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Friday, July 4, 2014 Vol. 1 No. 136

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Local firms accuse car importers of bid to kill auto policy lFG plans vehicle purchase scheme Ayodele Aminu

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he National Association of Automobile Manufacturers (NAMA) yesterday rallied

support for the new auto policy, which came into force this year and criticised multinational auto makers, accusing them of working against the new

auto policy whose effective implementation began this year.

It described them as “enemies of Nigerian economy and harbingers

of doom who wish themselves well at the detriment of the growth of Nigeria for the benefit of all.”

The association, in a statement by its Executive Director, Arthur Madueke, described the new auto pol-

icy as the best to happen to the economy.

It also warned Nigerians not to be deceived by the claims of the foreign auto makers that the policy would lead to an astronomical rise in the

prices of vehicles, saying local manufacturers such as Hyundai Motors Nigeria, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) Limited, Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria Limited and Innoson CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Confab rejects single term for president lBacks rotational presidency lOkays one more state for South-East Lateef Ibrahim and Chukwu David Abuja

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he National Conference yesterday rejected the proposal for an elected president to serve a single term of six years.

Delegates at the conference voted overwhelmingly for the present system where the president and governors serve four years and could have another four years, if re-elected.

They however resolved that the presidency should henceforth rotate between the North and South.

The conference also endorsed the current system where the president and vice-president as well as governors and their deputies run on a joint ticket.

A proposal to scrap one chamber of the National

L-R: President, Unilever, Africa and Middle East, Alan Jope; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his Kogi State counterpart, Captain Idris Wada, during the Africa Investment Conference in Lagos…yesterday.

Lawmakers suffer another setback to unseat Nyako, Ngilari Ibrahim Abdul Yola

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he bid by the Adamawa State House of Assembly to impeach the Governor, Alhaji Murtala Nyako and his deputy, Mr. Bala Ngilari, suffered an-

other setback yesterday as a Yola High Court, presided by the state’s acting Chief Judge, Justice Ambrose Mammadi, affirmed jurisdiction in the case.

Justice Mammadi dismissed an application filed by the lawmakers over its jurisdiction to entertain a case filed by Nyako who had earlier obtained an in-

terlocutory injunction to quash the impeachment proceedings.

While ruling on the lawmakers’ application on whether the court has

jurisdiction or not to entertain the suit, Justice Mammadi held that the court has jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Suspension: Sanusi withdraws suit against Jonathan

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Report: Boko Haram kills 2,716 in six months }3 Lagos

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Confab okays one more state for South-East CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Assembly and adopt a unicameral legislature was also roundly rejected in favour of the current bicameral system comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives.

These formed the high points of the resolutions adopted by the conference while considering the report of its Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government.

The report had among other things recommended a single term of six years for the president who must run the race alone and upon his election, pick his deputy from among the members of the National Assembly.

The delegates had debated the report on Wednesday but the final adoption of the report saw them voting in favour of zoning and rotation of elective offices at the federal and state levels.

The delegates voted in favour of the proposal that the presidency should rotate between the North and South and among the six geopolitical zones.

Also, it was agreed that the office of the state governor should rotate among the three senatorial districts in each state.

As a corollary, the

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shall run on a joint ticket with the vice-presidential candidate.

The president elected under the new system shall exercise full responsibility for his government and shall select ministers, not more than 18 of them, from the six geo-political zones of the country.

It was agreed that henceforth, the Minister of Finance and not the president any more, would present the annual budget to the National Assembly.

Under the new arrangement, both the president and the ministers would be expected to appear before the National Assembly to render account of their stewardship on quarterly basis.

The conference also decided that in the event of death, incapacitation, impeachment or resignation of the president, the vice-president shall act as president for a period of 90 days within which election shall be conducted to fill

the office of the president.

The delegates also endorsed the recommendation for the creation of an additional state for the South-East zone to bring it at par with other zones of the country.

Besides the creation of an additional state in the South-East, the conference also endorsed the creation of 18 new states in the country.

Some of the proposed states include Aba, AniCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

FIRST NATION AIRWAYS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06.50; 09:30; 11:45; 16:00 (SAT) 06:50; 11:45 (SUN) 11:45; 16:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 11:30; 13:40;18:30 (SAT) 09:00; 13:40 (SUN) 13:40; 18:30 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 14:45 (SAT) 16:15 (SUN) 14:45 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:50 (SAT) 18:20 (SUN) 16:50 AEROCONTRACTORS LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 06:50; 13:30; 16:30; 19:45 (SAT/SUN) 12:30; 16:45 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 13:00; 19:00 (SAT) 12:30 (SUN) 15:30 MEDVIEW AIRLINES LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:50; 12:00; 15:30 (SAT) 10:00; 15:00 (SUN) 17:30; 18:30 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 09:00; 14:00, 15:00; 18:30

L-R: Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda; National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu and Bauchi State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Yaro-Yaro, during Mu’azu’s visit to Bauchi…yesterday.

FG plans vehicle purchase scheme CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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chairmanship of local governments, the conference recommended, should rotate among the wards in the area.

The conference asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to divide each local government council into three for the purposes of rotation of the chairmanship of the council.

The conference also adopted the recommendation that a candidate for the office of president

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Vehicle Manufacturing Company have vehicles that are affordable.

Also, as part of efforts to empower Nigerians to buy locally-manufactured cars, the Federal Government is planning a loan scheme that will provide soft funds for car purchase.

NAMA thanked the government for the new policy and assured Nigerians that “prices of locally-produced vehicles will gradually come down,” citing the nation’s experience with the aviation and telecommunications sectors as examples.

The association said the new policy was designed to make cars cheaper in Nigeria, domesticate production, create jobs and bring about transfer of technology It added that it was unfortunate that foreign automakers would embark on propaganda to deceive Nigerians that car prices would go up and embarrass the government in its efforts to revive the economy.

The statement explained that since the auto

policy came into force, local manufacturers had intensified efforts to make the dream of a Nigerian car possible.

It said: “Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria Limited announced the commencement of production of the popular B segment compact sedan “The Almera” in May, 2014 which, is being introduced into the market at a very competitive price.

Arising from the pass-on of auto policy incentives to the masses, Peugeot Automobile has launched its made-i- Nigeria Peugeot 301 and has two other models lined up for launch in quick succession. Hyundai Motors Nigeria has commenced the production of four models of its compact segment and small SUVs in the i10, Xcent, Elantra and iX35 and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company has expanded local production significantly since the announcement of the auto policy and its SUVs are already in the market and proudly plying our roads.”

It urged Nigerians to support the government on the new policy, saying:

“This road has been trodden by many developing countries in similar situation as Nigeria. They took medium to long term view of the development of their automotive industries and today, most of them supply their local markets and export to yetto-take-off markets like ours. South Africa, Brazil, India, Egypt, and Thailand all have thriving auto industries today. At one time or other, they all instituted similar or more stringent policy measures to protect local industries and make them more competitive.”

“Since the announcement of the new auto policy, no less than five major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have signified their intention to invest in Nigeria and produce vehicles using Nigerian labour and resources. Investments running into tens of billions of naira have been recorded and continue to flow in,” it added.

In line with the new policy, the Federal Government is planning a a vehicle credit finance scheme to make new cars

affordable.

Under the scheme, beneficiaries of the loan will repay over four years at 10 per cent interest rate.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, told reporters in Lagos yesterday that the scheme would be in place in November.

The minister also cleared the air on the effects of the ongoing implementation of the Nigeria Automotive Industrial Plan, saying it will not lead to increase in the prices of cars.

He said: “The rumour that the Federal Government has increased the tariff on imported cars by 70 per cent is incorrect and misleading. The Nigerian automotive manufacturers have already assured the government and all Nigerians that there is adequate stock of imported vehicles and that its members have not and will not increase the price of imported vehicles.

“Nigeria is the only country in the world where used vehicle were not banned following the CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

OVERLAND AIRWAYS LAGOS-ILORIN (MON-FRI) 07:15 LAGOS-IBADAN (MON-FRI) 7:00 IBADAN-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:00 IBADAN-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 16:30 ILORIN –ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30 ILORIN –LAGOS (MON-FRI) 17:00 ABUJA-ASABA (MON-FRI) 10:00 ASABA-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 14:15 ASABA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 11:30 LAGOS-ASABA (MON-FRI) 13:00 ABUJA-ILORIN 16:00 ABUJA-IBADAN 15:00 ARIK AIR LAGOS-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 07:00; 08:00; 09:00; 11:00 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 ABUJA-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00; 20:00 (SAT) 07:00; 09:00; 11:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 (SUN) 09:00; 13:00; 15:00; 17:00; 19:00 LAGOS-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 07:00; 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 (SAT) 07:00; 11:00; 15:00 (SUN) 09:30; 11:00; 13:30; 15:00; 17:30 PORT-HARCOURT-LAGOS (MON-FRI) 07:30; 09:00; 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 (SAT) 07:30; 11:30; 09:00; 13:00; 17:00 (SUN) 11:30; 13:00; 15:30; 17:00 ABUJA-PORT-HARCOURT (MON-FRI) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30; 16:50 (SAT/SUN) 06:45; 10:10; 13:30 PORT-HARCOURT-ABUJA (MON-FRI) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10; 18:30 (SAT/SUN) 08:30; 11:50; 15:10

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Suspension: Sanusi withdraws suit against Jonathan Tunde Oyesina ABUJA

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mir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has indicated his intention to withdraw a suit in which he is challenging his suspension as Central Bank of Nigeria governor by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Sanusi, in a notice dated July 1 filed before the National Industrial Court (NIC) that is now hearing the case, told the court that he was no longer interested in pursuing the case.

Jonathan, relying on a report by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) which accused Sanusi of financial recklessness, had in February suspended Sanusi as CBN governor, four months to the end of his five-year tenure in the central bank.

Sanusi, who was named the Emir of Kano in June, following the death of his predecessor, Alhaji Ado Bayero, however, approached Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja to challenge the legality of the president’s action.

He had contended that in line with the provisions

of the CBN Act even if the president had the power to suspend him from office, he (the president) could not do so without the support of two-thirds majority of the Senate.

But Justice Kolawole transferred the case to the NIC after he ruled that he lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

Justice Kolawole had held in his judgment delivered on May 20, that the suit was employment and labour-related and therefore ought to have been originally filed at the industrial court.

Sanusi, through his counsel, Kola Awodein (SAN), had joined Jonathan, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN) and the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, as the first to the third defendants in the case.

Counsel to the AGF, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), had urged Justice Babatunde Adejumo when the suit first came up before the NIC to stay proceedings since all the parties, including Sanusi, had appealed against the judgment of the Federal

High Court.

But the judge refused his plea, saying he must first hear the applications requesting for it.

Sanusi, through his counsel, Awodein, raised 20 grounds of appeal in his notice of appeal dated May 28, 2014.

He argued that contrary to the high court ruling, Sanusi’s case was not labour and employmentrelated and therefore the

entertain the suit.

At the last adjourned date by the NIC, hearing of applications for stay of proceedings was stalled due to Sanusi’s appointment as the Emir of Kano.

The NIC then fixed today to enable Sanusi’s counsel consult his client as to whether the suit should be terminated or not in view of his new status.

But a source told New

Telegraph yesterday that Sanusi had filed the notice to discontinue the suit and the court papers had been served on the parties.

All efforts to reach Sanusi’s counsel proved abortive as calls to his phone line were not going through.

But while responding to inquiry on the matter simply said in a text message: “Let’s meet in court tomorrow (today)”.

Report: Boko Haram kills 2,716 in six months lReps call for perimeter fences for unity schools Johnchucks Onuanyim, Emmanuel Onani, Philip Nyam Abuja

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rom January this year to last Tuesday, 2,716 civilians have been killed through the activities of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The statistics were given yesterday in Abuja by the #BringBackOurGirls movement, agitating for the rescue of over 200 Government Girls’ Secondary School pupils kidnapped 80 days ago from Chibok in Borno State.

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court ought to have affirmed jurisdiction over the matter.

On their part, the president and the AGF argued in their notices of appeal that the Federal High Court lacked the power to transfer the matter to the industrial court.

They said the court ought to have either dismissed or struck out the matter since it ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to

}INTERVIEW }UPCOMING EVENTS

The death toll pushed the casualty figure from Boko Haram killings above the 12,000 people President Goodluck Jonathan said lost their lives in the last five years, at an international summit on terrorism in Paris.

The breakdown of the death toll in the first half of the year showed that there were more attacks

by Boko Haram in May and June than the rest of the year.

The group, in a publication titled: Timeline of Boko Haram, however said the death toll excluded that of many of the security operatives who had also been killed while prosecuting the anti-terror campaign of the Federal Government.

New Telegraph obtained the document just as the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government to build perimeter fence around unity schools located in states facing terror attacks to safeguard the lives of pupils and teachers.

The death analysis captured from January 14 to July 1 shows different attacks by the Boko Haram, especially in the North-East, with 184 persons killed in January; 348 in February and 401 others in March.

Also, 276 civilians were killed in April, 543 in May, 946 in June and 18 on July 1.

The #BringBackOurGirls movement responding to questions on their demands and silence over

those who have been killed

by Boko Haram, stated that they were concerned more about the abducted Chibok school girls and others who are alive.

“The Chibok incidence is critical as well as a stark reality of the vulnerability of all Nigerians, but most especially innocent children seeking to actualise their right to education.

There is a need to scale up security efforts and sustain vigilance until all the girls are found. They cannot be abandoned and all Nigerians share their agony.

“We recognise the complexities and dangers in security and military operations, however it is our firm belief that these institutions hold in high esteem the value of Nigerians’ lives as well, our sovereignty being their primary mandate.

“The reading from Chibok is that all of us, including the military and security personnel, are at great risk of being consumed by the aggression of those who have ambushed our peace and prosperity.

Extra measures that remain within the legal limits of operations and counter insurgency/terrorism must be employed,” the group said in a document also obtained yesterday.

However, attempts by New Telegraph to confirm the actual casualty figure given by the group were futile, as the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said security agen-

cies, as a matter of policy, would not release such information to the public.

In a telephone interview with New Telegraph yesterday, Mba said: “No, we don’t do that; we don’t give out such information.”

The House of Representatives has however urged the Federal Government to ensure the construction and repairs of perimeter fences of all unity schools.

The advice was consequent upon the unanimous adoption of a motion brought by Evelyn Omavowan Oboro (PDP, Delta).

Oboro had in her lead debate expressed worry over lack of fencing in many unity schools, especially those located in rural areas.

She said the absence of perimeter fence in the unity schools endangered the pupils, recalling that hoodlums had on October 27, 2011 broke into the hostel of St. Anne’s Secondary School, Ibadan and raped four female pupils.

The lawmaker also drew the attention of her colleagues to another incident at a girls’ school in Kano which armed robbers attacked in October 2012 saying these incidence were preventable.

In adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committee on education to liaise with the Ministry of Education to ensure compliance.

The House also tasked the committee to carry out an appraisal of all Federal Government secondary schools to ascertain those without perimeter fences.

Respite for Nyako, Ngilari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The judge dismissed the lawmakers’ application and adjourned until July 9.

The state high court had earlier restrained the lawmakers from taking any decision on their bid to remove the governor pending the determination

of Nyako’s suit.

Reacting to yesterday’s ruling, a counsel to the governor Mr. Ayo Akumu, expressed happiness at the decision.

“My joy is that the court did not say it has no jurisdiction to entertain the case. The matter is still

pending before the court.

The action taken by the House of Assembly as at yesterday (Wednesday) I had made it clear that it was a violation of the court order,’’ he said.

