge the decision of the lower court.

Ehindero had in the appeal asked whether the Abuja High Court had jurisdiction to entertain the charge against him wherein the allegation against him is bordering on the revenue of the Federation vis-a-vis the provision of Section 251 (1) (a) - (f) of the 1999 Constitution.

He also asked the court whether there is a prima facie case linking him to the charge preferred against him by the prosecution.

Also, Ehindero asked the Appellate Court whether in view of the constitutional powers of the Attorney General of the Federation AGF enshrined under Section 174(1) and

(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as emended) , Mr. Paul Bassi or any other officers of the ICPC could validly prosecute him without a fiat of the AGF. In its ruling, the Court of Appeal resolved all three issues raised by the Appellant in favour of the prosecution and consequently ordered that the matter be sent back to the Abuja High Court for expeditious hearing.

The Appeal Court also affirmed the decision of the High Court in Charge No. FCT/HC/CR/92/2012 where the said High Court ruled that it had jurisdiction to hear the criminal complaint brought against the accused person.

No date has been fixed for the trial.

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NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

seals firm over No one has capacity to LIRS tax evasion break Nigeria –Clark T Mojeed Alabi

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jaw leader and former Federal Commissioner of Information, Chief Edwin Clark has criticized those he accused of threatening violence and break-up of Nigeria if they fail to gain political power in 2015, saying no individual has the capacity to break Nigeria.

Clarke stated this in Lagos yesterday while delivering a lecture organized by the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, which was titled; “Nigeria in the shadows

of 2015.”

According to Clarke, Nigeria will remain strong and united before, during and after 2015 general elections while maintaining that the election will be a successful one.

He said: “Nobody has the power to break Nigeria. Many horrible things had happened in the past that were strong enough to break up the country such as military coups, Civil War, election violence at different times but here we are today as a strong and indivisible entity.”

Clark reaffirmed that the proposed National

Conference where all sections of the country would have a say in governance is the ideal solution to resolve the lack of patriotism confronting many Nigerians.

The elder statesman also called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on corruption in the country. “This is also crucial to the development of the country in all ramifications.”

He said it was disheartening that corruption had become a way of life not only among the politicians but also in other

facets of human endeavor, even in families.

“So, something has to be done fast to arrest the situation and reduce the rate of corruption in the land to a tolerant level if Nigeria wants to join the emerging world economies in the nearest future,” he further advised.

Clarke also frowned at the season of defection from one party to the other by the elected political officers especially the federal lawmakers, saying it showed clearly that many of them are political jobbers who do not have ideology.

he Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) on Wednesday sealed Berliac Engineering Company Ltd., producers of wire, cables, roofing sheets and steel, for failure to remit N5.6 million tax of workers.

Mrs Folasade CokerAfolayan, the Head of Enforcement Unit of LIRS, said the company defaulted in remitting workers’ personal income tax to the state government. ``We decided to seal the company because it owes the state government N5.6 million being workers’ income tax for

2011. ``The company will not be reopened until it remits the tax,” she said.

Coker-Afolayan said the state government had written to the management of the organisation on the need to remit the tax.

She reiterated that tax payment was a civic responsibility and that the government needed taxes to provide infrastructure for economic growth and improved standard of living.

Coker-Afolayan warned that reopening of the company without remittance of the tax was a criminal offence.

NANS condemns Boko Haram killings, threatens to disrupt confab Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

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L-R: The governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu; Chairman, North Central Consultative Assembly, Senator Ibrahim Mantu and Chairman Governing Board of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Col. Theophilus Bamgboye, during a courtesy visit on the governor at the Government House, Minna.

Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

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he Kwara state government yesterday denied that it was witch hunting the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) when, on Tuesday, its agency in charge of display and erection of advertisement and signages, KWASA, pulled down a billboard erected by the PDP at the Fate Roundabout area of Ilorin, the state capital.

The billboard was erected on Monday as part of publicity activities for the reception of President Gooldluck Jonathan and other PDP leaders who are expected to visit the state on Monday next week.

Similar billboards have been erected by the party

Kwara not after PDP billboard, says Justice Commissioner in other parts of the metropolis but have not been pulled down.

But both the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Alhaji Kamalden Ajibade and the General Manager of KWASA, Alhaji Hammed Olufadi, denied any link between the removal of the giant billboard and the current political situation in the state, with Olufadi insisting that his agency had always carried all political parties as well as security agencies along on the issue of erection and display of political billboards and posters.

Spokesman for the PDP in the state, Alhassan

Mariam told our reporter that the party’s attention was drawn to the removal while it was ongoing and that he personally ‘followed it up’ with the agency where the issue was resolved. He however added that he told them they should have considered the fact that it affected the president before carrying out the removal.

Olufadi told newsmen the particular billboard was removed because it constituted clear danger to the public saying every political party had been given the operational manuals for their use free of charge and should be courteous enough to con-

tact the agency as stipulated under the law before erecting their billboards.

he National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) yesterday urged the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration to step up measures to end the insecurity threatening the nation's corporate existence.

Rising from its zonal congress at the Ogun State College of Health Technology (OSCOTECH), Ilese, the Zone D of NANS also threatened to disrupt the proposed national conference over alleged fake representation for students.

The congress had in attendance students' representatives from South West states, including Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and

Oyo. In a communiqué issued after their congress and signed by the zone's coordinator, Asefon Sunday, the students condemned the massacre of over 40 students of the Federal Government College in Buni Yadi, Gujba local government area of Yobe State by members of Boko Haram sect.

"An estimated sum of 10,000 lives have been lost since the inception of the extremist group, Boko Haram in 2002. This is barbaric and unacceptable to Nigerian students.

This congress, therefore, called on federal government to intensify efforts in bringing the menace to an immediate end," the communiqué stated.

Obama sends delegation to Abuja for Nigeria’s centenary

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.S. President Barack Obama has designated State Counsellor Thomas Shannon as the leader of a presidential delegation to Nigeria's centenary in Abuja.

A statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by the State Department said Shannon would meet with government officials and participate in highlevel activities with other world leaders during the centenary.

The U.S official, who is

expected to deliver a message from Obama to Nigeria, would also travel to Lagos for discussions on a range of issues of mutual interest and interact with Nigerian youths.

Meanwhile, Didier Burkhalter, President of the Swiss Confederation, has sent a letter of congratulations to President Goodluck Jonathan on the nation’s centenary.

Burkhalter would be represented at the celebrations by the Swiss Ambas-

sador to Nigeria, Dr HansRudolf Hodel.

"May the ties of confidence and friendship which so happily exist between our two countries continue to flourish in the coming centenary’’, the Swiss president wrote.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a major highlight of the week-long activities include an international conference on peace and security in Africa today to be attended by several world leaders.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

7

2015 election won’t affect constitution amendment -Reps PROMISE

The National Assembly will deliver new constitution before elections, pledges Ihedioha Philip Nyam, Abuja

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eputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha yesterday

declared that preparation for the 2015 general elections in the country will not affect the ongoing amendments of the 1999 constitution by the National Assembly.

Ihedioha, who disclosed this at a briefing in Abuja said, a harmonization committee would be constituted, when the House resumes plenary session in March.

The deputy speaker, who doubles as the House

PDP Chairmanship is too heavy, says Mu’azu ...Seeks prayers to succeed Onyekachi Eze, Abuja

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ational Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu has asked for more prayers to succeed, describing the job as too heavy.

Mu’azu, who disclosed this while receiving PDP delegation from Kebbi State led by the state governor, Alhaji Saidu Usman Dakingari, also called on members of the party to join him in rebuilding the party.

He explained that under his tenure, PDP would continue to reward loyal party members, stating

that loyalty can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

“I want to receive reports that all the issues that the governor earlier hinted have been resolved as it remained the only way to move the party forward”, the Chairman stated.

He therefore called on party members to seize the opportunity of fresh membership registration to join the party.

Kebbi State Governor, Sa’idu Dakingari however assured the National Chairman that Kebbi would remain a PDP-controlled state.

Confab: Osun names Akinrinade, ex-Speaker, others Adeolu Adeyemo, Osogbo

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sun state government yesterday nominated the former Chief of General Staff and elder statesman, Gen Alani Akinrinade, the former Speaker of the House of Assembly in the State, Prof Mojeed Alabi and four others as delegates to the national conference, organized by the federal government.

The governor in a

statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo, announced Other nominees as the former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Femi Akande, former Commissioner for Justice in the State, Chief Gbadegesin Adedeji, Director General, Development Agenda for Western Nigerian Commission, Mr. Dipo Famakinwa as well as Mrs. Bola Ogunrinade (mni).

Committee on the Review of the Constitution (HCRC), explained that both chambers of the National Assembly were committed to delivering the constitution before the next elections.

He said “The House Committee on Constitution Amendment and indeed the entire House of Representatives had carried out its assignment objectively with the interest of Nigerian people at heart”, adding that the House carried out alterations on 71 Sections of the

Constitution.

“It has done its best as Representatives of the people because we operate a bicameral legislature, the House will have to meet with the Senate to harmonize the two versions of the Reports of the two Chambers. To this end, the House will name a Harmonization Committee as soon as we resume plenary. The harmonized Report will be subjected to further legislative action before being forwarded to the 36 States Houses of Assembly for their concur-

rence”, he disclosed.

Continuing, Ihedioha said “The House voted by 300 for, two against and none abstention to mandate the National Youth Service Corps to insure every corps member against loss of life or serious injury incurred or occasioned while performing official duty or while traveling, seven days preceding the date of commencement of the service period or seven days, after the end of the service period from the place of residence or

34.9%

N13.196bn N70.02bn The total export value of superior quality raw cocoa beans of Nigeria in the second quarter of 2013.

Source: Reuters

The total import value of other seasoning, including seasoning powder in retail pack of Nigeria in the second quarter of 20113.

Source: Reuters

mobilization to the place of deployment and vice versa.

“It also extended the coverage of the Public Officers Protection Act to every corps member and any other person employed under any undertaking or project for the duration of this service.

As soon as we resume plenary, we shall name a harmonization committee. The senate is going to do same and we are assuring Nigerians that we will not disappoint them”, he stated.

The rate at which Foreign Direct Investment by the United States in China’s economy grew in January 2014.

Source: Reuters

L–R: Hanspeter Ackerman, Executive Director Investments, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority; Uche Orji, MD/CEO and Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli, Executive Director Risk Management ; at the press briefing on Nigeria Sovereign Investment Progress Update held in Abuja, yesterday

Jigawa undecided on proposed National Conference Dahiru Suleiman, Dutse

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s different states gear up to nominate their delegates for the proposed National Conference, Jigawa State Government, as well as the state assembly members, were uncertain whether to participate in the conference or not as a result of the growing divergent views on the conference.

Investigations conducted by the New Telegraph indicated that initially,

Governor Sule Lamido once made his stance known about the proposed Conference, saying “left for me, staging such a conference at this material time is diversionary, since we have the elected people’s representative at the national assembly, so why wasting public funds in staging “National Conference?” he queried.

Not knowing fully that any state that fails to nominate its representative to such a national assign-

ment, the President has the power to nominate at his discretion, anybody from such state as representatives of such states to the Confab, hence that’s what prompted Governor Lamido to summon an emergency meeting of all the Jigawa State PDP stakeholders to digest the issues at stake.

The meeting, which was attended by National Assembly members from Jigawa State was called at the instance of Governor

Lamido to, among others, discuss and agree on those to be nominated to participate at the proposed conference, which ended without any far-reaching decision, since most of the National Assembly members thought the meeting was for taking a firm decision on where to belong, either in the PDP or dumping the party in line with the earlier decision reached by the “progressive Governors” in which Lamido was among.

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NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

‘Amalgamation not a mistake’ BROADCAST Being the text of the broadcast

by His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR to the nation on the occasion of Nigeria’s Centenary Celebrations on Wednesday, 26th February, 2014

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ear Compatriots, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to all Nigerians as we celebrate our nation’s centenary; a significant milestone in our journey to Nationhood.

One hundred years ago, on the 1st of January 1914, the British Colonial authorities amalgamated the Southern and Northern Protectorates, giving birth to the single geo-political entity called Nigeria which has become our home, our hope, and our heritage.

I have often expressed the conviction that our amalgamation was not a mistake. While our union may have been inspired by considerations external to our people; I have no doubt that we are destined by God Almighty to live together as one big nation, united in diversity.

I consider myself specially privileged to lead our country into its second century of existence. And as I speak with you today, I feel the full weight of our hundred-year history.

But what I feel most is not frustration, it is not disillusionment. What I feel is great pride and great hope for a country that is bound to overcome the transient pains of the moment and eventually take its rightful place among the greatest nations on earth.

Like every country of the world, we have had our troubles. And we still do.

We have fought a civil war. We have seen civil authorities overthrown by the military. We have suffered sectarian violence. And as I speak, a part of our country is still suffering from the brutal assault of terrorists and insurgents.

While the occasion of our centenary undoubtedly calls for celebration, it is also a moment to pause and reflect on our journey of the past one hundred years, to take stock of our past and consider the best way forward for our nation.

Even as we celebrate our centenary, we must realise that in the context of history, our nation is still in its infancy.

We are a nation of the future, not of the past and while we may have travelled for a century, we are not yet at our destination of greatness.

The amalgamation of 1914 was only the first step in our national journey.

Unification was followed by independence and democracy which have unleashed the enormous potentials of our people and laid the foundation for our nation’s greatness.

In challenging times, it is easy to

become pessimistic and cynical. But hope, when grounded in realism, enables and inspires progress. Therefore, as we celebrate our first century of nationhood and enter a second, we must not lose sight of all that we have achieved since 1914 in terms of nationbuilding, development and progress.

Today, we salute once again the great heroes of our nation – Herbert Macaulay, Ernest Ikoli, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alvan Ikoku, Chief Harold DappaBiriye, Dr. Michael Okpara, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Mallam Aminu Kano, Mokwugo Okoye and Chief Michael Imoudu among others.

We must be inspired by our past to overcome the obstacles we face in the present and honour our forebears by realising the promise of a Nigeria that is not only independent but also truly unified, prosperous and admired the world over.

The history of Nigeria since independence is the story of a struggle to fulfill our great promise. The discovery of oil in our country in the late 1950s offered new hope of prosperity but we have not always been able to reap the benefits in a fair and equitable way.

The situation was not helped by political instability and the frequent suspension of democracy by military coups. During the civil war, the very existence of our country was cast into doubt but through it all, the promise of a Nigeria that is united, free and strong remained in our people’s hearts.

Thanks to the efforts of our statesmen and women, and millions of ordinary Nigerians, the union endured and flourished. I would like to specifically commend members of the Armed Forces for their contributions and sacrifices to keep Nigeria one.

General Yakubu Gowon had the wisdom and grace to declare that the civil war had seen “no victor, no vanquished” and welcomed, “the dawn of national reconciliation”.

It was in this spirit that General Olusegun Obasanjo collected the instruments of surrender at the end of the war and later became the first military ruler in our country to hand over power voluntarily to a democratic government.

While the Second Republic did not last, his fine example was later followed by General Abdulsalam Abubakar who paved the way for our current democratic dispensation which has lasted longer than the previous three put together.

As we celebrate our centenary, I believe that it is vital that we focus our thoughts on the vast potentials of a unified and progressive Nigeria; and build on the relative stability of the Fourth Republic to achieve accelerated national socio-economic development.

I also believe that the future greatness of our country is assured by the fa-

Jonathan

vourable tail winds of a resilient population, ecological diversity, rich natural resources and a national consciousness that rises above our differences.

We are a unique country. We have been brought together in a union like no other by providence. Our nation has evolved from three regions to thirty six states and a Federal Capital Territory.

We have transited from the Parliamentary to a Presidential system of government. We have moved our capital from the coastal city of Lagos to Abuja, at the centre of our country.

Today Abuja stands as a monument to our national aspiration for greater unity; it symbolises our dream of a modern nation unhinged from primordial cleavages and designed as a melting pot of our diversity.

If in our first century, we could build a new capital city, we can surely build a newer, stronger, more united and prosperous Nigeria in the next century that will be an authentic African success story.

The whole world awaits this African success story. With our sheer size, population, history, resilience, human and natural resources and economic potentials, Nigeria is divinely ordained to lead the African Renaissance.

That is why I am confident that in the next 100 years, those who will celebrate Nigeria’s second centenary, will do so as a united, prosperous and politically stable nation which is truly the pride and glory of Africa and the entire black race.

The key to the fulfilment of that vision is our continued unity as a nation. Perhaps one of the most amazing stories of our political evolution in the last hundred years is that an ordinary child of ordinary parentage from a minority group has risen to occupy the highest office in our country.

As we march into the next hundred years, it is my hope that mine will no longer be an extra-ordinary story but an accepted reality of our democracy that every Nigerian child can pursue his or her dreams no matter how tall; that every Nigerian child can aspire to any position in our country, and will not be judged by the language that he speaks or by how he worships God; not

by gender nor by class; but by his abilities and the power of his dreams.

I am proud and privileged to have been elected leader of Nigeria and I consider it my solemn responsibility to act in the best interest of the nation at all times.

Dear compatriots, in line with the thoughts of that great son of our continent, Nelson Mandela, let us not judge ourselves, and let not the world judge us by how many times we have stumbled, but by how strongly we have risen, every single time that we have faltered.

Even as we remain resolute in our conviction that our union is non-negotiable, we must never be afraid to embrace dialogue and strengthen the basis of this most cherished union. A strong nation is not that which shies away from those difficult questions of its existence, but that which confronts such questions, and together provides answers to them in a way that guarantees fairness, justice and equity for all stakeholders.

My call for the National Conference in this first year of our second century is to provide the platform to confront our challenges. I am confident that we shall rise from this conference with renewed courage and confidence to march through the next century and beyond, to overcome all obstacles on the path to the fulfilment of our globally acknowledged potential for greatness.

I have referred to national leaders who did so much to build our nation in the past hundred years but nationbuilding is not just a matter for great leaders and elites alone.

All Nigerians must be involved in this national endeavour. From the threads of our regional, ethnic and religious diversities we must continuously weave a vibrant collage of values that strengthen the Nigerian spirit.

The coming National Conference should not be about a few, privileged persons dictating the terms of debate but an opportunity for all Nigerians to take part in a comprehensive dialogue to further strengthen our union.

I am hopeful that the conference will not result in parochial bargaining between competing regions, ethnic, religious and other interest groups but in an objective dialogue about the way forward for our nation and how to ensure a more harmonious balance among our three tiers of government.

My dear compatriots, as we celebrate our centenary, the security situation in some of our North-Eastern States, sadly remains a major concern for us.

Just yesterday, young students, full of hopes and dreams for a great future, were callously murdered as they slept in their college dormitories in Yobe State. I am deeply saddened by their deaths and that of other Nigerians at the hands of terrorists. Our hearts go out to their parents and relatives, colleagues and school authorities.

NEWS

Thursday, February 27, 2014

9

Ijaw youths pledge to help free Jonathan’s abducted uncle

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he Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) has pledged to assist security agencies to free Chief Inengite Nitabai, the uncle of President Goodluck Jonathan, from his abductors.

Nitabai, a community leader in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa, was abducted on Sunday.

This pledge was contained in a statement issued yesterday in Yenagoa by Mr Eric Omare, the IYC spokesman. ``The Ijaw Youth Council, Worldwide, condemns in the strongest terms the kidnap of the 70-year old foster father of His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan in Otuoke, Bayelsa. ``Coming at a time when President Jonathan needs to be in the best frame of mind to face the challenges of

governing a complex nation such as Nigeria is most unfortunate. ``While extending our consolation to the Jonathan/Nitabai family of Otuoke, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) would work with security agencies to fish out the kidnappers. ``To this end, IYC has set up a three-man team to coordinate and collaborate with security agents to fish out the kidnappers,’’' the statement said.

It stated that there was no hiding place for kidnappers and criminals in Ijaw land, and described kidnapping and criminality as alien to Ijaw culture. ``'The IYC believes that no crime can be committed without the involvement of people within the immediate environment,’’' he statement said.

Hoodlums rape three female students of Osun varsity Adeolu Adeyemo, Osogbo

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hree Female students of the Osun State University, Osogbo main campus were yesterday reportedly raped by yet to be identified hoodlums who stormed their off campus hostels in Oke- Baale area of the town to perpetrate the inhuman act.

Hostels attacked by the hoodlums include Aso Villa hostel, Diamond hostel, and Marvellous hostel all located near the main gate of Osogbo campus of the institution New Telegraph investigations on the campus yesterday revealed the rapists stormed the hostels in the middle of the night while the female students were already asleep and proceeded to rape three of them.

It was also gathered that the evil perpetra-

tors, numbering about twelve, beat several male students blue-black for not being able to meet their demands for money.

The students have now called on the authorities of the school to quickly intervene, by providing them with adequate security.

In his reaction,, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr Marcus Awobifa said that “the Management received the news of the incident with shock… because the hostels are not located inside the campus, the institution's management could not do much in providing security.”

He, however, assured that “ the management and the leadership of the institution's Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) would act on the matter to forestall future occurrence.”

L-R: Managing Director, M-net Africa, Mrs. Biola Alabi; Regional Director, M-net West Africa, Mrs. Wangi Mba Uzoukwu, and General Manager, Marketing and Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. Martin Mabutho, during the Africamagic Viewers' Choice Award Nominees Brunch held in Lagos …yesterday.

PDP will dethrone APC in Ekiti, says Olubolade DOCKED

For alleged missing N1.36b, two telecoms company staff face 17-count charges

Onyekachi Eze Abuja

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ORMER Minister of Police Affairs and governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the June gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade yesterday said PDP has the capacity to beat incumbent state governor, Dr. Fayemi Kayode, of

EKITI POLL

Aspirant says PDP has what it takes to beat Gov. Fayemi

Joseph Jibueze

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he Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two staff members of telecoms firm MTN Nigeria for an alleged N1.36billion fraud.

Justice Kudirat Jose, however granted them bail yesterday in the sum of N50million with two sureties.

the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the contest.

Olubolade spoke inn Abuja shortly after picking the PDP Governorship Nomination Form at the party's headquarters in the nation's capital.

The former Minister dismissed the insinuations making the rounds that the Bayelsa state government was supporting him, adding that "maybe they have read about what I did when I was Military Governor of the state and decided to support me. If that is the case, they are welcome. I welcome people from all parts of the country if they want to

support me".

Olubolade argued that his clean military records and the achievements he left behind as Governor of Bayelsa State as well as what he achieved while serving as minister qualified him to be the next governor of the state.

He explained that with his stay in government, he understands fully what the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan is all about, adding that it would make it easier for him to marry the duties of a governor and federal duties for the development of the state.

Emphasising that it would be a great dis-

service if he did not offer himself to govern Ekiti state, Olubolade cautioned against political violence especially in the state.

He also said he would support the emergence of a consensus candidate, adding that even though the aspirants are currently meeting on the matter, the decision of the national secretariat of the party on the issue should be final.

"If consensus is being canvassed they have their point. If the party says it wants to go a particular way and someone thinks otherwise, it is better we ask such people to try and be party men and tow the party line.

MTN workers on trial for alleged N1.36b fraud The sureties, she said, must be civil servants of Grade Level 15 or above and must produce evidence of three years tax payment.

The defendants - Victor Akintunde and Gani Mustapha - are officials of MTN Staff Corporative Society.

They were charged along with Mutairu Babatunde, Prima Vera Engineering and Construction Ltd and Mabo Dredging

ltd.

The 17-count charges border on conspiracy, stealing, forgery and issuance of dud cheque.

EFCC said the defendants committed the alleged offence on April 8, 2008.

According to the commission, the sum was fraudulently collected as deposit for payment for a land they claimed to have bought for the society from Mutairu Baba Egbe

Family.

The prosecution said the defendants, for instance, stole N592.820million while allegedly pretending that it was used as payment for legal documentation.

The defendants were also said to have, on April 25, 2008, obtained the sum of N990million under the pretence that the money represents payment for 13 hectares of land at Okun Ajah Community.

10 NEWS

Thursday, February 27, 2014

N130m theft charge: Police withdraw suit against Lagos ex-deputy gov OUT OF COURT Case against Ojikutu, son withdrawn Joseph Jibueze

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he police Special Fraud Unit (SFU) yeste rday withdrew the criminal charges brought against a former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu.

She was slammed with a three-count charge

of fraud and theft of N130million.

The prosecution said Ojikutu and her son, Samson, conspired to commit a felony at Lekki Phase 1, Victoria Island in September 2011.

They allegedly obtained N130million from Cajetan Okekearu under the pretext of selling him a plot of land at Lekki Phase 1.

Ojikutu and her son never took their pleas, and there were moves to settle the case out of

court after the intervention of eminent indigenes of Lagos State.

When the case was called yesterday for proceedings to begin, the prosecution counsel, Mr Effiong Asuquo, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) said the police was withdrawing the charges.

He applied to withdraw the case, saying: "We urge the court to strike out the charge."

In a short ruling, Justice Mohammed Yunusa granted the prosecution's

prayers.

"The case is hereby struck out," the judge said.

Ojikutu's arraignment was stalled several times and she was later declared wanted by the police.

She was subsequently arrested, but on the day she was to be arraigned, police counsel, Bukola Durojaiye, said, Ojikutu could not be brought to court due to “logistics and administrative challenges.”

The charge sheet, numbered FHC/L/343c/13, was signed on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Asuquo.

The police said Ojikutu and her son “did obtain the sum of N130million property of Cajetan Okekearu,” while the

Delta set for council polls l Opposition parties: It’s long overdue Dominic Adewole Asaba

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L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr Adewale Omirin; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi and Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative and Allied Matters, Mr. Dapo Karounwi, during the signing of five Bills into Laws in Ado-Ekiti... yesterday

Local assembly of Peugeot vehicles will resume in June, says plant’s CEO HURRAY!

Cheaper, better Peugeot cars out by June

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he Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited which has been moribund for about a decade will commence operation

by June this year, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Boyi, has said.

Boyi, who spoke in Lagos on Tuesday, at the unveiling of Peugeot brand of vehicles, Said: “The recently unveiled Auto Development Plan is designed to restart the local auto assembly plants and local components manu-

facturers. PAN and Peugeot France have keyed into the policy and I am glad to announce that assembly of Peugeot vehicles at our Kaduna plant will re-start in June this year.”

He added, “PAN is conscious of the strong emotive streak running through our customers with regard to the brand experience. We, our parents or grandparents at one point or another have had a Peugeot car. It is our intention to relive that experience for the benefit of the next generation.”

He added that Peugeot vehicles have evolved to meet the modern customer’s requirements in terms of beauty, brains

and frills, while retaining the key value of the brand in reliability, performance, safety and emotion. Peugeot, according to him, has achieved a new high in the economy of ownership of its vehicles.

“These are embodied in higher fuel efficiency, longer service periods, fewer replacement parts and precise repair technology.”

In a bid to strengthen the technical and commercial agreement renewed with AP France last year, the management of PAN earlier received a team of auto manufacturing experts from AP France who came in to inspect the company’s facilities in readiness for the produc-

tion of Peugeot 301 and 508 vehicles.

Unstable government policies, inadequate tariff protection for local assembly plants, global financial meltdown and weak management in different degrees affected the fortunes of PAN Nigeria Ltd in the last decade.

Car Sales Quantity and Turnover declined from 11,768 vehicles and N31.75b in 2007 to 659 vehicles and N1.96b in 2013.

Direct employees of the company were reduced to 230 from 1,120 over the last decade, while dealership networks and service centers along with over 70 local auto component manufactures were all decimated.

third count alleged they “did steal the sum.”

The alleged offences are punishable under section 8 (a); 1 (1) (a) and 3 of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act, Cap A6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

he Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) yesterday said apart from adequate logistics, persons of proven integrity have been picked to conduct elections across the 25 councils of the state.

The chairman of the state chapter of the Labour Party (LP), Comrade Emeka Nkwoala, and his counterpart in the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Chief Tony Ezeagwu, however wondered why council election was not conducted immediately after the 2011 general election.

According to Ezeagwu, since DPP, led by Chief Great Ogboru, won nine House of Assembly seats, one Senate seat and two Federal House of Repre-

sentative seats during the 2011 elections, it would have won more than half of the 25 council areas if the council election was conducted that year.

But the chairman of the commission, Akpoyoma Moses Ogbe, allayed the fears of opposition parties that elections conducted by SIECs are won only by the party in power at the state level, assuring that “the vote of the people will count.”

The chairman, who spoke in Asaba, the state capital, at the close of a two-day Seminar, tagged, “Building Confidence in the Electoral System: The Task Before DSIEC”, disclosed that the commission had met with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in June 2013, and presented two basic requests on successful conduct of the election.

We’ll improve on the protection of physical structures, says NSCDC Boss Sony Neme

T

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has declared its commitment to better protection of physical structures this year.

Commandant General of the corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin who spoke in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph at Uyo recently, said the corps’ resolve “Is to ensure a drastic reduction, if not outright stoppage, of vandalization of critical infrastructure and nation-

al assets of government."

He lauded the support of Nigerians and government programmes in the actualization of their mandate.

He stressed that, “The corps is statutorily responsible for the protection of critical infrastructure and national assets. These are in the areas of pipeline in the oil and gas industry, in the rail and transport section, in telecommunication and industry; and the power sector as well as the physical structures of the economy.”

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

11

N15b fraud: Court adjourns trial of former Gulf Bank boss, others to March 14 TRIAL

Ex-bank Chief gets another date for fraud trial

court for an adjournment to enable him consolidate the charge.

The judge subsequent-

ly adjourned the case to March 14 for trial.

The accused were arraigned on December 23,

2013 and had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The judge had granted them bail in the sum of

N200 million each with two sureties each in like sum.

In the charge, the ac-

Joseph Onyekwere

J

ustice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Lagos yesterday adjourned the trial of former Managing Director, defunct Gulf Bank Plc, Johnson Adebami and others charged with N15 billion fraud to March 14.

Adebami is standing trial together with a Briton, Gareth Wilcox and his Companies, Ibom Power Limited and LYK Engineering Company and one Uche Uwechia on a 21-count charge of fraud.

The prosecution counsel, Mr. Dania Abdullahi, informed the court when the matter was mentioned that the prosecution wanted to produce additional accused in the suit.

He, therefore, prayed the

L-R: Head, Retail Showroom and Franchise, Airtel Nigeria, Tolulope Tope-Awofeko; Managing Director/CEO, City Buffet Limited, Mr. Femi Olusola and Regional Operations Director, Lagos, Airtel Nigeria, Bayo Osinowo at the commissioning of the new Airtel Express Shop at Addo Road, Ajah…yesterday.

7.6% The rate by which China’s total trade increased in 2013.

Source: Reuters

21.7%

$6.33bn The total amount of new investments that went into China’s services sector in January 2014.

Source: Reuters

The rate at which new investment into China’s manufaacturing sector fell in January 20214.

Source: Reuters

ASUP may sanction polytechnics for suspending strike ASUP STRIKE Union may punish erring members for backing out of ongoing Polytechnic strike

Kayode Olanrewaju

T

he Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) may wield the big stick against its members who have pulled out of the ongoing strike.

Several polytechnics across the country, including the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State; Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti and Federal Polytechnic, Ede, have suspended the strike for seven weeks citing non-

Parties differ on INEC timetable Onyekachi Eze, Abuja

P

olitical parties yesterday differed on the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2015 general elections.

This was at a meeting between INEC and the political parties on the timetable for next year’s general elections.

National Chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP) Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said the politi-

cal parties were worried about the sequence of the election, which provides for a two-phase elections with the Presidential and National Assembly elections coming first before the governorship and state Assembly elections.

Tanko who is also chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) said this is a departure from previous practice.

“It is better for us to have governorship and state assembly first where

the parties would have won elections as it will help to stem down the tensions. When presidential election comes first, a lot of tensions that is presently in the country now can lead to all kinds of fracas which we are trying to avoid”, Tanko stated.

Alternatively, he advocated holding the elections in one day so that there may be no agitation and allegation of manipulations.

“It is either that the

completion of the session as a reason.

However, the SouthWest Coordinator of the union, Comrade Dosumu, in a telephone chat with the New Telegraph, said any polytechnic or branch that acts against the union’s position on the strike will be sanctioned based on the union’s extant laws.

Dosumu, who noted that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union was aware of the action of some polytechnics who have backed out of the strike, described them as” dissenting voices”, insisting that there was no going back on the strike.

He declared: “The National Executive Council of the union is aware that some polytechnics are backing out of the strike.

I want to say that we cannot, but find such dissenting voices in a group as this. We are not moved by

their action and we are not resting on our oars until the battle is won.”

On whether there is any move to suspend the over three months strike, Dosumu said: “The Federal Government is yet to address the reasons why we (ASUP) embarked on the strike and we have no reason(s) to suspend or call it off.”

He added however that the NEC of the union will meet between March 10 and 15, at the College of Agriculture, Yandev, Benue State to review the strike and the next line of action.

Part of the 13 demands of the union since 2009, as presented to the Federal Government, according to him, are better salary structure for lecturers, infrastructure improvement, better working condition, setting up of governing councils for polytechnics, and an end

cused were alleged to have converted over N15 billion from the defunct bank, in the guise of loans and overdraft facilities to various companies without appropriate accounting records.

They were alleged to have converted and appropriated a total of 55.3million dollars and over N3.7billion belonging to the bank.

Part of the money was also said to have been used to finance a non-existing refinery, while the others where converted to personal use.

Aliyu backs formation of North Central Consultative body Dan Atori, Minna

D

espite efforts by the Middle Belt Forum led

by Prof. Jerry Gana to bring people of the region together, the Niger state Governor, Dr Babangida Aliyu, has thrown his weight behind the formation of the new North Central Consultative Assembly, a pressure group for states in the North Central geo-political zone.