The lawmakers had on Wednesday directed JusCONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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Reps suspend passage of FCT’s N271bn budget lDefer amendment to Electoral Act Philip Nyam Abuja

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he House of Representatives yesterday suspended the passage of the N271 billion 2014 Appropriation Bill of the Federal Capital Territory

Administration (FCTA) as lawmakers protested against its second reading.

House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal announced the suspension in deference to the protest which came shortly after the House leader, Hon. Mulikat

Akande-Adeola, presented the bill.

According to the speaker, it became necessary to halt further debate on the bill since no lawmaker had submitted his name to him to contribute to debate on the bill.

He cited Rule 97 (4) of the House Standing Rules, which states that during debate on money bills, members should submit their names that will be arranged alphabetically and they will be allotted five minutes each to make

L-R: Former President, ECOWAS Commission, Mohamed Ibn Chambas; former President of Ghana, John Kuffour and Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, during an inspection visit to a model secondary school built by the Amaechi administration in Eleme, Rivers State.

Confab rejects single term for president CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

oma, Orashi, New Oyo, Etiti, Savannah, Adada, Njaaba-Anim, Apa, Gurara, Ijebu, Ogoja, Kainji, Katagun, Amana, Sardauna among others.

Former House of Representatives Speaker, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’Abba, who spoke on the issue of creation of states, urged the National Assembly to expedite action towards the creation of the additional states, particularly in the South East, as this would enhance the needed balance, equity and reconciliation of the various groups in Nigeria.

A delegate representing the South-East zone and the leader of Aka Ikenga, Chief Goddy Uwazurike, spoke in the same vein, saying an additional state for the South-East will engender unity and national reconciliation.

However, human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, faulted the proposed creation of additional states.

Falana said in the

midst of the complaints over huge cost of governance and the need to reduce cost, it was absurd to recommend the creation of more states that would come with their own bureacratic structures.

The conference also endorsed the recommendation that states should have their own constitutions while the functions of local governments as contained in Schedule 4 of the 1999 Constitution should be transferred to the states and subjected to the power of the State Houses of Assembly.

They also voted against the local government as a different tier of government. Under the new order, the House of Assembly of a state may confer other functions on the local government councils.

The conference also approved the revival of the old national anthem.

If this decision is fully implemented, the current national anthem would give way to the old anthem at national events

and other official public functions.

Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday passed the bill seeking to amend the 2010 Electoral Act, but with a rejection of the proposal to make presidential candidates to compulsorily engage in debates before any presidential election.

The passage of the bill was sequel to the presentation of the report of the Joint Committees on the Review of the 1999 Constitution and the INEC on amendment to the Electoral Act 2010.

Presenting the report, the Senate Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, said the amendment became necessary for improved management of the electoral system in the country.

In rejecting the call for a presidential debate before an election, the Senate said inasmuch as the recommendation was desirable, election debates should not be made a constitutional matter.

It passed the amend-

ment which empowers INEC to determine the procedure for voting at an election, thereby removing the previous prohibition of electronic voting.

It further passed the amendment to the Act, which seeks to provide for tenure of office for office of INEC secretary.

The amendment also specified that the chairman and members of the Area Council Election Appeal Tribunal “shall be appointed by the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court”.

The Senate also rejected the proposal for INEC to conduct all elections on the same day, as the committee noted that the commission lacked the capacity to manage large scale election in a single day.

The Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, while congratulating his colleagues for passing the bill, said the National Assembly was committed to supporting INEC to achieve successful elections in the country.

Lawmakers suffer another setback to unseat Nyako, Ngilari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

tice Mammadi to set up a seven-man panel to probe the allegations levelled against the governor and his deputy.

However, it was gathered yesterday that the judge had not received any

notice on the decision from the legislature.

Chief Registrar of the High Court, Alhaji Abubakar Babayola, while responding to an inquiry on the issue, denied any receiving any communication from the Assembly,.

He said: “As I am talking to you now, we are yet to receive their correspondence, and if there is any we will communicate to you.’’

But the chief Press Secretary to the Assembly speaker, Mr. Solomon Ku-

mangar, said the decision had been passed on to the judge.

“The clerk has since communicated the matter to them and it was received at the chamber of the acting chief judge before closing hours,” he added.

contributions.

Trouble however started shortly after House leader had finished presenting the lead debate on bill when the supporting contribution from the Deputy Leader, Leo Ogor, was intermittently interrupted by other members who said they did not have details of the proposed budget and could not contribute to the debate.

Ogor ignored the shouts from his colleagues and insisted on going on until he was overwhelmed by the disorderliness forcing the speaker to call for restraint.

Out of the N271.125 billion proposed for the 2014 fiscal year, N49.200 billion is for personnel cost, N62.891 billion for overhead cost while the balance of N159 billion is for capital projects.

The House also could not conclude debate on the proposed amendment to the 2010 Electoral Act, sponsored by Daniel Rey-

enieju (PDP, Delta). Debate on the bill continues next Tuesday.

The proposed amendment is entitled “a bill for an Act to further amend the Electoral Act, N0. 6, 2010 to ensure a level playing field for all participants in the electoral process and institute more transparent process of conducting elections in Nigeria and for other matters connected therewith.”

Giving details of the proposed amendment, Reyenieju said the bill sought to amend section 2 of the principal Act that fixed the tenure of the secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at four years, renewable only once.

The amendment also seeks to empower INEC to accredit observers and monitors during election.

It also seeks to vest the power to request the president to deploy soldiers during election in the INEC only.

FG plans vehicle purchase scheme CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

introduction of the new automobile policy. This is because President Goodluck Jonathan, before announcing the new policy, had taken into consideration the current socioeconomic conditions of the average Nigerian and would not want to come up with any policy that will inflict more hardship on them.”

Aganga said the tariff regime under the auto policy had been structured to achieve maximum positive impact on the citizens in particular and the nation’s economy as a whole.

“The new automobile policy has been structured to encourage Original Equipment Manufacturers to invest in Nigeria to create jobs and develop our economy because we realised that for every car that we import into Nigeria, we are creating jobs for other countries.

“After consultations with all the stakeholders in the automobile industry, the government came up with different tariffs, which include zero per cent for Completely Knocked Down vehicles (CKDs); five per cent for Semi-Knocked Down 1 (SKD1) vehicles, and one per cent for Semi Knocked Down 2 (SKD2),” he added.

Aganga explained that

the Federal Government knew that because it was just starting with the implementation of the policy, there would be a gap between local production and demand and this made it to allow companies who had keyed into the policy by investing in the establishment of assembly plants in Nigeria to help government create jobs to import the difference of what they could not produce at 35 per cent duty.

“However, for those companies that want to continue to support the economy of other countries and help them to create jobs at the expense of Nigerians and the Nigerian economy, they can import cars at 70 per cent,” he said.

The minister stated that the overall objective of the Federal Government’s new automobile policy was to fast-track inclusive economic growth.

Aganga said: “The automobile industry is very strategic due to its economic benefits and overall impact on industrial, skills and technology development, job creation and foreign exchange stability, among other things. Among the 10 most populous countries of the world, Nigeria and Bangladesh are the only two countries without a successful automobile programme.”

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Kefee goes home today Sony Neme

he remains of Irikefe Don-Momoh(nee Obareki) better known as Kefee, will be interred at her hometown - Okpara-Inland, Ethiope East Local Government, Delta State, today.

This was disclosed by the family to members of the Kefee Memorial Committee (a collection of artists and entertainment personalities) who paid a condolence visit to the late singer’s parents in their Sapele, Delta State home on Wednesday.

A statement released

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by her publicist and made available to New Telegraph in Lagos yesterday states that, "Kefee’s husband, Teddy Don-Momoh, who has been making arrangements to bring her body back from the U.S., would arrive the country first to receive her body before taking her down to Delta State for burial."

He further explained that, "Teddy had earlier indicated that his wife’s family had requested that she be buried in their hometown, with a celebratory service in Sapele afterwards and he was comfortable with the arrangement."

Agabi: Corruption, fall out of states creation Lateef Ibrahim

Abuja

or mer Attor neyFFederation General of the and Minister of Justice, Senator Kanu Agabi yesterday traced the genesis of corruption in Nigeria to the 1960 independence and first state creation exercise of 1967, which he said led to acute shortage of manpower in the country.

The development, he reasoned, culminated in the subsequent appointment of unqualified people into serious positions of authority in the various states created.

Senator Agabi stated this while delivering a lecture with the theme,

“The Challenge of Combating Corruption in Nigeria”, organized by the Law Students Association (LAWSA) of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in honour of the retired Justice of the Supreme Court, late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa at the Public Service Institute, Kubwa Express Way, Abuja.

The former AGF and Minister of Justice stressed that the problem of acute shortage of manpower that came with the creation of states in 1966 was further compounded by the civil war which ravaged the nation between 1966 and 1970 and thus sent the remaining few qualified expatriate packing.

Fashola blames lawyers, litigants for slow justice system Foluso Ogunmodede

AGOS Governor, Babatunde Fashola , a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, yesterday blamed some unnamed lawyers for the snail speed of justice delivery system in the state, describing it as worrisome.

Fashola, who was a keynote speaker at a oneday conference on ‘Delay in Justice Administration-Beyond the rules and the law’, organised by the state Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said he was shocked to discover that some of his colleagues in connivance with litigants and the officials of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigerian (PHCN), were behind incessant power outages in courts for the purpose of delaying proceedings.

Accordingly, the governor lamented that the continued epileptic supply of electricity in the Lagos High Courts, which had

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immensely contributed to slow justice administration, were orchestrated by the unnamed lawyers, who were bent on stagnating government’s effort to speed up administration of justice in the state.

This, Fashola said, was revealed in an investigation he embarked upon between 1997 and 2000, insisting that this connivance by the lawyers with the officials of PHCN, immensely played a major role in the series of delays being recorded in the state as the continued epileptic supply of electricity in the Lagos High Court always forced judges to adjourn cases sine die.

He said: "What is the value in a judge sitting for hours over a matter that is not actionable only for the lawyer to be filing frivolous applications"?

Also, he noted that the architectural designs of the court rooms played remarkable roles in justice delayed in the state.

Former Deputy Governor Osun State, Obada Olusola (left) with Ijaw Leader, Edwin Clark, during the deliberation of the Political Restructuring Committee Report, at the National Conference, in Abuja

PHOTO: TIMOTHY IKUOMENISAN

EFCC can't prosecute me twice, Sylva tells court ACCUSATION Ex-Bayelsa Governor Sylva accuses anti-graft agency of double standard Tunde Oyesina

ABUJA

F

ormer Governor of Bayelsa State, Timiprye Sylva yesterday challenged the move by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to put him on trial in two courts on the same issue.

Sylva, now a chieftain of the All Progressives

Congress (APC), accused EFCC of playing double standard, a ploy, he said was not allowed in law.

The EFCC had yesterday attempted to dock him along with four others on corruption related and money laundering charges.

A private counsel, Adebisi Adeniyi, from the Law firm of Rotimi Jacobs, SAN had applied before Justice A.R Mohammed to dock the exgovernor for criminal offences.

But the lead counsel to the accused person, Isreal Olorundare, SAN, objected stating that the former governor could not be put trial in two dif-

ferent courts on the same issue.

Olorundare argued that the action of EFCC was strange to law as it was a clear case of gross abuse of court process.

He, however, informed Justice Mohammed that the former governor was already facing trial before Justice Evoh Chukwu also of the Federal High Court, Abuja on the same issue.

The counsel in a motion filed at the court to object to the double trial, maintained that the fresh criminal charge was not competent in law and that the court has no jurisdiction to hear the second trial.

Besides, Olorundare also objected to the appearance of Adebisi Adeniyi in the case on behalf of Rotimi Jacobs SAN. He argued that the counsel was not competent in law to prosecute the case since he has no power to do so.

Olorundare noted that the fiat (authority to prosecute) issued by the Minister of Justice to Jacobs to prosecute the former governor was personal and in law, cannot be delegated to another lawyer.

The court however adjourned the matter till October 8 to determine the competence of the charge.

Saraki laments non-payment of HYPREP salaries Biodun Oyeleye Ilorin

T

he Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday decried the failure of Petroleum Minister, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke to address the concerns of the staff of the HydroCarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP).

The lawmaker, according to a statement made available to newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State said he found it disheartening to learn that HYPREP’s staff had not received salaries in the past 18 months.

According to the statement, Saraki made the discovery when a staff

delegation from HYPREP led by Dr. Sam Okedi, the Head of the Water Unit, visited him in his office.

The former governor, who noted that many of the individuals in the delewgation, are highly skilled Nigerian professionals, whose dedication to reviving communities that have been hardest hit by the negative effects of oil exploration and oil spills is unquestionable, said their experience is saddening.

Saraki announced the resolve of other members of his committee to ensure that “these noble men and women are not left abandoned by their government and by extension, the government officials who are saddled

with the responsibility of looking into their dues and welfare.

His words: “As it stands, since January 2013, the more than 140 staff of HYPREP - a unit that the Federal Government set up to carry out assessment and evaluate hydrocarbonimpacted sites and make appropriate recommendations for reviving the environment to livable conditions – have not been paid.

What this means is that for over 18-months, government officials tasked with such a crucial job have not received their due salaries and other compensation as contained under their terms of engagement.

“At a time when it is hard enough for the average Nigerian to get by

without the wages from stable employment, these professionals – many of whom left other promising careers to serve their nation, have been neglected by their government for a year and a half; they feel like no one is listening to them.

“I will also begin looking into ways of ensuring that organizations tasked with duties such as HYPREP, should have people that are committed to sustaining the environment – and not people that are interested in petroleum products and its proceeds.

We have to do better. By the grace of Almighty Allah, who gives power to the work of our hands, we will do better and in time, we will be better."

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HOPELESS It is a terible situation as patients are abandoned by striking doctors Appolonia Adeyemi and Onah O. Onah

s the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) enters its third day, the NMA yesterday accused the Federal Government of playing hide and seek over the resolution of the crisis.

Meanwhile, some patients have sought the face of God for a quick solution to the problem.

NMA Public Relations

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Friday, July 4, 2014

Strike: Doctors accuse govt of playing hide and seek Officer in Lagos State, Dr. Ogunnubi Peters, said although the government knows what to do to address the issue, ‘it is merely playing dilly-dally games’ but warned that; ‘government should not play with lives of Nigerian citizens.’

On divine intervention, some patients at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi (NOHI), Lagos and their relations prayed over the indefinite strike, calling for God’s intervention to end the crisis.

In order to prevent further disaster and loss of lives, the patients, who stood in front of Emergency Unit, asked God to touch

the heart of those in government and the striking doctors for them to reach a compromise.

Their request: “Our God in heaven, listen to our cry and come to our aid. Arrest the heart of doctors and those in government to end this strike.

We are dying slowly on daily basis.”

According to some patients, whether the strike continues or not, they have nowhere else to go to seek medical attention. They maintained that their cases were peculiar and could not easily be handled at private hospitals.

Investigations by New Telegraph showed that the

situation in public hospitals has gone from bad to worse in virtually all government-owned hospitals visited across the state.

From the General Hospital, Gbagada, Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, it was lamentation as patients, who refused to relocate have been abandoned to their fate.

Incoming patients are denied admission while old ones who refused to leave, are given skeletal services by nurses and other health workers, who are not affected by the strike.

Meanwhile, reports from Anambre State yesterday said the nationwide

doctors’ strike has also been taking its toll on the patients in the state.

The report also said that private hospitals and doctors had been having a field day as patients continued to relocate to private clinics and hospitals.