Aliyu said the assembly would serve as the true voice of people in the zone.

The governor, while announcing his support for the group which called on him at the Government House in Minna yesterday, challenged the leadership not to make the same mistakes made by similar groups in the past.

Aliyu, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum, also promised to introduce the new group to other governors in the region.

He lamented that he and some governors in the zone were not consulted before delegates to the forth- coming national conference from the region were picked.

metr

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Sanctity

Thursday, Feb

www.newtelegraphonline.com/metro

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com

THURSday, February 27, 2014

0802 393 8212

Lagos detects 56,000 fake driver’s licences ASTRONOMICAL Over 150,000 fake driver’s licences were seized in Lagos within two and a half years.

•Impounds 1,000 commercial buses

Muritala Ayinla

A

t least 56,000 fake driver’s licences were discovered and seized from motorists in Lagos State from January to December 2013, according to investigation.

It was gathered that over 150,000 fake driver’s licences were discovered since 2011 when the enforcement began.

Also, 139,335 motorists applied for driver’s licence in the state in 13 months.

Out of the 139,335 applicants, 6,374 of them failed to obtain the licences after failing a series of screenings.

A source also disclosed that the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) has been mandated to step up campaign on sensitisation and enforcement of the

Opeifa

law to reduce the number of vehicles that are not roadworthy in the state.

“The Lagos State govern-

ABOVE THE LAW Some thugs bearing guns stormed a community, holding the residents hostage.

Taiwo Jimoh

G

unmen have sacked Sonle community in Ikorodu Central Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The residents said about 100 armed men from the neighbouring Jajo community invaded Sonle on February 17 and set fire on a construction site.

They added that the thugs have continued to unleash terror on the community.

When our correspondent visited Sonle, some of the armed men were seen loitering the area while the construction sites were still burning.

According to the residents, the gunmen claimed to be acting on the orders of one Mr. Lamina, popularly known as Sir K. But when contacted on phone, Lamina denied knowledge of the incident.

He said: “As I speak with you, I am in London. So, how can I be in London and

tween January and December 2013 alone.

“People must understand that the era of cutting corners to obtain fake licence is over.

Applicants must also know that they can no longer ask someone to help them obtain the licence.

“There is no way they can get driver’s licence by proxy; they have to be physically present. They have to go to the VIS offices for it; they can also visit any of the VIS office for the verification free of charge.

“In every 10 vehicles on Lagos roads, you can hardly find two with authentic driver’s licence. You can’t ask someone to help you get driver’s licence and expect original licence from that person,” the source said.

The source also said that about 130,968 drivers applied for driver licence last year ment, through our law en- while over 3,000 failed the test forcement agents, has discov- needed to be certified to drive.

She said: “But in January ered over 56,000 fake driver’s licences from motorists be- 2014 alone 9,367 applicants

were recorded.”

Meanwhile, it was also discovered that over 1,000 vehicles have been impounded in the on-going registration and reaccreditation exercise.

In an interview with our correspondent recently, the Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, had said that enforcement of the on-going accreditation of commercial vehicles would be intensified to enable the government commence implementation of its new transportation policies.

Housekeeper steals

F

or allegedly stealing her employer’s jewelry and cash worth N2.13 million, a 28-year-old housekeeper, Grace Nwaru, was on Wednesday charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Nwaru, whose address was not given, is facing a charge of stealing.

The prosecutor, Corporal Adebayo Oladele, told the court that the accused committed the offence on January 29

Armed land grabbers invade Ikorodu c still be responsible for what is happening in Nigeria?”

Meanwhile, the residents said the gunmen claimed that Sonle community belongs to them and have restored to force to chase the residents away.

When contacted, Balogun Sonubi, the secretary of the Ogunbashe/Odunekan royal family of Sonle community said the gunmen were land grabbers on a mission to take what lawfully belonged to his family.

Narrating how the gunmen invaded the community, the 85-year-old Sonubi said thecommunity was thrown into panic.

He said: “On February 16, I came home and found a paper from the Area ‘N’ Police Command that I was wanted in the station.

I went to the station and I was told that I was under arrest for gun possession and that I had cocaine in my house.

“The police told me that people from Jajo community reported that I was threatening their lives. I was shocked and embarrassed over the allegation and I told them that I knew nothing about what they were accusing me of. The police detained me but I was

later granted bail.

“The next day, I was at home when I saw a group of boys with machetes and other dangerous weapons who stormed my house. They told me that they were from Sir K, whom we know as Lamina.

“They also said Sonle village belonged to them and that they had come to take what rightfully belonged to them.

“But because I did not want the men in Sonle to confront these boys from Jajo, I reported the case to the Federal Special Armed Robbery Squad (FSARS) and I am expecting them to come and arrest the trouble-makers. The boys are busy collecting money from the residents, shooting as they

A construction site set ablaze by the hoodlums

please and have besieged Sonle for over one week now.”

Sonubi’s petition to FSARS identified one Suraju Yaya Oshin, Akeem Aripo, Waheed Oshin and others as those terrorising Sonle community.

One of the residents, who craved anonymity, said he was considering relocating from the community because of the threats.

He said: “I have been living in this community since 2003. Everywhere has been peaceful until some gunmen started terrorising us.

“On February 22, 10 armed men on motorcycles invaded my house where I live and stopped the renovation work going on in my

Bakare

EKITI GUBER: Olubolade back home, raises the bar / PAGE 16

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Kwara: Battle for PDP leadership hots up

ayodele Ojo

Deputy Editor, politics

ayodele.ojo@newtelegraphonline.com

ayodeleojo@yahoo.com

p-17

THURSday, February 27, 2014

I won’t preside over Nigeria’s disintegration –Jonathan President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday February 23 held his sixth Presidential Media chat where he fielded questions on contemporary issues especially the suspension of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, $20 billion missing oil money, centenary celebration, national conference, Boko Haram crisis and others. He, however, kept mum on his re-election bid. TEMITOPE OGUNBANKE captures the session. Excerpts: Nigeria’s Centenary celebration I think there are issues bothering on the centenary celebration. At the beginning, when the idea of celebrating 100 years came up, people felt that the right thing for us to do is to celebrate it. So many nations have disintegrated even before they get to 100 years but we have been able to stay together and we will continue to stay together. So, the essence of the celebration is to celebrate the centenary and to encourage our younger ones that they must stay together as a nation. And we decided to honour 100 people just to correspond with the 100 years of celebration.

Ordinarily, it is a difficult task because if you want to honour Nigerians, you have more than 500 people that are eminently qualified to be honoured. So, to select 100 actors out of 500 or more is extremely difficult. Hence, certain criteria were set up in terms of industry, people who have played important roles in the unification of this country, in terms of sports, creativity, pioneers in different areas. So, the committee was set up to handle the award. The committee set up for the Centenary Presidential Award was different from the normal national awards such as MON, OON and others.

So, the standing committee that did the selection categorised them in terms of aca-

Jonathan

No president will want to preside over disintegration of a state. If we try to divide Nigeria into different states, then we are gone and nobody will regard us. So, nobody will want the division of Nigeria to be a subject matter for that discussion demics, history, industry, commerce and in every sector; you have so many people who were eminently qualified. We tried to see if we can take one or two in different areas, so that more areas would be accommodated.

Definitely, the list will not accommodate everybody and people will raise issues. I remembered when we wanted to celebrate our 50 years of independence and we wanted to give awards, we selected 50 people

out of hundreds of Nigerians that were duly qualified. I remembered the case of number one labour leader, which was not part of the selected 50 people that received award then, which is being represented in this present centenary. So, the idea is to encourage the younger ones that when you partake, when you do something good, you make contributions to your country, that even in death, your children would be

honoured because a lot of dead people are receiving post-humours awards.

The national honour that we award annually did not have provision for posthumours award. But this centenary award like the golden jubilee, more than 40 per cent of them would be post-humour awards and actually we are honouring the children and the grandchildren, appreciating them for the role their grandfathers had played to build this country to where we are.

Cost and source of funding of the Centenary The centenary will cost something, but I cannot say the total cost of the celebration but it is mainly sponsored by the private sector. The only aspect that the government will spend money is that the heads CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

14 POLITICS

Thursday, February 27, 2014

We’ll prosecute Sanusi if he CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 3

of state that are coming are my guests and I will accommodate, feed and provide transport for them. That is the role of the President. But every other thing is being sponsored by the private sector. Even the Centenary City that we are planning, investors from all over the world; America, UK, Dubai, they are the people working on it, it is purely a commercial business. So, government is not going to spend so much money because different companies will take different things. But as a President, the heads of state that are coming in and most senior guests that are coming in, definitely the Nigerian government is going to accommodate and feed them. That is the role the government would play.

The Centenary City is going to be exclusively a commercial enterprise. Government is not spending N1 for the Centenary City Mall.

Timing of Centenary celebration The amalgamation was January 1, 1914. Ordinarily, January 1, 1914 should have been the day but because of certain logistics we couldn’t do it in January, so we are doing it in February.

The key events that are coming up will start on February 27. We will have the International Seminar on Security and Development in Africa. The celebration is not just about dancing; we may have little dancing but the key issue why most heads of state are coming is about development. In fact the President of France has indicated interest to come and help us speak on security and development in Africa. That would take place in the afternoon of February 27. Then in the evening, we will have a gathering, shows, entertainments and others. Then the next day, February 28, from the afternoon or in the morning, we would have the Jumat for Muslim prayers to thank God for 100 years of our existence. Then in the evening of Friday, that is when we will have the award night. Then on Sunday, the Christians would gather to thank God for 100 years and that would be the end.

The remaining one is the Centenary City, which some investors would follow up until the city is built. I can’t say when they would complete the city because it would cost money and banks are going to be involved for everything to be sorted out on the investment and they are working on that. I believe the Secretary to the Federal Government will make more briefing on that.

National conference and no-go areas Government cannot preside over the disintegration of Nigeria. Definitely not.

Sometimes, so many people raise certain issues that are worrisome: why do we want to stay together for one reason or the other? Talking about disintegration, there is no president that will want to preside over disintegration of a state. If we try to divide Nigeria into different states, then we are gone and nobody will regard us. So,

He spoke about $39.8 billion and everybody was alarmed, we got calls from all over the world saying that more than total foreign aid income to Africa just disappeared in Nigeria. Later he said it was $20 billion nobody will want the division of Nigeria to be a subject matter for that discussion.

I am quite happy that even when the committee that came up with the guidelines, travelled round the country, the report they gave us was that only one person submitted a memorandum that supported disintegration out of thousands of memoranda that were received. So, I believe that it is not an issue at all.

The centenary celebration has held us a little back. Our thinking is on March 3, we will announce the name of the chairman, the deputy chairman and the secretary and of course we will also engage the administrative staff and those that would start work at least a week before we invite others to join. Then, I will formally inaugurate it. So, if we follow that programme, on March 3, we will announce the chairman, deputy chairman, secretary and we will give them their administrative staff, those that would work out details on how they will manage the people that would come for the conference to work on hotels, accommodation, logistics and other things.

So, they need to start work a week before the conference starts. Then on March 10, I will formally inaugurate the conference and from March 10, they would start work.

So, if there is any change you will know but our plan so far is March 3 and 10.

Conference as means of stopping Nigeria’s break-up I think we are not holding the conference because the country will break.

Definitely not. We are not saying without the conference, Nigeria will break. If you read newspapers and listen to news, you will discover that people who make a lot of provocative statements are based on issues. Even people feel that the present constitution is not the people’s constitution, but that the constitution was imposed on them by the military dictators and that Nigerians should have their own constitution. People raised all kinds of issues and all what we are doing, other countries have done, but they call it different names. At a particular time in the history of a country, people must come together either you do it on the path of government or independently; people must come together to talk about constitutional conference, that is the dominant thing. If it is a constitutional conference, people can come together to discuss how the country would be man-

Jonathan

aged, but now nobody talks about that again. But we are saying that just like other countries have done, at this point that we are entering our second centenary, if there are issues that we think we can correct, let us agree and correct them but if there are no issues, fine. But let us bring people from diverse backgrounds and redeem our country the way we are doing things and if everything is okay, we would accept it. But if there are one or two grey areas that we think we can make corrections, then, let us make them. The purpose of the national conference definitely is not to prevent the disintegration of Nigeria.

Nigeria will not disintegrate.

Complain about representation to the conference It would be difficult to accommodate all the interest groups because the committee, you will agree with me, we selected the best from Nigerians who believe in this dialogue and they toured the country and came out with different options on how to select delegates to the conference. So, instead of the President selecting, we gave chance to different groups and stakeholders to select. When you talk about the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), I don’t think that NBA is going to be represented by only one person. NBA is so key when we are talking about constitutional issues because they are lawyers and the issue of law is in the hands of the lawyers. So, there is no way we would talk about constitution with lawyers being under-represented.

But one thing I have to say is that those people who represent institutions like NBA, they don’t need to be 30 in number

because what they are representing is the interest, the position of the body. So, you don’t need to bring 10 NBA members. NBA will meet and come out with their issues and one or two people there would represent that interest. So, whether they are 10 or 20, or whether they are one or two, it is the same position they are representing. They are not carrying an individual position.

2015 presidency Probably the conference will talk about situation in a country like Finland.

In Finland, when you are elected as the President of that country, you no longer belong to any political party. I don’t know how they manage it and I don’t know why a political party would manage to produce a President and at the end of the day the President would become the President of everybody including the opposition who didn’t vote for you. So, you would not be too involved in day-to-day activities of your political party. But that is Finland, I don’t even know of any country that has a similar thing. But in Nigeria the tradition of the PDP is that as soon as you become the president, you become the leader of the party. So, ideally, the president has to lead the party to victory during elections. Even today, I am not contesting elections, I must make sure that I lead my party to victory.

I remembered in 2007, when former President Olusegun Obasanjo was going and we were campaigning, the late Umaru Yar’Adua and myself. There was a particular place we visited and Yar’Adua was not with us, when I addressed the press and I was asked the question, ‘Why should

POLITICS

Thursday, February 27, 2014

15

has case to answer –Jonathan President Obasanjo be the key person campaigning for you?’ I told them then that what you do not understand is that the President of Nigeria based on the PDP manifesto and constitution, is the leader of the party and the President should lead his party to victory. As at that time, I was still the governor of Bayelsa State.

While I was campaigning as running mate to Yar’Adua, I would also go and lead the campaign in Bayelsa State as the leader of the party in the state as the governor to make sure that the party wins.

Even today that I am not contesting elections, any President on the PDP platform, if you are serving your eight years tenure, you will still lead the party to victory until probably you change the rule. I was in Imo State last week to admit some people into the party and people asked why should it be the President must lead his party to victory. The political environment is so hot and I don’t want to use this platform to campaign and to talk about PDP and so on; it will not be fair. But definitely, you want to control the affairs of the party to tell Nigerians that PDP is still the dominant political party in the country, and you must know that as the leader of the party, so you cannot run away from that.

Defections of five PDP governors to APC I will prefer we do not go to that area.

I didn’t want to use this platform to market my party. I want to use this platform to handle contemporary issues that Nigerians would want to hear. Let me wait until when I am going to address you on purely political and party issues. I believe one thing very clearly- that we are all elected

by Nigerians and the days when Mr. President, Mr. Governor, Mr. Senator imposes his will on Nigerians is over. It is people that voted and if a governor moves from one political party to another; from Party A to Party B or C, the governor is not definitely going to move with the electorate.

Nigerians have been made to understand that their votes count. The issue is that if the governor is doing very well and the people believe in him, definitely people will follow him to wherever he is going.

But if the people don’t believe in him, they

will go with one vote. So, that is the essence of the way we are looking at the political environment. We no longer believe that somebody because he is holding high office can manipulate the system to get what he doesn’t deserve. Somebody can move from one party to another without depending on how the people accept you.

When Jonathan will declare his intention When I declared in 2011, it was not hidden. I always tell journalists not to worry.

I am a sitting president. If I tell you today that I am not contesting, there will be issues. If I say I am now contesting, there will be issues. So leave it alone. Already, the political environment is hot enough for us to manage. At the appropriate time, you will know.

Sanusi’s suspension The issue of the Central Bank is quite unfortunate. I will respond based on the issues you raised. Forget whether it is Goodluck Jonathan; it is whether the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has powers to suspend the Governor of CBN. I will tell you; Yes, the President has absolute powers to suspend the CBN governor. CBN is not even well-defined in the Nigerian constitution. If you look at the Nigerian constitution, Section 153 talks about executive bodies like Federal Character Commission, Civil Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission, about 14 of them, the code of conduct: these are clearly defined and it says that the President appoints, but must clear with the National Assembly. For the President to remove anybody, the president

If he has a case to answer, that is when he will be prosecuted... And if Sanusi has no case to answer, how could we prosecute somebody that has no case to answer

must go through the Senate. CBN as the number one bank is not even well-defined in the Nigerian constitution, but CBN Act makes the provision that to appoint the governor, deputy governors and the nonexecutive directors, the President appoints and sends to Senate but the President has oversight functions over CBN. So, if somebody tells you that the CBN is a different country, it is not true because for the CBN Governor to change the colour of the Naira, the President must approve.

And what happens to the CBN account because normally you audit the CBN, you must publish it and after auditing the CBN account, President must accept that that audit report is right.

Sanusi remains CBN governor Lamido Sanusi is still the governor of CBN and people must know that and that is why there can never be a substantive governor until the issue is sorted out. Sanusi could come back tomorrow to continue his work because the issues raised are issues that the board of CBN with the Financial Reporting Council, the authority that has the power to look into the financial transactions of CBN, will deal with.

The issue of suspension came in because the CBN Act is somewhat anomalous. We have similar situation where the CBN governor is also the chairman of the CBN Board. The CBN governor is the chief executive of CBN and at the same time is chairman of the CBN board; so if there are allegations about the CBN governor, it becomes a problem for you to look into it. And there were issues raised based on the 2012 audit report and for you to look into those issues; for you to be sure of what you are doing, the CBN governor can just step aside. So, immediately the board and the Financial Reporting Council sorts out those grey areas, and if it does not affect him, he would come back to do his work.

So, you cannot now say that you are going to Senate to ask for powers to suspend, then maybe in one week or so, if the board of the Financial Reporting Council sorted out the grey areas, then you go back to the Senate, this man is coming back, no. It is when you want to remove the governor

L-R: Grace Ekpo of Wazobia FM; Imoni Amarere of AIT; President Goodluck Jonathan, Goodluck Nnaji of Blaze FM and Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, New Telegraph Newspaper, Mr. Bolaji Tunji at the Presidential Media on Monday.

completely. Assuming that the board of CBN and Financial Reporting Council looked into those grey areas and felt that the infractions are grave enough for Sanusi to leave completely; then I will have to go to Senate. No matter the issues they raise, I cannot say that I am firing him; it is the Senate that can do that. So, I can place those issues before the Senate and if the Senate agrees with the report, then we can says yes, he can leave. The issue of suspension and removal are very different.

Why delaying suspension You can see now that people raised all kinds of issues that the suspension will affect the economy. So, when you are dealing with the treasury of the nation, you have to be careful and consult widely and make sure that while telling the CBN governor to step aside, it does not affect the economy.

Because issues bothering on the Capital Market are quite sensitive and it can bring the economy down. So, no President can just wake up and take decision, especially when the Central Bank is involved, whether suspension or removal. You have to consult and do whatever it takes to make sure that you are taking the right step.

In February 2013, the CBN governor sent me the report of 2012 of the audit report because the audit report is always published in the first quarter of the year.

From that time till April 2013, they were doing correspondence to and fro. Though I am not an accountant and even if I am the best accountant in Nigeria, there are still statutory bodies that are meant to do their works. So, I have to send the report to the Financial Reporting Council and it is their opinion that is very key, not the opinion of President even if I am the best auditor. The first report that came to me, issues were raised. Then based on the issues raised, I raised a query to the CBN governor, that Financial Reporting Council raised some issues, he need to explain.

Of course, the CBN governor now wrote back and responded to the query and I sent it back again to the Financial Reporting Council telling them that this is the position from the CBN governor, do you accept it? It took them time because we are talking about auditing one year activities of CBN. So they sent it back to me.

What quickly made me to rush to take that decision is that 2013 is already gone and we are now in February and by now, the 2013 audit report is supposed to be published, but we have not even finished with 2012. So, I gave a provisional approval for them to audit 2013 even because we have not finished with 2012. But if I don’t do that provisional approval, the auditors would not have even looked at the activities of CBN for 2013. As such, I gave a provisional approval even though I have not accepted the audit report of 2012, issues are still there and they are still being examined but go on with the audit. I asked them to work on the 2012 audit report, publish it and also make sure that 2013 is also published before the end of first quarter of CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

16 POLITICS

W

hen the current civil dispensation started in 1999, the immediate past Police Affairs Minister, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade was retired from the military. He later joined politics on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Though he rose to limelight when he was appointed the Military Administrator of Bayelsa State in 1997 by the late General Sani Abacha.

His appointment as a minister by President Goodluck Jonathan, first as a minister of state and later a full minister, no doubt contributed more to the rise of his political profile. In the build up to the March 2012 congresses of the PDP that ushered in new leadership for the party in the state, the party was divided into three main groups.

A group was led by former Governor Olusegun Oni, the second by former Governor Ayo Fayose and the last by Olubolade. Both Fayose and Olubolade teamed up and their candidate, Makanjuola Ogundipe defeated Akin Omole by 318 votes to 310 to become the state chairman of the party. However, governorship ambition has separated them.

When aspirants started showing interest in the ticket of the PDP, not much was heard or seen from Olubolade’s side. Many thought he would be contented with the ministerial position and continue to enjoy his good rapport with President Jonathan, who he worked with as the helmsman in Bayelsa State then.

Some critics within and outside his party were also quick to say the agitation by some people that Ekiti South Senatorial District, which has not produced the governor of the state since its creation in 1996, be allowed to do so this time around.

They are quick to say that both Ekiti North and Central have produced the governor twice. This was through Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Fayose, Oni and Dr. Kayode Fayemi. They also reminded others that when Fayose was barely two years in office,

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Olubolade back home, raises the bar One of the opposition parties in the coming governorship election in Ekiti State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) boasts of the highest number of aspirants and the reason is not far-fetched.

It sees itself as the party to beat in the poll. The party, which in the next few weeks will choose its standard bearer, has been witnessing political activities from its aspirants. Few days ago, former Police Affairs Minister, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade had a reception organised in his honour and used the occasion to make some political statements, ADESINA WAHAB reports

Mrs Mopelola Olubolade (left) and her husband, Capt Olubolade on the podium.

the people started agitating for a governor from North Senatorial District and it was so. Oni and Fayemi are from the area.

However, others are saying what the party needs to do first is to recover its mandate from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and then pass the baton to anywhere the people want.

This probably informed the coming of people like Fayose, Olubolade, Bodunde Adeyanju, Wale Aribisala, Dele Ajayi, Otunba Segun Olarewaju and others outside Ekiti South into the race.

Few weeks ago, Olubolade left the Federal Executive Council and it heightened speculations about what his next line of action would be. This is not to say that he had not earlier informed his political group to work for his

Ekiti 2014

ambition, but his meetings with the group were far in-between.

He would dash to the state on a weekend and go round some local governments to meet party leaders and members and may not resurface for the next two months. This was while some aspirants were holding weekly meetings with their supporters.

His supporters blamed his

Snippets

Aspirants and influence peddling A s the date to select the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) draws near, many of those hoping to clinch the party’s ticket have been taking steps to enhance their chances.

Apart from going round the state to meet party members and leaders, getting the necessary connections in Abuja has not been left out and when one talks about Abuja, the Presidency is number one.

Therefore, it is not surprising to hear aspirants telling their supporters that they are the anointed candidate because of some reasons.

Some are touting the fact that one of their parents hail from Ijaw nation just like Mr President to lay claim to the ticket.

Some are saying they worked closely with him when official duty took them to Bayelsa State in the past.

Others are banking on the relationship their spouses have with the President’s wife.

One thing is sure, the President cannot influence more than one person for the coveted ticket.

Who clinches the ticket, time will tell.

absence then on commitments in Abuja. So, when he finally decided to come back home and face the hurdles of clinching his party ticket, expectations were high as to what the event would look like.

To say the venue was full of supporters would be an understatement, and it showed the ability to mobilise people. Various groups from within and outside the state were in attendance such as Hausa, Ebira, Igbo, Ijaw, students, artisans among others.

Testimonies from party leaders from across the state were given about him. Worth mentioning is the one by the Ijaw people of Bayelsa led by Mr. Wilfred Oguru. He spoke eloquently about Olubolade and his achievements in their state.

“Captain Olubade laid the foundation for Bayelsa State. He is willing and committed to whatever he does. I appeal to the people of Ekiti State to support him in his quest to become the next elected executive governor of Ekiti State. We cannot forget his achievements in our state,” he said.

In his remarks, Ogundipe, who had earlier welcomed Olubolade home at the party’s state secretariat, expressed satisfaction that he served at the national level meritoriously and without blemish.

While addressing the crowd, Olubolade promised to reinvent the state.

“Our government will not relegate education to the background and we will not abandon agriculture. Our teeming youths will be gainfully engaged.

“We will industrialise the state and remove the yoke of debt placed on its neck by the present administration that is borrowing to finance projects that lack the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of our state,” he said among other promises.

Olubolade has come back home, declared his intention to contest the governorship poll, the next few weeks are critical to him and his party, the PDP. Critical to his party because people are waiting to know who its candidate would be. Critical to Olubolade because it will show if he is the ‘anointed’ one or not.

Snippets

What does Ekiti South want?

S till on the much-awaited Ekiti governorship poll, it is not yet clear what the people of Ekiti South Senatorial District want. There has been the agitation that the area produces the next governor of the state.

This is hinged on the fact that both North and Central zones have produced the governor of the state twice and the zone not producing any since its creation in October 1996.

However, with the deluge of aspirants from the zone jostling for the

PDP ticket, some appear to be having a standby option in case their dreams don’t materialise.

So, it is not surprising when accusations and counter-accusations of sabotage rent the air.

Some party leaders from the area are been accused of demanding senatorial slot instead of the corporate demand of the area for the gubernatorial seat.

For now, it may be until the PDP picks its candidate before the zone would know what its lot is.

POLITICS 17

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Mu’azu

Saraki

AbdulRaheem

Ibrahim

Kwara: Battle for PDP leadership hots up BIODUN OYELEYE writes on the battle for the Peoples Democratic Party leadership in Kwara State among the stalwarts.

T

he defection of Senator Bukola Saraki to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has opened a flank for those who have either silently or openly rebuffed his political leadership in Kwara State to test their political might.

Although the majority of those who once openly opposed Saraki are to be found in the APC, where they had used the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to wage their war against him, those who could be described as his ‘silent enemies’ have decided to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the former governor seeks better political pastures for his sheep in the APC. But for the PDP to make an impact in the coming political battle, it will need the services of a leader who can harness resources and opportunities. By now the party has a caretaker committee in place to midwife the transition period for the party but it is doubtful if the Solomon Edoja committee would be useful in prosecuting the coming political battle.

Few names frequently come up from the circle of Kwarans still in the PDP who can be considered for the job. Most of these are also known as ‘silent enemies’ of Saraki because they had been with him until things fell apart between them.

Shuaib AbdulRaheem Among those considered as ‘silent enemies’ and one of the ‘federal forces’ who can lead the party is the chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Prof. Shuaib AbdulRaheem. Popularly called “Oba”, the Professor of English Literature used to be one of the strong followers of Saraki until disagreement between them over his return to the FCC came up late last year. Oba had resigned his post to seek nomination for the 2011 gubernatorial race in Kwara, many be-

Inside the Party lieved, with the prodding of Saraki. But Saraki would later give the ticket to the incumbent governor, Abdufattah Ahmed who was then his Commissioner for Economic Planning.

With the development, Oba had to return to his former office, but not without some political manoeuvrings having first resigned from the post. But backed by the Presidency and with support from Saraki, he got that post back. His misunderstanding with Saraki is being traced to the refusal of the senator to back another term for Oba at the FCC. Although their disagreement started as rumour, Oba has now come out openly to defy his former political boss.

Oba came into greater limelight in his days as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) where he took the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) headlong in an epoch battle that was eventually decided by the Supreme Court against his decision.

Although many would see him as eminently fit for the position of party leader in the state, there are those who would point at his record at the UNILORIN as a warning signal to his leadership style and what they might have to expect if he is given the mandate. There are also those who are not comfortable with what they alleged as his pastime of empowering only indigenes of a particular section of the state in his role as FCC chairman thus raising fears about the continuation of the same plot if he is given the mantle.

Bio Ibrahim Another foe of the former governor is Alhaji Bio Ibrahim, a former Minister of Transport who served as Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly during Saraki’s eight-year reign as governor of the state. Ibrahim’s anger against Saraki is traceable to his failure to clinch the 2011 gubernatorial ticket. He resigned as a minister to contest in the PDP prima-

ries, which he lost. And unlike Oba, he could not regain his seat. When he lost the race, he returned to his base and remained silent, due largely to ill health until his recent appointment as Chairman of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC).

Ibrahim will have an uphill task assuring decision makers about his suitability for a PDP leadership position. When he decided to go public with his opposition to Saraki’s political leadership, many of his kinsmen from Baruten Local Government Area, who are loyalists of the former governor did not waste time in condemning him.

Can Ibrahim run the PDP in Kwara during election time? The major question many would ask is if his reportedly ill health would allow that. And if he has sufficiently recovered for the task, the next hurdle will be ability to reach out to other Kwarans particularly outside his northern base.

Gbemisola Saraki The third possibility is Gbemisola Saraki. A former senator, Gbemisola had once tried to wrest political power from her brother, Bukola, during the epoch 2011 polls but she failed. During the period she was able to rally a number of supporters, drawn largely from the support base of her father, the late Second Republic Senate Leader, Dr. Olusola Saraki. She is regarded as open handed, a qualification every politician in this clime needs to penetrate the people. Before his demise, the Saraki patriarch had sought to settle the rift between his two children, himself having resolved the misunderstanding with Bukola. But from all indications that rift is still strong, as Gbemisola has been mentioned severally as one of the strong factors being considered by the Presidency to break Bukola’s firm grip on the politics of Kwara.

And this became evident last week when she organised a high profile rally in the state capital, Ilorin, to announce her involvement in the PDP Kwara Project. The event drew many of her supporters and provided ample opportunity to lampoon the APC and her brother. There were talks that she had been asked to or-

ganise the event to showcase her strength in the politics of the state and convince PDP leaders that she has what it takes to lead the party in the state.

But if she won with the crowd she pulled to the event, the fact that several of other high profile PDP leaders stayed away from the event and instead organised their own rally about five kilometres away could be evidence that all is not well with the party. For instance, Oba was absent at the event. So was Ibrahim, Senator Simeon Ajibola, John Dara, Alhaji Kunle Sulyman, Alhaji Yekini Alabi and members of the caretaker committee in the state.

Another task Gbemisola may face is that most of the support base of her father has shifted allegiance to the Bukola camp. For instance, two of the new commissioners in the state, Alhaji Saka Onimago and Chief Kayode Towoju, were drawn from her camp. There is also Alhaji Woru Mohammed, the Magaji Nda of Ilorin and coordinator of the Emirate Magaji Forum who has become influential in the admixture of the politics and traditional leadership of the ancient city of Ilorin.

Many may also consider her gender as a limiting factor. Affirmative action or not, Ilorin Emirate is still a conservative Muslim community and the thought of having a female dictating the course of affairs may not be easily understood or accepted by quite a number of clerics who often determine the course of political fortunes.

Makanjuola Ajadi Another possible candidate is Senator Makanjuola Ajadi, he has just been appointed as Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters to the President, a move seen as providing a platform to empower him in a significant role.

Another factor peculiar to these probable leaders is their rumoured gubernatorial ambitions. Each of them have had a shot at the governorship ticket and can easily conclude that Saraki had a hand in their failure to clinch it. Now that the man is out of the way it will be a perfect opportunity to launch their dreams.

18 POLITICS

Thursday, February 27, 2014

‘No cover-up on $20bn missing oil fund’ CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

this year, which should be by March. So, we got to a point where we need to think about what we can do to make sure that we stabilise the system.

At the same time, we have to make sure that the new CBN governor, even though will resume in June, but just to tell the international community that succession is already done and National Assembly is already having the name of the next person, at the same time, if we are through with Sanusi, Sanusi could even come back and complete his tenure. So, we want to assure the international community that the succession plan will not affect the economy.

It is quite a sensitive thing and you must handle it with care and that is what we have just done. I believe and I am quite pleased that things will stabilise.

The Financial Reporting Council with the Board of CBN, not Jonathan, will audit the CBN. The Financial Reporting Council and the Board ensure that the CBN governor, who is the key factor there cannot preside over these activities. I don’t think it will take long and we must not allow all kinds of distractions to stop it. The issue is about financial auditing and we must allow the Financial Reporting Council to work.

Missing $20 billion controversy There is no time that is inappropriate to suspend anybody but if somebody need to be suspended, that person must be suspended. Sanusi is not the first person to be suspended.

Talking about the issue of $20 billion, the whole issue started in February and the exchange of correspondence continued from February till now, so it is not as if something that just came up now because Sanusi spoke about something.

First of all, he spoke about $39.8 billion and everybody was alarmed, we got calls from all over the world saying that more than total foreign aid income to Africa just disappeared in Nigeria. Later he said it was $20 billion. I don’t know which to believe any way, whether $39.8 billion or $20 billion. But whatever, even if it is one kobo or one dollar that disappeared, definitely we would find out. That I can guarantee you. But why doing that we must follow the due process. There are certain things that happened in this country that are not clearly conventional; they are not based on traditional ways things are done. So, if you want to do the correct thing, it looks a bit odd. If you are saying you will not follow Rule of Law or due process in handling matters that affect the citizens of this country, Mr. President will be the greatest beneficiary but citizens would suffer. Whatever we do, we must follow the Rule of Law and due process.