When New Telegraph visited the General Hospital, Onitsha, yesterday, no doctor was in sight to attend to the few patients still in the hospital.

However, nurses and other categories of health workers were seen discussing the latest development while student nurses were also seen assisting nurses on emergence duties.

However, at the Dental

Department, one Dr. Joe Uyammadu, was seen attending to patients with tooth ailment. Our reporter could not speak with him as he was said to be “very busy and would not want to speak to journalists.

Mr. Jude Nwagu, who spoke with our reporter, said "I had to charter a vehicle to relocate my father to a private hospital to take care of him since the doctors were no longer attending to anybody."

He regretted the incessant action by Nigerian doctors, advising government to look into some of their demands to avert another strike in the future.

Bisalla: Delta commiserates with New Telegraph Dominic Adewole and Mojeed Alabi

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L-R: Deputy Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Dr Don Mmuo; National Coordinator, Nigerian Students and Youth Mandate, Comrade Ebele Davidson and Registrar, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Mr Olih Nwaokolobia=, during the Presentation of Award of Excellent Administrator in Oko, Anambra State

Boko Haram: Reps call for fencing of unity schools

Ogun 2015: Akinlade dumps APC for PDP

Philip Nyam

Evelyn Omavowan Oboro (PDP, Delta).

ollowing the threats of Fpecially attacks on schools esin the north east

Oboro had, in her lead debate, expressed worry over lack of perimeter fence around most unity schools in the country, especially those located in rural areas.

She said the absence of perimeter fencing in those schools poses danger to the students, recalling that hoodlums had on October 27, 2011, forced their way into the hostel of St. Anne’s Secondary School, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo State, raping four female students in the process.

The lawmaker also drew the attention of her colleagues to another incident at the girls’ school in Kano, where armed robbers attacked the school on October 2012, saying these incidences were preventable.

Wale Elegbede

member of the House of Representatives from Yewa South/Ipokia federal constituency, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, yesterday dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) to pitch his tent with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), thereby creating a new equation in the race for Ogun State Government House in 2015.

Akinlade, who submitted his letter to the Speaker, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, who in turn read same amidst thunderous cheers from members, is a third term member of the House.

The lawmaker, who has been persistent in his aspiration to become the governor of Ogun State, contested with the incumbent, Ibikunle Amosun, in 2011 before the APC adopted the governor as the party’s flag-bearer.

Abuja

by the Boko Haram,the House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure the construction of perimeter fencing around unity schools in the country.

It also urged the ministry to mend any such fence that may have collapsed in the course of time to ensure the safety of the students.

The House said the call became necessary following the destruction wrecked by the Boko Haram insurgents in schools across the North-East part of the country.

The advice was consequent upon the unanimous adoption of a motion brought by Hon.

A

With his movement to the PDP, there are signs that the race to Ogun State Government House in 2015 would be tough.

Akinlade in the letter addressed to the Speaker, explained that he resolved to dump the APC, relying on the provisions of Section 68 (g) of the 1999 Constitution.

He noted that; “This is to formally inform you and the leadership of the House of Representatives of my intention to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“This decision is premised on the fact that the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), on which platform I won election into the House in 2011, has merged with other parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Certificate of Registration of the ACN has since been returned to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

elta State government yesterday joined others not only to condole with the management and staff of New Telegraph newspapers over the loss of its Managing Editor, Northern Operations, Mr. Suleiman Bisalla, but to condemn the rampaging violence that is gradually enveloping the country.

Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah, in a signed statement tagged; Bisalla: ‘Media Must Not Be Cowed,’ in Asaba, described the circumstances surrounding the death of the journalist as “gruesome.”

He said his killing was not only “sad and shocking” but “a reminder to the challenges facing journalists under the new wave of insecurity in the country.”

According to the commissioner, that such a talented and an accomplished editor had to lose his life “through the ac-

tions of religious extremist groups with cultures that are alien to our people, makes it hurt a lot more.”

He wrote: “On behalf of the media community in Delta State, we commiserate with the management and staff of New Telegraph, the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the family of the slain journalist.

“At a time like this, the media community is being counted on by Nigerians to lead the rest of the country in defying terrorists, who seek to steal our collective peace and unity, just as it did in the fight to restore democratic rule and freedom.

“We must not be intimidated by the violent campaigns of agents of evil, whose strategy is, in truth, a show of cowardice. All through history, violence and evil have never triumphed over freedom and good.” He also prayed for the peaceful repose Suleiman.

Ibadan indigenes in Abuja condole with Arisekola’s family Yekeen Nurudeen

Abuja

ndigenes of Ibadan unIAssociation der the auspices of the of Ibadan

Indigenes in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have expressed shock over the death of Ibadan business mogul and Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao and his eldest wife, Alhaja Jelilat Arisekola-Alao, who died on Tuesday in a motor accident in Ilorin, Kwara State.

In a condolence message issued in Abuja by the President of the association, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Adigun, the association described the death of late Arisekola-Alao as a huge loss to the nation in gener-

al and Ibadan as a whole.

The association said Ibadan and its people have lost a great son, an industrialist and a philanthropist, whose legacies would live forever.

While paying tributes to the late business mogul and Islamic leader for his immense charity and contribution to the development of the ancient city of Ibadan, the association lamented that the vacuum created by his death would be difficult to fill in a long time to come.

It said his death came at a point his services to Oyo State were still needed, adding that his philanthropic gesture would be greatly missed by the less-privileged, especially in this month of Ramadan.

NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Police anti-terrorism campaign kicks off in South - East Uwakwe Abugu Awka

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tate police commands in some states in the South East zone of the country have begun effective anti-terrorism campaigns in their respective areas, sharing the police anti-terrorism leaflets produced by the Force Headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force.

In Anambra State yesterday, the state police spokesman, Emeka Chukwuemeka, personally moved to public places in Awka, capital of the state, considered highly vulnerable to share the document, which contains vital security tips presented in five pages.

In Owerri, Imo State

capital, our correspondent who interacted with the state Police Public Relations officer, Andrew Enwerem, yesterday confirmed that the campaign of leaflet-sharing has also kicked off in the state capital.

In the case of Enugu, it was not possible to contact, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, image-maker for the state police command but a source at the office of the Nsukka police area command, who spoke in a telephone chat with New Telegraph said “we have not seen the leaflets but my friend in Taraba State told me today that they are sharing in it in public places seen as possible targets of Boko Haram attacks in the state."

As Federal Poly Oko withdraws from ASUP strike Federal Polytechnic students of other instituThasheOkowithdrawn Anambra State, tions. from the The Academic Board 11 month nationwide strike of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics,( ASUP) Arising from an emergency meeting yesterday of the Academic Board of the institution, the school said while still supporting the agitations of the union, it had to pull out of the general strike in the interest of the students .

The withdrawal from the strike, according to Dr. Nsionu Ifeanyi, Dean School of Engineering and member of the Board was to enable students write the second semester examinations and be at par with other

however, praised the efforts of ASUP in putting up a good fight, noting that their withdrawal was not to dissuade the union from the struggle but in consideration of the students who had wasted a lot of time at home.

But in a swift reaction, National President of ASUP, Chibuzor Asomugha told New Telegraph that Dr. Ifeanyi of the Academic Board, who purportedly called off the strike was not the ASUP representative in the polytechnic.

He said he was not aware that the Institution had withdrawn from the strike.

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Abia Poly workers embark on indefinite strike over unpaid salaries hunger

Aba poly workers are tired of carrying empty stomach for 8 months Peter Osondu ABA

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cademic and non academic activities in Abia State Polytechnic, Aba have been paralysed following industrial action embarked upon by workers of the institution since the beginning of the week over unpaid salaries, which is said to have run into eight months.

The strike by workers of the institution came as a surprise because all the while, the national body of Academic staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) were on industrial action, Abia Poly lecturers, who were owed several months’ arrears of salaries, did not join; on the

pretext that they were working out ways on how to clear the backlog of salaries.

However, things fell apart on as both academic and non academic staff of the institution embarked on an indefinite strike, forcing the institution to be closed down.

Some of the workers, who spoke to our correspondent, said they decided to embark on strike because the management, after borrowing over N2bn from a first generation bank, which was supposed to be used to offset the salary arrears failed to do so.

One of them told New Telegraph, “The institution’s management recently met with the local branch of ASUP, where it was agreed that the school will take a loan from bank to offset our salaries which was last paid in October, 2013”.

Speaking further, the worker said, “The loan was actually obtained

$9,573.2m

The capital importation of Nigeria in 2007.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

and the Rector was said to have signed cheques for the payment of our salaries before he made his recent trip to USA and that a certain Board big shot countered what the Rector did.”

The source said that while some workers were paid December, January and February salaries, others were yet to get their December to July salaries and said they would not call off the strike until the eight months salary arrears were paid in full, pointing out that they were tired of working on empty stomach.

A lecturer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “The other time when ASUP went on strike, management called us and explained what they described as a peculiar nature of the school which after due consultations, we backed out from ASUP nationwide strike, only for us to get this kind of inhuman treatment from the

4.3%

The percentage of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s players (1 of 23) in Brazil 2014 World Cup who currently play in the domestic league.

Source: Goal.com

school authority after they borrowed over N2bn from a bank which would have been enough for the amount being owed us. All we want is our salaries paid before we can return to classroom.

Enough is enough."

When our correspondent visited the polytechnic, offices were shut and the school compound looked deserted.

Some of the students, who expressed disappointment with the strike, stated that the issue of unpaid salaries to lecturers had encouraged and promoted corrupt and unwholesome practices among lectures, who they alleged, exploit students at every opportunity.

Efforts to reach the Rector, Sir Allwell Onukaogu and the Public Relations Officer of the School, for comments proved abortive, but a source close to school management said they were working to resolve the issue.

2.88m

The total population of Faisalabad, Pakistan in 2010.

Source: Blatantworld.com

Multiple taxation: Abia suspends payment of levies Steve Uzoechi s part of efforts to Aation, eliminate multiple taxthe Abia State gov-

ernment has announced the convocation of a revenue summit while suspending all forms of levies in the state.

The state Commissioner for Finance, Dr Philips Nto, who disclosed this in a brief chat with New Telegraph at the Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri, named the Vice Chancellor of Rhema University, Aba, Prof. Ogbonnaya Onwudike, as the summit chairman. He described the summit as a veritable forum for all stakeholders to discuss and arrive at an acceptable taxation policy for the state.

He explained that the state government decided to organize the Summit when it discovered that more than 500 various levies and fees were

being charged by the federal, state, and local governments in the state.

Nto noted that Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State has already ordered the suspension of payment of levies that impacted negatively on commerce and constituted a heavy burden on the poor, especially market women and petty traders.

Tagged “Maiden Abia State Revenue Summit”, the event which is scheduled to hold on Thursday July 10, 2014 at Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia, will attract participants from the business community in the state.

The Finance Commissioner also disclosed that Orji, who gave approval for the Summit, will be the Chief Guest of Honour, while the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Mkpa Agu Mkpa will present the key note address.

L-R: Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin; Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; Governor Kayode Fayemi and former Governors of the State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Segun Oni, during a post-Election meeting of the APC, in Ado-Ekiti... on Thursday.

Oputa burial: Imo APC blasts Charley Boy Steve Uzoechi OWERRI

I

mo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lambasted Mr. Charles Oputa, also known as Charley Boy for actions the party considers as rude and disrespectful to Governor Rochas Okorocha, during the burial ceremony of late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa last weekend.

In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Nwabueze Oguchienti, the party described as rude and mannerless, the actions of Charley

Boy when he publicly stopped the Governor from presenting a goodwill message at the funeral service.

“He behaved like a man on a forced suicide mission when his father was being honoured by the whole world”, the statement read.

Continuing, Oguchienti said; “Imo APC wishes to express no surprise by the undisciplined manner the 64 year-old boy behaved, which lent credence to what Bishop Kukah of Sokoto Diocese said about him.”

The Bishop he said,

had extolled the late Jurist as a great man to have tolerated the excesses of his son while alive.

“Charley boy desecrated our tradition by disrupting the burial of his own father”, Oguchienti maintains.

The party, however, praised Okorocha for the maturity and exemplary leadership he displayed despite Charley boy’s ‘instigated provocation’.

The party urged Nigerians to pray for God’s intervention in the life of Charles Oputa.

Meanwhile, the party has urged its members to embark on grassroots

mobilisation of support for the party ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The State Deputy Chairman, Prince Ugochukwu Nzekwe, who gave the advice at a-one day strategic parley with local governments and ward chairmen; women and youth leaders; secretaries and other elected party officials from Orlu zone, said that the party would take steps to ensure that only credible and popular candidates capable of fetching victory for the party emerge in the forth coming party primaries

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Institute seeks verification of politicians' tax records Biodun Oyeleye, Ilorin The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) yesterday asked government and other stakeholders to verify the tax clearance certificates of those seeking political offices, as it argued that most Nigerian tax payers are not honest with their depositions.

President of the institute, Chief McAnthony Dike, who made the call in a chat with newsmen at the

third quarterly meeting of the institute in Ilorin, Kwara State also repeated an earlier call for a 15-year jail term for those who swindle government revenue in the country.

He called on government at all levels to develop a zero-tolerance for those who do not show fidelity to payment of taxes, arguing that government should not cohabit with people who had not showed evidence of tax payment.

Amosun harps on agric as panacea to unemployment Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has called for massive public and private investment in agriculture, saying it is the panacea to unemployment.

Amosun, who made this call while speaking at the opening of the twoday Africa Investment 2014 Conference tagged, “Partner to Win,” held in Lagos, warned that the nation would continue to have huge unemploy-

ment crisis if it does not take advantage of its agricultural potentials.

He noted that agriculture is the only sector that can lead to industrialisation and get teeming youths engaged as the value chains it offers would make national economy manufacturing-based as against the service-based economy evident in the newly rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

...Approves N58m retirement benefits for former hotel workers Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has approved the payment of the N58.1 million outstanding retirement benefits owed managers of the three defunct Gateway Hotels in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode and Ota, who were relieved of their appointments by the erstwhile Gbenga Daniel administration in 2004.

This was sequel to an appeal made on behalf of the 34 workers by the Hotel and Personal Services Senior Staff

Association, following an agreement reached with the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria in a meeting held on February 25, 2014 with representatives of the government, led by the governor.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, said in a statement N2.5 million would be paid on a monthly basis until the benefits are fully paid.

L-R: Managing Director, Peugeot Automobile of Nigeria (PAN), Ibrahim Boyi; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga and Director-General, National Automotive Council (NAC), Aminu Jalal, during a press briefing, on Nigeria Automotive Industrial Development Plan, in Lagos.

Abia flags off land reclamation, erosion control

Akinfeleye heads 2014 NMMA award panel

Ikechukwu Ucheoma

Wale Elegbede The process of selecting entries for media excellence at the 2014 Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) took off during the week when the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the NMMA inaugurated the Panel of Assessors (PoA) to access entries received for media work done in 2013.

At a ceremony held in Lagos, BoT Chairman, Vincent Maduka, represented by a distinguished

Umuahia.

Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State has reassured the people of the state of his administration’s resolve to collaborate with the Federal Government to check the problem of gully erosion in the state.

Orji stated this during the flag-off of the land reclamation and erosion control programme at Afor Ibeji, Old Umuahia in Umuahia South Local Government Area of the state.

The governor noted that there were many erosion sites in the state but expressed the confidence that the scourge would be checked with the help and collaboration of the Federal Government.