Any plan to prosecute Sanusi People should know how government functions. Government don’t just prosecute anybody. No. It is not done that way.

Anybody could be accused of anything.

Even in normal civil service operations, when you are suspected, let us say of

have been able to curtail them. Then not long ago, they left Maiduguri. Otherwise, it has been happening in the communities around the borders with Cameroun and that is why when they come and attack, they run back to Cameroun. It is quite worrisome and that is why you pray that no country should get to where we are in terms of terrorism. Look at Pakistan, it has been battling it. You pray that you don’t get involved. So, there are successes and surely we will get over it. But I don’t want to say much.

Jonathan

I am a sitting president. If I tell you today that I am not contesting, there will be issues. If I say I am now contesting, there will be issues. So leave it alone.

Already, the political environment is hot enough for us to manage.

At the appropriate time, you will know fraud, the first thing to do is to place you on suspension or interdiction and that matter is investigated. Why they place one on suspension or interdiction until the end of investigation is to ensure that the person doesn’t stay in office and frustrate the process of investigation. So, government normally places one on interdiction with salary, but if it is a grievous offence, the person is suspended without salary, but not sack, until when they conclude the investigation. The person might go back if he has no case to answer. If he has a case to answer, that is when he will be prosecuted. These are issues raised by a third party. The Financial Reporting Council is not a member of CBN, so there could be some issues they pointed out and probably they might need some explanations.

I am not saying what they raised there is incriminating on the CBN or Sanusi. It will depend on when the Board of CBN and the Financial Reporting Council look into the grey areas. And if Sanusi has no case to answer, how could we prosecute somebody that has no case to answer. If he has a case to answer, then it will depend on the nature of the case. In the public service there are some cases, which are not crimi-

nal in nature, such as an act of negligence or probably he skipped a process that he is supposed to follow. You may not be necessarily be prosecuted, there may be other sanctions, indictment or whatever.

So, everything does not end on prosecution. Prosecution can only come in a case where clear fraud is established. If a clear fraud is established, we can talk about prosecution but if a fraud is not established, it is just that somebody failed to follow due process or some other issues that are not clearly fraudulent, you may not necessarily prosecute the person. So, Nigerians should wait for the outcome of the investigation.

Controversy over kerosene subsidy Kerosene subsidy still remains. It was not removed and no Nigerian can say that at a particular period it was removed. I was Vice President, and there was no particular period that we announced that government has completely deregulated kerosene.

Boko Haram and insurgency in the North I agree with you we are worried and Nigerians are also worried. Nigerians are worried and everybody is worried. We are not happy when we hear that people have been killed, not even one person. We are working very hard and we will continue to work very hard.

There are successes but nobody talks about the successes because in this kind of situation nobody wants to hear about death, so the negative ones are the issues.

But it is not as if the security operatives are not working. The Boko Haram attacks started from Abuja; the massive bombing of the United Nations’ building here in Abuja, then the police headquarters was bombed here in Abuja, a market was also bombed. So, if the security people had not been working hard, I don’t think we would have been moving freely in Abuja. So, they

Dialogue with Boko Haram We set up a committee to dialogue with Boko Haram and that committee is still on ground. We divided that committee into smaller committees and that committee is headed by Minister of Special Duties to continue the dialogue but they are not forthcoming. I have said it from day one; terrorists are difficult to deal with. Immediately a group of people get into terrorist tactics, they get brainwashed completely and they link up with other terrorist groups globally and from there their orientation would change. It was easy for us in the case of the Niger Delta for the negotiation to succeed because even as at that time, when the President sent for them, they came here in Abuja in the State House and we met them one-on-one because they don’t hide their identities. And they tell you their grievances rightly or wrongly, they have something to tell you, so that you can discuss and negotiate. But the terrorists all over the world are different.

The Niger Delta militants do not just go and kill people anyhow. But Boko Haram would go to communities and kill women and children; they go to schools where people are sleeping and go and slaughter them. So, the approach of terrorists all over the world is different. Immediately a group get involved, and sometimes they use religious thesis in the holy book to brainwash them. So the dialogue thing is still working but then we must still use military option.

Borno governor’s comments and Military Administrator for Borno The issue of community being worried, even if I am in their shoes, I will think the same way. I don’t blame them, but I promised that we will continue to protect them.

The issue of the Governor of Borno State is a bit unfortunate because we don’t expect a governor to make that kind of statement. If the governor of Borno State felt that the Nigerian armed forces are not useful, he should tell Nigerians and I will pull them out of Borno State for one month, whether he will stay in that his Government House; just one month. The governor should be mindful about what he is saying. Yes, there are issues but no matter how frustrated you are, you don’t make that kind of statement. On the issue of appointment of military administrator, Goodluck Jonathan is not aware that the President of Nigeria is sending a Military Administrator to Borno State.

19

EDITORIAL

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Our VISION To build a newspaper organisation anchored on the sanctity of truth.

Our MISSION To publish a newspaper of superior value, upholding the fundamental ethics of journalism: balanced reporting, fairness, accuracy and objectivity.

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Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha

THURSday, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

Actualising Jonathan’s ‘Industrial Revolution’ plan

R

ecently, President Goodluck Jonathan flagged off the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP). The twin policy proclamations, according to an enthusiastic Jonathan, envisions a new era for industrial, micro, small and medium enterprises development in Nigeria and targets N5trn revenue annually from manufacturing.

His words: “The NIRP is the (foremost) flagship industrialisation programme ever embarked upon by this country. It will fasttrack industrialisation, accelerate inclusive economic growth, job creation, transform Nigeria’s business environment and stop the drain on our foreign reserves caused by importing what we can produce in locally.”

For good measure, Jonathan stressed that the new policy footing would address all the major physical constraints hindering industrialisation, improve the nation’s investment climate and promote the patronage of madein-Nigeria products.

Perhaps, realising that his presidency would ultimately be defined by the impact of his much touted ‘transformation

agenda’, Jonathan has apparently come to accept that the key arena to drive the central mantra of his regime is industrialization. But the president needs to go beyond mere proclamations and focus on the nitty-gritty of demystifying and domesticating Science, Engineering and Technology (SET).

While we commend these important presidential policy initiatives, we must boldly sound a warning. To exploit SET for the nation’s socio-economic and industrial transformation requires more than impressive rhetoric.

He must recognize and harness these disciplines because their imperative in fundamentally repositioning Nigeria is not in question. We provide key reasons why.

We recall that to enable Nigeria benefit adequately from the application of Science, Engineering and Technology (SET), a national policy was first formulated in 1986. This policy was reviewed in 1997 and 2003, but both review processes were inconclusive as they lacked necessary legal support.

Several related studies validate the unquestionable relevance of SET. It was the 1987 Nobel Prize Laureate in Economics, Professor Robert Solow, whose award winning work sought to analytically quantify the contri-

bution of technology, a derivative of science, to economic growth.

By examining the relationship between output and technology, Solow attempted to measure the contribution of technological change to economic growth in the United States over a 40-year period (1909-1949). Solow’s analysis revealed that while output per man doubled within this period, only 12.5 percent of this increase was due to the use of more capital. The remaining 87.5 percent was attributable to technological advancement.

Unquestionably, the gulf between genuine sovereignty and prosperity on one hand and dependency and mass poverty on the other is to be found in the level of a country’s science, engineering and technology (SET). In this connection, bountiful endowments in human and material resources are meaningless unless advances in SET are demystified, domesticated and applied to solve the country’s industrial, socio-economic and infrastructural problems.

For Africa, the institutional and policy weaknesses in domesticating and exploiting SET are similar.

Among the key observations by experts from seven SADC states, international, regional

and sub-regional organisations and the United Nations system on industrial development in Africa, following an adhoc Expert Group Meeting (AEGM) in Harare, Zimbabwe, last March, were the continent’s high dependence on primary products, low value addition to commodities before exports and high infrastructure deficit.

In light of these observations, the experts recommended actions towards: revamping the policy framework and developing timebound implementation plans, increasing investment in R&D, science and technology and innovation, and increasing resources towards infrastructure development including through public private partnerships.

While we acknowledge the good intentions of Mr. President, we submit that these are not enough to translate his industrial revolution plan into reality.

The president and his industrialization policy advisors can surely benefit from the insights provided by these experts cited and more. It is against this background that we urge him and key drivers of our SET sector to become really far more serious in translating proclamations to impactful action. This is the challenge before the “Transformation Agenda.”

BOLAJI TUNJI Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief IKE ABONYI Deputy Managing Director FELIX ABUGU Managing Editor, South SULEIMAN BISALA Managing Editor, North GABRIEL AKINADEWO Editor, Daily LAURENCE ANI Editor, Saturday EMEKA MADUNAGU Editor, Sunday LEO CENDROWICZ Bureau Chief, Brussels MARSHALL COMINS Bureau Chief, Washington DC SAM AMSTERDAM Editorial Coordinator, Europe EMMAN SHEHU (PhD) Chairman, Editorial Board BIODUN DUROJAIYE News Editor PADE OLAPOJU Production Editor TIMOTHY AKINLEYE Head, Graphics ROBINSON EZEH Head, Admin.

20

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

OPINION

Wanted: Job for Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Oluwole Alabi

N

ow that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has been relieved of his duty as the Governor of the country’s apex bank, he should quickly update his curriculum vitae and start looking for another job. No doubt, he’s currently the highest profile job- seeking Nigerian. And you know what; he is eminently qualified for any job in the land.

I have read a lot of comments on Sanusi’s suspension including the “first law of power” by an author I could not readily recall. The piece postulates that you don’t appear too smart before your boss and that if you don’t like anything in the administration you are in, you either keep quiet or quit. But, I disagree with this postulation---like Sanusi in this circumstance, I will certainly talk no matter whose ox is gored. But, it seems that GEJ has played smart here.

He did not sack the governor, he only suspended him. At this material time, Sanusi is still the substantive CBN governor until the president has the necessary approval to sack him.

This then leads us to two issues that have led us to this furore. Sanusi has

accused the NNPC of non-remittance of monies running into billions of dollars into the federation account (the president has promised thorough investigation of the allegation), but the bone of contention now is the actual amount involved. We need to get to the bottom of this.

On the other hand Sanusi needs to explain the financial recklessness he has been accused of, notably, the N100m he donated to the Kano victims of the Boko Haram attacks. But I understand he only followed the precedent set by another Sanusi who had come before him- Joseph, who donated 10m naira to victims of Ikeja bomb explosion years back. I think Sanusi is capable of defending himself; I don’t think he needs my help to do that.

What then is left for Sanusi? He is still young. At 52, he still has a lot of contributions to make towards the development of this nation. Let us x-ray his qualities and juxtapose those with the problems this country is grappling with. Sanusi became the CBN governor when the economy of this country was on its knees. This was the period when the bankers and the stock market

operators in this country were colluding and taking the investors for a ride.

With his area of banking specialisation in risk management, Sanusi was just the person to appoint as governor of the central bank at that point in time.

He was brought in to sanitise the banking sector and by extension, the stock market. And he carried out his assignment creditably.

Sanusi touched all the hitherto untouchable big boys in the banking industry. He hounded them out of their comfort zones and instituted remedial management committees for the stinking banks. Suddenly, the true stock values of all the banks came into light. Suddenly, the lavish profits being declared by the banks disappeared.

And suddenly, the investors came to the rude realisation that they had been taken for a ride. Painful as it was, especially for the poor Nigerians who invested in these banks, the banking sector became stabilised and trustworthy again. In a nutshell, Sanusi saw corruption but did not keep quiet; rather he dealt with it. There are other sundry achievements such as cashless policy, reduction of inflation rate to the single

digit figure, among others It is an incontrovertible fact that the main problem this country faces today is corruption. If we have someone who can tackle this head-on, then other problems would be easily crushed. If Sanusi is given the opportunity to become the president, he can replicate his achievements in the apex bank in all other sectors afflicted with corruption in our nation. Some people may argue, he is not a politician, but I make bold to say many of our politicians have failed us spectacularly. At this juncture, we need a technocrat armed with political power to take us out of this socio-economic conundrum. We need people who know how things work. We need someone who talks and thinks presidential. In my humble opinion, Sanusi has the necessary ingredients to be our president and a successful one for that matter.

That is why I am rooting for him.

That is why all right-thinking people should consider him for the highest office in the land.

• Oluwole Alabi, an obstetrician & gynaecologist, practises medicine in the Republic of Ireland.

Suswam v Gemade: Options before PDP Sufuyan Ojeifo

L

et me state from the outset that I am not from Benue State. It therefore stands to reason that I cannot also be from Benue North-East Senatorial District, one of the three senatorial districts that make up the state, and about which seat in the Upper House of the National Assembly I am writing. So, anybody can conveniently question my interest and locus in the political dealings in the district.

I am involved in this enterprise for two reasons. One is my relationship with the occupants of the seat since 1999 as a reporter (both for Vanguard and THISDAY at different times) covering the activities of the Senate. Two is the great concern the scramble for the seat has generated in social and political circles in the build-up to the 2015 general elections.

Today, as publisher of The Congresswatch magazine, I have a wider role in relation to the entire Legislature. Regardless, my interest in the Benue North-East Senatorial seat, in particular, has been deepened

because of my close interactions and relationship with occupants of the seat.

Significantly, in 2007, I struck up a friendship with Senator Joseph Akaargerger, who was then the custodian of his people’s mandate from the senatorial district. Akaargerger was and remains a sedate but highly fecund persona. A former military administrator of Katsina State and holder of a Ph.D in Law, he brought his brilliance to bear on his contributions to debates on the floor of the Senate. I do not want to dwell on how he emerged as candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the expense of former National Chairman of the party, Chief Barnabas Gemade, at the party’s senatorial primaries in 2007, a process that was superintended by George Akume, who was then in the saddle as governor of Benue; and how he lost the seat to Gemade in the 2011 senatorial election.

That Gemade won the 2011 election did not come as a surprise. In fact, his victory was expected. The Nomyange U Tiv (Rising Sun of Tiv) enjoys

So I ask, is the PDP ready for more crisis within its fold? more political prominence both locally and nationally than Akaargerger, having been a Federal Minister and National Chairman of the ruling PDP. Had it not been due to the conspiratorial alliance perfected

by Akume, Gemade would not have lost to my friend, Akaargerger, at the party primaries in 2007.

Gemade brushed aside the incident, remained in the party, gave the seat another shot in 2011 and won. Interestingly, in 2011, the incumbent Governor Gabriel Suswam was in charge of the party machinery and with his support, Gemade clinched the party ticket. Akaargerger had tried to save his senate seat by moving to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), on which platform he contested against Gemade in the senatorial election but lost to Gemade.

Akaargerger has since re-

turned to the PDP. The import of this is that there is something very unique and attractive about the PDP platform.

Leaders of the party would decide one day to jump ship and, always, like prodigal children, would later return to the party.

I have deliberately made reference to this tendency to decamp against the backdrop of reports linking Gemade with a plot to leave the PDP. I sincerely took the reports with a pinch of salt because Gemade’s political pedigree does not portray him as someone who would abandon a house he built to be a tenant in another house on account of injustice or unfairness. After all, he had suffered injustice before now when former President Olusegun Obasanjo forced him out of office as PDP national chairman. His pre-determined and controversial defeat at the 2007 senatorial primaries did not also make him run to another party out of desperation for elective office.

He had remained unruffled, and had decided to bide his time. This is why, when it was reported, very recently, that he

was contemplating leaving the PDP if he was denied a return ticket to the Senate to represent Benue North-East Senatorial District, I found it difficult to believe. The narrative had it that Suswam is interested in the seat at the end of his eightyear tour of duty as Benue governor; whereas, Gemade is interested in seeking a second term in the Senate.

This scenario presents a jigsaw puzzle that would require the leadership of the party, including the presidency, to unravel. Here is a governor who has been loyal to the party, seeking a senatorial ticket. Should he be told not to exercise his right to aspire to any position in the land because of the ambition of another man?

So I ask, is the PDP ready for more crisis within its fold?

Would it not be in order for the PDP and the presidency to quickly identify potential flashpoints like the Benue North East senatorial contest, wade into them with compromises that would make political actors happy?

• Ojeifo, journalist and publisher, sent this piece from Abuja viaojwonderngr@yahoo.com

HEALTH THURSday, February 27, 2014

Water , Water everywhere, but no GOOD ONE TO drink

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}p-23 appolonia adeyemi appolonia.adeyemi@newtelegraphonline.com appoloniaadeyemi@gmail.com 0803-329-4462

Residents queuing for water

Chaotic water situation and threatening diseases Shortage of potable water contributes to rising cases of cholera and other water-borne diseases. The way out is the intervention of government at all levels to improve access to safe water, writes APPOLONIA ADEYEMI

A

t about 6a.m daily, after the Oyefeso Family conducts early morning prayers, their three daughters set out to purchase water from their Okebola Neighbourhood in Ibadan, Oyo State, for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, among other needs. Considering that numerous houses in metropolitan and rural settings are without water supply, a large number of residents expectedly turn up at commercial tap points and business premises for water merchants. Those seeking water take turns in the long queues to purchase the commodity, which ordinarily should be freely available.

However, they still end up spending

hours before they eventually get the water to buy.

Clearly, the Oyefesos belong to the category of low-income Nigerians, many of whose homes cannot boast of any source of water, be it a borehole, a well or a stream nearby. Neither are they fortunate to have their homes located in areas where public water supply is distributed. But they are not alone in the grueling task of spending hours searching for water, which is important to life, yet very scarce.

Compared to the Khalid Family in Bauchi, the Oyefesos are lucky because the four children of Khalid wake up at 4a.m and wade through snake-infested bush paths to a running stream that is located three kilometers from their

home to fetch water. This is a daily routine, one that their teacher in school hardly think is any help to the kid’s study programme because they are often so tired they sleep in class.

Relating his experience, a Chartered Accountant of 20-year practice, Mr. Nnamdi Okpara (not real name) said although, an open well is sunk in the house that his three-bedroom rented apartment is located in Enugu, he and his family can neither drink the water sourced from that well nor use it for cooking. Hence, he is also compelled to search for safe water for his family to

It is expected that two litres of water will be consumed averagely per day per person and that underscores the importance of safe water for human beings.

drink.

For Daniya Alor, a lawyer who was called to Bar 40 years ago, the ordeal he and his family members face, routinely searching for portable water is the same as that of those highlighted above. Alor told the New Telegraph Health that his house, a personal property located in Berger, a Lagos surburb, is among the few houses that is connected to the functional public water supply. However, water running from the tap is often coloured and emits foul oduor. “There is no way I can drink this kind of water,” Alor averred. According to Alor, he buys borehole water daily from water merchants, but for drinkable water, he spends quite a fortune out of his hardearned income to purchase bottled water daily.

Even some Nigerians who live in houses with boreholes are still not spared the ordeal of searching for safe water because they are not sure that the untreated borehole water may not harm CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

22 HEALTH

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

We don’t have enough water to go round –Lagos Water Corporation boss In this interview with APPOLONIA ADEYEMI, Group Managing Director of Lagos Water Corporation, Engr. Shayo Holloway, discusses factors hindering production of sufficient water in the Centre of Excellence. Excerpts:

T

hirty-nine percent of Nigeria’s population do not have access to safe water. What is the situation in Lagos?

The situation in Lagos is one which we are working aggressively to address.

The present population of the state, about 21 million itself is a challenge. A population of 21 million qualifies the state as a nation. That population is greater than the population of a lot of sub Saharan African countries.

The second challenge, which we face is that of power. We require power from the national grid to pump water. We all know the situation of power nationally today. I must point out that the scope of our operations today in Lagos Water Corporation is equivalent to the entire country of Ghana.

We have got 51 Water Works consisting of 48 small mini water works and grand water treatment plants.

To address these challenges, we have come up with a master plan to grow our total installed capacity from its present 210 million gallons per day (mgd) to 745 mgd by the year 2020 through the construction of additional large water schemes.

As at today, water demand is about 540 mgd. In relation to the installed capacity of 210 mgd, you will see that we have a deficit of 230 mgd to cover up.

Our Master Plan shows how we intend to move from where we are today - 210 mgd to 745 mgd by year 2020 when the population of the state is expected to reach 29 million and water demand at that time will be 733 mgd at excess capacity of 12mgd.

Plans are on to address two main challenges - population and power, which hinder water production. As regards power because of the poor power supply, in year 2010, the Lagos State Government commissioned the Akuke Power Plan, which is dedicated to giving power to Iju and Adiyan, both of which are under rehabilitation and to be completed by end of this month. Thereafter, they will be able to produce optimally.

The execution of the Lagos Water Plan will cost $2.5 billion dollars, which no state government can afford, considering that there are other competing demands from other sectors such as education, security, health, we are partnering with the Private Sector to develop this scheme.

There is a problem with spending money to treat water at various plants and during supply, because of issues with distribution channels, many of which pass through open drainage channels and gutters, treated water gets contaminated. What is your organisation doing to address this problem?

It is a challenge that we are aware of and we are addressing that. It is mainly due to illegal long service connections.

Long distance connections mainly stem from the fact that in some areas, there are no mains. We only have 44 percent coverage. We still have 56 percent that is yet to be covered, but the deficit will be covered on the Master Plan.

And then they pass their service connections through the edge of drains to protect the pipes from being damaged by vehicles. During the rainy seasons when these drains are full, whenever there is negative pressure in the mains, they tend to have back flow (reverse flow) into our mains and contaminate our mains.

We have a zero tolerance policy towards cluster of pipes in drains, hence, we disconnect them. However, mere disconnection is not the solution to that problem. People lay these connection because they want water. So, the solution is that we work closely with the local council development authorities (LCDAs) in affected communities to see how we can partner to extend mains to streets. Again, we will disconnect such long service connection and find mains to interconnect so that we can boost pressure on their street.

We have done something similar recently where we connected to a trunk so that we can boost water pressure in Ilupeju.

The answer to that is mains rehabilitation, which we have been doing in the last five years.

What is the role of the local governments in all of these?

They provide some financial support to Lagos Water Corporation whose mandate it is to provide water to Lagos Metropolis and the bigger Lagos. Our original mandate was to provide water for the urban areas, but over the years, that role has changed. We also provide water for rural areas.

The proliferation of boreholes all over Lagos State is certainly a huge challenge. What is Lagos Water Corporation doing to create awareness on dangers of sinking too many boreholes?

We undertake public advocacy in print and broadcast media to inform the populace of what will happen on the execution of the Lagos Water Master Plan.

People sink borehole because of the challenge of growing population. We do not have enough water to get around to everybody. People need water and that is why they sink boreholes. However, with the accelerated execution of the master plan, Adiyan Phase 1, Yewa, Odomola,

Engr. Holloway

Our original mandate was to provide water for the urban areas, but over the years, that role has changed that is in a way a measure to address the problem of boreholes.

If water is available, people will naturally migrate away from boreholes. Besides, operational bores is not nice. In addition, it is cost prohibitive for a lot of domestic boreholes to get down to the aquifer. For you to get good clean water, you need to go down to between150 metres to 200 metres. Most domestic boreholes are just 100ft deep and sourcing water from unconfined aquifer is susceptible to pollution.

To address proliferation of boreholes, we are accelerating our master plan and making it a policy that any where we are able to provide pipe-borne water, people in that area will and should migrate to public water mains and discard boreholes.

Medical experts have advised that water from any source, be it stream, open well, boreholes, pipe-borne water, should be boiled before drinking. What is your take on that?

I fully agree with that and especially water from boreholes, water from springs

should be boiled before human consumption Is there any other message you would like to get across to residents of Lagos?

Basically, the message is twofold. We know that we are not able to meet total water demand as at today. However, concerning the little that we are able to produce, we implore members of the public to pay their water rate and support us. It is only through that that we are able to improve on services. Secondly, there is need for water conservation. Water is not infinite.

Start conserving water. In line with that policy or advocacy, it is our strategy to roll out metres whereby, through metering people will only pay for water consumed and metering will also encourage people to have water conservation at the back of their mind.

For instance, if you have leaking forceps or leaking taps in your house, we implore you not to turn a blind eye to it.

You get a plumber to fix it. It is not the responsibility of Lagos Water Corporation to go to individual homes and fix their leaking taps. A lot of homes have leaking water closet (WC), whereby water from the system continuously trickles into the WC. That is another massive way of water wastage – water dripping at a drop per second and at the end of the day, one would have wasted over two buckets full of water. Apart from plugging leakages in their homes, people should also discourage the use of water for non-productive uses.

HEALTH 23

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Water situation and diseases

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1

them. Sadly, majority of Nigerians face similar experience, prompting the question: “Why is water so difficult for many Nigerians to access?” According to an international agency working to improve access to safe water worldwide, WaterAid, 39 percent of Nigeria’s population do not have access to safe water. What this data translates to is that that over 63 million Nigerians do not have access to safe water.

Water constitutes about 85 percent of the human body and plays a vital role in the physiological and metabolic functions of the body. It is expected that two litres of water will be consumed averagely per day per person and that underscores the importance of safe water for human beings, apart from several other uses including using water to maintain hygiene and sanitation.

It is not surprising therefore why the search for safe water has become an uphill task in the country. To put it literarily, safe water has become gold and only the rich and affluent can access it with ease.

No wonder, the operations of water merchants have taken centre stage and as they reap fortunes and smile to the banks, the pain on the faces of affected Nigerians is a sharp contrast that sadly underscores the unfortunate situation ordinary Nigerians now find themselves.

That is why a 20 litre jerry can of borehole water delivered by local water vendors two days before at N20 will a day after become N40. The answer waiting for those who ask why this is so is that since fuel-powered generating set was used to pump the water into tanks, the price must double due to cost of fuel and that is automatically transferred to customers. For those who can afford to pay any price to source for safe water, this is really no problem. However, for the other group, shortage of portable water is a negative social menace, which aggravates the dis-

ease burden.

WATER AND DISEASE Sadly, shortage of portable water comes with serious consequences.

Shortage of safe drinking water and water for other uses do contribute to rising cases of cholera among the populace.

Speaking on how water system can be contaminated, resulting in health problems, a Professor of Public Health and Director, Institute of Child Health & Primary Care at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)/College of Medicine University of Lagos (CMUL),

Bayo Onajole said, “Every water that is above the first impervious layer is surface water and that also includes water from shallow wells.

"They are of a disadvantage in the sense that they can easily be polluted when rain falls. Wash off from drainage system, from waste and from everything else get into the water system. If some of these wash-off contain some micro organisms, it will be a source to spread diseases. That is one of the major sources of cholera and typhoid.”

Cholera as in the news presently in

the country has assumed epidemic proportion.

A UNICEF Nigeria Cholera Situation Report issued this February shows that as at January 31, 855 cholera cases and 20 deaths were reported from 28 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in nine states.

During the same period in 2013, no cases or deaths were reported, according to data from the, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

In week four, 288 cases and 10 deaths were reported in four local government areas (LGAs) from Bauchi, Ebonyi, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Kano States. The majority of these cases, representing 79.5 per cent (237/298), were reported in Bauchi from Bauchi LGA. “In the on-going dry season, water sources have been stretched, contributing to the already low access to water and sanitation. There is no doubt that the prevailing season will compound the water situation, bringing more hardship for Nigeria.”

However, a way out of water shortage problem in the country is for the intervention of government at all level to improve access to safe water for the general population. Similarly, the importance of expanding water access for people with special needs has also been stressed in recent time.

The United Nations General Assembly in December 2013 stated that meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will require the inclusion, integration of rights and the perspectives of people with disabilities.

“Access to clean water, good hygiene and sanitation is particularly important for people living with chronic illnesses and must be prioritised if the world is to continue making progress in overcoming HIV and AIDS. Other methods of ensuring the availability of safe water for drinking is to boil water before drinking.

Avoid taking food, herbs and drug same time H ave you found yourself in a situation where you needed to ingest drugs, herbal medication and in line with the culture of eating before taking drugs, you are required to consume some food as well before taking those therapy.? As much as possible, avoid taking food, herbs and drugs at the same time.

Modern experience with drugs shows that simultaneous ingestion of drug with food or beverage can sometimes cause changes in absorption and effects. For example, ingestion of tetracycline with milk results in reduced absorption of the drug. People relying on protease inhibitor drugs for HIV treatment are well aware of significant restrictions placed on the relationship of meals and drug dose timing because of lowered absorption when food is present. The general practice is to give an interval of 30 minutes to one hour

Moringa plant

between the ingestion of foods, drugs and herbs.

Ingestion of certain pharmaceutical products with alcohol can cause adverse reactions because both produce a pharmacologic effect on the liver. It

Cooked plantain

is possible that food components bind up and therefore inhibit the absorption of various herb ingredients . The relatively low volume of herb material consumed at one time, especially when not taking a high dose decoction, com-

pared to the amount of food materials consumed suggests that it is possible for food to inhibit the absorption of some herb component.

Culled from Herbal Medicine and The Revival of African Civilisation

24 HEALTH

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

90% world population suffers dental diseases Stories by Appolonia Adeyemi

T

he World Dental Federation (FDI), the body that serves as the principal representative for more than one million dentists worldwide has raised the alarm that 90 percent of the world’s population will suffer from oral diseases in their lifetime, many of which could have been avoided with better awareness, prevention, detection and treatment programmes.

To this end, Oral–B, the toothpaste brand under the stables of Procter & Gamble (P&G), has once again rolled out its mobile dental clinic initiative to provide free dental care across three

major cities in the country in its latest consumer campaign tagged ‘Sharing Smiles.’.

The ‘Sharing Smiles’ campaign, which targets ordinary Nigerians, most of whom lack access to dental care, therefore addresses the challenge of the FDI to government bodies, health associations, corporate organisations and society groups.

Speaking on the initiative, the Brands Operation & Integration Manager, Mr. Ojo Folarin, described the need to touch consumers’ lives as the driving force behind the campaign.

“Oral B places a high value on dental health and hygiene,” he said. “And because we realise not everyone can

afford to pay for routine checks with professional dentists, we have, through this initiative, brought these professionals to examine and give education on the importance of good oral practices as a way of disease prevention and improvement of overall health. In all, we remain committed to improving oral health in the country.”

The mobile dental clinic has been visiting communities since 2012 when Oral –B launched in Nigeria. This year, an engagement leg has been built into the programme which allows customers a chance to vote for communities to be visited by the mobile clinics.

The mobile dental clinics will visit communities in three cities; Lagos,

Ibadan and Abuja as part of activities by the Oral –B brand leading up to the World Oral health day taking place on March 20.

According to the Brand Communications & Customer Relations Manager, P&G, Ajewole Ayotomiwa, the purpose is to enable communities who need the programme the most get access to free dental care. “We have set the voting system in place because we recognise the need for our loyal customers to be involved in the process of selecting the benefiting communities, he said. “By setting this feedback process in place we are not only giving customers a chance to make their voice heard, we are also ensuring this programme gets to the communities considered most deserving of the outreach by them.

Medical research to improve patient care

G

R-L: Tarek Rabah, Area Vice President , Middle East& Africa, AstraZeneca Nigeria; Professor Folashade Ogunsola, Provost College of Medicine, University College, Lagos; Karl Friberg, Country President, South Africa & Sub-Sahara Africa, AstraZeneca Nigeria and Jude Abonu, Country Manager, AstraZeneca Nigeria at the grand launch of AstraZeneca Scientific Research Trust Grant in Nigeria held in Lagos recently.

AGPMPN kicks against planned closure of hospital-side laboratories

T

he Association of General Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) said the planned closure of unregistered laboratories should not affect side-laboratories inside hospital premises.

Chairman of AGPMPN in Lagos State, Dr. Adeyeye Arigbabuwo who made the call said the planned clamp down should be limited to independent laboratories that are not registered.

Arigbabuwo’s call came on the heels of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) recent nationwide planned regulatory activities of medical laboratories.

According to MLSCN, the clamp down would affect the hospital attached in-house laboratories and independent laboratories to ensure sanity, standards and as well as improve laboratory services.

It also said that the council would

close down hospital attached in-house laboratories that were not approved by the council.

Arigbabuwo said that the hospital attached in-house laboratories were an important part of the hospital setting.

He said that such laboratories were required in cases of emergencies, to enable a doctor to take decisions and attend to patients promptly.

According to him, the council does not have the right to give approval or regulate such hospital attached inhouse laboratories.

“By our training and curriculum as doctors, having a hospital side laboratory is part and parcel of the hospital and doctors practice in a holistic manner.

“The MLSCN coming to regulate such laboratories is like an invasion of the hospital's privacy.

“Such regulation and enforcement

should be targeted at independent laboratories,” he said.

In his comment, Dr Jimmy Asuni, the Executive Secretary of the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Lagos State, said that such regulation should only be done by the agency and not the MLSCN. Asuni said that HEFAMAA was comprised of medical practitioners and other health workers, including a qualified medical laboratory scientist.

He said the agency would ensure that health facilities meet the maximum standards set for patient’s safety.

“The regulation and enforcement should, therefore, be done with the exception of hospital attached in-house laboratories.

“The HEFAMAA is in charge of such regulation and enforcement," he added.”

enerating data to facilitate clinical outcomes and for planning purposes has long been a problem in the country and as part of efforts to turn the tide, a global research-based biopharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca is investing a total of US$300 000 for three years.

Yearly, the company will release a US$100 000 grant to be used by professionals in the academia in a variety of research projects that will generate needed data as well as improve clinical outcomes in the area of communicable and non communicable diseases (NCDs). The company will fund five to seven projects each year.