He explained that it was necessary to check the erosion menace in the area in order to save the

roads from being washed away. He urged the people to continue to support President Goodluck Jonathan, saying that the robust relationship between the state and Federal Government had been beneficial to the state.

The governor also reiterated his belief in power shift in the state, arguing that power rotation would ensure fairness and equity in the state.

He described himself as ‘’a product of power rotation,’’ adding that he would continue to champion the campaign for the emergence of the next governor from Abia South senatorial district.

He noted that Abia North and Central senatorial districts had taken their turns, adding that ‘’it is only fair and just that the next governor should come from Abia south senatorial district.’’

trustee and former Director-General of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Dr. Josef Bel-Molokwu, charged the panel, headed

by Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, of the University of Lagos, to keep in line with the tradition of NMMA by diligently assessing each of the entries submitted to them and follow the established process for selection of outstanding award nominees and winners.

Kwara magistrates suspend the strike was planned strike Yahaya, suspended following as-

The Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter has suspended the proposed three-day warning strike earlier scheduled to commence on Wednesday, July 2, 2014.

According to a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday and jointly signed by the Chairman of the association, K. A.

surances received from the Kwara State Judicial Service Commission that the magistrates’ grievances will be looked into.

The association said it subsequently held an emergency general meeting on July 2, 2014, during which it resolved to suspend the strike, pending the outcome of the commission’s intervention.

‘25,000km of federal roads in Oil spill: Esuene begs Eket youths to vacate facility good condition' Chukwu David, avoid further damage to Workshop participants ask for Dayo Ayeyemi travel times have been Senator Helen Esuene, the environment.

Abuja

The Federal Government yesterday said that about 25,000 km of federal roads are now in good condition, with some of the road alignments competing favorably with roads in the developed parts of the world.

F launting the achievements of the Federal Government in the road sector, Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, said throughout the six geo-political zones,

reduced between origins and destinations, cost of vehicle maintenance drastically reduced, while accidents and carnage on Nigerian roads have been reduced due to better pavement design and construction.

According to him, economic goods are now better distributed through the nation’s arterial roads with better turn-around times that lead to more profits for entrepreneurs.

representing Akwa Ibom South senatorial district, has appealed to youths in Eket to vacate the operational terminal of ExxonMobil currently under siege by the community to enable prompt resolution of the issues that led to the barricade of the oil facility.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja yesterday, Esuene said the appeal became imperative to enable the affected oil company begin immediate mop-up activities to

Eket youths, the host communities of the main operational headquarters of ExxonMobil, barricaded the Akwa Ibom terminal of the oil company on Tuesday, protesting the oil spillage, which occurred in the area at the weekend.

By Wednesday, the youths had also extended the barricade to the housing estate, where the senior staff of the company reside, preventing all movements, in and out of the estate.

protection of informants’ identity

Igbeaku Orji, Umuahia Participants at a sensitisation forum on counter terrorism measures organised by the Abia State police command for hoteliers and motor park operators yesterday, in Umuahia, called on the police to protect the identity of informants.

This, according to them, is the only way to gain the confidence of the public and those with information on criminal elements, which will help the police

in their operations.

The participants took turns to bare their minds on the best way to prosecute the war on terror.

They expressed worry that severally, lives of innocent members of the public, who had volunteered information to security agents on the activities of suspected criminals in their vicinity, had been exposed to danger because of the failure of security operatives to protect the informants’ identity.

Minister commissions Glo’s fixed lines

Glo signs 3-year deal with Anioma Festival

Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, has commended Globacom for its irrevocable commitment to bridging communication gaps between the government and

Sony Neme Telecommunications giant, Globacom, has added Anioma Festival to the rich bouquet of popular festivals in the country being promoted

the people of Nigeria.

Ochekpe, who stated this while commissioning Globacom’s communication facilities installed at the Ministry of Water Resources office at Old Sec-

retariat, Area 1, Abuja on Wednesday, said the partnership with Globacom would greatly enhance communication within the ministry as well as between the ministry and its publics.

by the company.

This followed a threeyear sponsorship deal the company signed with the people of Anioma in Delta State to sponsor the annual festival for the

next three years.

Globacom already sponsors Ojude Oba, Ofala and Lisabi festivals said it has the capacity to take the festival to a higher level.

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Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

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New LGs: PDP sues Fayemi, others Adesina Wahab Ado-Ekiti

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kiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sued Governor Kayode Fayemi, over plans by his administration to create 18 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) out of the existing 16 local governments in the state.

In suit number HAD/75/2014, filed at the High Court of Justice,

62

Ado-Ekiti Judicial Division on July 1, 2014 and deposed to by the PDP Chairman, Mr. Makanjuola Ogundipe, on behalf of the party, the PDP described Fayemi’s action as illegal and unconstitutional and a flagrant violation of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Also joined in the suit are the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Fapo-

The life expectancy (in years) of women at birth in Ethiopia in 2010-2015.

Source: Un.org

hunda, and the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

Consequently, the PDP is seeking the following reliefs: A declaration that it is an exercise in futility for the first defendant to embark on the creation of local governments or LCDAs at the twilight of his tenure, being a process that cannot be completed before the expiration of his tenure, but that was meant to cause confusion for the in-coming

15,020

The number of refugees and people in refugee-like situation in Georgia at the beginning of 2010.

Source: Blatantworld.com.

administration.

“A declaration that any local government or LCDA created by Governor Fayemi in contravention of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, is null, void and of no effect.”

The PDP is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from embarking on any further process towards the creation of additional councils.

The party is also seeking a perpetual injunc-

24%

The percentage prevalence of diabetes (20-79 years) in Saudi Arabia in 2013.

Source: Idp.com

tion restraining the third defendant, the Ekiti State House of Assembly, from receiving and or considering any process forwarded to it by the governor in relation to the creation of new councils.

It also wants the court to determine the followings: “Whether Governor Fayemi can validly create local governments or LCDAs in contravention of Section (3) of the 1999 Constitution.

“Whether the gover-

PAC hails IG over Ekiti polls kudos

Police boss gets passmark for doing it right Oye Ogunwale Assistance Phasolice Committee (PAC) given kudos to the

L-R: Head, Sales, Globacom, Rajesh Srivastava; Head, Broad Access, Manish Kochhar, Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe and Permanent Secretary, Water Resources Ministry, Baba Umar Farouk, at the official commissioning of Globacom’s telecommunication facility at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja…yesterday

nor has the power under the 1999 Constitution to abolish local government areas created under the 1999 Constitution by altering their names, adjusting their boundaries and dividing them into smaller units.

“Whether Governor Fayemi has the power to do such without recourse to the National Assembly.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the matter.

Inspector General (IG) of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, members of the Nigeria Police and other security personnel deployed in the Ekiti State election for their role in ensuring a peaceful poll on June 21.

Speaking at a postelection security seminar/workshop held in Lagos for PAC members and other stakeholders, the Director-General of PAC, Dr. Martins Oni, also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC) for conducting a rancour-free election.

Oni expressed appreciation to law enforcement agencies on ground during the poll for their co-operation with members of PAC and its affiliate body, the Association of Tradesmen/women and artisans.

The director-general appealed to security agencies to continue to give listening hears to PAC/ATA members, as well as members of the public, who might be willing to pass information to them in the discharge of their duties.

He also urged chairmen, secretaries and image makers of trade associations to always stay close to their members, who may want to pass information to them for onward dissemination to security agencies.

LASU students reject July 6 deadline for payment of fees 2015: Adedoja woos teachers l Insist on further reduction Mojeed Alabi

S

tudents’ Union of the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, yesterday advised students of the institution not to obey the directive by the management to pay their fees on or before Sunday, July 6, 2014.

Union leaders said the unresolved strike action by the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Senior Staff Union of Universities (SSANU) has made the atmosphere on campus unsuitable for learn-

Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

Edo State chapter of Tichethe Peoples’ DemocratParty (PDP) yesterday

described as a nullity and one that cannot stand the test of time, Tuesday’s impeachment of the suspended Deputy Speaker, Mr. Festus Ebea by the APC legislators at the state government house

ing, and that the new fees needed to be further reduced by the administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola.

In a statement issued by the Students’ Union President, Nurudeen Yusuff, the leaders accused the university management and the Lagos State government of misleading the public, insisting that negotiations were still on concerning students’ request for a further reduction in the fees.

They said until the conclusion of negotia-

tions, no student should be asked to pay any fee.

The union leaders, who listed some of the fees to be reduced to include acceptance fee, tuition, caution fee, laboratory and practical workshop fees, also added that rather than asking the Faculty of Education students going for teaching practice to pay, government should pay them just as the medical students on internship are paid.

The union also called on students not to pay because of some unresolved

issues that include inability of students who have paid to access the registration portal, issues with Quick Teller by the management, unaffordable fees still being charged, ASUU and SSANU strike, among others.

They, therefore, called on stakeholders, including civil societies, parents, the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state and the university’s alumni association to quickly intervene to avoid another round of crisis.

Temitope Ogunbanke

ormer Minister of FDuties, Sports and Special Prof. Taoheed

Adedoja, has assured retired teachers in Oyo State, who are yet to be paid their retirement benefits that a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government will change their fortunes come 2015, if the party takes over government in the state.

Speaking in Ibadan, when over 300 retired teachers paid him a courtesy visit, Adedoja advised the teachers to

Crisis: PDP faults APC lawmakers’ claim Benin City.

Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, at a press conference in Benin, faulted the action of the 15 APC members, as against 16 members, which is the constitutional 2/3 majority required for impeachment of any lawmaker in the state

house of assembly.

Chief Orbih said, “The event was a travesty of plenary. Watching the news yesterday, I saw it as a mockery because one of the features of democracy is separation of powers. So, for the APC lawmakers to have plenary at Government

House is seen is an erosion of confidence.

“But yesterday (Wednesday), you have 15 members’ present and 14 members who actually voted in the impeachment notice because the Speaker cannot vote except where there is a tie.”

He also blasted the

lawmakers for resorting to illegality by relocating to the office of the state governor instead an officially designated sitting venue for the legislators.

This came as the gale of political somersaults in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) took a new twist as Prince Osa-

pursue their legitimate demands peacefully and await unprecedented transformation in the education sector by the PDP government.

Leader of the delegation, Mr. Jacob Alebiosu, expressed absolute confidence in Adedoja, who once served as the Commissioner of Education in the state.

The delegation also described the former minister as an educationist and politician, who understands the feelings of teachers, workers and the masses. ma Erediauwa, son of the Benin monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Erediauwa yesterday also resigned his appointment as Executive Director, Governor’s office.

Besides, the Prince, one Captain Rasaki Eke (rtd.), the Special Assistant, Inter-Party Affairs, office of the governor called it quits with the ruling party.

10 NEW TELEGRAPH

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ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES Editor

abiodun. bello@newtelegraphonline.com otuntise@yahoo.co.uk

friday, july 4, 2014

0802 393 8212

Intoxicated corporal kills lady in hotel SERIAL KILLER COP

A policeman on a drinking spree murders in cold blood a bar attendant in a hotel Bamidele Babalola Damaturu

A

police corporal identified as Francis has reportedly shot and killed a lady working in popular hotel in Damaturu, Yobe State.

The incident happened inside the hotel bar where the killer cop had allegedly taken some bottles of beer IG, Muhammed Abubakar over a plate of pepper soup.

When the lady, Rebecca David (25), Another witness said the corporal, asked for the payment of the con- attached to the State Criminal Investisumed items, the corporal reportedly gation Department (SCID) was in the brought out his gun and shot her in habit of misusing his pistol. the head.

The witness, who is also a policeA witness said Francis had been man at the SCID, said Francis comon drinking spree before going to the mitted the same offence in Rivers hotel to commit the heinous crime.

State Command from where he was

transferred to Yobe State Command.

The hotel manager, identified as Nwenren, told journalists that the incident occurred around 5.30pm on Wednesday when one of his workers said a plainclothes policeman had killed David.

He said he immediately called the soldiers who were nearby to disarm and arrested Francis.

Nwenren said that the killer cop regularly patronised the hotel, adding that he might not know if there was any love affairs between David and Francis.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nansek Shenwan, a superintendent of police, confirmed the incident.

He said that the killer cop had been detained.

Shenwan disclosed that investigation had commenced, adding that if found culpable Francis would be dismissed and charged to court.

N57m fraud tears Anambra traders apart

OnahOnah Onitsha

C

risis is brewing at the Ogbaru Main Market in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State following allegation of fraud and diversion of over N57 million.

The money was donated by the state government to reconstruct the market to enhance easy access and ensure efficient and effective security.

Sources close to the management of Onitsha Market Amalgamated Traders Association (OMATA), Ogbaru Main Market, said the immediate past governor of the state, Mr Peter Obi, donated the money as a compensation to over 3,500 traders displaced by the government demolition exercise, but the management of the traders association collaborated with the local government authority and government officials to collate fictitious names of non-existing traders in the market.

“They submitted to the state government and share between N67,000 and N85,000 to less than 200 traders they favoured,” one of the sources said.

A trader, Mr Chukwuma Obiorah, who spoke with journalists in

the market, said the matter had been reported to security agencies.

He said: “The problem worsened when after collecting the money from the state government they went ahead to impose compulsory levy of N100,000 on each of the traders affected by the exercise and later used it for the construction of one drainage in the market.”

Investigation shows also that about 75 per cent of the traders are spoiling for war against the executive of the market following the construction of luck-up shops where the state government demolished illegal structures in the market.

It was learnt that there had been an inherent crisis in the market since it was constructed and inaugurated by then governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, in the late 1980s.

Another source said there had been a tradition of leadership crisis in the market that had also resulted in kidnapping, killing and even setting the market ablaze for about four consecutive times.

This development,it was gathered, has divided the traders into factions and cliques.

It has also degenerated to clashes among indigenes who now want the

leadership to rotate among the three senatorial zones of Anambra North, Anambra South and Anambra Central.

In a swift reaction, the Chairman of the Traders Association, Mr Okoye, has described the allegation as frivolous and unfounded.

FRSC, hospital offer drivers free eye test Camillus Nnaji

T

railer and truck drivers on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are now undergoing free eye examination.

The eye screening, expected to last for two weeks, started on Wednesday at BHN trailer park at Wawa in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The eye test was as a response to the accidents recorded last week which involved trailers and other articulated vehicles on the expressway.

The crashes occurred in front of Car Park C of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) at Ibafo junction and Wawa road intersection.

Speaking on the motive behind the exercise, the Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), in the axis, Assistant Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, said it had become imperative, given the rising number of long vehicles involving in accidents as a result of bad sight.

He said: “This exercise is part of our public education programme, to sensitise this group of road users on the importance of good sight.

“We observed that some of the drivers do not have good eye sight and are driving long vehicles.

Some of them are aged people with impaired vision.

Hence, we have to conduct this free test beginning from today in all the trailer parks along this corridor because of the devastating effect of their crashes when they occur.”

Ogunjobi advised all trailer drivers along the route to avail themselves the opportunity offered by the exercise.

“Last week, a tanker loaded with diesel crashed and exploded at Ibafo, another one at RCCG Park C turning, we identified the major causes as poor eyesight on the part of these drivers,” the unit commander added.

Rustlers arrested, 146 cows, gun recovered Dan Atori Minna

P

olice have arrested two rustlers and recovered 146 herds of cow as well as an AK 47 rifle at Pandogari in Kangara Local Government Area of Niger State.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Richard Oguche, made this known yesterday while briefing the journalists on the activities of the command and the breakthrough it recorded in the past one month.