Announcing the grant at a launch in Lagos last week, AstraZeneca’s Country President for South Africa and SubSaharan Africa, Karl Friberg said the key aim of the ‘AstraZeneca Nigeria Research Grant’ is to build capacity and capability to conduct research in Nigeria. “We hope to build the next generation of academics in Nigeria by assisting them to undertake clinical trials, have their research published and present their findings internationally.

For science to deliver value, data need to be shared and challenged as the findings become known, understood and used constructively.”

AstraZeneca believes that pharmaceutical companies need to move beyond their traditional roles and form partnerships to create a meaningful difference in the health of a nation.

According to Friberg, AstraZeneca Nigeria Research Grant is a reflection of the company’s commitment to the country and to Africa as a whole. “When all is said and done, it is about making a difference to the patients themselves.

I have great hopes and expectations that this initiative will produce many high-quality research projects that will provide crucial insights into Nigeria’s disease profile, especially with regard to NCDs. And once we have this information, AstraZeneca will continue to work together with the Nigerian government to address these matters.”

LAW THURSDAY, February 27, 2014

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FOLUSO OGUNMODEDE JUDICIARY Editor

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25

By God's grace, I will die a true Nigerian, says Akanbi }p-28, 29 & 31

nba presidency

Cracks in Egbe Amofin as Adekoya, Akintola shun screening

Akintola, SAN

Making branch chairmen to screen candidates cannot be truly representative of our members' aspiration

Adekoya, SAN

Some branch chairmen have received huge financial inducement in order to vote in a particular way

Adeshina, SAN

Kuye, don't spoil good things because of conspiracy. We are all friends of Adesina

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will elect a new President in July. It is the turn of the South-West to produce a successor to the incumbent Okey Wali (SAN). Controversy has, however, trailed efforts to present a consensus candidate, threatening to throw the South-West Lawyers Forum, also known as Egbe Amofin, into further crisis. Sola adeyemo examines the issues

U

NLIKE in the past couple of years wherein the Egbe Amofin ,an umbrella body of practising lawyers in the South West, formed to maintain unity and progress among members, facilitated choice of presidential candidates for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) through consensus arrangement among aspirants, the process towards July this year when another election will be conducted, appeared to be fraught with controversies going by the weekend experience in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

The consensus process wherein a candidate would

be endorsed among other South West aspirants, to face candidates from other geo-political zones in the NBA biannual election, was inaugurated with the chairman being Chief Bandele Aiku (SAN) with other eminent Yoruba leaders in the profession co-ordinating.

The process produced Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) in 2008, where another aspirant Dele Adesina (SAN) was prevailed upon to step down, and Akeredolu eventually emerged as the president.

When it was the turn of any other zone to produce the president, the Egbe Amofin also met to drum sup-

port for their preferred candidate.

For instance, in 2010, Egbe Amofin drummed support for Mr. Joseph Dawodu,SAN against Chief Joe Gadzama, SAN wherein Dawodu emerged the president.

Mr Okey Wali,SAN from the Eastern zone, who was elected at the Abuja delegates conference in 2012, will soon complete his term, making it the turn of Yoruba to produce another president this year.

In preparation for the election therefore, the Egbe CONTINUED ON PAGE29

26 LAW

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Ahamba, Akpan fault Sanusi on biometric registration

E

VEN though it has the requisite powers to regulate all the activities of the banking sector, the declaration by the now suspended governor of the nation’s apex bankthe Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to bar bank customers, who transact business without their fingerprints, may ignite legal wars if lawyers’ views are anything to go by.

Some of the lawyers accused Sanusi of a sinister motive , querying the need for it, just as his tenure petered out.

However , while some admitted that the launch of biometric registration by the suspended governor of CBN, had no legal implication as the exercise, if successful, would rid the system of forgeries, a Senior Advocate, Chief Mike Ahamba says the introduction of the biometric registration, which would lead to the issuance of Bank Verification Number(BVN), is unnecessary.

Sanusi, had on February 14, said no bank customers would be allowed to transact business without their fingerprints after 18 months of the exercise.

He said: “ We launched the BVN, the timetable suggests that within 18 months, every customer would have been registered. This is a day that we would remember for many reasons, not for where we are but where we are likely to get from here. Nobody can steal this identity except he or she steals my fingers. After the deadline, if you don’t register, you cannot do any transaction with the bank.

“This is a major development that protects you from fraud, fights money laundering, and cyber crime. It is a unique customer identity. With this , you have your data. Every Nigerian bank has access to the data. Every microfinance bank has access to the data, every financial institutions has access to the data”.

But Ahamba described Sanusi’s innovation as ill-conceived and unnecessary as it would create more hardship for the common man than good.

He said: "Whoever formulates that policy is not thinking straight, everywhere is not like Abuja, there are villages where people will have to make use of the banking services.

"We should stop that for now, there is no need for it. We should rather concentrate on policies that will reduce the level of hardship being meted to the common man and not ones that will add to their suffering.

"To my mind, that policy is not the next thing for now, it should be discouraged completely".

Ahamba was corroborated by an activist lawyer, Chief Nkereuwem Udofia Akpan, who said the exercise would fail as it did in developed countries Biometric identification has become controversial in developed countries like the United Kingdom, with

BARELY one week after he declared that no bank customers would be able to transact business without their fingerprints, the suspended governor of the nation’s apex bank-the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, may not have his way after all. Reason: Lawyers believe that the introduction of biometric registration could trigger rounds of legal fireworks.

Tunde Oyesina reports.

Ahamba, SAN

Ozekhome, SAN

Keyamo

The policy is not the next thing for now, it should be discouraged completely

I do not think that it will breach the fundamental right of citizens

The policy would bring improvement to the identity of bank users

a slight success but not yet popular in the United States where it has not gained a widespread acceptability due to privacy concerns.

Akpan said : "Let me start by saying that the suspended CBN governor was being watched closely by me on every front on account of his suspicious moves and utterances in recent weeks. It is particularly worrisome that a man who was supposed to be preparing his handover notes was suddenly found flip flopping on every issue as a pastime.

"Secondly his policies on cashless banking and large denominations, appear to me to be grossly contrasting in motives. A man who talks about a cashless economy and then proposes larger denominations is completely misguided. The misguided policy on the polymer notes has been swept under the rug too.

"Away from that, on the issue of the "missing NNPC Funds", Mr Sanusi said it was $49 billion maybe even $50 billion that was missing , then he said Oh ehm ehm it was a "mistake" and that it was being "reconciled". Then he said it was $10 billion and now he says it is $20 billion? Can we expect to hear such flip flopping from the Head of the US Federal Reserve or is it true that he has also "defected" to the APC. How come these guys play politics with everything?

"Undoubtedly the issue of biometric identification in banking, is still controversial in places like the United Kingdon,where there has been some success but in the United States, it has not gained widespread acceptability due to privacy concerns.

“The benefits of biometrics includes enhanced security and accuracy. " Other benefits include convenience and speed. On the other hand, the greatest disadvantage is possible invasion of privacy followed by the financial costs because biometrics involve personal characteristics , many are concerned that privacy should be protected, and that both government and business must maintain the public’s trust.

“Why should I entrust a departing and suspicious Mr Sanusi to embark on that project suddenly a few weeks before his departure? Why would the President approve that for him at this eleventh hour? I will never give any such information to Mr Sanusi at this hour. Let that guy simply retire and leave us alone.

“Nigerians are suspicious of this move at this time. I intend to submit a petition to the President to stop him.

How can you in so short a time embark on that gargantuan project in view of its massive cost implications at this time? Why the rush? ".

Another lawyer and national President of Public Procurement Association of Nigeria, Wahab Toye said the biometric registration of bank users was unnecessary, insisting that Nigerians, should not be coerced through monetary transaction as such policy was an infringement of Fundamental Human Rights.

Toye said: "We have not developed to differentiate thumb print. It will encourage more forgery, thumb print can be forged. In fact, people use palm kernel for thumb printing and that

will be difficult to detect. It will need a forensic expert to differentiate that.

"It means all bank officials will have to be trained on how to make use of the biometric system so as to detect a fake thumb print.

"It is an infringement on the fundamental rights, I do not support it".

Toye was echoed by the President of Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL), Abdul Mahmud , who said , the biometric registration was illegal as it offends Section 37 of the Constitution and rights to privacy.

He said, "There is no law that empowers the bank to do that and they are not public institutions empowered to protect public interest beyond the powers law granted the National Identity Management Commission and other agencies like Immigration Service that banks can secure biometric data from, but under proper and regulatory guidelines".

But Chiefs Mike Ozekhome, Awa Kalu ,both Senior Advocates and a Lagos lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, thumb edup Sanusi’s introduction of biometric registration, describing it as panacea for the nation’s economic problem as it was capable of curbing forgery and other economic crimes.

To Ozekhome, the intention was excellent; it will preserve monetary and fiscal policy as "signature can be forged, but there are no two persons having the same finger prints. Biometric will be a final panacea against forgery, signature can be forged but thumbprint cannot be.

"It is not a new development, emCO NTINUED O N PAGE29

SPECIAL REPORT | LAW 27

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Cracks in Egbe Amofin as Adekoya, Akintola shun screening CO NT INU ED F R O M PAGE25

Amofin had put in motion its machinery once again to ensure the emergence of a consensus candidate to compete with any other candidates from other zones. Meetings have been held in Lagos, Akure, Abeokuta and Ibadan with members expressing their varied supports for the aspirants.

Four aspirants had signified interest to contest. They are Mrs Funke Adekoya, Chief Adeniyi Akintola, Deacon Dele Adesina- all Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and Mr. Erastus Irabor.

To this end, an elder screening committee led by the first female to become the NBA president, Dame Priscilla Kuye, was constituted with Dr. Kole Abayomi (SAN), Dr. Babatunde Ajibade (SAN), Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN) and Chief Dosu Ogunniyi as members.

Olubunmi Olugbade was appointed Secretary to the committee.

The committee was to work with all the chairmen of the NBA branches in the zone with a view to ensuring that a consensus candidate emerges ahead of the election.

Meanwhile, of the four contestants, Irabor was said to have tactically withdrawn himself from the race, since according to Mrs Kuye, "he did not submit his curriculum vitae and manifesto to us, and neither did he show up to address us".

The Kuye-led committee was therefore directed to screen the aspirants on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the Ibadan NBA secretariat: Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Iyaganku.

A day to the screening exercise, the expected smooth conduct developed a wobbled start as two of the aspirants,indicated their decision not to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of the committee.

The aggrieved aspirants, Mrs Funke Adekoya and Chief Adeniyi Akintola, alleged bias, financial inducement, non-qualification on the part of some branch chairmen to screen, and compromise in the branch chairmen, as well as the committee members.

In their protest letters to the screening committee, Adekoya and Akintola were of the suspicion that Adesina had been unduly favoured by some powerful members of the legal profession.

In her letter dated February 20, 2014, addressed to Kuye, Adekoya, alleged that the committee was mainly populated by unfit and compromised members, who may likely impose unpopular decision on the zone for the election.

She gave five reasons which impugned on the integrity of most of the members of the committee, as well as questioning its composition.

She was of the fear that the committee might likely use other criteria other than merit in arriving at a choice

Some lawyers...at the venue

for a consensus candidate, saying, “the committee did not discuss or decide on whether the criteria established by the previous screening committee or any other criteria, were to be used for the selection of a candidate”.

To Adekoya, "the chairmen of some NBA branches who made up the committee, were overheard after a meeting of the group (Egbe Amofin), describing the proposed exercise as “a waste of time as they have already decided on which candidate to endorse”.

Adekoya said : “As record of the Egbe Amofin meeting at Ibadan will confirm, some branch chairmen do not represent the interests of their branches. Some members at the meeting protested to my hearing that their branch chairmen were not in any position to represent their interest and that of the branch as they were already compromised and therefore on self-serving mission. ”Some chairmen cannot legitimately represent their branches as their tenure has either expired or will expire later this month. Some branch chairmen have received huge financial inducement in order to vote in a particular way.

"I am of the strong view that the screening process has been largely com-

promised even before it has commenced as it cannot be fair and impartial in its decision making process, which in all probability will be subject to voting by members of the committee.

"With all due respect for the elders on the committee for whom I have the highest regard, I have resolved not to lend credence to such a compromised process and therefore, I have decided not to further participate in the Egbe Amofin's screening process by the committee as comprised and populated by branch chairmen, who the facts show are already compromised and until such time as the criteria upon which candidates are to be screened is determined".

Akintola fired a strong protest letter dated February 18, 2014,which he predicated on the flawed process which threw up the screening exercise.

According to him, apart from the allegation of inducement against some members of the committee, some of the branch chairmen had less than 10 years post-call experience which, "is against the tradition of respect for seniority in the legal profession".

Akintola said: “Seniority at the Bar is a long- respected rule in our profession.

Unfortunately, the composition of the

committee of chairmen as the screening committee has constituted an abuse of this cherished rule, and subjecting myself to the committee will amount to aiding in this abuse.

“Furthermore, the decision to make branch chairmen to screen candidates on behalf of the generality of members of Egbe Amofin cannot be truly representative of the aspiration and desire of our members. It is a known fact that branches have different numbers of delegates, depending on their respective sizes”.

Explaining why he did not object to the composition of the chairmen as screening agents ab initio, Akintola said: "We were not involved in the decision, reason we could not object initially".

Adesina was available for screening, but when he entered the room where the committee and the branch chairmen were grouped, he was asked to go out as he was not needed then.

Seen discussing with him in the premises was Mr Femi Falana (SAN), Hon Wahab Toye ,an Abuja-based lawyer and former Majority Leader, Osun State House of Assembly, among many CONTINUED ON PAGE32

Lawyers divided over CBN’s biometric registration CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 8

bassies of countries use biometric sto identify people who enter so as to detect people without valid travelling documents. If we all can subject ourselves to international rules, then it is not wrong to preserve

monetary and fiscal policy.

"I do not think that it will breach the fundamental right of citizens".

His colleague in the Inner Bar, Awa Kalu simply said: “When you go to banks on Fridays or the last day of the month, one can be

frustrated with how network fluctuates, systems are always down. Will the system not be down when biometric is fully in place?

While Keyamo said that there was no legal implication as the CBN has unfettered power to regulate all

the activities of the banking sector, as he was optimistic that the policy would bring improvement on the identification of bank users with a view to reducing instances of fake identity to withdraw money from the bank.

28

JURIST

The proposed national conference has continued to generate a lot of comments among legal experts. What is your stand on the matter in view of the existence of a National Assembly?

Next year, we are going to have election, I feel starting a National Conference is an unnecessary exercise because the parties are bound to come out with their manifestos. If they feel there are crucial issues to be discussed let them make it part of their manifestos and any party that comes into power can readily organise what is necessary for them to reshape the constitution if there is need to do so. To me, it is not so much the constitution but the national orientation of the people of Nigeria. We know what is worrying us; ethnicity, tribalism, religious jingoism, political action, money; all these are issues we need to let our people think we need to look at them or reshape our thinking. Today, if you want a job and your tribesman is there, you can easily get it otherwise you will have to look for someone from that tribe to get it for you. That is a problem. There must be a Nigerian nation where everybody is proud to say I am a Nigerian. Some are arguing that everything should be based on ethnicity; that is the line of thought of Prof.

Ben Nwabueze and there are others who think we must have sovereignty but I don’t know what have we been having all these years? The mistake is that none of our leaders focused on the issue of the unity of our people.

Tribalism is predominant but if you travel out and they ask you, you will say I am from Nigeria; you won’t say I am an Edo man or Yoruba man. We have been there for too long to now start going back to laying emphasis on ethnicity and tribalism. So, for me I want to believe that it is all a waste of time to start it at this time. In fact, would they agree, would they ever agree? If you go there and was it Chief Edwin Clark, who said if they use their money the way they like, who will challenge them in Nigeria? A man of that age talking like that; he is not giving confidence to the average Nigerian that we have a country. I am not saying we should wish away our tribal differences but at least we must play it down in a way that every Nigerian will feel safe. If I am a Yoruba man and I am to judge, the Igbo man that is coming before me should have confidence that he will have justice. He should not look up to me as somebody who is a total stranger sitting over his case.

I was brought up to appreciate nationalism and patriotism and I still stand by that and I know that by the grace of God, I will die a true Nigerian. I don’t want to sound political but honestly, it grieves me when I see constitutional lawyers and other big men talking of tribalism and all that. I am a Muslim but I went to Christian schools and know as much of the bible as I know of the Quran and I don’t see anybody who can play on my religious sentiments to get anything for me because God is a just God, whether HE is a Christian God or a Muslim God, He is a just God. So, my

Sanctity

Thursday, Feb

By God's grace, I will die HE is the pioneer chairman , Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Commission (ICPC).

Justice Mustapha Akanbi, a renowned jurist and retired President, Court of Appeal should be resting at his age but he is still engrossed with issues about the political salvation of Nigeria. In this chat with BIODUN OYELEYE, the legal icon speaks on diverse contemporary national issues, cautioning actors in the political circle against paying lip attention to Nigeria’s unity. main concern is the justice that I administer. Maybe, because of my background; you know I schooled and grew up in Ghana and I know that there are lots of tribes in Ghana but they don’t play much on that otherwise Nkrumah wouldn’t have become the President of Ghana. He came from a minority tribe and yet he would contest election in Accra and still won. Once we were talking of the unity of Africa only for us two years now to start talking of tribal issues. I find it a little difficult.

As someone who grew up under the Nkrumah school of politics, do you feel disappointed with the happenings in our country now?

Honestly, I feel not only in Nigeria but in Africa. I have friends all over Africa. I relate with people purely on merit and I am happier for it. It was reflected in the way people rallied around me when I lost my wife. So, I feel sad when I now find myself only thinking in a parochial manner that I am from one corner of Ilorin. I find it difficult and people who know me know this.

I wish it was not happening in my time. I feel disappointed because by the time I was leaving Ghana for Nigeria , I thought we would be the bridge head over which the unity of Africa would be built.

You have been with this ideology for quite a long time and I am thinking it must have given you some challenges especially with people from the northern part of the country , who are often considered as conservatives?

I still stand by the principle. I relate with people very well. When I was the President of the Court of Appeal, I made sure that all the appointments were well balanced because before I became the head of the court I had been posted to all parts of the country and I had made friends all over. Even a son of mine went to Okigwe secondary school at the age of 11; I was not going there to see him. Today he is a professor of law. I sent him to go and stay with Justice Ogwuegbu in Umuahia. Today he has a friend who is from the Delta area , who has come to settle in Ilorin because of their relationship. I used to tell them that, now having clocked 80 years there is not much time for me but whatever I can do I will do.

Despite the apparent tension in the polity, Chief Richard Akinjide said a few weeks ago that there is nothing to worry about the nation. I want to know : what is your own perception of things? Is there anything to worry about at all?

Akinjide in a way is a friend. He was my senior colleague at the Bar but luckily he appeared before me at the Bench and he knows that I also have strong feelings. But he has practiced politics here. He has not changed; he is what he was yesterday. You know, he has his own ideas about politics; most of the time you find him on the right wing , and you know his daughter is a poli-

tician. So , whatever he says also must be coloured by whatever idea or prospects he envisages from the system, from the way I read him. But I don’t think he can say that there is no problem in Nigeria.

There is a problem. Okay, look at the relationship between President Goodluck Jonathan and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; look at what comes out of the mouth of some politicians in the north, what you hear from Professor Ango Abdullahi, from the south-south, what you hear from Clark, the things they utter. You have the Boko Haram problem, you have the militants etc, are they speaking like people who want us to live in peace? There are problems and Akinjide cannot pretend that they don’t exist. Even in his own Oyo state there are problems. The only thing is that in the emerging scenario some of the governors are doing well and we should look at the improvement they are carrying out; doing roads and so on but the mental development of our people is something we have to look into.

Imagine today, if you want to get a doctorate degree, most Nigerians would go to Malaysia. What is in that country that qualifies it that we can’t produce a university here that people will just be rushing to come and get their degrees? When my wife was sick they said the last place we had to take her to is India; that is where Nigerians go when they are sick. Why can’t we have something here that when people are sick they will be coming here? And then somebody will now say somewhere there is nothing wrong. I think with the greatest respect to Chief Akinjide, he should look at the matter properly again and maybe, he will have cause to change his mind.

Professor Ango Abdullahi, Chief Obasanjo, Chief Clark and so on are the people who have been making these statements and they are also old people. What should we think with what they are doing; is it that they are losing faith about the Nigerian project or there is something they want but they have not got?

You see, of all the group you mentioned;Edwin Clark I have not met him eyeball to eyeball; I only read him and I know that if you go to Abuja today, he is living at Haile Selassie street. When you get to the house where he is living there are lots of policemen, security. Why that?

Is it fear? Is it dignity? Is it position? Ango Abdullahi? I have been invited to a meeting of the committee of northern elders and I

Akanbi

went because of Maitam Sule for whom I have tremendous respect and they arranged and we met President Jonathan.

We had a meeting about Boko Haram and everything , but sometimes the statements he made, I don’t think they were debated at the meeting of the committee of northern elders. Probably he has his own reason; you understand what I mean?

Now, again, I knew him as a person when he was Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University but I think they should recognise one thing; that the greatness of Nigeria lies in the fact that we are a united people. The day that unity is broken, this country is finished. And Africa has been looking up to Nigeria to give the leadership but are we doing that? Are we active giants or dormant giants? I don’t know what in-

I was brought up to appreciate nationalism and patriotism and I still stand by that and I know that by the grace of God, I will die a true Nigerian

JURIST 29

of Truth

bruary 27, 2014

a true Nigerian, says Akanbi forms their attitude, I will appeal to them that it is better for us to calm frayed nerves, to ensure that we leave worthy examples for our children and those yet unborn. The line we are toeing now does not help anybody.

Your crusade on anti-corruption is widely known. You have done so

much, yet the issue of corruption is unending. How do you therefore react to the fact that the situation seems unchanged?

No nation can succeed in the fight against corruption unless there is total commitment on the part of all concerned.

Unfortunately for us, we pay more lip service to the fight. You will find people who are talking against corruption but they are the ones who will be going around begging for the release of those who are arrested on corruption charges. If you go to Botswana, it is one of the least corrupt countries, if you want to give a man there something for rendering a service he looks at you somehow; they have a small population but at least they are proud; they believe that corruption is wrong. When I became chairman of the ICPC, I faced attacks from so many people, I was even summoned to the senate to come and explain my conduct. I was lucky because I have some political background, I was able to mobilise against them. (Adams) Oshiomhole, then NLC president and his people came to my rescue; even people came from the south-south and that is why I was very proud; it was not people from Ilorin that came to fight for me but people like Oshiomole, they came with buses and started fighting for me. That was the tempo. It took us three years before we could start the work because the constitutionality of the commission was being questioned. Now government itself ,when you don’t fund an anti-corruption body adequately then you don’t manifest the will to fight corruption because there must be political will and there must be funding; there must be total commitment. Now by the time I was leaving I want to believe that I had put in place, structures that could survive the times.

Unfortunately, the man who took over from me did not toe that line. He felt probably that what was important was public enlightenment which cannot be so because it is a three prong attack involving enforcement and public enlightenment. So, things didn’t go as I expected. But I am very glad today that the chairman of the body is doing very well. They are now even learning how to fight and attack; everybody is now going on training. Infact they had to come and plead with me to come and join them in launching their book on the law on corruption and I had to go because eight years after I left I never stepped into that place because I was not happy.

But now I have been there, I have given talks and the ovation I got there from the chaps was enough compensation for me. So ,it is important that government support them and the people must support them too . Recently , in Ghana, a minister just said he would make a million or that and only the driver got to know and made the story. Immediately the minister was removed from government.

Here even if he was held we will be dillydallying; First we will go to court and appear before a judge who himself does not understand the underpinning philosophy of fighting corruption and he will make an order to stop investigation.

It happened to me, it happened to Ribadu. You can’t fight corruption that way; you can only do your best and I thank God I did my best.

The Senate and the House of Reps seem to be taking different positions on the defection of their members. What advise would you give them given the existing confusing scenario?

Well, each case should be dealt with on its own merit. When we started the ICPC, we were being taken to court almost on a daily basis, but when the EFCC started they were not being taken to court. So, it was easy for EFCC to work better and they were also getting foreign money. I don’t think anybody has gone to court in the House of Representatives but somebody has gone to court in the Senate and David Mark is clinging to that, saying, the matter is subjudice; that he will not interfere.

But there is no such application before the House of Reps. But you see, all of them are playing games; maybe, because the senate suspected that people like Etta Enang, and this is a very sad aspect of it, are saying that the seats should be declared vacant.

Enang is from the south-south and the President is from the south-south, are you getting my point?

I would have preferred somebody from another region not that Enang would be Akanbi

The day that unity is broken, this country is finished. And Africa has been looking up to Nigeria to give the leadership but are we doing that? the one asking them to vacate their seats because this tribal thing has gone so deep that other people will stand by their ethnic group. And Akinjide can say there is no problem? The only thing is that Mark , being a soldier is able to stand his ground. You will find that when somebody wants to appear in the house and is a former soldier, he will say ‘he was my colleague let him take a bow and go’ ,which shouldn’t be so because after you had parted company, do you know what he had become? I think what will happen is that the thing in the senate will clear itself out.

Some years ago when there was a conflict between the late governor Mohammed Lawal and Dr. Olusola Saraki you were one of the elders that played significant roles to reconcile them. Now there appears to also be an emerging trend of division within Ilorin community as we march towards 2015. What role are you playing?

The role we played before was influenced by the fact that the trouble developed to the extent that the Emir and his Baloguns, were also at daggers drawn.

The Baloguns were apparently on the side of Lawal and the Emir was supported by Saraki. But our main concern was the unity of our people, and therefore, I was invited as a member of a committee of elders under the leadership of Sheikh Kamaldeen. When he was too old to the late lead us, we then moved to Justice Saidu Kawu and that was when we started alternating the meetings in their houses to brief them.

And of course you will know that it was becoming a violent affair.

I remember at one time, my wife, my son and a friend drove to a place at Oke Ilole called Isale Gbuniya and we started hearing gunshots right left and cen CONTINUED ON PAGE29

30 INTERVIEW

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Corruption: Blame not our judges What is your assessment of the nation’s criminal laws, any need for amendment?

There is no doubt about the fact that part of our criminal laws are grossly outdated and that it needs a massive overhaul. What I know for certain is that the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill and other Justice Sector Bills, which had been before the National Assembly for quite a while now, will make a lot of difference if passed into law and are given room to be effected. For instance, in our criminal code itself, one cannot find anything like parole for prisoners who have spent time in prison and have behaved well in their time there. Also, it is until our criminal laws are amended that we can stop having the incidents of coerced statements of accused persons. It is one of the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill that the lawyer of the accused person must be present when his statement is being taken, as it should be. The over reliance of the prosecution on confessional statements will greatly be curtailed and so, the need to obtain same at all costs instead of doing thorough and forensic investigation. We also have provisions for the creation of Central Criminal Registry, therefore, getting the necessary information about the criminal status of Nigerians will be a thing of the past.

Furthermore, the fines and penalties for some offences need to be amended.

Where on earth will a person be asked to pay a fine of N100 or N1, 000 these days?

That is ridiculous and totally not in tune with the times. There is also the issue of terrorism. There is an urgent need to amend our criminal laws to bear down heavily on this crime. This is not to say that nothing has been done on this area, no, it only needs to be improved.

The main problem is that crime has evolved from just stealing and armed robbery. If you get my meaning, we have a lot of cyber crimes now, being committed daily and they cannot be charged because there is no clear provision for such crimes in our very obsolete criminal laws. Issues like that must be raised and addressed.

Delay in criminal justice delivery is like a clog in the wheel of justice, what is the way out?

As I stated earlier, the major way to improve our criminal justice delivery system is to amend, with all urgency, our criminal laws. Furthermore, the enabling environment must be provided for the courts; adequate security for the Judicial officers so that they can deliver justice without any fear or intimidation.

I learnt of a situation recently where some persons standing trial were freed by their criminal colleagues within the premises of the High Court and nobody could stop them because they had superior weapons that outnumbered that of a few policemen attached to the court.

The primary duty of our police is to maintain law and order in the larger society and a situation where the bulk of our policemen are assigned to guard the

He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Akinlolu Timothy Kehinde speaks on the nation's criminal law, judges' condition of service, corruption ins the Bench and sundry issues.

TUNDE OYESINA met him.

Kehinde, SAN

political elites is grossly unacceptable,.

The politicians are meant to serve the citizenry and not the other way round.

I must also state that lawyers who are involved in criminal trials either as defence or prosecuting counsel, must be well trained in order to avoid being the engine of delay. Also , no charge should be filed without adequate prima facie case disclosed against the suspect. We must not begin to fish for evidence after charging an accused to court.

Another issue that needs to be addressed here is the support staff in the judiciary; they need training. When they are well trained, they know what to do and how to do it. Finally, we must not fail to address the issue of adequate remuneration for judicial workers because a man whose take home pay cannot take him home will not and cannot be expected to give his best to the system.

Would you share the view that there is need to establish special courts to try corruption cases?

We do not really need to establish any separate special courts to try corruption cases. Rather, what I will propose is that whenever such cases are brought for trial, a timeline be placed for the trial and conclusion of the matter and a strict adherence to the Practice Directions as midwifed by my Lord, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Maryam AlomaMukhtar, which is tailored at timely and effective conclusion of most heinous crimes like terrorism, rape, kidnapping

, corruption and money laundering and human trafficking . The fundamental thing is that the investigations must be thorough, the witnesses must be well prepared, be available and the evidence must meet all the legal requirements before the commencement of the trial. To achieve the above, everybody involved from the point of arrest, investigation and the trial must be well trained and exposed to the current international best practices. We can no longer afford to do things shabbily and expect to change our society, once there is no certainty of punishment for any offender that is caught, the culture of impunity will continue and the society will simply continue to degenerate.

The funding of the judiciary is declining by the year, any implications on democracy?

I am an advocate for this cause. To be frank with you, the judiciary in our country is grossly underfunded. You know, when we were in school, we were taught that the judiciary is a separate and distinct arm of the government and that it is independent of the other arms of government even financially. So, it is very surprising to see that the judiciary, in many states of this great nation of ours , still has to go cap in hand to the executive and the legislature, begging for funds to be made available for their needs. This is very wrong and should not be.

I expect that the judiciary should be well satisfied financially. They should be allowed to present their own budget

to the National Assembly and States Houses of Assembly as the case may be and their budget approved and funds released to them directly from the Federation Account just as any other arm of the government. So , that the judiciary would not have to rely on the ‘charitable disposition’ of any other arm of government before it can perform its duties. Democracy is all about checks and balances. So, if the judiciary is still dependent financially on any other arm of government, then it will most likely not be able to adequately check and balance that other arm of government, when it knows that is where the funds for its existence will come from. This trend is crippling on our democracy.

Honestly, as far as I am concerned, the Judiciary is the guardian of the Constitution and its' financial independence is so fundamental to the stability of the polity and this is why same must not be treated with levity at all. The Judiciary must lay its budget directly before the National Assembly or State Assembly as the case may be and its funds must have first charge.

And for states that are governed by lawyers, I expect that the judiciary in those states should be well catered for and funded because the leaders there ought to understand that the judiciary is indeed the last hope of the common and even, the uncommon man including the leaders and should be allowed to do its duties to the best of its enablement and

JURIST 31

Thursday, February 27, 2014

- Akinlolu

capacity. I must particularly single out His Excellency, Babatunde Fashola, SAN Governor of Lagos State in this regard.

A role model and a very worthy member of the Inner Bar. He has done very well and it will be impossible for anybody to think that the Judiciary in that State can be undermined. Governor Fashola has indeed ensured that what is due to Ceaser was offered to Ceaser. I urge other States to take a cue from him.

How ready is the judiciary for 2015 general elections considering a gale of litigation that will arise from election petition?

Yes indeed, the judiciary is very ready.

Our Justices and judges, though severely underpaid as compared to their counterparts in other jurisdictions like South Africa, Uganda, United Kingdom and other jurisdictions, are brilliant minds and always ready to embrace new challenges and make the necessary sacrifice for the survival of our nascent democracy. I recall that in year 2012, the Justices of the Supreme Court had to be recalled from their well deserved vacation to adjudicate over some election matters.

Although, it will not be harmful too, if they are still given opportunities to attend special trainings and development forum, it will only add to their already overflowing fountain of knowledge. I also still emphasize, as a matter of utmost importance, that the support staff of the judiciary be trained. Training and development opportunities must be made available to these people if the best is to be gotten from the judiciary.

How would you look at corruption in the judiciary?

I am a Christian and I do not join band wagons to proclaim what I have not experienced or what I cannot defend before my Creator. The judiciary, as I know it, and that is very well as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is not corrupt. Our justices are also just normal hardworking men and women, who sit from 9am to 3pm minimum daily, who are doing their jobs and being diligent about it. This issue of shouting foul at a Judge, just because the arguments or position canvassed by the lawyer is not agreeable with the Justice or Judge as the case may be, must stop.

We must also have a mechanism where we can bring the wrath of the law to bear on those lawyers whose stock in trade is to write frivolous petitions of bias/ bribe taking against our Judicial Officers just because they have promised their clients victory in their cases which they eventually lose either because of their own tardiness or the law does not support the case, they turn around and make the Bench their scapegoat Some lawyers are most times, the ones who go as far as proposing to their clients the need to bribe a Judge or Justice and when they are refused, out of their sour ego, they begin to cry corruption. This is a very loathsome practice and we must begin to raise a standard against such offensive practices. I strongly believe that no litigant will make money available for bribe without taking his counsel into confidence.

Judiciary as I know it is not corrupt This is not to say though that there are not one or two bad eggs in the judiciary.