Oguche, who paraded the suspects, Abubakar Ibrahim and Sani Abashe at the state police headquarters, explained that the cows were now in the custody of the police in Pandogari Police Divisional Headquarters, adding that some of the cows have been released to the owners who were

Some grazing cows

able to identify them.

The PPRO said that the police acted on a tip-off after the suspects from Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State camped in a hideout in Sabon Gida area of Alawa village near Kagara.

He said that the gang leader of the rustlers, Nadumaru Usman, was on the run, adding that the suspects confessed that the rifle belonged

to their leader.

Oguche also said that the police last month carried out 51 raids on criminal spots leading to the arrest of 126 suspects out of which 92 were convicted in court.

The PPRO said that the police had stopped several criminal activities due to constant raids.

He added that crime had been reduced to the minimum level in the state.

METRO

Friday, July 4, 2014

Amosun offers Ogun monarchs official cars Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

G

overnor Ibikunle Amosun has approved official cars for traditional rulers in Ogun State just as he restated the commitment of his administration to their welfare.

Amosun spoke in Abeokuta during the induction of the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Sonariwo, as the new chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas.

Sonariwo took over the rotational chairmanship from the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who served for one year.

Addressing the gathering of monarchs at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the governor said his admin-

Amosun (left) and Sonariwo at the event

istration would not take the support of traditional rulers in the state for granted.

He added that the decision to approve the official cars was part of measures to improve the monarchs’ welfare, adding that the government would soon review the salaries and allowances of Obas.

Amosun, who said he had fulfilled his electoral promises to the people,

Four babies delivered at refugees’ camp Cheke Emmanuel Lafia

T

complement the efforts of the Nasarawa State Government in alleviating the hardship being experienced by the victims.

Murima said that UNICEF was concerned over the plight of the victims particularly women and children who suffer more in such crisis situations.

She commended the state government for responding swiftly to the plight of the victims by providing a camp and relief materials for them.

The visitor also urged spirited individuals and corporate organisations to come to the aid of the victims.

Receiving the items, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hajiya Zainab Abdulmunini, said that government had also provided some basic needs at the camp such as water, electricity, medical care and security to make them comfortable.

hree women among the victims of Tabara State crisis have given birth to four babies at the temporary Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Shabu in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

Two of the women, Ziyada Umar and Asiya Liman gave birth to a baby boy and a girl, while Raina gave birth to a set of twins, who are girls.

The women have been removed from the temporary camp to a private home of a top government functionary in Governor Tanko AlMakura’s administration.

The news of the delivery coincided with the visit of Chief of Emergency, United Nations Children’s Fund (UICEF) Nigeria, Ketho Murima.

Murima was at the camp to donate relief materials to the victims on behalf of UNICEF. The items donated included 80 plastic chairs, 80 mattresses, 80 blankets, 20 cartons of toilet soaps, 80 cups, 80 mosquito nets, 80 jerry cans of cooking oil and sanitary napkins.

Speaking during the visit, Murima, said that the donation of the UNICEF and government officials during the visit relief materials was to

Awka community sues LG over market relocation Tony Okafor Awka

A

wka community in Anambra State has gone to court to contest the proposed relocation of a cattle market in the area by the Awka South Local Government Area.

One of the leaders of the community, Chief Dilim Okafor, who addressed journalists yesterday on the issue, said the people decided to go to court to permanently end the matter which had

linger for a long time.

He said the community had hired the services of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for that purpose.

Okafor said the market issue was further aggravated when the Awka South Local Government ordered that the market situated in Awka North Local Government be relocated.

According to him, the said cattle market was built by the Umuike people in conjunction with the cattle traders in 1994.

said the official vehicles for traditional rulers would soon be presented to them “in batches of 20”.

The governor acknowledged the complementary efforts of traditional rulers in the area of security of lives and property and urged them not to relent in cooperating with the government.

Amosun said as the 2015 elections drew nearer, the royal fathers should admonish their subjects, especially youths, to shun thuggery and violence.

He said: “Kabiyesi, I want to assure you that we are not going to leave any stone unturned in this state. We have started the gesture with our royal fathers and sooner than later, it will cut across others.

“The issue of the official cars, we are going to do it in batches, the first batch of 20 monarchs will be presented with their cars and others will follow suit. I want you to assist the government in

Vehicle registration: NURTW gives drivers four-day ultimatum Muritala Ayinla

T

he National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) yesterday gave a fourday ultimatum to commercial bus drivers to comply with Lagos State vehicle registration policy.

The government had earlier vowed to commence full enforcement of the state Traffic Law 2012 by July 1, blaming the delay in the enforcement and implementation of its numerous policies on non-compliance of the drivers’ unions in the state.

But reacting to the development, the state NURTW Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, who gave the four-day ultimatum, said the union would begin to visit various parks across the state to ensure unregistered drivers and vehicles were not allowed to operate.

Agbede decried poor compliance rate among the members, saying the NURTW had wasted much energy and time to persuade drivers to comply with the state policy.

He said: “I have given commercial drivers up till Monday next week to comply with the Lagos State directive on vehicle registration. We have wasted a lot of time appealing to people to comply, but I think the best way to ensure total compliance with the programme is to introduce force; hence, the decision to introduce ‘No registration, No loading policy’ in all motor parks in Lagos. As a driver myself, I know the best way to handle my members.”

Directing all branch chairmen not to allow vehicle owners, drivers, conductors who refused to comply with the state government’s directive to pick passengers, Agbede urged commercial vehicle operators to register their vehicles with the state government.

He added that he would start visiting various parks from Monday to know the level of compliance and ensure that no driver failed to register.

11

21

Tension in Abia community over herdsmen’s invasion Igbeaku Orji Umuahia

A

bloody clash between the people of Umunneoma Isiala Ahaba autonomous community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State and some Fulani herdsmen has been averted.

The cattle belonging to the Fulani were said to be grazing on the farm of the community.

The traditional ruler of the community, Eze Joseph Asuoha, decried the destruction of the people’s crops worth millions of naira.

He said his subjects decided to toe the line of peace in order not to escalate the already tense security situation in the country.

Asuoha told journalists that the destruction of their farm crops was unacceptable. He described the development as sabotage, adding that the farm was their major source of livelihood.

The monarch added that the development was inimical to the economic life of the community.

He also said that the herdsmen had been feeding their cattle on the community’s farm for the past four months despite efforts

to make them move.

According to him, if the development is not checked, it is capable of causing famine in the community and parts of the state.

He described his subjects as law-abiding and appealed to the law enforcement agencies, the state government and relevant authorities to take urgent step to save the community’s farm from further destruction to avoid bloodshed and loss of property.

The women leaders in the community, Mrs Ulomma Okezie, Mrs Adaku Nwankuda and Mrs Ngozi Mgbeahuru, among the women of Umuika village, Osusu, Umumpkeyi, Ohuru Amaiyi and Osusu Umueme, who had marched to Asuoha’s palace to protest the destruction of their crops, said the herdsmen had virtually settled in their farms, harvesting their cassava tubers for their cattle.

They also accused the herdsmen of chasing the women away with machetes and other dangerous weapons out of their own farms.

The women therefore appealed to the royal father to intervene by inviting relevant authorities to come to their aid before the situation escalated.

‘No student killed in Bayelsa cult clash’ Rose Godwin Yenagoa

P

olice in Bayelsa State yesterday debunked media report that three students were killed during a clash between rival cult groups.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Alex Akhigbe, said in a statement that the report in a national newspaper that three students were killed in Bayelsa State cult clash on July 1 was not true.

He said that the cult clash between AY and Vages cult groups happened outside Niger Delta University (NDU) campus and not inside examination hall.

Akhigbe noted that one

of the cult members sustained machete cuts on his forehead, while a 100 level student had his palm severed.

He said no life was lost in the clash.

According to him, the publication is misguided, unfounded and lacked merit.

He said: “It was a calculated attempt to cause apprehension and incite the students against the school authorities and the government of Bayelsa State.”

Akhigbe, therefore, urged the public to disregard the publication, noting that the security agencies were working tenaciously to sustain the existing peace and security in the state.

12 NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Kalu dissociates self from campaign posters

F

ormer Governor of Abia State and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has dissociated himself from the flood of deceptive, mischievous and malicious posters adorning Umuahia and other major cities in the state.

The posters are purporting his senatorial candidacy and presidential aspiration on the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA).

In a statement issued yesterday by his media

4.77

adviser, Mr. Ebere Wabara, Kalu described such childish ploy as the evil machinations of floundering detractors, who will stop at nothing to discredit him and put him at loggerheads with foundational like-minds in the PDP. “Only gullible sections of the public and latterday members of the PDP can be misled on where I stand in terms of party membership, loyalty and my political convictions.

The people who matter in our party know full well where I belong and my standpoint on national

The number of fixed-telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants of D.P.R. Korea in 2012.

Source: Itu.int

politics.

“I strongly believe in President Goodluck Jonathan’s robust and enduring transformation agenda and holistically subscribe to the profound implementation of the blueprint to the letter.

No amount of scurrilous blackmail from any oppositional quarter can dissuade me or tarnish my image in the eyes of right-thinking people in the PDP,” Kalu declared.

He further asserted that even non-members of the PDP and most Nigerians know that he is unflinchingly committed

350,000

The total number of internet users in Mozambique in 2008.

Source: Blatantworld.com

to the party. The former governor implored the clownish poster jesters to be meaningfully and gainfully engaged instead of dissipating their energy on worthless adventurism and duplicitous ventures.

It will be recalled that last year, too, these same poster mercantilists and character assassins marooned Abia State with all manner of posters, handbills and billboards associating Kalu with vacuous political prospects and hare-brained potentialities ahead of 2015.

24%

The percentage of population under 15 years old in Argentina in 2012.

Source: Un.org

Enugu denies involvement in Diaspora elections he Enugu State Govern- it has maintained from Tfalse ment has described as inception, of identifying and mischievous, a with the ENUGU-USA report in a national daily claiming that the government was involved in the recent elections of the 3 ENUGU-USA- an organization formed by Enugu State indigenes in the United States.

A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Chuks Ugwoke, said the report was the handiwork of opponents of the State Government who, having failed in previous attempts, continues to search for avenues to embarrass the government.

He explained that contrary to the claims in the report, the Government had merely sent a delegation to represent it at the annual convention of the organization in line with a policy and tradition

Foundation lifts Ebonyi youths Charles Onyekwere ABAKALIKI

ver 2000 youths, Ochallenge women, physically persons and

Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim (left) and the new Managing Director, Fidelity Bank Plc., Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo, during a courtesy visit to NDIC in Abuja

counsel

Olabode takes a bow as Akintola gets nod to defend Imo governor Tunde Oyesina Abuja

T

he lingering battle on who is the counsel to the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, was yesterday resolved ,as the governor engaged the services of Chief Adeniyi Akintola SAN to handle the defection suit slammed on him by All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

At the last adjourned date, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had summoned Okorocha and the Attorney General of the state, Chukwuma-machukwu

Okorocha: Court resolves legal representation issue Umeh, SAN, to appear before it in respect of a suit seeking the governor's removal from office over his defection to the All Progressives Congress, (APC).

The summon then was for the duo to come and clarify who will represent them in the legal suit.

The All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA had through its counsel, Victor Odjemu, instituted the suit wherein it is praying the court for an order directing the Deputy Governor of Imo State or Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly or any officer next in line to the posi-

tion of the governor of Imo, who is a member of the plaintiff (APGA) to be sworn-in as the governor of Imo State.

There has been confusion on who to represent the defendants in the legal battle.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, Akintola announced his appearance and affirmed to the court that Governor Okorocha had engaged him as the authentic counsel and that the dispute on the legal representation has been resolved.

The trial judge, Justice A.R Mohammed demanded for the whereabout of Sunday Olabode

who was contesting the legal representation for Okorocha with Akintola.

The attention of the court was drawn by the clerk to a letter from Olabode informing the court of his withdrawal from the suit.

In the letter, Olabode said that he withdrew for Akintola to take over the legal representation but did not give reasons for doing so.

Though Akintola had complained to the court that he was not copied the letter, Justice Mohammed directed him to write to the court for the Certified True Copy and that the court will oblige him.

and similar Diaspora groups involving Enugu people across the globe.

Ugwoke stated that the delegation participated in the opening ceremonies of the convention as well as a gala night and an interactive session where the members fielded questions on the policies, activities and plans of the State Government after which they left the venue.

He stressed that no government official attended nor participated in the election and none was even anywhere near the venue of the exercise, adding that this fact clearly showed that the claim that the government backed a candidate in the election, was a “wicked, unfounded and apparently sponsored fabrication”.

widows in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have been empowered by the Chinedu Ogah’s Foundation.

The Foundation also built and commissioned major projects initiated it across the 20 localities.

Items distributed include sewing machines, wrappers, wheel chairs, motorcycles and bags of rice.

Some of the projects commissioned are AlikeIkwo water scheme, St Theresa’s Catholic Church borehole, Agubia Ikwo 300kvA electricity transformer and the donation of another 300kvA transformer at Amagu-Ikwo.

Others are the pre-

sentation of 200 bags of cement for the building of Governor Martin Elechi Town Hall Meeting centre.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman of the Foundation, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, said he used the period to celebrate his 38th birthday anniversary and identify with his people, especially the less privileged in the society.

Ogah, who is the National President of Ebonyi State Youth Assembly, urged the people to support the present administration under the leadership of Governor Martin Elechi for more government presence.

In his remarks, a onetime Senator in the state, Dr Emmanuel Onwe lauded the donor for the empowerment and urged him not to relent in supporting the people.

NIPR tasks FG, states on local content Kunle Olayeni Abeokuta

he Nigerian Institute of TOgun Public Relations (NIPR), State chapter, yes-

terday called on governments at the federal and state levels to embrace local content in enhancing national development.

The state NIPR Chairman, Mr. Tope Adaramola, made the call at a colloquium organised in Abeokuta, where the institute presented awards of excellence to distinguished personalities, including Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Adaramola expressed displeasure at the way federal and state governments often hire foreign professionals in areas the

country have abundant expertise.

He said, "This trend is greatly unacceptable and it runs at variance with the Local Content Law promulgated by government itself. I ask: How do we grow local capacity when we neglect home grown professionals in preference for the foreign ones?

"We have refused to understand that even those foreign professionals being engaged were not baked in a day. Record shows that the countries of Asia and other progressive world today got to where they are because they recognised home talents and professions and did everything to grow them."

13

POLITICS

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AYODELE OJO

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EDO HOUSE OF CONFUSION: THE ISSUES AND QUESTIONS

p-17

FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014

2015: 500 POLITICIANS TO WATCH Muhammad Kabir

I

n Kano there are political gladiators, jokers and real actors. However, those who make up the first two categories cannot be wished away due to the unpredictable nature of the politics of the ancient city. Uncertainty had characterised Kano politics in the past, but as the 2015 general election approaches, there is no doubt that a few individuals out of the state’s over 10 million people will shape political events in the state. They include the incumbent governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his archrival Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, who has been confirmed as a minister by the Senate, among others.

Kano: Kwankwaso, Shekarau rekindle rivalry

Rabiu Kwankwaso Kwankwaso, the incumbent governor of Kano State is no doubt one of those who will shape the political scene of Kano in 2015. He has been in the thick of Kano politics since the days of the defunct Democratic Peoples Movement (DPM) until when Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau punctured his progression and nearly sent him to political oblivion before he staged a comeback in 2011.

Born in Madobi Local Government Area on 21 October 1956, Kwankwaso worked with Kano State Government for 17 years and rose through the cadre of the civil service to the rank of Principal Engineer. He is not new to the Kano political terrain before he became governor.

In 1992, he left the state civil service and vied for election into the Federal House of Representatives and was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. In 1994, he was elected as a delegate to the Constitutional Conference.

In 1999, Kwankwaso was elected Executive Governor of Kano state under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and served a four-year term from 1999 - 2003. He sought re-election and lost to Shekarau of the defunct All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP). Kwankwaso served as Minister of Defence between 2003 and 2006 and was appointed as Special Adviser to the President on Dafur and Somalia in 2006. He was later appointed as the Representative of the North-West geo-political zone in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC).

In 2011, he was elected for a second term on the platform of PDP before he defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013. Clearly, the Kano State governor would be fighting the political battle of his life come 2015. He is opposed to the second term bid of President Goodluck Jonathan and will use the forthcoming polls to demonstrate that he is not a paper tiger by mobilizing the over four million votes which the state boasts of for the APC. Already, he is one of the frontline presidential aspirants of his party. Whether the pendulum will swing to his side would be determined by the forces within the party.

Ibrahim Shekarau Shekarau is another political actor who will play a significant role in determining the direction of Kano politics in 2015, given his enviable political record. He came from nowhere to conquer the state’s political scene in 2003 on the platform of the defunct ANPP. Before then, not much was known of him except that he was a school teacher and later a civil servant, but he won the governorship seat of

the state with a landslide, thanks to his alleged persecution then by Kwankwaso and a sustained religious campaign. He was re-elected for a second term in 2007.

As governor, Shekarau was the driving force behind the creation of the local religious police (Hisbah Guard), which enforces Sharia law. He also initiated some large scale development projects in the state. Shekarau was one of the candidates f o r the presidential election of 2011. He flew the flag of the ANPP, and was a founding member and leader of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) – a merger of the ANPP, defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He, however, fell out with the opposition when Kwankwaso and four other governors left the PDP to join the APC. His defection to the ruling party paid off, when President Jonathan, after attending a rally in Kano to welcome him to the PDP, nominated him as a minister. Before his nomination as minister, it was clear that Shekarau and Kwankwaso cannot not be in the same party, as only one of them can control the structure of the APC in Kano. And President Jonathan, who needs an ally in Kano given Kwankwaso’s opposition to his second term bid, had to cash in on the squabble.

The former governor has pledged to work for Jonathan or any PDP presidential candidate in 2015.

With his confirmation by the Senate, it is clear that the battle line has been drawn between the arch-rivals (Kwankwaso and Shekarau).

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi The new Emir of Kano, Sanusi is a consummate banker who rose to become a governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). His ascension to the revered throne was on the heels of his ouster from the nation’s apex bank and the legal battle against his suspension. Though his choice did not go down well with some youths in the state, it was said to have been arrived at after frantic lobbying. According to those familiar with matters inside the Kano royal household, while most powerful traditional rulers in the North pressed for a less divisive candidate, Sanusi had high-level support from politicians, former heads of state and Governor Kwankwaso, who had the final word on the issue.

The governor was said to have been influenced by his compatriots in the APC, who drummed it on him that Sanusi’s sympathy for their party was among the reasons why the Presidency moved against him as the CBN governor. Though some analysts have opined that Sanusi’s running battle with the Presidency and alleged smear campaign by the latter to discredit him may cease, now that he has adorned the royal garb, others believe that the APC in the state will CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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seize the opportunity to solidify its grip on the politics of the state.

The former CBN governor is expected to mobilise his subjects against the ruling party in the forthcoming polls. He is widely respected among his people as one of the most courageous public intellectuals of recent times.

APC, PDP battle for the

Umar Ganduje Ganduje is the deputy governor of Kano State. Many have described him as an astute administrator and the beautiful bride who should be allowed to succeed Kwankwaso. However, his opponents say that he is too loyal to Kwankawso, and is likely to do the bidding of his principal if elected governor. Whether Ganduje will step in his master’s shoes will depend on Kwankwaso, as experience have shown that most governors hardly support their deputies to succeed them.

Aminu Dabo Dabo is a former managing director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), who was jailed alongside the former board chairman of the organisation, Chief Olabode George over corruption.

He has not jettisoned his ambition to rule Kano State, although he is struggling to correct his battered image even after he and the others have been cleared by the Supreme Court. Dabo is known in the ancient city because of his generosity, and many see him as someone who has the capacity to dictate what happens in the state’s politics in 2015.

Abdullahi Gwarzo A former local government chairman and deputy governor to former Governor Shekarau, Gwarzo has a firm grip of local politics in Kano. The former caretaker chairman of the defunct ACN in the state is expected to explore his popularity at the grassroots to swing support for any of those who would be contesting elections in Kano in 2015.

Aminu Wali Ambassador Aminu Wali, was Nigeria’s ambassador to China until he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs by President Jonathan earlier this year. He is respected in the state, and he has shown considerable support for the President. He is one of Jonathan’s point men who have kept the PDP alive in Kano State.

He had a running battle with Governor Kwankwaso over the control of the PDP structure before the governor eventually defected to the opposition APC. He is expected to team up with Shekarau to work for the President in the 2015 elections, especially now that the PDP has lost the control of the state to the opposition party.

How this partnership will work, however remains unclear, as Wali has never won an election in the state. He contested the governorship of the state during the Second Republic on the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) but lost to late Abubabkar Rimi. Some say that Wali is unlikely to secure victory for the President in the state come 2015 even with the respect he enjoys among the PDP members in Kano.

Kabiru Gaya The senator representing Kano South Senatorial District in the National Assembly is another strong political pillar in the state. He was first elected to the Senate in 2007 on the platform of the ANPP. In 2011, he secured a second term, but he has declared intention to contest the governorship of the state on the platform of the APC in 2015.

He premised his decision to enter the governorship race on his desire to bring about the much-needed development in the state. According to him, he

Kwankwaso

Shekarau

Sanusi

Yakassai

intends to consolidate on the numerous achievements recorded by Governor Kwankwaso’s administration in terms of infrastructure development in the state. “Kwankwaso returned to power in 2011 after his first tenure which ran from 1999 to 2003. I also want to return to power in 2015, that is why I want to formally declare my intention here,’’ he said.

Senator Gaya was governor of Kano State between 1992 and 1993 in the aborted transition programme of the General Ibrahim Babangida regime. He has urged the people of the state to give

him the necessary support and cooperation to be the next governor of the state come 2015.

One factor that would work for him in his governorship ambition is his large heart. He has been able to provide dividends of democracy since he was elected as senator representing Kano South Senatorial Zone. Parts of the dividends include construction of classrooms in each of the 44 local government areas of the state; establishment of skills acquisition centres in his constituency and empowerment a number of women and youths under his poverty alleviation

programmes.

To him the essence of leadership is performance, and he has promised to do more in order to improve the living standard of the people if voted into power in 2015. Will he realise the ambition, only time will tell, as other factors besides performance determines who gets what in politics.

Abdurrahman Sumaila The Minority Leader in the House of Representatives is also interested in succeeding Governor Kwankwaso. Though many see his ambition as a basis for

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2015: 500 POLITICIANS TO WATCH

soul of ‘Centre of Commerce’

Dabo

Wali

Gaya

Sumaila

Takai

Abacha

negotiation to return to the House, others believe that he is one not one to be dismissed with a wave of hand. To the latter political school, Sumaila has garnered enough political experience, which makes him a top contender for the Kano governorship though it was gathered that his ambition is posing a strong threat to the unity of the APC in the state.

It is feared that he is likely to cause the party some problems should the party deny him the opportunity to contest for the gubernatorial seat come 2015.

Sagir Takai Takai is the political godson of Mallam Shekarau, and is seen by some people in the state as one person who contributed in truncating the chances of the ANPP to win the governorship of the state in the 2011 elections. The belief is that Shekarau’s insistence on Takai as his successor forced most of the party’s supporters to defect to other parties.

While the events of 2011 are now history, Takai is however not done with his governorship ambition. He is likely to bank on the support of Shekarau again to contest the 2015 governorship poll on

the PDP platform.

Mohammed Abacha Son of former military ruler, late General Sani Abacha, Mohammed is another political actor who belongs to the class of politicians that will surely change the political scene of Kano in 2015. He launched himself to reckoning when he clinched the governorship ticket of the CPC in 2011 and would have likely made it to the Kano Government House if not for if not for the internal wrangling in the party that saw CPC’s national leader and presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari rejecting him on the ground that he was too young to be governor. Now that the younger Abacha is back to the PDP, it is likely that he would be handed the party’s governorship ticket in 2015.

Ibrahim El-Amin He is yet another actor in Kano politics although he is presently at the background because of the ambition of Mohammed Abacha. El-Amin has been in the state’s political scene since 2003 when he allegedly won the ANPP ticket, but lost it to Shekarau, owing to

political maneuverings by powers that be in the party then. The loss has however not deterred him, as he had continued to maintain his political structure across the state since then. He was said to have held meetings with his coordinators recently, and is poised to deploy his political machinery for whoever he would be backing in the 2015 elections in Kano State.

State Government (SSG) in the former Governor Kabiru Gaya government. He has been described as a political mafia, but many in the state see him more of an Abuja politician, as he has little followership back home. Despite his poor showing at home, he is expected to bring to bear the experience he garnered as a former governorship candidate in shaping Kano politics in 2015.

Bashir Tofa The presidential candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) in the 1993 presidential election, Tofa, is no doubt one those who will determine the direction of Kano politics in 2015. Recently, it was reported that he led some key loyalists of former Governor Shekarau to Governor Kwankawso in a show of solidarity. He will not be contesting for any position in the forthcoming polls, but it is expected that he will influence the voting pattern in the state, as it is assumed that most youths in Kano listen to him.

Faruk Lawan Though enmeshed in allegations of corruption, Lawan is still is respect in Kano politics. He is seen by many as well educated and has projected the state in the National Assembly. Sure, Lawan will play a major role in Kano politics in 2015, more so that he has opted to remain in the PDP, shunning Kwankwaso who led other legislators in the state to the APC.

Abba Dabo Dabo is the former Secretary to the

General Jaafaru Isa General Jaafaru (rtd) recently demonstrated that he still has the military thinking despite his foray into politics, when he told his teeming supporters CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 1 5

not to follow him to a function because there number was much. But despite his strong posture, he is one who will make a difference in Kano politics in 2015, because he still wants to be governor of the state. His ambition is said to have the backing of General Buhari, who enjoys a cult-followership in the ancient city.

Tanko Yakasai Politician and activist, Yakasai was national publicity secretary of the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) in the First Republic and later served as a presidential assistant during the Second Republic. His first foray into politics started in 1949 when as a member of the Kano Youth Association which had joined Jam’Iyyar Mutanen Arewa, then a cultural association, he attended the latter’s congress.

However, an early reluctance by some member of Jam’Iyyar Mutanen Arewa to declare the association a political party led to a group of its members to form the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), the name was inspired by the previous Northern Elements Progressive Association. The new party then began to court members of the Kano Youth Association. Yakasai attended NEPU’s convention in 1951 and in a few months was registered by a friend and he became

Kano political gladiators test might a card carrying member of the party.

His first electoral contest was a ward primary in Yakasai for which he lost, however, in 1952, he was elected treasurer of the Kano branch of NEPU. In 1956, he lost a regional election to Haruna Kashim, a businessman in Kano.

In 1960, he became the deputy national president of the Nigerian Youth Congress, an outgrowth of a youth association within the NCNC and NEPU and with a leftist political bent.

He recently incurred the wrath of his people because of his support for President Jonathan’s re-election bid. How successful he markets the president’s candidature in his home state, will determine his political relevance in the years to come.

activities. Na’Abba was defeated by the candidate of the ANPP. He denied that he had been suspended from the PDP, saying that his defeat was due to a conspiracy between the police, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the state government. In December 2005, he formally resigned from the PDP, along with other members of the Movement for the Defence of Democracy. Later, he joined the Action Congress (AC). In 2007, the leadership of party rejected his bid to be their governorship candidate for Kano State. The rejection forced him to return to the PDP. Though he has been out of power since 2003, he is sure to play a prominent role in the politics of Kano in 2015, as he still enjoys some followership among the people.

Ghali Umar Na’Abba The former Speaker of the House of Representatives is no doubt a factor in Kano politics. As speaker, Na’Abba spearheaded the impeachment move against then President Olusegun Obasanjo. That action caused him re-election in 2003. A few days before the election, the Kano state chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Yusuf Kutamato, announced Na’Abba’s expulsion from the PDP party due to anti-party

Col. Habibu Shuaibu (rtd) The retired army officer contested the Kano Central Senatorial District in the last elections but failed. The sad experience did not deter him, as he has continued to make his presence felt in the affairs of the state. He is respected in Kano politics for his calm disposition posture.

Abba Kabiru Yusuf Although very young, Yusuf, who is

Commissioner for Works in Kwankawso’s government, and seen by many as a threat to the ambitions of many politicians in the state in 2015. He is likely to dust most of them in the poll if given the opportunity to contest for any of the positions up for grabs.

Nasiru Gawuna A former local government chairman, Gawuna’s governorship ambition is already rocking the state’s polity. The ambition, which first hit residents as a rumour has become a reality as the former council chairman, who enjoys tremendous support at the grassroots, has his campaign poster dotting major streets of Kano.

Danburam Nuhu Nuhu is one of those who helped Governor Kwankawso in 2011 to win the governorship seat, and was rewarded with position of commissioner for Commerce. He is likely to cause a stir in the state’s politics in 2015, as members of the Kwankawsiyya political group, who have continued to complain bitterly of neglect by the government, may back him to run for an elective position.

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CAJETAN MMUTA examines the crisis that has continued to plaque the Edo State House of Assembly, the various actors, the issues and the probable way out. Excerpt:

Edo House of confusion: The issues and questions

L

ast week, June 26th, concerned citizens drawn from the 18 local government areas and three Senatorial Districts of Edo state took steps in what was generally commended by keen observers and commoners. The move, no doubt, to the ordinary eye depicted dramatic scenes characteristic of the country’s movie industry, Nollywood. It may have also attracted loud criticisms, or considered as one of those funny stunts of street jesters, as some non elected citizens of the state converged on, and organized a mock plenary at the state House of Assembly.

The exercise however, was not held in the hallowed chambers of the assembly but in front of the entrance gate of the Chief Anthony Enahoro complex.

It took place in full glare gaping security agents drafted to provide security for the complex. They included armed anti riot policemen, officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil, Defense Corps (NSCDC) and men of the Directorate of the Security Services (DSS) whose duty has been to ensure that law, peace and order are guaranteed within and outside the precincts of the legislature on the Kings Square in the past one month in the state.

The mock plenary session had summoned the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, commissioner for works and his counterpart in the ministry of environment/public utilities to appear before the house to explain some knotty issues affecting people of the state. The non elected members during the sitting elected one Mr. Curtis Ugbo as speaker and Mr. Onome Otueroro as deputy speaker as well as other principal officers as is the tradition of what is today the real lawmakers who represent the various constituents of the state. Instructively, a strong message was, indeed sent to all that the center cannot hold and things have fallen apart.

According to them, the bold step was necessitated by the obvious failure of the 24 lawmakers elected on the people’s mandate with enormous responsibilities entrusted on them, who have instead of concentrating on their duties branded themselves as APC and PDP house with different speakers, who cannot speak for the electorate but for themselves while the state and its people suffer. The speaker of the mock assembly Curtis Ugbo in a motion of matters of urgent public importance said it was important for the state chief executive and others to brief the people on the state of affairs in infrastructure and welfare of people in the state.