But I still lay the blame on the underfunding of the judiciary. They are but mere men who are also fallible. If they are being provided for as they should be, then, I do not see where the corruption will arise from. In my 28 years of practice, I have never offered any bribe to any Judge and I will never do it and if we have any of our colleagues who are engaged in this practice, they should turn a new leaf because the Bible says that nothing that is hidden that will not be eventually be made open. If it is not opened here on earth, it will be opened on the day of judgment by God. If there are no givers, there will be no takers. We must stop the culture of desperation, if you are not satisfied with a decision, please for God sake, go on appeal.

What is your view on capital punishment?

The issue of capital punishment has been a long lingering one. What I believe in is that “the soul that sinneth must die”. So, if a person is found guilty of an offence that carries capital punishment then , he must be sentenced in line with the law.

But there is a big caveat to this position. Life is very sacred. So, before it is taken, we must make sure that all, and I mean all opportunities to defend an accused person has been exhausted fully.

If after all the opportunities have been exhausted and all appeals made up to the Supreme Court of Nigeria and the accused person is still convicted, then he must be punished in accordance with the law.

It is however sad, speaking from experience now, that some of the convicted persons in our prisons may actually have not been guilty. Many of them ended up there because of the poor legal services they employed when they were charged to court , some of the cases are taken pro bono by counsel ,who do not have the heart or passion for the matter and they turn out badly at the end.

But I believe sincerely, that if a man is accused of a crime and he is truly not guilty of same and his defence is properly made out by a lawyer who knows what he is doing, then he will not be convicted. But where a man is guilty, then, I stand by it that if capital punishment is what is prescribed by the law, our society must not cave in to the campaigns for the abolition of capital punishment.

Again, I must emphasize that in cases involving life, the best legal defence must be employed for the accused by the State which has a duty to preserve the lives of the citizens and on no account must the life be taken except after a very exhaustive exercise of all the rights of appeal.

I've had a fulfilling life, by Akanbi

Akanbi CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 7

tre and to get to my house in the GRA was a problem. We had to manage to get to our family house and we were there till about 12.00 midnight. This was the situation which motivated us that if we kept quiet we would have problems.

The emerging scenario now is more complex in the sense that for instance, Bukola Saraki and his group have moved to APC, while others refused to follow them and they have gone to PDP and there are many of them in different camps. I have carefully refrained from being involved because it is purely political. And of course, if at the ultimate end, a decision arises from the Senate ,the line of battle would have been clearly drawn but we are still advocating that there should be no violence. Once there is violence you never know who will suffer. For me now I keep my fingers crossed and watch event. I have not been invited like in the past by anybody to intervene.

If you come to me and you talk I always preach peace.

How has life been in retirement for you?

I think I have had a fulfilling life. I never for one moment thought I will be able to achieve what I have achieved so far in retirement. My total gratuity when I retired was a little over N3 million. That was nothing to write home about. But if you look today I am told judges do get up to N15 million or that but I have no regret. When I retired I was singled out and asked to go for investigation work

in Port-Harcourt; the fertiliser case at Onne. I was paid allowances and I was able to save the allowances to form a capital base for me. When I finished, I was given appointment at ICPC but there was not much money there; I was being paid N140,000 per month which is chicken feed but I still managed to live within that while I still retained my pension.

Then I was sent to the NJC but in the first five years there I was receiving nothing because I was still at the ICPC, but when I left the ICPC I was being paid handsome allowance and gathered all and started putting the NGO project here in order and with the support I received from people who had confidence in me, I didn’t have problem.

You see, if you build a reputation and an image of incorruptibility there are people who will appreciate you. Like the Oba of Lagos who appreciates me; he is one man who has been very good to me.

I know he won’t like me to say this out.

When my wife was sick I knew what he did along with the governor of Lagos and others. So, I tell my children, I am not a rich man but I am not a poor man either.

There is nothing I want to do that I cannot achieve. I think it is God’s grace; he knows that I have sacrificed and now he is paying me back. And I am glad that I am shaping the lives of many people.

To me, the retirement has been so wonderful and I was telling some people recently that maybe I should have retired much earlier.

I have had a fulfilling life. I never for one moment thought I will be able to achieve what I have achieved so far in retirement

32 SPECIAL REPORT | LAW

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Cracks in Egbe Amofin as Adekoya, Akintola shun screening CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 9

other Lagos-based lawyers that came in solidarity.

Since the two other candidates that petitioned were not available for screening as indicated in the petition, supporters of Adesina insisted he should be screened since he had submitted himself to the jurisdiction.

While the chairmen were expressing their views to the screening committee In the secluded room of the Bar Centre, some were overheard , asking Kuye to go ahead and screen Adesina, while some kicked against it.

Some of those kicked against the screening of Adeshina include the Oyo NBA chairman, Mr. Adekunle Babalola, who simply said: “The committee should not go ahead with the screening because the allegations contained in the petitions were weighty and had indicted the committee, as well as the branch chairmen.

"The petitions should not be glossed over. There is need to get to the root of the petitions for the sake of integrity of our noble profession".

After almost four hours of a closed door meeting, the committee members resolved that its integrity was at stake, hence its decision to refer the whole thing to the larger house for consideration became inevitable.

While evaluating the situation, Kuye disclosed that six petitions were received by the committee, four from Okitipupa, Badagry, Ikorodu and Ogbomoso branches, and the two from Akintola and Adekoya.

Supporters of Adesina would not want the committee to wind up without screening him, hence their derisive song of "e ma fote ba ohun to dara je o /x2; gbogbo wa lore Adesina.

Kuye, e ma fote ba ohun to dara je o 2x ... (Don't spoil good things out of conspiracy; Kuye, don't spoil good things because of conspiracy, because we are all friends of Adesina) being sung within the secretariat premises.

When the protest by Adesina's supporters was getting messier with accusation of bias being thrown at the committee, and the Egbe Amofin being openly condemned, other members of the committee quietly left the venue, leaving Kuye to face the heat. Secretary of the committee however stayed

Young Lawyers’ Forum For young lawyers, especially ‘new wigs,’ appearing before a judge for the first time can be daunting.

A shaky voice; clenched fists; pounding heart; dry mouth – these are some signs of the anxiety that can throw a new lawyer offbalance, and possibly lead to awkward or embarrassing moments in court.

My embarrassing day in court We cannot ignore what was said in the petition in as much as we want to preserve the unity of Egbe Amofin. We don't want anything that will divide the Egbe Amofin or affect its unity.

Kuye

back to assist her and explain to journalists why the committee decided to refer the case to the Egbe Amofin.

Before she addressed the press in the room where the meeting took place, she had in a fury moved out to object to the action of one of the supporters of Adesina, who was talking to reporters of a television station.

She said: "Nobody has the right and authority to address any press conference here. We are to address the press. So, you should stop this". She was immediately shouted down by Adesina's teeming supporters listening then.

Kuye later went inside and addressed journalists waiting to officially know the position of the committee. She recalled that she had put in 47 years to the practice of law and would not allow the screening job to mar her integrity as far as the career she had spent that number of years to build, was concerned.

She explained that while Adekoya in her petition alleged that some of the members of the screening committee had been financially induced, Akintola alleged that some of the branch chairmen were too junior to be part of such committee as some of them had not put in the mandatory ten years experience.

Kuye said: "We cannot ignore

what was said in the petition in as much as we want to preserve the unity of Egbe Amofin. We don't want anything that will divide the Egbe Amofin or affect its unity.

"In our wisdom therefore, the decision to revert to the Egbe Amofin is the just and equitable thing to do. Those who petitioned against the committee had made screening impossible for us to do. We only have Dele Adesina, submitting himself to our jurisdiction, but, we cannot screen only one candidate, which is why we are referring the whole process to the larger house, which gave us the mandate".

She was being interrupted

by Adesina's supporters, to show their disapproval of the committee's decision.

In his reaction, Akintola insisted that his and Adekoya's petitions were valid and not frivolous, disclosing that some branch chairmen allegedly called and told him that some elders had called them to come and swear to an oath and get financially induced to clear certain aspirant.

Said he :"Why the rush?

Why the desperation for God's sake because of mere election? They said we wrote letter. Yes. This is not the first, because Chief Olanipekun and Adesina also wrote petition to frustrate the first meeting we had in the office of

Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, in Abuja certain time.

Before any lawyer could be a Judge or a SAN, he must have put in ten years of practice. We value seniority in the Bar. So, how would we be screened by members who are below ten years at the Bar?".

Akintola however, insisted that the screening could not go on unless the identified areas of lapses were addressed.

Asked if the disagreement was not capable of leading to the Yoruba zone losing the election, Akintola said that "it will be erroneous to think that way because there was still time to straighten out all skewed paths in the way to the election.

Adekoya could however not be reached for reaction, as it was gathered she was then busy addressing the Hausa community in the legal profession in one of the northern states on her ambition to become the next president of the association.

At the screening exercise, were 20 branch chairmen.

They are Kazeem Gbadamosi (Ibadan), Chief (Mrs) C.J. Aremu (Iwo), Olugbenga Ogunniran (Ogbomoso), M.O. Ubani (Ikeja), Alex Muoka (Lagos), Bode Oyeyemi (Badagry), S.O.K. Shillings (Ikorodu), Ademola Adeyemo (Ife), Oluwaseun Ajoba (Ilesa) and Oladimeji Olaniran (Ikirun).

Others include, Mobolaji Ojibara (Ilorin), Debo Adeyemo (Offa), J.K. Omotoso (Abeokuta), Muyiwa Obanewa (Shagamu), Chief Biyi Odugbesan (Ijebu Ode), Hibaeumahi Salako (Otta), Kunle Adetounbo (Ondo), Sola Ajisowo (Okitipupa), J.O. Adewunmi (Ado Ekiti), Ademola Adey-

Daniel Onwe

“I

t happened on my first day in court. I was working for a senior who leaves for court just at the nick of time. A few minutes to 9 a.m , he would say: ‘Let’s go to the court.’

You never get to know the matter you’re actually handling until you get to court.

“On that fateful day, he just flung a file at me and said I was before a particular judge. I didn’t even know where the court was then. I carried the file, and with my wig and gown I was going around the court premises in search of the court.

“My boss simply told me that the other party is moving a motion and we’re not opposing the motion. The instruction I received was that we’re not opposing.

“By the time I found the court room, they were just calling the matter. I announced my appearance.

The lawyer on the other side said they had a motion and I remembered my instruction clearly. I said we’re not opposing.

“Maybe my boss forgot, but there were actually two pending motions (applications) on that matter. One was a motion for joinder, and that was the one he said we were not opposing.

“The other one was a motion for delivery of possession of a premises. Unknown to me, that was the motion counsel on the other side was moving, and I said I was not opposing. The judge ordered as prayed because it was unopposed.

“I felt that something was wrong, and even after the matter ended, I still sat in court. I went through the file for the first time, and saw there were two motions! I felt like dropping dead. I didn’t know what to do.

“We filed a motion to set aside that order, and the judge eventually vacated it, but that day remains my most embarrassing in court.”

l Compiled by

Joseph Jibueze

BUSINESS THURSDAY, February 27, 2014

What's news Scrap kerosene subsidy, LCCI tells FG The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to scrap the kerosene subsidy regime to save the Nigerian economy from further fiscal leakages and inherent mismanagement.

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NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

Industrial Revolution: Another policy somersault? }p-38

ayodele aminu, Deputy Editor, business

ayodele.aminu@newtelegraphonline.com ayodeleaminu@yahoo.com

Digital migration: Nigeria may miss 2015 target MISSED TARGET While other countries are forging ahead, Nigeria lags behind on digital migration

Facebook, GSMA to tackle connectivity in developing Stories by Jonah Iboma markets The telecommunications industry continued its courtship of internet services firms at the Mobile World Congress holding in Barcelona this week, where industry association the GSMA unveiled a joint initiative with Facebook.

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Smartphone users 'll jump to 1.75bn – Report About a quarter of the world's total population is expected to be using smartphones by the end of 2014, a report by eMarketer has stated.

}p-37

How to facilitate trade on ECOWAS corridor Engaging in cross-border business along the ECOWAS sub-region could, at the best of times, be a pain in the neck for entrepreneurs who are not savvy with the rough and tumble of doing things.

}p-41

BUSINESS CREW AYODELE AMINU, Deputy Editor (Business) Simeon Ogoegbulem, Dep. Business Editor BAYO AKOMOLAFE, Asst. Editor (Maritime) SUNDAY OJEME, Asst. Editor (Insurance) JONAH IBOMA, ICT Editor DAYO AYEYEMI, Property Editor

T

here are strong indications that Nigeria might not meet the 2015 target date set for digital migration, investigation has revealed.

According to recent data obtained by our correspondent, the country has only achieved migration of about 1.5million out 24 million television sets expected to have digital set-top boxes.

Russell Southwood, Chief Executive Officer Balancing Act, a leading technology research firm, said in details obtained by our correspondent that data so far available to his firm showed that the country is still far behind in meeting up the target as less than 10 percent of television sets in the country have digital set-top boxes.

“Nigeria has been able to achieve 1.5 million out of 24 million with the intervention of Star Times through collaboration with the National Television Authority (NTA),” he said, adding "Nigeria now has three years to go from 1.5 million to 24 million, it is unlikely for the country to achieve this in 18 months left.

International Telecommunications Union (ITU) recently said that if an engagement process that appreciates the essence of time was not put in place, some countries might be caught napping. In

ADEOLA YUSUF, Energy Editor CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor

INFLATION RATE

Abdulwahab Isa, Finance Editor

January 2014 ...........................8.00% December 2013.......................8.00% November 2013..........................7.90%

Nnamdi Amadi, Reporter

the case of Nigeria, the country appears to be well behind other like Kenya and Ghana, which are already concluding the process of migration, although government functionaries insist that all hands are on deck to meet the deadline Southwood said National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), will need to work hard in order to meet the target date for the transition.

He had predicted about three years ago that the digital migration is probably going to be one of the biggest upheavals in African television industry since the medium was first launched on the continent.

“It is a process of change that will affect both the broadcasters themselves and those who watch television. Owners of televisions will need to buy either a digital set-top box or new television sets.

It will have costs that will be widely felt, particularly amongst the poor. It may be necessary to subsidise set-top boxes for poorer television owners,” he stated.

In a continent that has so many pressing economic demands, it is somewhat strange to be spending money

on subsidising a medium that is not as widely used as radio or mobiles, unless there is some wider purpose. Without a clear and articulate statement of the potential “digital prize”, there is the danger that Africa’s citizens will simply not see the point of making the digital transition.

Sanctions not solution to poor quality service –ATCON boss

T

he persistent sanctioning of telecommunication operators by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been described as a move that may not solve the problem of poor quality of services in the telecommunication sector.

President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Mr. Lanre Ajayi, stated this while reacting to Monday’s reports that the in-

dustry regulator had sanctioned three of the four mobile network operators in the country for poor quality of services.

According to him, sanctioning the operators will not necessarily take away the problems that have consistently made them to perform below expectations. He said the factors responsible for poor service quality are sometimes beyond the control CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Rates Dashboard

DELE ALAO, Brands/Marketing Editor

Chuks Onuanyin, Energy

L-R: Head of Sales, Nokia Nigeria and Ghana, Mr. Joseph Umunakwe; Senior Manager, Product Marketing, Nokia West and Central Africa, Mr. Olumide Balogun, and Head of Sales, Nokia West and Central Africa, Mr. Chris Brown, displaying the newly introduced Nokia X range of smartphones at the 2014 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

LENDING RATE InterBank Rate. . . . . . . . . . . 10.75% Prime Lending Rate. . . . . . 17.01% Maximum Lending Rate. .24.90%

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at Feb. 21)

USD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N171.20 Pounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N284 Euro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N236

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at Feb. 21)

USD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N155.75 Pounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N259.7 Euro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N213.5

34

BUSINESS | NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Scrap kerosene subsidy, LCCI tells FG SUBSIDY MESS Chamber recommends end to subsidy to block fiscal leakages Stories by Siaka Momoh

T

he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has asked President Goodluck Jonathan to scrap the kerosene subsidy regime to save the Nigerian economy from further fiscal leakages and inherent mismanagement.

The Chamber in a statement signed by its president, Remi Bello, said: “From all indications, the continuation of the Kerosene subsidy regime has profound consequences both for the health of the Nigerian economy and the integrity of fiscal operations of government. In the light of this, the LCCI submits that President Goodluck Jonathan, should direct the immediate scrapping of the kerosene subsidy regime to save the economy from further fiscal leakages and inherent mismanagement; the NNPC should be directed to disengage from the business of importation, distribution and retailing of kerosene. The private sector is well placed to take on this responsibility.

The current model of AGO importation and distribution should be adopted for kerosene; the statutory regulatory agencies in the oil and gas sector should exercise the desired oversight functions to ensure quality assurance of products imported or produced locally and the National Assembly should expedite action on the

passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill to provide the legal platform for the much needed reform in the oil and gas sector.”

Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, recently accused the state-run oil firm, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), of failing to pay to the federation account at least $20 billion of government oil revenues.

The Nigerian government and the NNPC in particular have come under intense scrutiny after a leaked letter from Sanusi to President Goodluck Jonathan last September showed how the NNPC failed to pay the huge oil sale money into government coffers. In the memo, Sanusi said the firm cornered $49.8 billion - about N8 trillion- which is the equivalent of Nigeria’s entire budget in two years.

Despite data and documentation provided by the CBN governor, government has denied losing money. At a meeting with the Senate Finance Committee in December, Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said that a government inter-agency committee, which includes the NNPC and the CBN, had realised that “only” $10.8 billion was yet to be accounted for.

But Sanusi said that the NNPC’s claim that 80 percent of the unremitted funds came in form of subsidy on kerosene cannot stand since a presidential directive had long barred such subsidy.

“NNPC must show where it got the authority to buy kerosene at N150 and sell at N40, and then inflict the burden of loss on the federation ac-

L-R: Ernst & Young Regional Managing Partner for West Africa, Henry Egbiki; Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Arunma Oteh; CEO Signal Alliance, Collins Onuegbu and Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, during Onuegbu’s recognition as a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award held in Lagos.

count,” he said.

Lagos Chamber has urged President Jonathan to act without further delay on the recommendations of various committees and audits reports of the petroleum industry. “The setting up of

these committees and audit processes were driven |(in the first place) by transparency concerns in the oil and gas sector. Their recommendations would therefore provide enormous value in the pursuit of greater transpar-

ency and efficiency in the sector,” the Chamber said.

The LCCI urged the president to take urgent actions to sanitize the oil and gas sector in the interest of the economic and political stability of the country.

EY, Mara Foundation to boost entrepreneurship

E

r nst & Young has entered into a three-year sponsorship agreement with Mara Foundation, a social enterprise that has been set up to support Africa’s emerging entrepreneurs.

The agreement, a source said, will see Ernst & Young (EY) providing a wide range of services to the Foundation, including industry specialists to act as mentors, monitoring and evaluation systems to improve efficiency and general structuring, governance and operational advice. EY’s support will further boost the chances of entrepreneurs turning their business ideas into reality.

This alliance is born out of a shared belief that SMEs will act as a fundamental channel for increasing employment and building economic growth in Africa.

It comes just one week after the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) announced a shakeup of aid programmes in Africa – shifting away from traditional priorities such as fighting disease and hunger and doubling funding in investments that boost growth and create jobs.

Last month, Japan also announced a greater focus on Africa, as did the US who revealed plans to host a USAfrica summit in August to

further strengthen ties with one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing regions.

AjenSita, the Chief Executive Officer of EY, Africa, said: “EY is passionate about supporting entrepreneurship and partnering with Mara Foundation in this regard is a perfect fit for us. It allows us to continue living our purpose of “building a better working world” through nurturing and developing entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are important to a nations’ economic health and by uplifting them, we are giving back to the communities in which we live and serve.”

Sanctions not solution to poor quality service –ATCON boss CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

of operators.

He added that given the fact that subscribers have the options of choosing service provider, competition will naturally lead to improvement of service quality.

“As you know, the telecommunications industry is a competitive market where subscrib-

ers can easily move from one network to another if they are not satisfied with services they are getting. So, as far as I am concerned, the sanctions are not necessary as it is not what will improve quality of services. Aside that, the reasons for poor telecommunication services are well known and these are things that should be addressed properly,” he stated.

The NCC has been persistently sanctioning operators for poor quality of service. It emerged on Monday that three out of the four mobile network operators – MTN Nigeria, Globacom and Airtel were fined N647.5 million for breach of key performance indicators (KPIs) and poor quality of service for January 2014.

The regulator, however, gave

Etisalat a clean bill of health on the grounds that it met all the set KPIs. A breakdown of the sanctions indicate that Globacom was fined, N277.5 million for three breaches, while MTN and Airtel got sanctioned N185 million each for two breaches.

NCC set four critical KPIs - Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Drop Call Rate (DCR),

Traffic Channel Congestion (TCHCONG) and Stand Alone Dedicated Control Channel Congestion (SDCONG) to be met.

With a target of 98 per cent for CSSR, MTN, Airtel, and Globacom failed to meet the target in January. They scored 96.85 per cent, 96.99 per cent and 96.89 per cent respectively.

business | ICT

The Nigeria Communications Commission, last week, held the auction of its much-publicised 2.3GHz frequency spectrum for Wholesale Wireless Access Service Licence (WWASL), with Bitflux Communications Limited emerging as winner. However, the process that led to the emergence of only Globacom Limited and Bitflux Communications as final bidders for the licence has been called to question by industry stakeholders. JONAH IBOMA examines the reasons for this situation and possible ways the regulator could better handle subsequent auctions.

I

n 2001, when the Nigerian Communications Commission put up a plan to issue four Digital Mobile licences, an auction process was used to determine winners. The decision to settle for auction model followed considerations of many other possible ways that the regulatory body could use to ensure that licence issuance was done in the best interest of the country and its citizens.

Various models were considered before auction process was adopted. A very popular option was the beauty contest method, whereby a firm seeking licence will state its plan on the utilisation of the licence and these plans will then be examined and an eventual winner chosen on the basis of how good its plan is.

Even government unilaterally set a bid price of $100 million, initially, without stating any clear reason how this was arrived at, except that similar exercises in other countries which have far less population had generated incomes in such levels.

Eventually, after much ado, an auction process was settled for.

Auction is a process of determining the final price of a licence whereby the issuer sets a minimal price and then asks interested bidders to state their bids above thal minimal price.

This process has always been considered good from government's perspective as it helps to generate revenue and it is easy to administer. Nigeria generated a total of $855 million from the 2001 licence issuance and another $200 million from the 2003 second national operator auction.

This brought a total of $1.055bn (N166.7bn) as revenue generated by government from the licence auctions of 2001 and 2003.

However, when Etisalat got its operational licence through Mubadallah Telecommunications, government did not use the auction model, but decided to award the license to the firm

Communications Technology Minister, Omobola Johnson

Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah

it is clear that opposition against the use of auctioning process for licence issuance could mount in subsequent exercises for a reason best known to it.

However, given that the licence was issued at a cost of $400 million, there was little that people could say against it, as a lot of revenue was generated for government through this process.

So, when NCC decided that it was going to hold the 2.3GHz spectrum licence issuance,

it was probably very easy to settle for auction process given the success its earlier use had yielded. There was little, if any, opposition to the plan by the industry regulator.

However, when the list of firms shortlisted for the final phase of 2.GHz licence came out with Globacom and little

known Bitflux emerging as final bidders, questions began to emerge as to the desirability and suitability of awarding this licence using an auction model.

It appeared to many industry watchers that a winner for the licence had already be determined given the pedigree and financial capacity of the two finalists.

The feeling was that were that considering Globacom’s huge financial capability, it would easily outbid Bitflux, a consortium of three local companies, in the final round of the auction for the 2.3GHz license.

According to President, Telecom Answer Associates, Mr. Titi Omo-Ettu, the battle between two shortlisted firms in the final phase of the auction process placed like a straight fight between a Goliath and a David if all that stands between them in the race is a deep pocket. He, however, added that if other factors such as the innovativeness and ability to provide more impactful service was concerned, then probably a better approach should have been sought.

“The final phase of the auction process placed like a straight fight between a Goliath and a David if all that stands between them in the race is a deep pocket. In this particular case, the David has already demonstrated promise and prospect for service that can truly promote development while the Goliath also shows promise but has held on to a fat licence without rolling out any fixed services in eight years of service provision.

“It can only be a sentimental argument at this stage that here is one bad example of how CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

MTN selects Ericsson for managed services

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ricsson has signed a five-year managed services agreement with MTN, a leading telecommunications company with presence in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East, for its Nigeria operations.

According to details made available to our correspondent, under the contract, Ericsson will assume full responsibility of the management, optimisation and field maintenance of MTN's network infrastructure in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Asaba, which

represents 75% of the network.

MTN Nigeria is the largest mobile operator in Nigeria and West Africa with over 45 million subscribers.

Managed services is increasingly popular in the telecommunications industry with several operators choosing to adopt the model to cut down on their overhead costs.

With Ericsson taking over the day-to-day operations of the network, MTN will be able to focus more on its core business, providing a superior cus-

tomer experience across all its network offerings.

Mr. Michael Ikpoki, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, said: "Leaving the management and maintenance of our infrastructure to Ericsson will allow us to focus more on adding value to the customer experience on our network. We consider this partnership a joint investment in the growth of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria and a great opportunity to strengthen ICT knowledge and specialisation locally."

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TECHTalk it h

Improving telecoms licence issuance in Nigeria

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Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Jonah Iboma

Furthering technology penetration

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ommunications Technology Minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, said at the recent soft launch of her ministry’s ‘Broadband Campaign’ that Nigeria needed about $25billion investment in the next few years to further expand Information Communications Technology infrastructure. According to her, the ministry is working assiduously with all stakeholders in the sector to ensure that the National Broadband Plan (2013-2018) is fully achieved, especially with broadband penetration in the country currently standing at between 6 percent and 7 percent, The plan by the minister is good example of how government should clearly state its objectives and goals in the quest towards achieving national development.

For a sector that has been performing excellently in the past decade, the intended plan by the communication technology ministry is a welcome development, which if achieved would further enhance technology growth in Nigeria. Despite the fact that Nigerian has achieved a lot in terms of mobile phone penetration and use, there are obvious areas that still need a lot of investment.

For instance, fixed lines are still few in the country while optic fibre coverage is far below what is expected.

The continued dependence on mobile phones for almost all communications need in the country should not be allowed to continue. It is the lack or limited investment in the sector over the years that has stalled the quick expansion of fixed services when the telecoms revolution started in Nigeria. The cost required to provide such services, is quite high and government has to be very tactful to achieve this objective.

But it is noteworthy to state that the minister fully understands the need for collaboration between the various arms of government and how this can fast-track the process towards achieving the laudable goals set for the country.

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BUSINESS | ICT

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Facebook, GSMA to tackle Telecoms connectivity in developing markets licence INTERNET GSM Association and Facebook seek ways to make mobile devices more affordable

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he telecommunications industry continued its courtship of internet services firms at the Mobile World Congress holding in Barcelona this week, where industry association the GSMA unveiled a joint initiative with Facebook.

Facebook chief, Mark Zuckerberg, delivered a keynote speech on the opening day of Mobile World Congress and announced a GSMA-backed initiative to improve connectivity in developing regions of the world. The collaboration will operate via Facebook’s Internet.org initiative and will focus on reducing the total cost of ownership of mobile devices.

The activities undertaken by the GSMA and Facebook will entail working with governments in developing markets to address key factors that have an impact on affordability and availability. The partnership will focus on creating a sustainable environment to incentivise mobile infrastructure investment and usage, as

well as eliminating or reducing existing mobile-specific taxation or refraining from imposing new such tax regimes, the companies said.

Findings of a recent Facebook report suggest that if developing countries could bridge the gap in Internet penetration to reach levels that developed economies enjoy today, they would experience large increases in GDP growth and productivity and improvements in health conditions and education opportunities,

providing a clear potential to reduce poverty and promote long-term economic and social development.

“While there are nearly 7 billion mobile connections worldwide, there are only 3.4 billion people that currently have mobile phones,” said Tom Phillips, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA. “Mobile will offer many around the world, particularly in emerging markets, their only access to the Internet and the information and communications services it enables.”

Elliot Schrage, Vice President, Communications and Public Policy, Facebook said that the firm launched the Internet.org initiative in 2013 as its contribution to addressing the challenge of ensuring everyone has affordable access to the internet.

“Mobile operators are key to meeting this challenge and we are pleased to be able to work with GSMA on making sure that mobile Internet can be delivered in a sustainable and affordable way,” he said.

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Peter Igho; Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah; Chief Executive Officer, VDT Telecommunications Limited, Mr. Biodun Omoniyi and CEO, Superflux, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, during the 2.3GHz frequency auction in Abuja.

Airtel CEO encourages states to emulate Lagos infrastructure development

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he Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, has called on various states of the federation to the example of Lagos State which recently signed a pact on installation, roll-out and deployment of telecommunications infrastructure with the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology and Association of Licenced Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).

The Airtel boss who made the call while fielding questions during a recent media chat in Lagos said the landmark agreement was long overdue in the face of the pressing need for improvement in quality of service.

He said, “The Lagos State Government has demonstrated the willingness and readiness to support Telecoms opera-

tors in the quest for optimized Quality of Service and it is such collaboration that yields maximum results for the benefit of all stakeholders. Lagos can be the perfect example of collaboration for others to emulate; if they can take a cue from Lagos State and support the operators to service the consumers,that would be good for the operators, the industry, our customers and Government itself.”

Ogunsanya commended Lagos state for pact adding that the development would pave way for more collaboration, while adding that it would be reciprocated with improved quality of service.

He said, “I am happy about what has happened. We are going to reciprocate the good gesture with additional services.”

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) would enable the installation, rollout and deployment of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and Fibre Optic Cables (FOC) in Lagos State without constraints or hiccups usually bothering on Right of Way (RoW) as well as multiple taxation, frequent fibre cut and vandalism.

Ogunsanya allayed fears of loss of jobs following moves by telecoms operators to sell off tower sites. According to him, the exercise would better position the operators for desired quality of service.

“It is the global trend to sell off towers, and the operators here are not exempted from this. It is not outsourcing. What we are looking at is to allow operators concentrate on their core competences and allow

those who are better equipped professionally to manage the towers. The telecoms business eco-system is growing a wide value-chain with Nigerians at the epicenter.

So more jobs would be created rather than lost, given that the new owners will definitely like to grow their businesses,” he said.

He hinted on on-going talks between Airtel Nigeria and some power distribution companies in a bid to address the challenge of power supply.

“We have been contacted over a possible collaboration on power optimization. We are very much interested in working out something. We want to make sure the value we get from this cooperation is translated to improved quality of service”.

issuance

CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

a beauty contest option of resource allocation, where what counts is the prospect of building a better industry, floors the more popular and easy-to-administer Auctioning Process where cash to the nation is the preferred objective.”

Obviously, the feeling expressed by experts was that the two competing firms: Globacom Ltd and Bitflux Communications Ltd were similar only in their thirst for the 2.3 GHz spectrum and dissimilar in all other respects. Many people expected that the auction would lead to Globacom’s emergence as winner and felt that given its pedigree of not having fully utilised its previous licences, getting the 2.3GHz could be bad for the country.

“Globacom has held an SNO license for eight years without providing fixed services which the nation yearns for to count as a truly developing market. Surprisingly, the regulator has not considered it necessary to push it in this direction beyond occasional rhetoric that fixed wired services would improve. You wonder if things get improved by mere wishes and ordinary talks. The truth is that the industry has been boxed to a corner for reasons which sum up to a google search for vision for a developed market,” said a leading industry watcher.

So when the results was finally announced and it emerged that Globacom had lost, industry watchers heaved a sigh of relief.

One of such is the President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Lanre Ajayi, who thanked NCC that the process was transparent and ended quite well. Others believed that Globacom allowed itself to be defeated in order not to be perceived negatively in the telecommunication industry and that the firm probably tactically pulled out of the race clear that other big players had little interest in the 2.3GHz spectrum auction.

However, it is clear that opposition against the use of auctioning process for license issuance could mount in subsequent exercises.

BUSINESS | ICT

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

37

Smartphone users’ll jump to 1.75bn –Report

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bout a quarter of the World’s total population is expected to be using smartphones by the end of 2014, a report by eMarketer has stated.

The technology products marketing research firm also stated that it expects that there will be as many as 4.55 billion people worldwide using mobile phones by the end of the year.

It also noted that although in many advanced countries there has been a slowing down in the adoption of mobile devices, new users in the developing regions of the world will fuel further growth in the use of such devices. “eMarketer expects 4.55 billion people worldwide to use a mobile phone in 2014. Mobile adoption is slowing, but new users in the developing regions of Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa will drive further increases.

“Between 2013 and 2017, mobile phone penetration will rise from 61.1% to 69.4% of the global population,” according to a new eMarketer report titled, ‘Worldwide Mobile Phone Users: H1 2014 Forecast and Comparative Estimates.

It added that the global smartphone audience surpassed the 1 billion mark in 2012 and will total 1.75 billion in 2014. “eMarketer expects smartphone adoption to continue on a fast-paced trajectory through 2017. Nearly two-fifths of all mobile phone users—close to

one-quarter of the worldwide population—will use a smartphone at least monthly in 2014.

By the end of the forecast period, smartphone penetration among mobile phone users globally will near 50%.

Mobile phone users are rapidly switching over to smartphones as devices become more affordable and 3G and 4G networks advance. Smartphone users currently account for a majority of mobile phone users in 10 of the 22 countries included in our forecast. eMarketer expects this to increase to 16 countries during 2014.

While mobile phone usage is close to ubiquitous in Western Europe, North America, and Central and Eastern Europe, people living in Latin America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa-especially

those in low-income countries with widespread rural populations and vast terrains-will be less likely to own and use a mobile phone or smartphone.

Over 2.23 billion people worldwide, or 48.9% of mobile phone users, will go online via mobile at least monthly in 2014, and over half of the mobile audience will use the mobile internet next year. Mobile data network expansion, especially in areas outside of urban centers in emerging markets with rising middle classes and the adoption of smartphones and feature phones with internet capabilities, will fuel growth of the mobile phone internet consumer base. We estimate that the total number of mobile phone internet users will rise 16.5% in 2014 and maintain double-digit growth.

Nokia launches Android smartphones

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andset maker, Nokia, has launched a family of smartphones that run Android applications and are targeted at emerging markets. The Nokia X will go on sale immediately and will be available in Asia-Pacific, Europe, India, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

Other variants of the phone, the Nokia X+ and Nokia XL, will be launched in the same markets next quarter. The handsets will also support Microsoft services such as Skype, OneDrive and outlook.com.

The Finnish firm, which is being acquired by Microsoft, also unveiled two handsets in the “first smartphone” category, for consumers experiencing the internet for the first time in markets where fixed line connectivity is not prevalent.

The Nokia Asha 230 and Nokia 220 will be available in the same regions as the Nokia

Lenovo smartphones make Nigerian entry

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enovo has for the first time launched its smartphone portfolio in Nigeria, giving consumers in the country the first opportunity in the African continent to get their hands on seven models, including the flagship Vibe X smartphone.

The firm said each of its smartphones is designed with specific customer needs in mind, adding that the portfolio offers a range of carefully considered design innovations and functionality that fits every style, personality and need.

Graham Braum, Lenovo Africa General Manager, said: “With more than 120 million

mobile subscribers, Nigeria represents a strategic market for Lenovo’s smartphone business. Smartphones are fast becoming a primary platform for work, entertainment and social networking for consumers and we are thrilled to announce the launch of our exciting line-up today in Nigeria.

“Innovation is in Lenovo’s DNA; our team strives to deliver ground-breaking devices with distinct, elegant design.

Today’s launch marks the first time customers in Nigeria can purchase Lenovo smartphones locally and we are excited to see the market’s reaction.”

He added that given IDC While Lenovo is one of the forecasts that smartphone top five smartphone vendors shipments worldwide could globally and the second in reach 1.5 billion by 2017, China, according to IDC, it emerging markets like Nige- continues to protect its Perria are expected to dominate sonal Computers business, such shipment. rapidly scaling innovation to “Smartphone penetra- attack smartphone and tablet tion in Nigeria is one of the markets to become a PC Plus highest in the world,” Braum leader. added.

“Our goal is to be one of the top five smartphone vendors in Nigeria in the very near future. We believe this is a reality as our product range caters for a wide variety of individual needs and we have partnered with the best in the industry to help us achieve Lenovo VibeX our goal.”

X family.

Principal Analyst at research firm Ovum, Tony Cripps, said that while it is premature to label the Nokia X a game changer, it “definitely shakes up an industry that has become fixated on incremental advances and smart accessories as growth drivers of hardware sales, largely at the expense of further ecosystem development.”

He predicts that Nokia’s strong presence in emerging markets will be a driver for sales in the regions it is targeting with the devices, and will force competitors to step up their efforts in those markets.

The devices are likely to be welcomed by consumers and developers alike, he said, adding that they are also likely to evoke a response from Google, particularly in developing markets.

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BUSINESS | INDUSTRY

POLITICAL WILL Nigeria needs the political will to make things work Siaka Momoh

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Industrial Revolution: Another policy somersault?

I

f anything, Nigeria has become popular for policy somersault. The nation has become so guilty of it that each time the nation’s minders come up with one, many are not moved and so will not cheer.

Arguments Shuaibu Idris, a financial expert and former deputy managing director of Dangote Sugar Plc, noted that the problem is not lack of policy, but the non-existent of the political will to execute policies.

He argued: “By the way, is Nigeria ever short of policy documents on anything? What happened to vision 2010 document? Was there no Industrialisation Policy in it? What happened to the NEEDS document? What happened to the Vision 2020 document? Can we stop deceiving ourselves and get cracking? What we sincerely and urgently need is to create a conducive environment to attract investments. Basic infrastructure is not available!

How can any policy attract or expand our manufacturing base? What is wrong with our tax incentive regime? What is wrong with the pioneer status scheme? What is wrong with our export expansion scheme?

And what is wrong with our capital allowance scheme?

How effective are these policies? Why are they not effective if we are not achieving the desired results?”

Also, Akin Olusuyi, CEO, Cocoa Products (Ileluji) Limited, spoke in the same vein.

He said: “This, as usual, is

knowledge of the resources that will change the society in the 21st century - biotechnology and third generation industrialisation.”

Policy somersault? No

a well-articulated policy document. We do well in this area; the challenge has always been policy sustainability and the answer to this is simple: build institutions to drive policies rather than weaving our policies around individuals. If this is done and the infrastructure environment is created, we can be rest assured that this plan will bring the desired transformation.”

And for Horace Cambell, professor of African American Studies and Political Science at Syracuse University in New York and professor of International Relations at Ts-

inghua University in Beijing, China, it is always important to develop a plan for industrialisation. “We need industrialisation in Africa and Nigeria will be a driving force for the unification and political independence of Africa. However, we have to strategically learn from other societies, strategise in relation to the changing dynamics in the places that can support the industrialisation that we want and build a political constituency for this industrialisation. The plan cannot be an economic plan only. It will have to be economic, social and political. From what

we have seen of the Chinese industrialisation over the past 40 years, there must be the political will to carry this through.”

For him, one of the many questions that we have to ask is what will be the nature of the kind of industrial transformation that can propel the transformation of African economies, in this case the Nigerian economy.

He said: “Nigeria has one major asset and that is a young, dynamic work force.

Hence transformation and industrialisation must dynamise this demographic asset. This will begin with the skills and

Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals The Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited (IEPL) is a major partner in realising the national industrial plan, according to Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, head of Corporate Communications and special adviser to the managing director of the company.

The company, he said, is committed to its goal of building the largest petrochemicals hub of Africa in Nigeria by 2017. “This goal is in line with the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) which indeed has mentioned Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited as a major partner in realising the national plan.

“We are greatly involved in the petrochemicals’ sector for which our products, polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, among others, are servicing over 200 plastic companies in the country. We are also building a world-class fertilizer plant at the cost of $1.2 billion, with capacity for 1.4 million metric tons of fertilizers which will boost the agricultural sector with high quality fertilizers, improve crop yields and enhance food security in the country. IEPL is very passionate about our investments in both the petrochemicals and agri-business sectors for the accelerated transformation CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

Lagos Chamber to FG: Address lapses in economy Siaka Momoh

I

n furtherance of its advocacy role in the country, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the Federal Government to address some issues that are pain in the neck for concerned industry stakeholders and the citizenry.

Reviewing recent development at its first council meeting in Lagos under the chairmanship of its president, Alhaji Remi Bello, the Lagos Chamber expressed concern over the avoidable tension in the polity and the adverse implications for

investors’ confidence.

Council stressed the significance of the credibility and independence of the key institutions driving the electoral process and the political transition programme - INEC, the Nigeria Police Force and the judiciary.

The Chamber reiterated that the integrity of these institutions is critical to the realisation of a credible political transition and stable polity. Council also urged all the actors in the political space to refrain from extreme partisan dispositions that could undermine the progress and stability of the Nigerian economy.

The LCCI council reviewed the progress on the 2014 federal budget and expressed concern over the prospects of long delays in the passage of the budget. It argued that such delay has the following consequences for the economy: Escalation of uncertainty in the economy; Delays in delivery of infrastructure projects which has profound impact on productivity in the economy; Delays in payment of contractors of government projects and risk to contractual agreements on various government projects.

It therefore called on the National Assembly to accelerate

the consideration of the 2014 budget, without compromising the quality of its deliberations and scrutiny of the budget.

The LCCI council expressed concern over the delay in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). It noted that “this continued delay is negatively impacting on investment in the oil and gas sector with adverse implications for the economy.

The oil and gas sector has one of the greatest potentials for the attraction of foreign direct investment. But the continued policy uncertainty has resulted in stagnation of investment in

the sector.”

The Council noted with concern the persistent challenges in the trade facilitation processes at the nation’s ports and its implications for the cost of doing business in Nigeria. According to the council, “most often, importers are compelled to pay huge demurrage for delays which were not of their own making. There have been reports of delays arising from the shipping companies, terminal operators and the Nigeria Customs Service. Invariably, the importers are compelled to pay for these short comings.

business | INDUSTRY

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Taiwan tops global innovation

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

of Nigerian economy.”

De-industrialisation of Nigeria True, we have had series of policies in the past that got short-circuited. Policy inconsistencies have been responsible for the de-industrialisation of Nigeria. We have witnessed the demise of Michelin and Dunlop due to government’s punitive policies. We have watched the open onslaught on Nigerian farmers as typified by unfavourable government policies on agricultural commodities like cassava and palm oil.

Textile industry’s sad case Policy inconsistencies killed our textile industry. Now that the number of textile plants have largely thinned out, we now depend almost wholly on the outside world for our clothing needs. Studies carried out on small scale traders in Nigeria by analysts show that we spend a minimum of about $158.4 annually on importation of fabrics and textiles from Dubai alone.

Investigation has revealed that some local plants engaged in the manufacture of foundry products have shut down and some are on the verge of being shut down as Chinese and Taiwanese manufactured foundry products flood Nigerian market unchecked.

The plan It is good news that we now have a Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) which constitutes the nation’s first strategic, comprehensive and integrated roadmap to industrialisation. The plan focuses on developing sectors, where Nigeria has a natural comparative advantage and creating an enabling environment through reducing the current major barriers to development.

The sectors identified as priority are agri-business, solid minerals and oil and gas.

The enablers targeted by NIRP are financing, skills development, innovation, infrastructure, business environment, enforcement of adherence to standards and increased local patronage.

The completed first phase of NIRP focused on delivering an actionable plan specifically for six sub-sectors within the priority sectors: palm oil, textiles, basic metals, automotive, base petrochemicals and plastics and rubber subsectors. Also, a deep dive has been completed on financing

39

I

Enough of this art

Another policy somersault? and skills development as priority enablers.

We are told that Nigeria has undergone several strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating industrial development in the past and that what makes the NIRP different from previous efforts is that it constitutes the first targeted effort to develop an industrialisation roadmap that is simultaneously strategic, comprehensive and integrated in nature.

The NIRP’s objective The NIRP’s objective, according to the plan, is two-fold: a) to increase industry’s contribution to GDP, job creation and the trade balance, and b) to create a competitive advantage for the country.

The plan is meant to support Nigeria’s industrial growth and competitiveness by focusing on sectors where Nigeria has a comparative advantage, and providing solutions focused at removing the major barriers to industrial development through a set of critical enablers.

Sectors with comparative advantage

The plan proposes to develop three key sectors that already possess a clear comparative advantage such as rich natural resources, existing skills and a competitive cost base. These strategic sectors are also ripe for rapid ramp-up and involve highvalue additive eco-systems that supply and feed from productive output. These sectors are agri-business, solid minerals, oil and gas.

The fear No doubt, the plan is beautiful, on paper though. It is however challenging and the benefit of hindsight instills fear in one, fear that this plan may go the same way other plans went in the past.

It is not that one is unnecessarily pessimistic. We can do it, but we need the discipline and the political will to do it.

And from experience, we all know that the political will is a scarce commodity in Nigeria.

N10 bn investments in palm oil Take this: The N10 billion that private developers have invested in the Nigerian palm oil industry in the last seven or eight years is currently be-

No doubt, the plan is beautiful, on paper though. It is however challenging and the benefit of hindsight instills fear in one, fear that this plan may go the same way other plans went in the past

ing threatened by the Federal Government’s unbanning of importation of palm oil into the country, investigation has revealed.

Records made available by the Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria (POFON) confirm this. The private developers include Okomu Oil Plc, A & Hatman Limited, Presco Plc and Real Oil Palm.

It would be recalled that in 2003, when as a result of the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on Vegetable Oil, the Federal Government concluded that the only way an enabling environment would be created for an uninhibited local and foreign investment of the private sector in oil palm development was to have a moratorium on the influx of cheap vegetable oil or their substitutes to the country. It was generally envisaged then that a period of 10 years would be needed from the first plantings beginning from 2003 to 2013 for an economic yield to be attained. Investigation conducted recently revealed that none of the farms developed since then has attained this age. As it is now, some five or six more years would be needed for the first field planted since then to have attained this stage of development.

One thing is clear from the arguments that have been advanced here: the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan needs political will to make it work.

n global innovation race, Taiwan tops in patents, Israel leads in R&D South Korea may have bragging rights as the all-around most innovative country in the world, but when you look at the individual factors that were weighed, other nations came out on top.

In determining who was the most innovative, Bloomberg Rankings evaluated over 200 countries and sovereign regions based on seven factors, such as R&D expenditure, the percentage of public hightech companies and patent activity. While South Korea’s total score was the highest, the Asian nation actually wasn’t the leader in any of these categories.

Here are the winners in each of the innovation factors: R&D Intensity: Israel While the country ranked 30th overall, it was first in this factor, which analysed research and development expenditure as a percentage of the nation’s GDP. In second place is Finland.

Productivity: Luxembourg The nation ranked as the 21st most innovative country, but nabbed the top spot in productivity, which measured the GDP per employed person age 15 and over. Norway came next.

High-Tech Density: United States The U.S., which placed 3rd overall, was the leader in the number of high-tech public companies as a percentage of all publicly listed companies.

Taiwan came in at No. 2.

Researcher Concentration: Iceland The nation’s overall rank was 33rd, but Iceland took first place in the number of professionals, including Ph.D. students, engaged in R&D per 1 million people. Finland took second place in this factor, too.

Manufacturing Capability: China Well, of course, the Asian giant ranked 25th in terms of overall innovation, but was the leader in this category, which looked at manufacturing value added as a percentage of GDP and as a share of the world total of manufacturing value added. No. 2 was South Korea.

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BUSINESS | ENTREPRENEURSHIP/SMALL BUSINESS

HIDDEN TREASURE Laundry starch is one product that can lift you out of poverty Don Abraham

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Laundry starch production: An unmilked cash cow

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his write-up focuses on the production, packaging and marketing of laundry starch using the already processed cold-water soluble cassava starch as the major raw material input.

Others are borax, common salt, gum arabic and stearic acid. The industrial starch obtained from processors is modified or gelatinised to produce the cold-water soluble starch that is used in this production process. Where a starch production plant already exists, the manufacturer stands an advantage of not having to buy starch from other sources.

The stearic acid makes the cloth being ironed lustrous while the common salt facilitates the ironing process and preserves the packaged starch for some time. Borax also performs these two functions.

All of these raw materials are obtainable from our local markets. The packaging materials are the 500gm or bigger cardboard cartons.

In these days when there is resurgence of native dresswearing consciousness, fashionable ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls love adoring themselves in crisp, glossy and starch-stiffened dresses. These are exactly the three characteristics given to ‘adire’, cotton, caftan, brocade etc. when they are treated with the type of starch being highlighted here – high gloss, crispness and stiffness – and of course the ease of ironing.

According to recent market survey, most of the laundry starches being sold in the country are industrial than the laundry starch. The result is that the ironed clothes scarcely have lustre. Besides, such starch makes ironing difficult and the ironed cloth fluffy, hence the need to use the right raw materials which should be properly treated, measured out in the proper proportions and thoroughly blended before they are packaged for sale as laundry starch.

Market considerations There are many established laundry houses and companies that would be interested in quality starch. They will keep this not only for their daily use but also as strategic stock reserve since there are

Product begging for investment

the market research dictates.

This depends on the target market segment the entrepreneur is producing for. The finished laundry starch packets are then packaged in bigger cardboard cartons ready for delivery.

Laundry starch packaging can be established both in rural or urban areas and indeed anywhere in the country since cassava is cultivated in all the states of the federation. frequent stock-outs as a result of the present few laundry starch producers not meeting their demand. This stock-out problem has led to price fluctuations, disappointments to users and loss of business opportunities and profit. Also individuals and households need large quantities of laundry starch.

The produced laundry starch can also be sold through well-organised and co-ordinated network of national distributors, dealers and agents.

Approaches to major supermarkets, departmental stores and other retail outlets will yield a good result. There is also a great export potential in West African, Central and East African countries if trade inquiries and follow-up moves are well implemented. So, any producer who is able to push good quality laundry starch

Location Laundry starch packaging can be established both in rural or urban areas and indeed anywhere in the country since cassava is cultivated in all the states of the federation.

One of the products manufactured by Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos.

into the market with good marketing strategy will surely reap great financial rewards for a very long time to come.

Other factors that positively influence the continued demand for laundry starch are the increasing fashion consciousness of the citizenry, the increase in standard of living, the national awareness being created concerning the various advantages of processing cassava and its by-products into many food products and raw materials and the increasing population.

Plant and machinery The relevant machines needed to package laundry starch are blending machine, packaging machine, weighing machine and other relevant accessories. All of the above are locally available at affordable

prices.

Production process The various quantities of the raw materials at predetermined standard proportions are put into the blending machine where they are thoroughly mixed. This is a very important stage since it is not easy to attain homogeneity without great care. To obtain the best quality that will be acceptable to users, gum arabic lumps should be dried and ground before being added. In the same manner, the entrepreneur should ensure that stearic acid is not in small particles. At the end of the blending exercise, the homogenised starch is weighed out and packed in 500g or other packets as the demand established during

Financial considerations Laundry starch production can be embarked upon either on a cottage, small scale and medium scale.

The financial involvement is made up of the costs of factory space requirement, the plant and machinery, preoperating and preliminary expenses, utilities, working capital, contingency provision and other necessary fixed assets. The total cost will depend on the scale of operation to be chosen by the entrepreneur. The bigger the size, the bigger the financial involvement. Before this choice is made, investors are advised to contact experts in the various areas mentioned above for guidance and assistance before packaging a comprehensive and bankable feasibility report which is an essential pre-requisite for sourcing funds and before implementing the project.

business |TRADE MATTERS

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

41

How to facilitate trade on ECOWAS corridor BARRIER Many unapproved and unauthorised check points create trade hindrances within the West African sub-region Chinyemike Torti

E

ngaging in cross-border business along the ECOWAS sub-region could, at the best of times, be a pain in the neck for entrepreneurs who are not savvy with the rough and tumble of doing things. The challenges of physical movements of persons, goods and services on the Lagos-CotonouLome-Accra-Abidjan corridor is a veritable combat against frustrating and bureaucratic delays, extortions, intimidation, illegal levies, unharmonised customs traffic codes and wild cat physio-sanitary and health requirements. All these and many others, in a broad sense, constitute Non-Traffics Barriers (NTB’s) which are main hindrances to regional and international trade in the West African sub-region.

Examples of NTBs are legion, but a few examples would do. Between Mile 2 bus stop on the Lagos-Badagry expressway and Seme border, you could on a good day be confronted with sixty checkpoints manned by all manners of uniformed and plain clothes security agents bristling with state-of-art assault rifles, in ambush for vehicles laden with haberdashery and tradeable goods.

After escaping Seme town, do not chant the Halleluyah chorus yet, because the bellicose looking French gendarmes in Benin Republic make the Nigerian “MOPOL” look like boy scouts. Not too long ago, on my way to attend a trade fair in Burkina Faso, our vehicle was stopped several times between the towns of Pouri, Modi, Koalou, Porga, Nadiagou along the Cotonou-Ouagadougu highway

by Gendarmes reeking with hostility and will not let you go without collecting bribes of twenty thousand CFA from each passenger. At the Burkina Faso border point, we spent four hours processing duties and taxes to be paid, through a procedure devoid of transparency, uniformity and harmony.

I observed that a particular trader with a bag containing 100 kilogramme of spare parts was levied almost the same amount of duty with other merchants

Cargo being checked at the border

conveying soap detergents of equivalent weight category.

When we sought for clarification on the tax code that was applied, the heavens were let loose as they reworked the tariff upscale arbitrarily and that was it. After seventeen hours of nerve chilling aggravation, we finally arrived Ouagadougou thoroughly subdued, exhausted and disoriented. My feet were swollen and had to see a physician. Am not too sure, many will be in a hurry to pay a return visit by that road.

8-way ECOWAS advocacy scheme Much has been said about the linkages between trade; development and poverty reduction. The logic is simple; pro trade SME’s have a social function of absorbing labour into the country’s economy. We must institute an eight way ECOWAS advocacy scheme.

First: Strengthening the private sector’s capacity to engage in policy formulation and monitoring. Second - Improving inter-African trade and investment with particular attention on non--tariff barriers and trade taxes and Third: Feasibility of setting up a non-contentious disputes resolution mechanism - within ECOWAS and between ECOWAS and the EU. Four: Joint Border Control posts which will simultaneously control inspection of goods, reduce the congestion, delays extortion, among others.

Five: ECOWAS Inter State Road Transit Scheme (ISRT) - which is some kind of authorised, trusted and certified transports/traders scheme that guarantees that vehicles laden with export wares do not get tampered until they get to their

destinations. PLAN five advocates the setting up of a mobile joint patrol units consisting of NGO’s, private sector representative, a lawyer, and ECOWAS official and a country representative.

The sixth plan is the adoption of an effective problem solving platform known as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The benefits of ADR to the trader are to enable disputes across the region to be settled quickly and affordably too, free from the public view, creating an avenue to protect and improve business relations. It would complement existing court procedures by

fast-tracking litigation.

Above all a unified regional ADR voice will build investor confidence.

Plan 7 hinges in the domain of governance and trade laws.

There should be a better harmonisation and simplification of sanitary and phytosanitary policies, standards, competition rules, customs procedures into a single window. The private sector is central to the seventh plan which calls for training, capacity development and an increased interaction between the public and private.

Lastly is plan eight which is about ECOWAS highway in-

frastructure which proposes a reconstruction and dualisation of the road corridor, with solar-powered lighting. Allied to this is a continental railway network, waterway, continental power grid, gas and oil pipeline and ICT. The over girding motive force, stringing these plans, is the eventual economic integration of the sub region which will benefit ECOWAS in more ways than one. According to NEPAD, the sub region will rake in increased trade of an estimated $250 billion (two hundred and fifty billion dollars) i.e. from the current 2% share of world trade to 10%.

A spin-off from the plan will result in a greater flow of investment capital across the region.

For instance, 20 excessively liquid and well capitalised Nigerian banks are expanding all over West Africa and Africa lately.

In Ghana alone over USD 600 million have been injected there

by Nigerian investors. It is expected that a bigger and wider market, would extend a value and supply chain improve competitiveness, collaborations that would strengthen export capacity.

CHINYEMIKE TORTI E-mail: exportgazette@gmail.com, tortichinyemike@gmail.com

Assembling of Peugeot vehicles to re-commence in June –PAN CEO Siaka Momoh

T

he Peugeot Automobile Nigeria Limited which has been moribund since the last decade will commence operation

by June this year, the company’s CEO, Ibrahim Boyi, said in Lagos on Tuesday, at the unveiling of Peugeot brand of vehicles.

This is coming on the heels of the recently launched Automobile Development Plan.

Said Boyi: “The recently unveiled Auto Development Plan is designed to restart the local auto assembly plants and local components manufacturers.

PAN and Peugeot France have keyed into the policy and I am glad to announce that assembly of Peugeot vehicles at our Kaduna plant will re-start in June this year.”

Boyi said, “PAN is conscious of the strong emotive streak running through our customers

with regard to the brand experience. We, our parents or grandparents at one point or another have had a PEUGEOT car. It is our intention to relive that experience for the benefit of the next generation.”

He added that Peugeot vehicles have evolved to meet the modern customer’s requirements in terms of beauty, brains and frills, while retaining the key value of the brand in reliability, performance, safety and emotion. Peugeot, according to him, has achieved a new high in economy of ownership of its vehicles.

“These are embodied in higher fuel efficiency, longer service periods, fewer replacement parts and precise repair technology.”

In a bid to strengthen the technical and commercial agreement renewed with AP France last year, the management of PAN earlier received a team of auto manufacturing experts

from AP France who came in to inspect the company’s facilities in readiness for the production of Peugeot 301 and 508 vehicles scheduled for the second quarter of 2014.

Unstable government policies, inadequate tariff protection for local assembly plants, global financial meltdown and weak management in different degrees affected the fortunes of PAN Nigeria ltd in the last decade.

Car Sales Quantity and Turnover declined from 11,768 vehicles and N31.75b in 2007 to 659 vehicles and N1.96b in 2013 respectively. Direct employees of the Company were reduced to 230 from 1,120 over the last decade, while dealership networks and service centers along with over 70 local auto component manufactures were all decimated. The agreement with Peugeot France was also suspended in 2010.

42

FEATURES

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ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES EDITOR

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

Kano and the war against child rape

Kwankwaso

Jibril

Despite efforts of the Kano State Government, sexual abuse of minors is on the increase, reports Ummalfadal Babagirei

S

exual abuse of minors is regarded as the highest form of animalistic behaviour, because it results in physical, psychological, emotional and social trauma.

Usually, it leaves a long-term psychological scar in addition to the medical implication of such act.

The sexual abuse of children has been on the increase in Kano State in recent times.

Facts and figures released by the Commissioner for Justice, Alhaji Maliki Kuliya Umar, show that the state recorded about 100 rape cases between November and December 2013.

Although rape is on the increase all over the world, the figure recorded within just two months in Kano State, according to many people, calls for serious concern. The concern is not just because it is rape, but because of the age of the victims.

When asked what could be encouraging of rape in the state, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Binta Tijjani Jibril, attributed it to the high level of moral decadence across the world.

Jibril, however, pointed out that cases of rape are not peculiar to Kano State, stressing that it is a global phenomenon. According to her, the reason the figure seems to be high is because the state government is all out to fight the social vice head on.

She said: “This has led to more people reporting such cases to us in confidence.”

Insisting that rape cases are occurring in Europe, United States, United

Kingdom, Asia and other parts of the world, the commissioner pointed out that the difference is that the administration of Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso was trying to eliminate the act in the state. She said: “We were able to record that figure because of the sensitisation done by the government to curb such act.

“The statistics that we see is as a result of the fact that people are coming out to seek assistance and justice.

“Women used to be afraid of the stigma, afraid of molestation or coming out but now they do not hesitate to report. It is disheartening to acknowledge that sexual abuse of children is done daily and globally.”

The victims, according to the commissioner, are mostly underage girls.

Jibril said she had seen a case of a six-year-old girl who was raped and consequently suffered from Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF).

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Magaji Majiya Musa, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), also confirmed that cases of rape in the state are on the increase.

He said: “While we are doing all we can to make sure it decreases, we have recorded in the police diaries 80 cases with 82 victims and we were able to arrest 90 suspects who we have charged to court.

“The ages of the victims range from three to 17 as of 2013 and three to 10 years as of 2014.

“As difficult as it is to prove rape in court, is it consoling to know that 44 suspects have been convicted while 142 are awaiting trial in Central Prison.”

Umar

However, one unique feature of the fight against rape in the state is that all cases are being handled by female judges.

“The government is being sentimental about the issue and that is why all cases of rape are being handled by female judges,” a police source said.

But the source disclosed that in his course of duty, he had seen a case where a three-month-old baby was defiled.

For a rape suspect to be convicted there must be concrete evidence.

This, according to the PPRO, is a major challenge the police are facing in successfully prosecuting rape cases.

He said: “First and foremost, people do not report early to the police. Sometimes you discover that parents too do not notice that their children have been abused early enough.

“Secondly, there is mishandling of evidence that will help get positive prosecution in court.”

Musa gave the example of a situation where the victim’s pant had been washed before going to the police.

“We really find it difficult to prove some of the reported cases in court,” he added. Buttressing Musa’s views, the mother of a five-year-old rape vic-

We have recorded in the police diaries 80 cases with 82 victims and we were able to arrest 90 suspects who we have charged to court

tim, told our correspondent that she did not know early that her daughter had been defiled.

She said: “My daughter came to me and said she wanted to ease herself, so I told her to go and do so. When she went, she came back and said she could not ease herself, so I said let us go.

“We got to the bathroom; she still could not ease herself. It took her time before she was able to urinate.

“When she was done, I got some water to clean her up, as I was doing so, I noticed that something was wrong.

So, I took her to the room, got a flashlight and asked her to lie on the bed and open her legs.

“As I was checking her private part, I realised she was trying to close her legs and she was in pain. Then I noticed there was a cut around her private part and it was so red, so I asked her who touched her? She said nobody. I then told her to tell me or else I will not take her to the hospital to get medication.

“That was when she said it was our neighbour who goes by the name Isah Saeed who warned her not to tell anybody. I asked her what time this thing happened and she said it was on her way to school.”

Corroborating the story, the girl said Saeed called her to a shop and inserted his fingers in her private part but warned her not to tell anybody.

The 23-year-old Saeed, who did not deny the allegation, said he had been living in peace with the family but did not know what came over him to abuse the child.

But to tackle rape of minor, the state House of Assembly has enacted a law prohibiting begging, and another one aimed at prohibiting child labour, which exposes children to abuse.

FEATURES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

Sickle cell disorder, though preventable, has brought untold hardship to many individuals while it has ruined many home, reports Camillus Nnaji.

SCD: A life of pains, misery, stigmatisation

I

n one of his unpublished works on sickle cell disorder, the National Coordinator, Health and Longevity, Emmanuel Ibekwe, referred to Nigeria as the “Capital Territory of Sickle Cell Disorder.”

This is corroborated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) which estimated that five million Nigerians are living with sickle cell disorder, HBSS gene. While 150,000 children are born yearly with the trait, 40 million others are carriers of the SC gene.

Given this report, there are concerns that the spread of the disorder is an impending national disaster if not checked.

This probably informed the Bill for an Act to Provide for the Prevention, Control and Management of SCD, championed

by Senators Ifeanyi Okowa, representing Delta North and Nenadi Usman from Kaduna State. It was co-sponsored by 38 other senators. But sadly, the bill is yet to be passed.

Also, stakeholders, including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), medical experts and media executives, converged on the University of Lagos on April 26, 2011, to discuss the plight of SCD sufferers and possible windows for public interventions.

The gathering was aimed at creating a platform for sickle cell carriers’ self-identification.

It was also to provide for an open dialogue on the challenges faced in dealing with the disorder, discuss avenues for effective health management, awareness, support processes and policies by the government, and to afford stakeholders the opportunity to network and form a joint project.

Kemi Adeniyi, a producer with a Lagos-based television, said inability of SCD patients to come out and identify themselves was one of the reasons they were not getting enough attention in the media.

The second, according to Adeniyi, is lack of coordinated packaging, creatively to attract attention. She said: “The media are mostly owned by private individuals and they look for good and sellable contents to awaken

43

Stakeholders during a walk against SCD in Lagos, recently.

commercial interest.”

The founder, Sickle Cell Management Initiative, Miss Toyin Odesola, advised carriers not to accept that they are victims, but brace up and call themselves victors.

“They must be heard and need to be treated with respect too,” she added.

For Miss Bukky Sogbuyi, the founder of Progeny Foundation, to assist those living with SCD, there is a need to do more for them.

She said: “The government should make laws on free treatment for sickle carriers.

But Dr. Jonathan Shawordy, a medical expert, ignorance and poor management have contributed a lot to the burden of sufferers.

This, according to him, gives rise to high mortality rate.

He advised intending couples to know their genotypes.

One of the ways to reduce the number of sufferers, according to the Chairman, Dabma Sickle Cell Foundation, Emmanuel Ibekwe, is for prospective couples to get informed decision and right choices on their genotype compatibility.

He said: “I was actually told after I got married. I realised that SCD is not what you need to dabble into. I have lost a daughter and a brother-in-law to this disorder. What we teach now is about people making the right choices.”

Responses from sickle cell carriers also confirm that ignorance and lack of self-awareness are major contributory factors to the prevalence of the disorder.

This was the case with

28-year-old Leticia Effiong.

She said: “I knew I had crisis in my school days but it relaxed for many years until I became pregnant after my marriage in 2010. Nobody told us about genotype before marriage.

“While my husband was learning to manage my condition during crisis, the only son of my marriage was diagnosed with the disorder at a very early age. That was when I knew of my own condition.

“The realisation threw the family into a series of crises and frequent hospital admissions.

‘Since then, my life became a nightmare; no month passed without my son or I being admitted in the hospital. There was a time both of us were in hospital at the same time for many weeks. There were times about 10 specialists in different fields will take their turn to analyse and treat me.”

According to her, it was not limited to hospital admissions, it created financial crisis in the family.

She said: “All my husband’s resources dried up because of frequent hospital bills and drugs; but his patience broke when our only son died while I was in crisis. After that, my husband started avoiding me; even

I knew I had crisis in my school days but it relaxed for many years until I became pregnant

when I am in crisis, he would leave me and go out. Nothing could be worse; I returned to my parents.”

Kike Adejobi’s case is pathetic because the genotype of her partner before they married was wrongly diagnosed.

She said: “I only discovered when the crisis set in that the man was wrongly diagnosed.

Both of us are AS. I was devastated. If I wasn’t already pregnant then, I would have walked out of the marriage.”

From then, the couple take turns to go in and out of hospitals and when the baby came, her worse fear was confirmed.

She added: “When I had the baby, he was born with the disorder and everything changed for me. My husband started taking it out on me. He would shout without provocation and even beat me up once when I asked if he could help me get my drugs when I was not feeling well.

“Whenever he was in crisis, I would try everything to help but after he picked up, he would ignore me as if I was the cause of his condition.

“The least I expect from him was consideration and care. I wish I had not gone ahead with the marriage.”

The couple lost their only baby in February 2013. Thereafter, the man abandoned Kike to her fate.

The 31-year-old native of Ilesha in Osun State is now under the care of a church in Ojodu area of Lagos.

But Adejobi, a salesman who was said to have lost his job as a result of the crisis, could not be traced.