They frowned at the crisis trailing the state assembly and the manner the lawmakers have conducted themselves in the business of legislation which they described as “a mockery of democracy and deprivation of the rights of Edo sons and daughters to good governance and rule of law”.

Ugbo said, “The Edo people have elected me as the speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, this is not a PDP or APC House, it’s an Edo Assembly. We cannot continue to live like this since, we are tired of this show of shame being put together by this APC and PDP lawmakers, since they have neglected their duties as lawmakers, the people of the state; the Talakawas had no choice but to elect me as their new speaker and that is why you see us here sitting in front of the assembly to address urgent legislative matters”.

However, the legislative business of elected members of the 15 ruling APC

Igbe

and nine PDP lawmakers has continued to elicit sour points amongst the people of the state. The 24-member house has refused to sit to carry on with the usual constitutional legislative activity, and in the process subjected itself to much ridicule, rightly or wrongly. Only last week, the eight PDP splinter group of the lawmakers under the leadership of deputy speaker Festus Ebea had adjourned sitting to this Monday, while another group made up of APC legislators led by the speaker, Uyi Igbe also adjourned to Wednesday same week, thereby creating a setting for an uncertain game that seems to have defied reasonable options sought to douse the political tension in the state since the past one month.

At the center of the sour drama is the political grand standing that sparked up to almost consume the actors during the recent APC congresses in the state.

The irreconcilable outcome had sent aggrieved members led by the former national vice chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Oshiomhole’s ex-strong man, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu, to join the opposition PDP amid fanfare. This was in spite of the persuasions, endless meetings and dialogues between the leadership of the ruling party, the state government and those seriously affected by the impasse.

Pastor Ize Iyamu and his group mainly of the Grace Group (GG) left the fold on April 9th en masse, with its key leaders drawn from the three Senatorial Districts of the state. Among those that moved to the PDP were four APC lawmakers; Messrs Friday Ogieriakhi (Orhionmwon South 11), Jude Ise Idehen (Ikpoba Okha), Patrick Osayimwen and Abdulrazaq Momoh (Etsako East).

Their movement to the opposition PDP did not come as a surprise to the state governor who also felt slighted by their action. The aggrieved members had earlier visited President Goodluck Jonathan and other national leaders of the PDP in Abuja. Their visit to Aso Rock was trailed by controversy, and allegations that a whooping $1 million was doled out to them, although, the allegation has been denied in several fora by

Ebea

Ize- Iyamu and others in his team.

For the opposition PDP in the house and even its leadership in the state, it was a good start that its number increased to eight as against the initial four in the hallowed chambers. So began the war of attrition, desperate schemes, political horse trading, vendetta and gangsterism between forces loyal to the APC and the PDP at both the state and national levels.

In addition, the deputy speaker seen to have completely aligned with the PDP is said to have told the governor of his resolve to also join the opposition party in the state. This followed unresolved issues between him and the state government over projects meant for Esan South East, which were said to have been listed in the 2011 budget. However, the bubble burst when shortly after the defection of the four APC lawmakers to the opposition PDP, the leadership of the house made moves to declare the seats of three of them vacant. Hon. Abdulraraq Momoh’s case was left out due to a pending court case which tied the hands of the house leadership.

The Uyi Igbe led House through a motion by Hon. Ohonmbamu (Egor constituency) suspended the three PDP legislators and the deputy speaker indefinitely. The house therefore ordered the suspended legislators to vacate their official quarters, vehicles and offices. The deputy speaker and others who were not at the plenary when the order was slammed on them described the suspension order as

this is not a PDP or APC House, it’s an Edo Assembly. We cannot continue to live like this, we are tired of this show of shame being put together by the lawmakers

“a huge joke”.

As the rage in the house progressed, The Ebea led group, also sat and suspended the speaker, Uyi Igbe, the majority leader as well as other principal officers of the house for alleged indulgence in illegality contrary to the rules of the house and constitution.

The APC legislators quickly approached the Edo State High Court in Benin City, to obtain a restraining order to prevent the PDP legislators from forcefully gaining entrance into the legislative premises, or interfering with the sitting activities, and other functions of the state assembly, (third claimant).

The case was adjourned to June 23rd this month, but there was quandary when Igbe’s group tried to enforce the court order on the Ebea faction with service of the court outside the assembly complex, a move that was resisted by the PDP lawmakers. On June 23rd, when the court was supposed to resume, the PDP lawmakers filed an application for stay of execution even when they had appealed against the same order earlier.

Besides, the judge declined hearing on the suit insisting that the defendants had appealed her earlier ruling at the Court of Appeal, Benin, and therefore asked the parties to wait for the outcome of the suit at the Appeal Court. The appellate court is yet to fix a definite date for hearing on the contentious matter.

The brazen display of power and supremacy between the Oshiomhole’s men and those loyal to the chairman board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih has been taken to the market place.

Meanwhile, motorists, hapless passengers, school children and pedestrians are continually suffocated with unwholesome and insensitive orders and blockade of vital routes by security agencies. Daily business, economic and social activities have drastically been stunted as the politicians flex muscles ahead of 2015.

Accusations and counter accusations from the leadership of the APC and the CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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PDP of financial inducement of the PDP lawmakers to impeach Governor Oshiomhole, his deputy Dr. Pius Odubu and the incumbent speaker have also been making the rounds.

Governor Oshiomhole had in June when he addressed hundreds of youths from Edo Central Senatorial District under the umbrella of the Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Reintegration led by Comrade Solomon Okoduwa who paid him a solidarity visit at the Government House, Benin, raised the alarm over an alleged plot to remove principal officers of the state assembly and himself as governor of the state. He accused the PDP and forces in the corridors of power in Aso Rock of bankrolling the plan.

Oshiomhole stated, that “they have brought in a lot of money from Abuja paying assembly members who we campaigned for, marketing some of these people who are not known in their neighbourhood, they rode on my back to get to the House of Assembly. Some of them cannot walk their streets”.

He added that, “They collected, as I read in the papers huge sums of money to mortgage, and put on hold the mandate you all in your respective areas gave them on the basis of the promise that they will work with me to deliver Edo State. They have become merchants of mandate”.

The governor maintained that despite the hurdle he passed through to get to the exalted seat, he also laid down his life to fight for Nigeria, and therefore his government is determined to be on the side of the people.

In reaction, the state chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, said the allegation by the governor was “diversionary” and baseless. He urged Oshiomhole to desist from blackmail and face “the legion of problems” confronting the state.

He stated that the party has no such amount of money to bribe anybody.

One of the APC lawmakers who defected to the PDP, Ogierakhi, said he was not aware of any plot to impeach the governor, adding that they left the APC due to what he described as the dictatorial style of the leadership led by Governor Oshiomhole. He said, “I believe that, first, it is just the lamentation of the guilty. If an impeachable offence has been committed, of course, we will execute our constitutional responsibility, if there is any. Nobody has to frighten us out by raising fathom alarm. If an impeachable offence is raised we will discharge our responsibility in line with the constitution. But we cannot do that where, of course, nothing like that has been put on the table.

“So I can tell you that I am not in a plot to impeach the governor, his deputy or the speaker. Our disagreement with our former party is about the deceit, treachery, arbitrariness and all form of political misbehaviour introduced into the running of the party. Again, I can tell you that there is no iota of truth that we collected money.

It is only the work of mischief makers. I was not given any money”.

He added that, “I do not need any body’s money to do what is right, what I believe will be in the best interest of my people who sent me to represent them in government. I do not need money to stand against thuggery in a mere party registration, where of course a top government official will bring thugs to my own ward to disrupt registration, who will personally leave his own ward to come to my own ward singing war songs.

Which money do I need to be able to rise against that? What they wanted us to do was to keep quiet but history and posterity would not have forgiven us if we had not risen against this behaviour”.

The first civilian governor of the state, and now APC national chairman,

Members of the House in a fracas outside the chamber.

Chief John Odigie Oyegun said, that “the plot is not really the APC members who left our party, but the PDP at the federal are desperate. Those that left us are returning to the lion’s den where they left a few years ago, but I don’t see any prospect for them over there”.

He also stated that, “The PDP-led Federal Government has taken it as a mission to get Edo State back into the PDP fold. They know that unless they can get him (Oshiomhole) there is no ghost of a chance because of his performance for them to win here”.

He added, “Their full intention is to get him out of the future for 2016 governorship election but they are not going to succeed. We are aware they are deploying huge sums of money to try to buy our members in the House of Assembly.

But I want to believe that our lawmakers are not people who are purchasable, that they do not have price tags. But we are not going to sit down and watch”.

On his part, the publicity secretary of the APC, Comrade Godwin Erhahon, asserted that “it will be an exercise in futility. There is no way 1/3 can overwhelm 2/3. And I have spoken to Ise-Idehen and Patrick Osayinme and they have assured me they have nothing against the governor and they will not be party to such. So if PDP is hoping on impeachment, it will be totally impossible.”.

Worse as the stalemate at the assembly complex has lingered, the police have maintained a stiff and tough stand not to allow the lawmakers gain entry following the order of court. The legislators on their part have made concessions that could not be agreed upon among them.

They now resort to sitting at different times that favour no side and often end in conflict with support group of an opposing side.

More so, concerned stakeholders have made fruitless efforts to douse the fire of hate, pretence and guts, but to no avail. One of such was the action of a civil society group, Development Alliance Platform (DAP), which called for sincere action by stakeholders at resolving the imbroglio. DAP at a world press conference held in Benin, frowned at the manner and character of the various political gladiators portraying the state in bad light.

Convener of the non-governmental platform, Comrade Austin Osakwe warned the actors to retrace their steps as the tension and anxiety orchestrated during the period have crumbled business activities, and impeded seriously on normal legislative proceedings in the hallowed chambers. Osakwe said the move is aimed at bringing all the parties and core stakeholders to a round

Daily business, economic and social activities have drastically been stunted as the politicians flex muscles ahead of 2015 table, towards ensuring peaceful coexistence, guaranteed security of lives and property and ensure that thriving social, business and developmental activities return back to the state.

Comrade Osakwe urged the lawmakers to be ready to return o the pre-crisis period as peace and development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of rancor, bitterness, political strife and grandstanding.

DAP also warned the feuding lawmakers to seek alternative dispute resolution measures in view of the various court orders and counter orders to contain the impasse, insisting that “enough is enough” and that if there is any attempt by the 24 legislators to further drag the state to chaos and anarchy, the people by whose mandate they were elected into the house, would be left with no option than to ensure their recall to their various constituencies.

According to him, “There should be an alternative dispute resolution plan; all cases should be withdrawn. For three weeks the house has been at daggers drawn and businesses collapsed. Enough is enough. Today, we don’t want to know how they go about it, if they are tired of serving the people they should quit”, he added.

They called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders and other stakeholders to speak out against the crisis and avoid outright partisanship, which only serve to further polarize the parliament and harden positions.

Also, director of African Network on Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev. David Ugolor said “We need peace. We are going to reach out to both parties. We have done it before”. He stated that the group would organize a town hall meeting in the next few weeks to seek for a common pool in resolving all the contentious issues with the aim of moving the state forward”.

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, recently waded into the controversy and called on the parties to sheathe their swords and embrace peace in the overall interest of the state. The Oba in a statement at the end of a meeting with leaders of the APC, PDP and top

government functionaries at his palace urged politicians not to plunge the state into crisis. The monarch appealed to the political parties to resolve their political differences in the interest of peace and security of the state.

According to the statement he signed, he said, “I invited you to my palace to appeal to you on the need to allow peace continue to reign in Edo State, I know as politicians you have a way of resolving political issues, no matter how delicate and sensitive the issues are”.

He stated that, “politicians in Edo State, regardless of whichever political parties they belong to, I am quite sure, will do all they can to ensure that our great state especially Benin City, the capital, is not made ungovernable for political reasons. I know as citizens of Edo State, you will always do all you can to protect our people and our land”. On this very note, taking into consideration what has been happening since the beginning of this week, I am appealing to you not to engage in the destruction of lives and properties for whatever reasons. I also appeal to you as you leave here, to have the interest of Edo State at heart and amicably resolve whatever political disagreement you may have, which I am sure, you are well capable of resolving for peace and security to rein”.

Meanwhile, the PDP leadership in the state and Abuja have since denied any involvement in the saga. And the question on the lips of the people is; who is funding the crisis at the Edo assembly.

Before the answers come, the caucus of the APC from Edo State in the House of Representatives weekend read the riot act to the warring lawmakers in the state legislature about the possibility of takeover of legislative business by the National Assembly if they fail to toe the path of peaceful resolution of the lingering impasse in the state.

Minority leader of the lower chamber, Hon Samson Osagie, in a statement to newsmen in Benin decried the flagrant disobedience of court orders by the PDP lawmakers in the states’ House of Assembly. Hon. Osagie on behalf of other APC lawmakers in the National Assembly in the statement captioned, “Let there be Peace and Order”, said, “As lawmakers, ordinarily, we should not be seen to be interfering in the affairs of the state legislature, especially, when the courts have been called to intervene, but, it has become imperative in the interest of peace and for the protection of the institution of the legislature.”.

The caucus of the APC urged the law enforcement agents in the state to enforce the court orders in order to bring about peace, law and order in the state.

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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19

EDITORIAL

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Sanctity of Truth w w w.new telegraphonli ne.com

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

FRIday, JULY 4, 2014

The worrisome escalation of terrorism

imultaneous bomb blasts Tuesday this week in Maiduguri, Kaduna and Ile-Ife with varying degrees of damage to lives and property, does not need special discernment to figure out that the incidence terrorism in Nigeria is getting worse by the day. In the just-ended month of June, bomb blasts in Damaturu, Kano, Abuja and Lagos accounted for the loss of 50 Nigerian lives. It is as if an anomaly has become normal. This must never be allowed to happen.

We have strong reasons to express concern. This year has marked an unprecedented upsurge in various terrorist attacks not only in the North East region, which is the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency, but also in other parts of the country.

No doubt the administration has become adept at trying to reassure the populace of its ability to checkmate terrorism. Coincidentally at the beginning of this week, the familiar assurances were routinely dished out by both President Jonathan and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Kenneth Minimah.

Speaking at the 16th meeting of the Honorary International Investor Council at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, President Jonathan said his administration remained committed to ensuring security of lives and property of Nigerians, and would remain unyielding in reinforcing “our defence so as to rid the

country of terrorism and the forces of evil that threaten our peace and development.”

Minimah, while giving a keynote address at the Armoured Vehicles West Africa Conference in Abuja, also assured that the Federal Government would eradicate all forms of terrorism and violence in the country.

Given the exigent reality, it is time to scale down on the assurances from the comfort of fortified high-profile venues and follow up with relevant action. All the talk is becoming cold comfort for an increasing number of Nigerians who are feeling more unsafe whether at home, at work, at places of leisure or even in transit.

There is an abnormal feeling of fear and uncertainty that is creeping into the lives of ordinary citizens.

Harmless, innocent, defenceless and law-abiding Nigerians are being killed on a daily basis for no fault of theirs, even as the value of human life is being diminished.

Foreign embassies have not reduced the intensity with which they give stern travel advisories to their citizens, and these contrast sharply with the safety assurances emanating from Nigerian officials. On July 2, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated such a document and expressly advised against nonNigerians against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, as well as the

towns of Kano, Okene and Warri.

The FCO also advised against all but essential travel to Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Abia States as well as the non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.

Prior to the second State of Emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobo Sates, Jonathan boasted that the insurgency had been curtailed to those three states unlike in the past.