She said: “He just left the

house and never returned; that is my fate because some people made a mistake in his genotype test. Now, I don’t know what to do with my life.”

Oyin David, a laboratory technician, was diagnosed with the sickle cell disorder at an early stage and barely struggled through secondary school with many of the bouts coming while she was in class or during school activities.

She said: “It is difficult to get used to the pain of sickle cell otherwise I would have been immune to it by now, but the pain is new and terrible every time.”

Oyin was introduced to an NGO which rehabilitates and trains SCD sufferers to counsel others and spread the awareness among youths and families.

“I am an SCD awareness worker and counsellor in a team of sufferers who know the pain of passing through crises.

We meet once a month for review and update. We are also given free drugs,” she added.

Her marriage to a fellow laboratory technician, according to her, is a blessing.

However, the couple had to risk a decision whether to have children or not.

She said: “I was warned of more frequent pains and crisis if I got pregnant. Specialists said pregnancy triggers higher risk complications like acute chest syndrome, endocrine and metabolic changes and infarction that can worsen during pregnancy, not to talk of fetal complication which is common in pregnant sufferers.”

But once the couple decided to have just one baby, Oyin fell back on her knowledge and training.

She said: “I braced myself and I got pregnant. I had a good supply of folic acid and multivitamins, apart from my regular treatments. Also, I avoided physical exertion and cold while my husband was very helpful and understanding.”

“Though crisis came at the onset, the frequency decreased in the latter months against all predictions. I believe God was on my side. My doctors said it was unusual that I escaped every anticipated complication throughout the pregnancy.

Also, my delivery was quick and safe,” she said.

44

Thursday, February 27, 2014

metro 45

of Truth

bruary 27, 2014

The blocked canal

Alaba Market may be shut over filth Muritala Ayinla

L

agos State government yesterday warned that it may soon shut Alaba International market

over open defecation and conversion of drainage channels to dump sites.

The Special Adviser to Governor on Environment, Dr. Taofeek

Folami, who gave the warning after inspecting blighted spots and drainage channels in Ojo Local Government Area, also said that government would

employer’s N2m jewelry, N132,000 at Plot 212, Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Oladede, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), alleged that Nwaru stole an Indian passport, gold jewellry worth N2 million, $500 (about N82,500) and N50,000 belonging to her employer, Mrs Manjusha Kapur, an Indian.

According to him, the offence violated Section 285 (7) of the

community house. They even flogged the men working.

“They asked me to pay N50,000. I told them I am a civil servant and I don’t have that amount. They later forced me to part with N6,000. My family members are now living in fear.”

The Baale of Sonle, Chief Salau Bakare, said the armed men invaded his house and opened fire at his family members.

He said: “On February 17, about noon, about 50 armed men stormed my compound and said they were

Sonubi

Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Section 285 (7) prescribes seven years’ imprisonment for stealing from an employer.

The accused, however, denied the charge.

The Magistrate, Miss A. Tobi, granted her bail in the sum of N100,000 with a surety in like sum and adjourned the case to March 4 for mention.

in my house to kill me. I told them they could not.

“The hoodlums told me they were from Jajo, a neighbouring community we share boundary with. They also promised to return to kill me.”

But the Baale of JaJo, Chief Samson Ekudebe, said he knew nothing about the invasion.

He said: “I learnt that the armed men took the Toyota Camry car of the Baale of Sonle away. They have been going around collecting money from people building houses and terrorising others.

“We urge the police to come to our rescue to stop this reckless behaviour of these senseless men.”

When contacted, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, said officers from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja, would be despatched to restore peace and order in the community.

He said: “I will direct SARS policemen to go there and arrest any trouble-maker.”

prosecute anyone caught defecating openly in the area.

According to him, serious sanction awaits anyone caught deliberately polluting the environment.

Folami regretted that people engaged in open defecation thereby causing health hazards.

The special adviser, who expressed displeasure over environmental pollution at the Ojo Alaba International Trade Market, said the government might be forced to shut the market, if nothing was done to address the pollution challenges in the market by the stakeholders.

Folami was annoyed that the Alaba International Market drainage channel recently cleared by the government had been filled with refuse, warning that government would not hesitate to shut down the market.

He said: “We will still sensitise them; we are only trying not to take an isolated decision.

As you can see, we are already seeing other challenges here.

“For a market that is sophis-

ticated as this, one will only expect the traders to patronise the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) for their waste disposal but not turning the canal to a dump site.

“What is happening here is a case on non-compliance.”

Responding on behalf of the traders, the Chairman of Ojo Alaba International Trade Centre, Mr Godwin Ibe, appealed to the government to clear the canal and provide necessary support for the traders to maintain the place.

Ibe said the traders had tried their best to reduce pollution in the area but their efforts were frustrated by some hoodlums.

He said: “The security guards employed by the traders to watch over the canal had been beaten on several occasions.

“What you have seen really disturbs us too when it rains heavily. I have sent pictures of the canal with letters urging the government to come to our aid.

We are equally worried by the development.”

FUNNAB accountant arraigned for N14m fraud Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

A

34-year-old accountant, Oluwabukola Banjo, was yesterday arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB) of N14,800,300.

Until the alleged offence in 2012, Banjo was an employee of the university.

She was earlier granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum during the first mention of the case on August 21, 2013.

In the suit number MA/514c, Banjo was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on steal-

ing and fraudulent conversion of money belonging to FUNNAB. According to the police prosecutor, Banji Sangotokun, the offence was contrary to Sections 516 and 383(1), (2) and punishable under Section 390(5) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State 2006.

Sangotokun told the court that five out of nine witnesses in the case were present in the court, adding that he was ready to proceed with the case.

The accused was represented by a counsel, Abdul-Azeez Ajidele, who told the court that his legal team was ready to pursue the case.

During the ar raignment, an Investigating Police Officer, Yusuf Dauda,

from Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos, was in attendance with a statement obtained from the accused during investigation.

But the case could not proceed for hearing yesterday due to the busy schedule of the Magistrate, Anthony Araba.

Araba had said in view of the Law Review Committee meeting he wanted to attend, he might treat only one of the two cases before him which included that of the accused.

He therefore asked the police prosecutor for the two cases to make a choice and the latter chose the other case yet to be called.

The magistrate, thereafter, adjourned the fraud case to April 7 for definite hearing.

Herbalist remanded for manslaughter

A

n Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded a 24-year-old herbalist, Francis Eze, at the Ilesha prison for alleged manslaughter.

The police prosecutor, Sergeant Elisha Olusegun, said the accused on February 9 allegedly sold poison to one Alao Hammed, referring to it as herbal medicine.

Olusegun, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said Hammed, who resides at Ifesowapo quarters in Ile-Ife, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, started to convulse after drinking

the concoction and later died.

He said the offence contravened Section 325 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol.11 Laws of Osun state, 2003.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olusola Aluko, ordered the accused to be remanded at the Ilesha prison and asked his counsel, Mr Taiwo Awokunle, to file a formal bail application.

He adjourned the case to March 31 for mention.

46 business | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

business | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Bears reverse gain on S profit taking

NSE lists benefits of issuers’ portal

BEARISH A bears drove away the bulls from the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday Stories by Chris Ugwu

T

he stock market lost points and returned to red territory following sell pressure on blue chip companies as profit takers regained control of transactions yesterday.

When the closing bell rang, the twin overall market performance gauges, the NSE ASI and market capitalisation, weakened by 0.76 per cent.

Market operators had predicted that the bullish trend would trigger profit-taking and impact

negatively on the stock market.

Specifically, the NSE All-Share Index depreciated by 297 basis points or 0.76 per cent to close at 38,862.87 as against 39,160.10 recorded the previous day.

The market capitalisation of equities equally plummet

by N95 billion or 0.76 per cent to close at N12.483 trillion from N12.578 trillion recorded the previous day.

At the close of trading, 35 stocks appreciated in price during the day as against 25 that depreciated in value.

Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) advanced by 10.16 per cent to close at N9.54 per share. Similarly, Wapic Insurance Company added 9.30 per cent to close at 94 kobo. Drug manufacturing company - May

and Baker, Oil palm processor Presco, Brewery giant - Guinness Nigeria Plc, appreciated by 5 per cent each to close at N2.10, N42.00 and N171.78 respectively while Okomu oil gained 4.98 per cent to close at N40.47.

Reversing yesterday’s gains, shares of leading conglomerates - UACN, depreciated by 8.60 per cent to close at N61.25 a share. Likewise, personal/ household products company Unilever Nigeria Plc and Paint Company, CAP Plc lost 5 per cent each to close at N43.32 and N46.55 respectively. Petroleum marketing company - Forte oil Plc depreciated by 4.99 per cent, to close at N88.40 per share.

Costain West Africa shed 4.85 per cent to close at N1.57 per share.

ubmission of corporate actions with the accompanying financials through the use of Issuers’ Portal introduced early last year, has offered unique benefits to the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) and the listed companies, the Exchange has said.

Ms.Tinuade Awe, Head of the Legal and Regulation Division of the NSE, said the practice, which is made possible by the portal entitled ‘X-Issuer’ has been very effective for the companies listed on the stock exchange.

“This is in line with the bourse’s efforts of aligning with global best practices which entails all listed entities to submit their financial statements as and when due and in submitting the financial statements, the entities are expected to give detailed information especially on corporate actions.

The Issuers’ Portal was formally launched in early 2013 as one of a number of new regulatory initiatives of the NSE developed

47

to permit Issuers to submit their information online, thereby enhancing interaction between the Exchange and listed companies.

“X-Issuer has consistently offered unique benefits of data capture, form submission validation and other ancillary services such as submission notification mechanisms and tracking of submitted information. With this, Issuers are no longer required to submit hard copies of information to The Exchange by post, hand delivery or courier” said Awe. “Because X-Issuer is a secure online portal through which Issuers have been submitting financial and other information to the NSE and the market from the comfort of their offices, it has not only encouraged transparency and accountability but has expedited the discharge of Issuers’ post-listings obligations relating to structured and continuous disclosures. This has eliminated leakage of price sensitive information because of the minimal time between submission by the Issuer and release to the market.”

Anga is Investors Protection Fund’s Vice Chair

T

he board of trustees of Nigeria’s investor protection fund (IPF) has named Lawrence Fubara Anga as its vice chairman.

In a notice obtained by the New Telegraph from the Nigerian stock exchange’s (NSE) website yesterday, the Exchange said Anga was appointed following the board of trustees first meeting of the year held on

January 31, 2014.

Anga is a partner at AELEX, a leading commercial and litigation law firm. He heads the financial services and transportation practice group and also has a strong multi-disciplinary background in law, economics, management and fiscal policy. According to the information, he is qualified to prac-

tice law in Nigeria, England and Wales and in Ghana.

He was a contributor to the chapter on Nigeria for the Harvard securities project and chairman of the CBN SMIES policy guidelines review committee.

Anga is a past chairman of the capital market solicitors association and a member of various ad-hoc committees

established by the ministry of finance and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Also, he was a past member of the presidential policy advisory committee where he was a member of the subcommittee on finance and investment. He appears as counsel before all superior courts of record in Nigeria and Ghana and has acted as

a party appointed arbitrator on several arbitration panels. Anga is a fellow of the chartered institute of taxation.

The IPF was established in line with the provisions of part XIV of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007, (CAP 124, LFN, 2004) with about N625 million in its accounts

48 BUSINESS | MONEY LINE

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Nigeria’s exchange rate strategy faulty, says Rewane Stories by Ayodele Aminu

It is only a matter of time before the CBN loses the currency war and allows the naira to weaken.

Noting that the faulty exchange rate management strategy has led to sustained downward pressure on the value of the local currency, he said:" A self-servicing parallel market has arisen primarily due to the lack of market mechanisms that are transparent and liberalized enough to regulate forex transactions.

"This monetary framework gives rise to a vicious cycle of depreciation with its associated unfavorable consequences, includ-

M

anaging Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismark Rewane, has faulted Nigeria’s current exchange rate management strategy.

He said it allows for substitution of naira for dollar-derived revenue during the monthly payment of statutory allocations and diverts most of the substituted naira into a monopolistic market for foreign exchange.

The expert, who made this known in the latest edition of his monthly economic report, said

ing round-tripping and capital flight, which have deepened the loss of confidence in the naira.”

Besides,, he noted that the above situation is further compounded by an un-constrained parallel market leading to even more devaluation because of the persistently increasing margins between official and parallel exchange rates.

Nigeria's foreign reserves fell to $40.68 billion last Tuesday, down 13.8 per cent year-on-year, according to data from the apex bank.

The reserves stood at $47.18 billion a year earlier and have

fallen 6.5 per cent this year.

The apex bank has been using its foreign exchange (forex) reserves to defend the Naira, which has been under pressure initially from foreign investors selling frontier assets and now from importers, who are taking a bet.

Though the acting CBN governor, Sarah Alade, has reiterated that she will pursue the mon- Acting CBN governor, Dr. Sarah Alade etary policy bias and stance of Sanusi, analysts at FDC believe external reserves level. that in order to achieve such a According to FDC, Nigeria’s feat that is gradually becoming external reserves have depleted insurmountable, the CBN will 15.98 per cent compared with have to sacrifice more of the 2013’s peak of $48.86billion.

UK-based firm places “buy” on UBA shares

L

ondon based Exotix, a frontier market investment banking firm, have placed a ‘buy’ advice on the shares of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, alluding to the bank’s “strong fundamentals, good growth prospects and current attractive valuations.”

The investment firm, according to a statement from the lender, will be joining two other firms (Vetiva Capital and JP Morgan) that had already placed a “buy” recommendation on the shares of UBA Plc.

In recommending UBA shares in their latest Africa Equity Research report published this month, the lender said Exotix noted that “UBA remain one of the banks with the most liquid balance sheet and its profitability is likely to remain resilient in the face of tightening liquidity in the Nigerian financial system. “ Besides, firm said : “UBA’s liquidity position is close to 60% almost twice the regulatory minimum of 30% with cash equivalent holdings contributing more

than a quarter of the balance sheet while loan to deposit ratio at about 40.2% is among the lowest in the Nigerian banking industry.

“UBA’s net interest margins will not decline significantly even if the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increases the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) further.”

Exotix also noted that UBA, with a current capital adequacy ratio of 21.4 per cent, should be able to adopt the higher Basle II capital regulations without the need to raise

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

Description

TTM

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

1.21 2.53 3.22 5.39 7.98 16.47

Tenor (Days) Call 7 30 60 90 180 365

Rate (%) 11.9167 12.3333 12.6667 12.9167 13.2167 13.5000 13.7500

NIBOR

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

FGN Bonds Bid Price 90.20 99.25 104.10 109.35 114.15 76.60

Offer Yield 13.01 13.40 13.47 13.49 13.44 13.59

Price 90.35 99.40 104.40 109.65 114.45 76.90

Tenor (Months) 1 2 3 6 9 12

Rate (%) 12.1827 12.2737 12.3744 12.8521 12.8535 13.8443

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

Bid 12.10 12.10 12.05

FX

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

NITTY

Yield 12.86 13.33 13.35 13.42 13.38 13.53

Money Market Offer 11.85 11.85 11.80 Offer 163.38

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

Rate (%) 11.33 11.63

NIFEX Spot ($/N)

Bid 163.4000

Offer 163.5000 Source: FMDQ

“Explaining the reason for their buy recommendation, analysts at Vetiva Capital, note that UBA has been able to clean its balance sheet reducing nonperforming loans to just 2.1% of its loans portfolio, one of the lowest among the bank’s peers. It raised the bank’s target price from N9.07 previously to N11.09 with an upside potential of 36%.

GTBank autism seminar plans begins

G

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

more capital, reduce dividend payouts or cut growth targets.

In a different report by Nigerian based investment banking firm, Vetiva Capital, released this month, analysts at the firm according to UBA, had also placed a ‘buy’ recommendation on its shares, citing expectations that UBA will outperform the average performance of the banks under its watch list.

uaranty Trust Bank Plc has begun preparations for its 2014 Autism Awareness programme. The initiative, themed “On the road to future inclusion”, according to statement from the lender, will take place from March 22nd to April 2nd, 2014.

Introduced in 2010, this will be the 4th edition of the programme to create awareness and advocate for the requirements of persons living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a neurological condition that presently affects one in every 88 children worldwide according to World research statistics.

Autism Spectrum Disorder as with other developmental challenges arises from insufficient development of a child’s physical, emotional or intellectual capacity. This Disorder, which is largely misunderstood by society makes it difficult for affected children to cope with the everyday demands of their environment and leads to varying stages of social stigmatization.

Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said:” The Institution commenced its Au-

tism Advocacy programme to ensure societal awareness and knowledge about the disorder, highlight the plight and requirements of person’s living with Autism, argue for the establishment of comprehensive and inclusive schools for affected children as well as integrated centers for adults, gather support and lobby for legislation that protects the rights of people living with developmental disabilities, encourage government and private organizations to fund research in Autism and clear up societal myths concerning Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

The highlight of GTBank’s 2014 Autism programme, according to the statement, will be the Awareness Seminar holding on the 31st of March and 1st of April 2014 at the Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos. The seminar, which will be facilitated by International and local nutritionists, psychologists, educationists and medical practitioners will feature sessions on managing people with varying levels of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Members of the public, the lender explained, can attend the seminar for free by registering at its website.

business | CAPITAL MARKET 49

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Daily Summary as of 26/02/2014 Printed 26/02/2014 14:37:45.045

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at February 26, 2014

Daily Summary as of 26/02/2014

Daily Summary (Equities)

Printed 26/02/2014 14:37:45.045

Activity Summary on Board EQTY HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities)

Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals

Symbol OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 41 19 60

Current Price 40.47 42.00

Quantity Traded 1,024,373 254,675 1,279,048

Value Traded 41,173,879.45 10,692,850.00 51,866,729.45

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 18 18

Current Price 3.90

Quantity Traded 694,355 694,355

Value Traded 2,746,591.24 2,746,591.24

1,973,403

54,613,320.69

AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. Daily Summary as of 26/02/2014 S C O 14:37:45.045 A NIG. PLC. Printed 26/02/2014 TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals

78 No. of Deals 5 1 1 212 95 314

Daily Summary (Equities)

Current Price 1.67 1.27 5.32 3.94 61.25

314

Quantity Traded 100,050 1,000 560 35,892,020 2,118,643 38,112,273

Value Traded 163,086.60 1,210.00 2,833.60 142,422,215.28 132,099,860.13 274,689,205.61

38,112,273

274,689,205.61

Activity Summary on Board EQTY

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. Building Construction Totals

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC Computer Based Systems Totals

Page

1

of

14

Value Traded 795.00 795.00

Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. G CAPPA PLC Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Symbol COSTAIN GCAPPA

No. of Deals 39 1 40

Current Price 1.57 14.46

Quantity Traded 1,087,377 1,900 1,089,277

Value Traded 1,730,692.74 26,106.00 1,756,798.74

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 30 30

Current Price 75.00

Quantity Traded 190,447 190,447

Value Traded 13,711,673.80 13,711,673.80

Real Estate Development

Symbol UAC-PROP

No. of Deals 18 18

Current Price 19.99

Quantity Traded 352,091 352,091

Value Traded 7,017,602.60 7,017,602.60

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) Totals

Symbol SKYESHELT

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 100.00

Quantity Traded 50 50

Value Traded 4,750.00 4,750.00

1,632,015

22,491,620.14

Quantity Traded 20,000

Value Traded 10,000.00

Daily SummaryUACN as ofPROPERTY 26/02/2014 DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals Printed 26/02/2014 14:37:45.045

CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts ActivityDN Summary on BoardPLC EQTY TYRE & RUBBER

CONSUMER GOODS Automobiles/Auto Parts Automobiles/Auto Parts Totals

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol DUNLOP

Symbol

90

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 0.50

Page

2

of

No. of Deals Current Price 1

Quantity Traded 20,000

Value Traded 10,000.00

Beverages--Brewers/Distillers GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

Symbol GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW NB

No. of Deals Current Price 44 171.78 21 29.40 1 4.16 141 144.94 207

Quantity Traded 132,558 951,742 1,000 1,992,064 3,077,364

Value Traded 22,690,250.96 28,038,536.41 3,960.00 289,601,570.50 340,334,317.87

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals

Symbol 7UP

No. of Deals Current Price 22 82.64 22

Quantity Traded 26,896 26,896

Value Traded 2,292,508.09 2,292,508.09

No. of Deals Current Price 40 9.50 49 11.65 88 82.50 56 3.73 1 0.50 44 13.20 2 12.45 7 0.56 Daily Summary (Equities) 287

Quantity Traded 490,319 568,645 359,969 2,542,166 150,000 867,892 5,300 64,334 5,048,625

Value Traded 4,661,976.52 6,634,019.44 27,999,353.95 9,647,161.41 75,000.00 11,489,594.40 62,699.00 37,147.04 60,606,951.76

Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC Daily Summary as of 26/02/2014 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC Printed 26/02/2014 14:37:45.045 UNION DICON SALT PLC. U T C NIG. PLC. Food Products Totals

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR MULTITREX NASCON UNIONDICON UTC

No. of Deals 57 112 169

Current Price 86.25 1,071.31

Quantity TradedPage 243,980 215,365 459,345

Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals

Symbol VITAFOAM

No. of Deals 27 27

Current Price 4.11

Quantity Traded 356,022 356,022

Value Traded 1,466,357.58 1,466,357.58

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 58 92 150

Current Price 38.00 43.32

Quantity Traded 380,489 866,697 1,247,186

Value Traded 14,120,424.30 37,686,660.87 51,807,085.17

10,235,438

715,175,811.84

Quantity Traded 13,302,202 20,921,099 497,118 9,529,647 23,618,259 15,633,843 6,600,315

Value Traded 105,308,460.66 140,646,940.73 7,409,871.54 22,124,363.32 588,171,036.75 61,438,159.07 14,493,186.49

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Banking Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

863 Symbol ACCESS DIAMONDBNK ETI FIDELITYBK Daily Summary GUARANTY SKYEBANK STERLNBANK

Symbol UBA UBN UNITYBNK WEMABANK ZENITHBANK

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Pharmaceuticals EVANS MEDICAL PLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 50.00 50.00

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals

Symbol CWG TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 1 1 (Equities) 2

Current Price 5.85 1.97

Quantity Traded 200 20 220

Value Traded 1,112.00 37.60 1,149.60

Symbol CHAMS

No. of Deals 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 4,100,000

Value Traded 2,050,000.00

Symbol ETRANZACT

No. of Deals 1 3

Current Price 2.32

Quantity Traded 3,032 Page 4,103,032

Symbol IHS

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 3.80

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000 4,235,582

2,162,490.52

Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER PAINTCOM PORTPAINT WAPCO

No. of Deals 67 15 14 46 30 4 2 2 32 212

Current Price 18.64 9.87 46.55 9.54 235.00 1.48 2.00 5.77 105.35

Quantity Traded 2,282,308 236,669 69,876 1,341,980 121,868 25,050 2,000 100,000 169,528 4,349,279

Value Traded 41,570,014.66 2,292,546.32 3,257,573.30 12,785,605.84 28,643,175.47 39,990.00 3,800.00 577,000.00 17,850,012.63 107,019,718.22

Symbol CUTIX

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 2.00

Quantity Traded 93,113 93,113

Value Traded 191,854.30 191,854.30

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS

No. of Deals 3 3 6

Current Price 1.63 19.38

Page Quantity Traded 31,122 236,473 267,595

8Value Traded of 14

Symbol NIGROPES

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 7.46

Quantity Traded 20 20

Value Traded 141.80 141.80

4,710,007

111,845,289.92

Daily Summary

ICT Totals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS

AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals

Tools and Machinery NIGERIAN ROPES PLC Tools and Machinery Totals

14

Daily Summary (Equities)

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals NATURAL RESOURCES Chemicals B.O.C. GASES PLC. Chemicals Totals Mining Services

MULTIVERSE PLC Daily Summary as of 26/02/2014 Mining Services Totals Printed 26/02/2014 14:37:45.045

229

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Activity Summary on and Board EQTYTotals Energy Equipment Services OIL AND GAS Integrated Oil and Gas Services Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals

No. of Deals 208 232 49 137 (Equities) 416 231 56

Current Price 7.90 6.70 14.82 2.30 24.75 3.81 2.16

Value Traded 3 of 20,456,890.95 238,201,700.42 258,658,591.37

14

Daily Summary as of 26/02/2014 SERVICES Printed 26/02/2014 14:37:45.045 Advertising AFROMEDIA PLC Advertising Totals

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 6.66

Quantity Traded 4,558 4,558

Value Traded 29,082.14 29,082.14

Symbol MULTIVERSE

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,050 2,050

Value Traded 1,025.00 1,025.00

6,608

30,107.14

Symbol JAPAULOIL

No. of Deals 56 56

6 Current Price 0.53

Quantity Traded 6,502,024 6,502,024

Value Traded 3,356,922.26 3,356,922.26

Symbol OANDO

No. of Deals 195 195

Current Price 20.00

Quantity Traded Page 4,374,313 4,374,313

9Value Traded of 14 88,308,454.73 88,308,454.73

Symbol BECOPETRO CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 1 25 23 52 25 3 15 144

Current Price 0.50 51.70 4.00 88.40 124.85 54.44 173.00

Quantity Traded 100,000 22,684 343,957 781,366 38,395 3,600 24,438 1,314,440

Value Traded 50,000.00 1,115,119.51 1,362,732.97 69,169,478.07 4,786,084.32 186,192.00 4,220,940.48 80,890,547.35

12,190,777

172,555,924.34

Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 1,000.00 1,000.00

Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 6 6

Current Price 1.35

Quantity Traded 92,500 92,500

Value Traded 119,395.00 119,395.00

Symbol REDSTAREX TRANSEXPR

No. of Deals 15 4 19

Current Price 4.85 2.54

Quantity Traded 1,193,927 Page 109,374 1,303,301

Employment Solutions C & I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 14 14

Current Price 0.53

Quantity Traded 1,146,070 1,146,070

Value Traded 613,977.10 613,977.10

Hotels/Lodging IKEJA HOTEL PLC TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC. Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol IKEJAHOTEL TOURIST

No. of Deals 4 1 5

Current Price 0.67 4.08

Quantity Traded 25,560 20 25,580

Value Traded 17,611.20 77.60 17,688.80

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

Value Traded 1,000.00 1,000.00

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA STUDPRESS UPL

No. of Deals 1 2 3 7 13

Current Price 2.43 1.81 2.40 4.10

Quantity Traded 45,000 59,816 140 35,588 140,544

Value Traded 103,950.00 108,296.96 329.00 152,244.80 364,820.76

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 4 4

Current Price 0.87

Quantity Traded 70,330 Page 70,330

Symbol

No. of Deals 10 10

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 113,500 113,500

Value Traded 56,750.00 56,750.00

Symbol

No. of Deals

Current Price

Quantity Traded

Value Traded

Symbol AIRSERVICE NAHCO

No. of Deals 15 60 75

Current Price 2.71 5.60

Quantity Traded 137,767 1,110,389 1,248,156

Value Traded 373,087.57 6,243,804.62 6,616,892.19

148

4,143,981

13,922,960.76

5,810

359,063,244

3,464,560,412.91

Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Daily Summary as of 26/02/2014 Media/Entertainment Totals Printed 26/02/2014 14:37:45.045

No. of Deals 4 23 18 4 7 19 1 5 1 30 11 25 (Equities) 5 61 214

Current Price 0.50 0.82 1.07 0.50 0.60 0.66 0.50 2.30 0.50 0.80 0.50 0.59 0.56 0.94

Quantity Traded 160 1,220,946 2,410,600 119,500 35,270 936,996 5,000 115,433 2,000 45,249,355 2,178,472 1,077,647 375,780 3,617,819 57,344,978

Value Traded 80.00 1,000,275.72 2,612,293.00 59,755.00 21,162.00 578,172.34 2,500.00 265,008.60 1,000.00 37,047,319.92 1,089,236.00 649,294.92 211,211.50 3,386,411.86 46,923,720.86

Symbol ABBEYBDS UNHOMES

No. of Deals 3 2 5

Current Price 1.42 0.50

Quantity Traded Page 2,000 6,125 8,125

Value Traded 5 of 14 2,739.06 3,062.50 5,801.56

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 173 34 718 162 1 20 210 1,318

Current Price 4.00 2.17 13.68 3.46 0.60 19.60 2.78

Quantity Traded 13,915,679 2,017,442 16,144,384 18,448,455 300,000 92,324 38,266,252 89,184,536

Value Traded 57,273,269.11 4,444,399.10 222,771,667.50 66,839,164.51 180,000.00 1,806,181.85 105,978,623.44 459,293,305.51

276,233,177

2,082,241,582.59

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC STUDIO PRESS (NIG) PLC. UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Activity Summary on Board Printing/Publishing Totals EQTY SERVICES

Roadas Transportation Daily Summary of 26/02/2014 ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Printed 26/02/2014 14:37:45.045 Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Road Transportation Totals Specialty SECURE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY PLC Specialty Totals

Activity Summary on Services Board EQTY Transport-Related SERVICES Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals

Symbol UNIONDAC

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

Value Traded 1,000.00 1,000.00

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH

No. of Deals 28 33 15

Current Price 2.44 3.00 69.00

Quantity Traded 1,514,576 2,561,657 14,373

Value Traded 3,417,505.32 7,580,377.22 1,014,756.48

Page

6

of

Symbol AFROMEDIA

Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Equities)

NSLTECH Daily Summary (Equities)

SERVICES Totals

EQTY Board Totals

3,567

395

Quantity Traded 2,000 2,000

SERVICES Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © TRANS-NATIONWIDE EXPRESS PLC. Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals

Value Traded of 14 85,367,638.00 6,877,793.93 96,500.00 2,053,181.51 542,031,622.66 1,576,018,754.66

50,728.86 4,582,846.74 4,633,575.60

Current Price 0.50

Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC.

4

Value Traded 7,600.00 7,600.00

No. of Deals 1 1

Activity Summary onPart Board EQTYTotals Automobile/Auto Retailers

Quantity Traded Page 10,998,736 818,032 193,000 1,995,382 25,587,905 129,695,538

Value Traded 6,700.72 of 14 2,056,700.72

7

Symbol BOCGAS

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Current Price 7.60 8.86 0.50 1.03 20.99

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Healthcare Providers Totals

Current Price 0.50

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Packaging/Containers

No. of Deals 246 61 4 36 354 2,030

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Symbol AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC AFRINSURE AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AIICO CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONTINSURE CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. CORNERST GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC GNI INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTENEGINS LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LASACO Daily Summary as of 26/02/2014 MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MANSARD Printed 26/02/2014 14:37:45.045 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. MBENEFIT N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NEM NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. NIGERINS OASIS INSURANCE PLC OASISINS Daily Summary PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE WAPIC INSURANCE PLC WAPIC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Activity Summary on Board EQTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © ABBEY BUILDING SOCIETY PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC. Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

No. of Deals 1 1

OIL AND GAS Totals Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

FINANCIAL SERVICES Daily Summary as of 26/02/2014 Banking Printed 26/02/2014 14:37:45.045 ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC Activity Summary onPLC. Board EQTY STERLING BANK

Symbol OMATEK

Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Activity Summary on Board EQTY Electronic and Electrical Products Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSUMER GOODS Published Food

by TheProducts--Diversified Nigerian Stock Exchange © CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals

Computers and Peripherals

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. Daily Summary as of 26/02/2014 PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC Printed 26/02/2014 14:37:45.045 PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. Building Materials Totals

14

14,832,099.36 Value Traded 96,990.20 96,990.20

Telecommunications Services IHS PLC Telecommunications Services Totals

Quantity Traded 150 150

5,589,983 Quantity Traded 130,230 130,230

ICT Processing Systems E-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Processing Systems Totals

Current Price 5.30

Value Traded 900,985.12 1,915,924.82 1,550.40 14,831,099.36

Current Price 0.81

Activity Summary CHAMS PLC on Board EQTY

No. of Deals 1 1

106

Quantity Traded 437,835 1,058,522 1,020 5,587,983

No. of Deals 6 6

Daily Summary as of 26/02/2014 OMATEK VENTURES PLC Computers and Peripherals Totals Printed 26/02/2014 14:37:45.045

Symbol ARBICO

Current Price 2.10 1.81 1.52

Symbol COURTVILLE

Processing Systems

Symbol AGLEVENT JOHNHOLT SCOA TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals 22 5 2 105

HEALTHCARE Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals

Symbol MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO

Daily Summary (Equities)

Value Traded 5,790,020.95 10 of 14 277,415.66 6,067,436.61

Value Traded 64,000.30 of 14 64,000.30

11

Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Symbol MCNICHOLS

No. of Deals 5 5

CONSUMER GOODS Totals

Current Price 1.43

Quantity Traded 1,330 1,330 Page

5

Daily Summary as of 26/02/2014 ASeM Board Totals Printed 26/02/2014 14:37:45.045

Equity Activity Totals

1,330

Value Traded 1,901.90 1,901.90 12 of 14 1,901.90

5

1,330

1,901.90

5,815

359,064,574

3,464,562,314.81

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) Exchange Traded Fund Totals

14

Symbol NEWGOLD

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 2,150.00

Page Quantity Traded 148 148

13 of 14 Value Traded 318,200.00 318,200.00

ETF Board Totals

1

148

318,200.00

ETP Activity Totals

1

148

318,200.00

50 FOREIGN COMBAT-READY Russian soldiers at alart amid growing violence neighbouring state

R

ussian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a test of combat readiness for troops stationed in a region that touches Ukraine's northern border.

The move comes amid

Russia puts troops on alert amid Ukraine tension growing tension between Russia and Ukraine, whose pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, was ousted by Europeanleaning protesters at the weekend following violence in which more than 80 people were killed. A warrant for his arrest

was issued this week, but he remains at large and is believed to be hiding in Crimea, a pro-Russian region on the Black Sea. "In accordance with the decree of the president, today at 1400 [1000 GMT] troops were put on alert in the Western Mil-

itary District as well as units stationed with the 2nd Army Central Military District Command involved in aerospace defense, airborne troops and long-range military transport aircraft," Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said, according to

the Interfax news agency.

The Western District is based in St. Petersburg and stretches from Russia's western arctic to its border with Ukraine and Belarus. The central district is based in Yekaterinburg and stretches from Siberia to just west

‘Egypt's Sisi to stay on as defence minister’

E

gyptian army chief Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will keep his post as defence minister in a new government, an official source said yesterday, quashing speculation he was about to announce a widely expected bid for the presidency.

Sisi is tipped to win the upcoming presidential election, but has yet to announce his candidacy. He must vacate the post of defence minister in order to run. The source said he would likely keep that job until an election law is finalized.

"He is expected to continue in his post until all the issues regarding the election laws are resolved," the source said.

Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi's government resigned on Monday in a surprise move that has not been clearly explained. Many of Beblawi's ministers were reappointed yesterday

by Prime Minister-designate Ibrahim Mahlab, the outgoing housing minister who was asked on Tuesday to form the new cabinet.

They included Interior Minister Mohamed Ibrahim, a leading figure in state efforts to fight militant attacks that have soared since the army deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi last July following mass protests against his rule.

Ibrahim survived an assassination attempt last September.

Protesters set a fire as they clash with riot police during a demonstration against Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul yesterday. Riot police fired water cannon and tear gas to disperse several thousand protesters chanting "thief Tayyip Erdogan" and "government resign" in Istanbul on Tuesday as the fallout of a corruption scandal intensified. The protest in the Kadikoy district of Istanbul came after Erdogan accused political enemies of faking a recording of a phone conversation suggesting he had warned his son to hide large sums of money as the graft inquiry erupted.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

of the Ural Mountains.

Mr. Yanukovych's ouster has raised concerns in the West about the possibility of Russian military intervention in pro-Russian regions of Ukraine— particularly the Black Sea region of Crimea, where the Russian Black Sea Fleet is located. But Russian officials have said publicly that such a move is unlikely.

Yesterday, the head of Russia's upper house ruled out military intervention.

"Such a scenario is impossible," Valentina Matvienko was quoted as saying by Interfax.

She added that Russia has no intention of interfering in Ukraine's internal affairs.

Separately yesterday, Ukraine's acting interior minister signed an order dissolving the feared Berkut—a special antiriot unit of the police that had been blamed for some of the worst abuses during a wave of violence following months of protests that led to the collapse of the government.

"The Berkut are no more," acting minister Arsen Avakov wrote on his Facebook page early yesterday morning.

Pope Benedict denies he was pressured to resign

R

etired Pope Benedict XVI has denied speculation that he was pressured to leave office, saying his decision was freely made and his alone.

Benedict wrote to the Vatican correspondent for La Stampa newspaper, Andrea Tornielli, amid a new round of speculation about his reasons ahead of tomorrow first anniversary of the first resignation by a pope in 600 years.

"There isn't the slightest doubt about the validity of my resignation from the Petrine ministry," La Stampa quoted Benedict as writing. "The only condition for the validity is the full freedom of the decision. Speculation about its invalidity is simply absurd."

Benedict, 86, also defended his decision to continue wearing the

white cassock of the papacy, saying that there were no other clothes available.

Media are, again, speculating about what drove Benedict from office. Italian journalist Antonio Socci suggested last week in the conservative daily Libero that the resignation may have been invalid, claiming Benedict was pressured by a group of cardinals opposed to him.

Benedict, however, had made clear from the start of his papacy that it might not end in his death. In the 2010 book Light of the World, Benedict wrote: "If a pope clearly realizes that he is no longer physically, psychologically and spiritually capable of handling the duties of his office, then he has a right, and under some circumstanc-

es, also an obligation to resign."

Benedict made a surprise cameo at last weekend's ceremony to formally install 19 new cardinals.

It was the first time he and Pope Francis had appeared together at a public

liturgical ceremony and immediately raised questions about whether Benedict might occasionally be reintegrated back into the life of the church.

British Cardinal Vincent Nichols, one of the new cardinals, said Bene-

dict's presence didn't represent a change.

"He says his vocation now is to pray for the church and to live that life of prayerful seclusion, and he would appear to be very peaceful doing that," Nichols told reporters.

Kenya frees 41 charged after extremists' mosque raid

A

Kenyan court has dropped charges against 41 men and released on bail 29 others arrested earlier this month during a raid on a mosque accused of supporting Islamist extremists.

Police raided Mombasa's Musa mosque on February 2, detaining 70 men whom they accused of attending a radicalisation meeting, sparking deadly

riots in the port city.

The 70 men were all initially charged with being members of Somalia's Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab insurgents, as well as other charges including possession of firearms and inciting violence.

Magistrate Richard Oden-yo yesterday ordered 41 of those charged to be set free due to a lack of evidence.

The remaining 29 suspects were released on bail of 500,000 Kenyan shillings (5,800 dollars, 4,200 euros) each.

Kenya's top security chiefs warned on Tuesday of an "increased threats of radicalisation" from homegrown Islamists, singling out the Musa mosque as a specific centre encouraging extremism, along with two others.

C’wealth Games: Olajide banks on European experience Charles Ogundiya

N

igerian table-tennis sensation, Olajide Omotayo, in an exclusive interview with New Telegraph, has said his experience so far in Europe would surely put him in a better position to win

laurels for Nigeria in coming competitions even as the Commonwealth Games in Scotland approaches.

Omotayo, who recently moved from Nigeria to Swiss Division One tabletennis outfit, STT Lugano, said his mentality has changed for the better since

moving to the European nation as he had learnt new tricks which he believes should give him an edge over other competitors while representing Nigeria.

“You cannot compare the facilities here (Switzerland) with that of Nigeria.

I have gained more exposure here since

SPORT

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

Did you know?

That Super Eagles’ Assistant coach, Daniel Amokachi, scored the first ever UEFA Champions League goal in history in the colours of Everton.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 51

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/sports

ADEKUNLE SALAMI, DepUTY Editor, SPORTS kunle.salami@newtelegraphonline.com adekunles@yahoo.com

thursday, February 27, 2014

Sofoluwe, Omokaro raise World Cup alarm Mercy Jacob

F

ormer internationals, Yisa Sofoluwe and Bright Omokaro, have advised coach Stephen Keshi to double his efforts on the defence line of the team.

In separate interviews, both players expressed concern over the ability of the current defenders in the Super Eagles to hold their own when they face some of the best strikers in the world.

Sofoluwe, a former defender, said, “Defence has always been the problem with the Super Eagles for quite some time now. Unfortunately, defence is the powerhouse of any good team. Any team that has a weak defence has a major problem. That is why Keshi should work hard to solidify Eagles’ defence to avoid Nigeria being disgraced at the World Cup. “As African champions, all eyes are now on Keshi and the Super Eagles to make a

Scotland consider Nigeria friendly

}p-55

good impression at the mundial and they cannot afford to disappoint the nation.

“Keshi should have an eye in building a solid defence and a sharp attack for Nigeria. That is the only way to scale the first round hurdle.”

His colleague in the Eagles defence, Omokaro, said, “It may be difficult for Nigeria to have a successful outing as a result of systemic problem.

“Keshi has done really well, but realistically Nigeria cannot win the World Cup because there are still some holes in our football. The only time we can dream of coming close to wining the most coveted trophy is when our football administrators begin to get things right.

“My candid advise to Keshi for this mundial is to ensure he selects his players on merit, especially in the defence. Let him go for those players who are ready to die on the pitch for him.”

Bolt, Nadal, Serena, Woods for Laureus Sports Awards }p-53

51

Moyes accepts blame for Olympiakos defeat

}p-52

52 SPORT | INTERVIEW

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

FIFA U-17 female World Cup Chinwendu Ihezuo already has her name in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup records book, but in an interview with fifa.com the Nigerian striker admits that she is looking for more.

A

t the FIFA U-17 Female World cup finals two years ago in Azerbaijan, African football superpower Nigeria were paired with Colombia, Canada and the hosts. With just nine minutes to go in their opening game, the Flamingoes were trailing Canada 1-0 and were staring defeat in the face when the then-15-yearold Chinwendu Ihezuo found the equalising goal.

In the next match, the Flamingoes faced Azerbaijan and Ihezuo ran riot, leading Nigeria to an 11-0 success and scoring a record-breaking five goals in the process. A 3-0 victory against Colombia in their final game saw the west Africans top their group and face France in the quarterfinal, which the Europeans won in a penalty shoot-out.

Although, Ihezuo played in only four matches, her six goals were enough to see her finish second-top scorer of the tournament behind Korea DPR’s Ri UnSim, who scored eight times in six contests. Ihezuo gained some personal glory by picking up the adidas Silver Boot award, which was handed over to her in a ceremony in Nigeria later in the year, but the 17-year-old forward still feels she has an unfinished business. “I still felt bad that we were knocked out. There was some personal satisfaction though as I was the second highest scorer at the tournament, but as a team we did not achieve what we wanted.”

Nigeria’s run of having

competed at the finals of every under-17 (as well as under-20) event on the global stage, is set to continue in Costa Rica, and the visit to Central America should afford Ihezuo the opportunity to add to her goals tally, as barring injury or any other unforeseeable incidents, Ihezuo should be in Nigeria’s squad this time around again.

A second bite As one of the more experienced players in Coach Bala Nkiyu’s side, Ihezuo knows that much is expected from her. “I try to help my teammates with the experience that I have. Having already played at the finals of a World Cup, It is a big plus for our team because I know what to expect and it can help the other players in our squad.”

The Flamingoes, who advanced to the quarterfinals in the last two tournaments after failing to do so the first time they participated in 2008, have been drawn against Colombia, Mexico and China PR. Ihezuo admits that she knows very little about Mexico and China PR. “But we played against Colombia the last time.

They play very fast football.”

Nigeria qualified for the finals in Costa Rica without playing a single game as their opponents pulled out of the qualifying campaign. The lack of competition is not something that worries the goal-getter. “It was only one team that we were supposed to play, and they opted out. We have played

My exposure is a plus for Nigeria –Ihezuo

Ihezuo (right) celebrating with a teammate after scoring a goal

some friendless and that has helped us a lot.

“Our preparations are going very well. We are travelling to Portugal for our final preparations, I can say so far so good.

People in Nigeria expect us to win the cup, and I think that we are one of the teams that stand a chance.”

Family support Ihezuo started playing football on the streets of Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos, where many top-class footballers like former

Super Eagles players Samson Siasia, Taribo West and Emmanuel Amuneke came from.

“I started playing football when I was still a little girl, and I realised that I had a talent for it.”

She later joined Pelican Stars. After her record-breaking exploits in Azerbaijan, Ihezuo continued playing for the Calabar-based club, which has won more championships than any other team in Nigeria, but her life did alter a little bit. “The one thing that changed for me

when I came back from Azerbaijan, was that I was much more exposed, people started noticing me.”

Ihezuo, who lives at home with her parents, can count on a huge family support in Costa Rica as she is the youngest of eight children. And if Chinwendu can come back from Costa Rica with a winners’ medal to add to the silver boot award, they will be even prouder of their baby sister than they already are.

Moyes accepts blame for Olympiakos defeat

Moyes

M

anchester United manager David Moyes says he is to blame for his side’s 2-0 loss to Champions League opponents Olympiakos on Tuesday.

United were favourites to beat the Greek side over two legs but they now face the prospect of missing out on the quarterfinals.

“I take responsibility,” said Moyes. “It’s

my time and I always front up.”

The Scot added: “It was a really poor performance. We never really got going and we didn’t deserve anything.”

United registered their first and only shot on target of the match in the 89th minute as they slumped to a surprise defeat.

Moyes, who left teenager Adnan Januzaj out of the squad, admitted they had not done enough to secure a potentially valuable away goal.

“I am just surprised,” he added. “I didn’t see that level of performance coming, I just didn’t see it.

“It’s the worst we’ve played in Europe.

We didn’t offer enough on the night to create a goal.

“There is undoubtedly talent at Manchester United but we didn’t show it.”

Striker Robin van Persie, who failed to take United’s best chance of the night, also spoke of his frustration.

He told Dutch broadcaster NOS he

found it difficult to receive the ball: “Our fellow players are sometimes occupying the spaces I want to play in. When I see that it makes it difficult for me to come to those spaces as well.

“That forces me to adjust my runs, based on the position of my fellow players. And unfortunately, they’re often playing in my zones. I think that’s a shame.”

Asked about his manager being under pressure, Van Persie added: “We all have to work at it. In some games we do play well but in others we do not. We have not had luck at times.

I am not going to point the finger at anybody.

“We need to try to turn it around and we need to take our chances. With all due respect to our opponents, we should be able to win by three goals.”

The last time United overturned a two-goal aggregate deficit in Europe

was 30 years ago, when captain Bryan Robson led them to a 3-0 win over Barcelona at Old Trafford in the last eight of the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup. The second leg is on Wednesday, March 19.

“We are determined to put it right and we have the opportunity to do that,” said Moyes.

“The players are hurt. Old Trafford has seen some great nights in the past and we hope to see another one.”

Olympiakos manager Michel insists the tie is very much alive as his players chase their first appearance in the last eight since 1999.

“I’m obviously very happy with this match, but most of all, I’m proud of my players,” he said.

“But if somebody says that 2-0 is enough to qualify, he’s probably wrong. We have a 2-0 lead against Manchester United, which means nothing.”

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

C’wealth Games: Olajide banks on European experience CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5 1

coming over. The conditions are perfect here: good floors, tables, enough training balls, electricity and so on. Also, as a professional table-tennis player, you need a personal coach that will be monitoring your progress; creating programmes for you. Presently my personal coach is Luciano Esposito and he has taught me a lot since

I started training under him,” he said.

When asked by New Telegraph how he has been adapting to his new environment, the 2013 Asoju-Oba Table-Tennis champion said: “The weather was too cold for me when I first arrived late last year, but I am now getting used to it. The food is good and I don’t really have a lan-

SPORT 53

guage problem because so many people in my club speak English.”

On Saturday, Omotayo created an upset when he defeated top ranked Swedish player, Christian Ohlsson 3-1 when his club played against Kloten in the Switzerland league.

His team won the game 6-1 with Omotayo losing the only game 2-3 to Joset Denis of Switzerland.

Yellow House takes lead to Elias finale

Y

ellow House takes a comfortable lead to the grand finale of the 7th biennial inter-house sports competition of Elias International School, Lagos.

With 15 gold medals, Yellow House athletes are in pole position to win the competition but must survive the challenge coming from Red House which has

nine gold medals and Green House with seven gold medals from the heat events.

The competition holds at Oke-Odo Senior High School, Ile Epo, and the Principal of Elias, Mr. Josua Afolabi, has assured that interesting prizes await the winners in various categories of the competition.

DStv B/ball: SuperSport to broadcast 60 matches

A

bumper package from the title sponsors of DStv Premier Basketball League awaits clubs and fans in this new season which starts February 28, 2014.

Among the initiatives announced for the new season are live broadcasts of at least 60 games on SuperSport, new courts, weekly magazine shows that focus on players, matches and attractions, among many others.

At a press conference on Tuesday at the National Stadium, Lagos, Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing and Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, said that several strategy sessions between MultiChoice, the Nigerian Basketball Federation and other stakeholders of basketball in Nigeria were held with the objectives of enhancing the quality of games in the league, making the game more attractive to fans and ultimately, boosting the national team.

“We are starting to see that baskeball

is moving in the right direction. We are most excited about the jump ball event slated for February 28 to herald the new season because the match will be played on a brand new court. The 2014 season will give fans a lot to be excited about than in previous seasons,” said Mr. Mabutho.

President, Nigerian Basketball Federation, Tijani Umar, said that the partnership between MultiChoice Nigeria and the federation would avail the league and the national teams great benefits.

“We thank DStv for guaranteeing to improve the league, as evidenced by the new floor that they have installed. It is a step in the right direction. We are also looking at other avenues to increase the income of the clubs, partner with insurance companies to insure players, and with FIBA (The International Basketball Federation) to train statisticians to enhance the profile of the league. SuperSport has guaranteed additional broadcast of live and recorded matches.” Umar said.

Olajide in action for his Swiss Club

Flamingoes will win U-17 World Cup –Nwadike

Ann Chiejine, Flamingoes assistant coach

Mercy Jacob

A

former Nigeria International and Rivers Angel Assistant Coach, Rita Nwadike, has expressed confidence in the Bala Nkiyu-led Flamingoes to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup scheduled to hold in Costa Rica in March.

According to Nwadike, the only

Foundation celebrates Awolowo memorial with U-10 kids cup

T

L-R: Andre Venter, Head SuperSport Africa; Martin Mabutho, Head Marketing and Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria; Tijani Umar, President, NBBF and Chioma Afe, Marketing Manager, DStv at the DStv Basketball League Press Conference held at the SWAN Reception Hall, National Stadium, Surulere Lagos.

female player to have scored in two World Cups, Flamingoes will surprise the world.

Nwadike said, “It is true no Nigerian female team has ever won the World Cup but the Flamingoes are going to rewrite history, I am saying this based on the spirit I have seen in the team. I am with these players and I know the facts on ground.

“In the last FIFA women U-17 World Cup, Nigeria lost in the quarterfinals, but I see this team going beyond that stage this time around. The girls are eager to play and write their names in the record books; above all they are made up of talented players.

Also they have good coaches capable of leading them to victory. I want to plead with Nigerians to support and pray for them instead of writing them off, because I believe they would surprise all.”

he annual celebration of Obafemi Awolowo’s memorial is taking a new turn this year with the organisation of a talent discovery football competition.

The grassroots football championship which is tagged 1st U-10 Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Kids Cup Championship, will begin with the preliminaries on March 2nd and ends with a grand final at the Campos Stadium, Lagos Island on March 6th. The competition is sponsored by Obafemi Awolowo Foundation and organised by the National Youth Soccer Association.

Speaking at a media parley yesterday, Executive Director of the Foun-

dation, Dr. Olatokunbo AwolowoDosumu said that sponsoring the kids competition was in line with Chief Awolowo’s landmark contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria. “We believe that this competition is a worthwhile testament and befitting tribute to the late sage, targeted as it is to the young ones whose lives are likely to be transformed for better through constructive engagement with sports,” she said.

The Executive Director said that winners of the tournament will receive the sum of N250,000, while first and second runners up will get N150,000 and N100,000 respectively.

54 SPORT | EURO FOOTBALL

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Sport Trending

TWITTER |@NTelegraphSport Bright Dike ‘Just started watching Suits and The Wire, great gift from all the TFC boys, thanks guys.

•Injured Super Eagles striker, Bright Dike, apparently has a lot of time on his hand and can now afford to watch a host of TV series to while away time. @bbright19

Jonathan Akpoborie But for the jerseys and the names of the players, I thought I was watching Everton yesterday.

• Akpoborie reacting to Man Utd’s 2-0 shock defeat at Olympiakos @akpoborie Bimbo Adeola Truth is that Man United is far too big for Moyes. You don’t gift a toddler a car as birthday present! It’s not done. @bimbolovesmusic

Mourinho’s age rant angers Eto’o

NigeriaNewdesk

Eto’o (left) with Mourinho

F

ormer Cameroon coach Claude Le Roy has revealed Samuel Eto’o is “very annoyed” following Jose Mourinho’s jibe over his age, while Canal Plus insists the Chelsea boss knew his comments would be aired.

In Tuesday’s news conference ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League game at Galatasaray, Mourinho criticised Canal Plus for publishing comments in which he jokingly cast doubts over the age of 32-year-old Eto’o -- and the qualities of all the strikers in his squad -- in a private conversation.

The Chelsea manager branded the French broadcast-

‘My teammates are making life difficult for me’, Van Persie says after Champions League loss

@NigeriaNewdesk

Muhammad Ali I shook up the world against Liston, now 50 years later I’m taking it to Twitter. @MuhammadAli

er’s decision to do so a “disgrace” but Le Roy -- speaking Lennox Lewis Now following “The Greatest” --> @Muon the Canal Plus show Talents d’Afrique -- said Eto’o hammadAli had spoken to him of his anger at Mourinho. @LennoxLewis “I had [Eto’o] on the phone just before I came on screen, and he’s very annoyed,” said Le Roy, 66, who has coached Cameroon Samuel Eto’o twice during a long coaching career in Africa.

The future belongs to those who believe “Actually, Mourinho went to see him before he saw the picin the beauty of their dreams. tures and told him not to believe everything that was go @setoo9 ing to be said. And that he had said nothing about him. But I can tell you that Samuel didn’t like it.”

Barca boss gets one-match ban

Olympiakos out to make history – Dominguez

B

O

lympiakos midfielder, Alejandro Dominguez says his side are looking up to making history in the Champions Leauge this season after claiming a 2-0 win over Manchester United in the first leg of their last-16 clash on Tuesday.

“I am so happy. I am very satisfied with the team’s work and the victory we achieved. I believe we have made a big step – a giant leap forward,” he told Uefa’s official site. “The tie is not over yet. We have the away leg to play, but we should enjoy today’s result. For me, this is a historic night for the club and we are thrilled about it.

“The coaching staff prepared the match in detail and (on Tuesday) everything went exactly as we had planned. We were at our absolute best. With everything going perfectly for us, we had a great match and made a big step towards qualification.

“Manchester United are not easy opponents. They know this

Dominguez (left) battling with Micheal Carrick

competition and have to be respected. However, we have our weapons on the pitch – we gave it everything we’ve got and achieved a great result which is very important for us.”

arcelona coach Gerardo Martino will serve a one-match touchline ban after being sent off at Real Sociedad on Saturday.

The 51-year-old was sent to the stands by referee David Fernandez Borbalan at half-time of Barca’s 3-1 defeat at Anoeta after remonstrating with the official in the tunnel.

Martino will subsequently have to take a watching brief from the stands when the Spanish champions host Almeria in La Liga on Sunday, with the club announcing that they will not appeal the decision.

“The Argentine coach was sent off at half-time in the match against Real Sociedad and will not be allowed on the bench for the Almeria game,” a statement published on Barca’s official website read.

“Barcelona will present no appeal to the Appeals Committee.”

The defeat at Sociedad leaves Barca second in the Primera Division standings, three points adrift of arch-rivals Real Madrid.

SPORT 55

Sanctity of Truth

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Scotland consider Nigeria friendly S cotland have been offered the chance to play Nigeria in a friendly at Fulham’s Craven Cottage ground in May. The proposed match could form part of Gordon Strachan’s preparations for the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, which begins in September.

Next week, Strachan’s men travel to take on Poland in an exhibition match at Warsaw’s National Stadium.

Nigeria last met Scotland in 2002, when the Super Eagles came from behind to win 2-1 in Aberdeen.

On Sunday, Scotland were drawn in the same European Champion-

Charles Ogundiya

T

he body overseeing the Nigeria Premier League, the League Management Company (LMC) and the club owners late on Tuesday in Abuja, reached an agreement on the date of commencement of the 2013/14 league season.

The league will now kick off on Friday, March 7, 2014.

Both sides at a meeting attended by chairmen of the Premier League clubs and the leadership of the LMC, led by Nduka Iraboh, reached an agreement on some pertinent issues that necessitated the postponement of the kick-off date for league season.

While adopting the financial report of the 2012/2013 season, the two bodies approved LMC’s budget proposal of N1.2 billion for the new season.

The meeting also reiterated that the provision from each club of the Performance Guarantee of N100 million from an approved financial institution remains an irrevocable requirement for registration to participate in the 2013/2014 league season.

However, clubs are allowed to provide the guarantee in quarterly instalments of N25 million and any defaulting club shall be liable to forfeiture of six points, six goals and a further withholding of the defaulting club’s financial entitlement from the sponsorship rights.

Payment of registration fees and insurance premium by clubs was waived by the LMC, but Iraboh charged the clubs to take advantage of the waivers to improve the welfare of players and officials.

Match officials and commissioners

T

Super Eagles players celebrating after scoring a goal during a recent match

ships qualifying group as Germany, Republic of Ireland, Poland, Georgia and Gibraltar.

NFF’s Director of Marketing, Mr. Adama Idris, will explain the concept of the new design, which will be worn for the first time by the Super Eagles at next week’s international friendly against Mexico in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

LMC, club owners reach consensus …League to start March 7

Red House wins Builders Int’l School sports competition

were not left out as their match indemnities was reviewed upwards by 25 percent starting from the 2013/14 league season while the LMC chairman also announced a 50 percent increase in the Merit Award from N50 million of the 2012/13 season to N75million for the 2013/14 season.

To ensure equity in the schedule of live broadcast matches, clubs that have any of its home matches televised live shall receive N250, 000. However, if for any reason such as unsuitable stadium and security challenges, a club is unable to host the live broadcast of its match, the home game of the club shall be played on any other television-friendly venue.

The meeting jointly affirmed that the 2013/14 Premier League season shall commence on Friday, March 7 through Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, 9. The meeting also agreed that Tuesday, March 4 shall be the cut-off date for return of all registration materials by clubs to the LMC.

NFF unveils Nigeria World Cup jersey today

T

he Nigeria Football Federation will today unveil the new jersey of Nigeria’s national football teams, which will also serve as the official Jersey of the Super Eagles at the 20th Fifa World Cup finals taking place in Brazil this summer.

The new and refreshing design is produced by adidas, the official kit supplier of Nigeria national teams and the leading kit manufacturers in the world.

Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi will be special guest of honour at the event slated for the front area of the Sunday Dankaro Football House, Package B of the National Stadium Complex in Abuja from 10am.

Also invited are Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Adamu Gumba, Chairman of the House of Reps’ Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, Chairman of the League Management Company, Hon. Nduka Irabor, President-General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo and a number of prominent football figures.

AWC: Nigerian Referees For Ghana-Burkina Faso match

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igerian Ayibi Foluso will refere the African Women’s Championship return qualifier between Ghana and Burkina Faso this weekend, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

Bolt, Nadal, Serena, Woods for Laureus Awards

T

Serena Williams

he Red (Mohammed) House has emerged the winner of the 8th inter-house sports competition of Builders International School which was held on Saturday, February 22, at the Lagos State University Museum, Agege.

The house won the trophy with 190 points while the Green (Badaki) House with 175 points was in the second position, the Blue (Afelogun) House and Yellow (Lawrence) House which had 154 and 146 points made third and fourth positions respectively.

According to the proprietress of the school, Mrs. Modupe Lawrence, the aim of the event is to train its students not only in academics but also boost their physical ability.

Her words: “Children love sports and we have always encouraged them.

It is part of education and you can’t take it out. Fun and academics make the students more brilliant.

Children need to exercise their body. Every year we host inter-house sports.

We also have weekly extra-curricular activities in school for students, to build them both academically and physically”.

hree-time Laureus winners Jamaican Usain Bolt and American Serena Williams, brilliant young Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel, short-listed for the fifth time are among a glittering collection of the world’s greatest sports stars nominated for the 2014 awards.

Tiger Woods, who won in 2000, the inaugural year of Laureus, has also made the shortlist after returning to the summit of world golf alongside Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva, both two-time Laureus winners

She will be assisted on the lines b y comp a triot Bosede Momoh and Nkwocha Hulda with the fourth referee being Hadiza Musa.

The Black Queens took a giant step towards qualifying for the championship in Namibia after thrashing their opponent 3-0 in Ouagadougou.

Head coach Yusif Basigi will be counting on his troops to finish the job at the Accra sports stadium.

The 2014 African Women’s Championship will take place in Namibia later in October this year.

World Record

On Marble It is very easy to defeat someone, but very hard to win someone – Abdul Kamal

Sanctity of Truth

w w w. new tel eg rap ho nl i ne. co m

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth – Buddha THURSday, FEBRuary 27, 2014.

CHARGE TO PDP Its when PDP gets it right that our democratic journey can begin to draw cheers

H

enceforth, every Thursday in this space, I will reflect on some national political issues and beyond.

To do this effectively my resource pot would be my over two decades of political reporting experience as Group Politics Editor in two national dailies, the Champion and THISDAY Newspapers as well as being a ring-side witness of all but one of the four republics.

As political issues would be central, one must expect some flak from readers and be ready for objective response. “If you can dish it out, you have got to be able to take as good as you got,” one famous American columnist once counseled aspiring columnists. But one thing is assured; this column would be guided by integrity even as it must remain conscious of Winston Churchill’s saying that “it is a fine thing to be honest but it is also very important to be right”. But it’s needful to stress that we would not for the sake of bone make ourselves dogs.

It is just natural that we start this political reflection with the ruling political party, a platform that has produced majority of the public officers in the country since 1999.

Many are agreed that is only when the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) gets it right that our democratic journey can begin to draw cheers from the populace. With ten national chairmen in a period of 15 years, ranging from Solomon Lar to Adamu Mu’azu, the party may have been everything but stable. Expectedly, that has been the condition of the larger polity.

Nigerian elite and the media perhaps owe some apologies to those Nigerians who managed political parties in the second and stillborn third republics. They were battered and made to look everything but good. But going by happenings in our polity especially in the running of political parties in the last 15 years of the fourth republic, we owe them a lot of apologies.

We now know that they were the ones who realized the importance of party discipline in the stability of the entire democratic structure. Late Senator Uba Ahmad, then National Secretary of the defunct ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) once told of how President Shehu Shagari was summoned to the party headquarters to explain why certain minor cabinet reshuffle took place without consulting the party.

Senator Ahmad also related how ministers sweat and panic each time they are

N150

The Australian small-scaled snake is the most venomous land snake in the world. It can inject 000.2 oz (60 mg) of venom, sufficient to wipe out several human adults.

If Mu’azu Must Last…

Political Musings IKE ABONYI

summoned to the party headquarters for routine performance checks. According to Ahmad, the reason was clear; the party was the platform upon which the president, legislators and ministers got to their positions and at any given time they were made to recognise that.

It can also be recalled how Chief Adisa Akinloye, the national chairman of the defunct ruling NPN was so powerful that his customised champagne became the official drink in all party functions. In the opposition party of the same republic, the national chairman of the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya was so powerful that his frequent visits to the old Anambra and Imo states controlled by his party saw Governors Jim Nwobodo and late Sam Mbakwe abandoning all other functions to receive him at the airport.

Today governors keep national chairmen waiting apparently because they came not to really monitor performance but to beg for money or contracts.

Even in the stillborn third republic of two military-imposed political parties, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC), we saw how powerful Ambassador Babagana Kingibe and Chief Tom Ikimi respectively were as national chairmen.

But that was then; this fourth republic with PDP as the ruling party, we have seen the position of the national chairman gradually being scoured and its occupants reduced to mendicants. Evidence of the instability can be seen in the record of turnover, ten national chairmen in 15 years with virtually all leaving office in controversial circumstances.

Former President Olusegun Obansanjo clearly laid the foundation for the instabil-

Today governors keep national chairmen waiting apparently because they came not to really monitor performance but to beg for money or contracts

ity in the party. Chiefs Solomon Lar, Barnabas Gemade and Audu Ogbeh all lost out for trying to assert themselves before an intolerant president like Obasanjo. Even when Obasanjo left he had laid a very dangerous foundation that his predecessors had to “enjoy”. Chief Vincent Ogbulafor was the first victim of the national Chairman of PDP that tried to assert himself in a post-Obasanjo era but quickly got his fingers burnt.

When President Umaru Yar’ Adua passed on creating a major problem in the polity because of the zoning formula of the party, Ogbulafor naively but sincerely spoke of retaining the party zoning without reading the body language in the system and had to go in for it. Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo former governor of Enugu State was next on the line. He came easily with the best credentials for the job having been the pioneer National Secretary of the party.

Realising the bane of the previous occupants of the position to be lack of independence because of the nature of funding that put the chairman and the National Working Committee (NWC) in a beggarlike condition before the presidency and governors, Dr. Nwodo began a reform that would have made the party independent and able to fund itself and gain autonomy but the almighty governors would not take that and an incapacitated President Jonathan would not stick out neck for anybody whose position had no superior electoral advantage to his presidential ambition.

As a result, Nwodo’s electronic membership registration project was not only killed but he had to be made to leave office with his revolutionary ideas. Not even the president who had performed the pilot emembership registration before the national television network could save him when the then almighty chairman of forum of governors, Rotimi Amechi, stood at NEC meeting of the party to overrule the president and stamp the governors vehement opposition to the e-registration.

It was the same Amaechi’s failed attempt again to have his way on Bamanga Tukur that created the crisis that exited from the party.

After Nwodo came, Dr. Haliru Bello and Abubakar Barage, all in acting capacity until Alhaji Bamanga Tukur came and had to still go after a protracted spat with the governors that led to a number of PDP members including five seating governors decamping to the main opposition party, the All Peoples Congress (APC).

On the saddle now is ex-Bauchi State governor, Adamu Mu’azu, who climbed the throne even when there has not been any attempt to remove the banana peel that tripped the previous nine national chairmen. Yet people are expecting him to do wonders; how would he do that with these unanswered questions?

Is the funding of the party now so defined that the national chairman would not be depending on governors? Can he in any way dare the governors? Can the president back him against any other forces for party discipline to be enforced?

With the stern warning already issued to him when he was sworn-in by the chairman of PDP Governors Forum Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State for him not to meddle with the affairs of the party in the states where governors are the leaders, what nature of tenure are we expecting from Muazu?

The truth is that Mu’azu is going to be a vegetable national chairman if he must last in Wadata House. Any attempt to give him real teeth as the ruling party’s national chairman would only see him off - like his predecessors. This is just the truth and he knows it.

OmoBaba

JONATHAN SURROUNDED BY FRAUDULENT AIDES - Sanusi

- Yes o, that’s why some of them got the boot

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