Since the new phase of the State of Emergency, the relentless assault of the insurgents has made a mockery of his statement as well as the nation’s security apparatus. Only last Sunday, dozens of people were killed in an attack on three villages, including one targeting worshippers at a church, a few kilometers from Chibok, the scene of an abduction of more than 200 school girls. From all accounts, the response of the military was belated. Yet, there is supposed to have been enhanced security in Chibok after the April 14 abduction.

Clearly, something is not adding up especially when a government official had the effrontery to tell the BBC that he could not respond to the calls for assistance because he left his mobile phone at home while attending church service. This speaks volumes about official attitude to the security of ordinary Nigerians.

The downward spiral of insecurity has to be promptly curtailed. Now that there is international support

in the form of training and advice, government must begin to show that it has the genuine desire to uphold the demands of section 14 Sub-section 2(b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. That part of the constitution places the guaranteeing of security of the citizenry firmly on the table of the country’s leadership. That is where the buck stops.

The compelling need is for immediate de-politicisation of the insurgency which has gone on for too long. Beyond the mischievous labeling, fingerpointing and deliberate campaign of misinformation for political gain, and underhand self-enhancement by the security services, identifiable masterminds must be prosecuted. Credible information gathering devoid of witchhunting and spin should be established.

Security forces should be given adequate welfare especially those in combatant positions whose morale need to be boosted, just as their fighting capabilities need to be upgraded. Confidence building between the security forces and the citizens is a priority, especially in the North East, given the serial abuses by the former against the latter.

The unfolding battle in the Middle East for the supremacy of the global jihadist movement should be a wake – up call over here. Insurgent movements in West Africa, including Boko Haram, are prone to being easily influenced.

That could have grave consequences in Nigeria, if concrete action is not taken to halt the worsening insurgency.

GABRIEL AKINADEWO Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU Deputy Managing Director/DEIC SULEIMAN BISALLA Managing Editor, North YEMI AJAYI 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 GEOFFREY EKENNA News Editor PADE OLAPOJU Production Editor TIMOTHY AKINLEYE Head, Graphics ROBINSON EZEH Head, Admin.

20

Sanctity of Truth

OPINION Blimey, bikers, bile, blasts...and Bisalla D

eath is an inevitable end, problem is we all do not know when and how it will visit. More of a mystery, only God knows our last days on earth.

Suleiman Bisalla did not in any way know he was going to be seen for the last time on Wednesday June 25, 2014. It was like a normal day. He made phone calls to friends and colleagues, and went about the day’s job.

The call that has now touched me most is the one he made inquiring from New Telegraph Administration Manager Nduka Eze about his pension contributions. Now he does not have anything to do with that anymore. It is for the family to sort out.

Bisalla, a muslim from Plateau state, died in the Emab/Banex Plaza bomb blast in Abuja. He had gone to the complex to fix his handset.

So much has been said about this gentleman journalist. Tributes tell a lot, especially when the

departed is not a politician. There are testimonies that touch the heart.

Bisalla was indeed a nice young man.

We met for the very first time, last year in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state and that has turned out to be our last . Of course, i had to ask him one question. Are you in any way related to late Gen. Iliya Bisalla?’. His answer was snappy. ‘Oh, just from the same town’, he replied.

New Telegraph workers were in the Akwa Ibom state capital on a retreat prior to commencement of operations. Top Management staff stayed at the Ibom Le Meridien hotel. Bisalla was supposed to be there too. There was no place for him.

I never heard him complain. So many others in that position and situation, would have made a hell of noise. Not Bisalla. I held on to that. It takes such development to know a gentleman.

That is not saying that he was too gentle to be ignored. He knew when to speak and make a salient point. And his contributions were weighty.

Friday, July 4, 2014

Many have shed tears, those who met him and those who did not. Colleagues like Jide Ayobolu and Ayodele Ojo are yet to believe he is no more. Ayobolu had to bring along a photograph they took in the Abubakar Atiku campaign years. Ojo looks at his phone recalling the last call that same day.

One person who surprised me most, I am sure this piece will embarass her, is my wife. When I came back from work and told her the much I knew , she burst into tears. She kept sobbing when she saw the funeral pictures. The widow became a bigger burden.

Taking a look at Mrs Saadatu Bisalla, she cried, ‘I wish I had her number, oh my God, she must be going through pains.’ Unfortunately, I do not have the woman’s number yet. My wife cursed the phone that Bisalla went to repair. I only consoled her that blaming the phone would not change anything.

This is our country. It is difficult to believe that Nigeria has joined the league of bomb blasts. We thought Somalia, Afganistan, Iraq and Yemen were far flung places. Now terrorism is here with us.

Christians have called for prayers, muslims are also praying. It is only the Almighty that can sort this out. This country surely has seen enough human blood.

My response to APC and Lai Mohammed Femi Fani-Kayode

I

read the response of the APC through it’s spokesman Lai Mohammed to my allegations and assertions in the interview that I gave to Channels TV on Monday June 30. The said response appeared in a number of newspapers on Tuesday, July 1.

I wish to make it clear that I stand by every single allegation and assertion that I made in the said interview and that I believe strongly that the APC comprises a handful of Boko Haram sympathisers and questionable individuals who have at various times expressed a certain degree of support for Boko Haram. I wish to state clearly and categorically that Lai Mohammed, the official spokesman of the APC, did indeed make the said comments about Boko Haram that I attributed to him in the interview.

It is either Mohammed is going senile and therefore habitually forgets what he once said or simply derives pleasure from creating even more problems for his political party than they already have. Though he denied it, it is on record that he opposed the proscription of Boko Haram by the Federal Government in various newspapers on June 10, 2013 and described such proscription as being unconstitutional and/or extraconstitutional and wrong, in various newspapers. http://www.thisdaylive. com/articles/acn-boko-haram-s-pro-

I have criticised the Federal Government as much as anyone else over the last few years and I would be ready to do so any day and anytime where and when I feel that it is necessary scription-order-extra-constitutional/149958/#.U7Grri1EdYM.twitter.

At that time he spoke in his official capacity as the spokesman of the CAN, which is a constituent part of the present-day APC and which merged with other parties a few months later to form the APC. The same Lai Mohammed is now the spokesman of the APC and I have no reason to believe that he has purged himself of his earlier sympathies for that murderous organisation and its deadly activities. I should also add that the same Lai Mohammed, on behalf of his party, opposed the idea of Boko Haram being labelled a terrorist organisation by the United States of America throughout last year. As shameful as it is, this was his position and that of his party after that evil and insidious terrorist organisation had slaughtered thousands of our compatriots and innocent citizens and abducted, bombed and maimed our people. This speaks volumes.

I would like to take this oppor-

tunity to state that I stand by every word that I said about General Muhammadu Buhari in the said interview and that his words and statements about Boko Haram and the agenda of those that believe in and support Boko Haram raise a lot of questions. These words were not in any way misconstrued or taken out of context in the said interview.

Let me state clearly and categorically that the grave allegation that I have ‘’cut a deal with the Federal Government’’ concerning my case with the EFCC in order to ‘’prevent me from going to jail’’ is not only asinine but also absurd. The case has been in court for the past seven years and I make bold to say that no deals have been cut. Indeed, the prosecution is about to close its case and for Lai Mohammed to suggest that some kind of deal has been cut is not only libelous, extremely damaging and deeply malicious but also contemptuous of the court proceedings. This matter will, of course, be taken up at the highest level and Lai Mohammed will be required to produce the evidence and the strictest proof of this so-called ‘’deal’’. I have instructed my lawyers to send a letter to Lai Mohammed and the APC to urge them to issue a public apology within a specified period of time or else I will instigate legal proceedings against them for this vicious and most malevolent form of libel and defamation of character.

For a spokesman not only to lie

about his past statements, claiming he never said what he clearly said in the past and that I never joined the APC in the first place proves to the world what a desperate and wicked fellow he really is. I look forward to meeting him and his co-travellers in court and rest assured that when we get there, he and his friends will get far more than they bargained for.

On the allegation that I am attempting to ‘’ingratiate myself to and please the Federal Government’’ nothing could be further from the truth. For the record I have criticised the Federal Government as much as anyone else over the last few years and I would be ready to do so any day and anytime where and when I feel that it is necessary. I am also ready to criticise the excesses and the strange and wicked tendencies of an irresponsible and egotistical opposition like the APC where and when I believe that it is in the interest of Nigeria to do so.

If I am to choose between the Federal Government and the PDP on the one hand and the APC with its twoman dictatorial and fascistic leadership on the other, I would choose the former any day. Sadly, it took me one year of being in the APC to appreciate that and I thank God that I eventually did and that, unlike many others, I had the courage to leave them before it was too late.

• Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation wrote in from Lagos

ARTS FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014

CULTURE

21 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/arts

TONY OKUYEME tony.okuyeme@newtelegraphonline.com

okuyemeogom@yahoo.com

WITHOUT CULTURE, AND THE RELATIVE FREEDOM IT IMPLIES, SOCIETY, EVEN WHEN PERFECT, IS BUT A JUNGLE. THIS IS WHY ANY AUTHENTIC CREATION IS A GIFT TO THE FUTURE." ― ALBERT CAMUS

Tony Okuyeme

T

he Gongbeat Studio, Artiste Village (N.C.A.C.), National Theatre Iganmu, Lagos Nigeria, will play host to professional and amateur traditional drummers and musicians, artistes and experts in drumming and music, as this year’s edition of “IsiomaWilliams Traditional Drums Clinic” hold from July 7 to 11, 2014.

The project organised by Drumsview Concept in conjunction with MeltingPot Foundation and Gongbeat Productions, ‘IsiomaWilliams Traditional Drums Clinic’ is an annual humanitarian project; an artistic teaching conference in which experts in the field of the art of traditional drums and drumming are invited to give both theoretical and practical lectures to both amateur and professional drummers. It is a drumming workshop fashioned to teach traditional drummers how to read, write, and use basic music notations.

The project is aimed at strengthening and sustaining originality and quality through the generations of drummers.

This edition tagged, My Music Note, is fashioned to teach both professional and amateur traditional drummers and musicians the basic musical notations, and how they interestingly apply to our traditional music. This will enable them to read musical notes and write their own music. It will further encourage the habit of documentation in the industry, so that our creative works are kept and not lost.

“My Music Note serves as a turning point in the traditional music industry, which will lead to a new level of attainment, education and documentation. It is inspired by Park Cheun-ji (Music Director at the National Theatre of South Korea), Yeungun Kwag (percussion lecturer at Hanyang University, South Korea) and Emad Hassen Afify (lecturer high institute of Arabic music Egypt), during Isioma Williams’ successful participation in CPI 2013, South Korea.

Resource persons for this edition include the initiator of the project and Artistic Director of DrumsView Concept, Mr. Isioma Williams an experienced drummer, a dance director, project coordinator, dance and music tutor.

He is also a choreographer and actor who has featured in productions at local, national and international scenes.

A former Chairman of the Dance Guild of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, Williams is a senior member of the Equity of Theatre Arts Musicians, a Nigeria consultant for Badejoarts UK, as well as member of the National Theater of

Participants in drumming section during last year’s edition of the workshop

For IsiomaWilliams traditional drums clinic, My Music Note South Korea. .

The resource persons also include Adisa Abiodun Timothy, a musician, performer, theorist and a teacher, a saxophonist and an alumnus of the Royal School of Music, London (ABRSM), Trinity Guildhall London and MUSON, Nigerian.

Abiodun is also a member and Music instructor at Drumsview Concept, where he is learning African traditional dance and drumming under the tutelage of Isioma Williams. He has performed with Imoleayo Balogun, Mike Aremu (saxophone ensemble) and others. He is the initiator and director of the Royal Court Saxophone Quartet. Abiodun is a Saxophone Teacher at Muson Basic School of Music, and

he is studying music at the University of Ibadan.

DRUMSVIEW Concept is a total theatre company founded in July 2009 and duly registered with the

This edition tagged, My Music Note, is fashioned to teach both professional and amateur traditional drummers and musicians the basic musical notations

corporate affairs commission with the functions of training, nurturing, supporting and empowering youths through the preservation, enhancement of quality and presentation of our rich artistic cultural heritage.

ISIOMA WILLIAMS who is into artistic productions and believes in the philosophical theory of humanitarianism is the founder and Director of the company. IT is trusted by Mrs. Ute Fricke (CEO of Melting Pot foundation) and Mr. Peter Badejo OBE (CEO of Badejoarts UK).

DRUMSVIEW focuses on art promotion, Contemporary arts (dance, drumming, craft and others), art and cultural research, arts exhibitions, cultural exchange, art productions, artistes.

Effective cultural orientation boosts productivity, says Ayakoroma

T

he Executive Secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, has said that effective cultural orientation boosts productivity in the work environment. He also stressed that the way one relates to subordinates, colleagues and superiors would also go a long way in enhancing productivity.

Ayakoroma stated this in his paper, titled, “Understanding the Dynamics Of Culture in the Work Environment,” at the 5-day customised workshop on, “Repositioning Cultural Workers for Improved Productivity,” organised by NICO for staff of the Department of Culture, Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, at the Oasis Garden Hotel, Mararaba, Nasarawa State.

He said that, workers need to dress about local cuisines should be to give them identity as a people, one of the priorities of Nias “this rekindles interest and gerians. pride in our indigenous dress According to him, lanpatterns, which encouragguage as a cultural comes unity among different ponent has the potenethnic groups through tial for encouraging integrated dress culture. tolerance, dialogue It also encourages socioand co-operation, and economic growth of local can create conducive textile industries to creatmosphere for inate jobs for unemployed come generation and youths and promotes papoverty reduction, triotism.” decrying the fact that Ayakoroma further people do not take pride stated that, culture workers in their indigenous lanAyakoroma should use food as a veritable guages as cultural compoinstrument for Nigeria’s cultural nents that give people identidiplomacy objectives, capturing the Afty, and that Nigerian Languages rican continent and that being patriotic were not being given serious attention

as taught subjects in the educational system.

He disclosed that, NICO, as part of the its sensitisation programmes, organises a one-month intensive long vacation Nigerian Indigenous Language Programme (NILP) and Weekend Indigenous Language Programme (WILP), as a practical way of encouraging the learning of the mother tongue in many families.

Ayakoroma charged culture workers to develop intercultural competence, stressing that, “we should be interculturally competent because it is the ability of successful communication with people of other cultures. A person, who is interculturally competent, captures, understands and interacts with people from foreign cultures.”

22 ART

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Rymzo: ‘Roaring Lion’ goes to South Africa Moses Kadiri

R

ymzo, who is also known as Roaring Lion mostly, expresses serious moral issues in the society and situations through conscious reggae music. His latest show titled “Rymzo in The Roaring Lion Concert,” scheduled to hold in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday, November 28 and 29, 2014, will afford Africans, and indeed, the world over an opportunity to see the rastaman live on stage with so much fire.

The show will see the reggae maestro performing on stage before over 3,000 fans and music enthusiasts for not less than 2 hours in the two-day event with strictly conscious reggae music.

He said he said he will bless all the people with his music, adding that the concert will be hurricane and thunder performance throughout the event.

“Normally, it is all going to be fire and brimstone type of thing whenever Rymzo steps up the stage, but at ‘The Roaring Lion Concert’, I can assure you it is going to be hurricane and thunder performance for real. I am going to bless all the people with my music which I usually express my views on some serious moral issues in our society, and situations my fans are faced with most times... I am not a party-party artiste, nor a sexy love singer; that is why I scarcely come to show off swag or fashion on stage; when I come I come to address some serious things because I am the Roaring Lion,” he emphasized.

Organised by Uplivement Promotions, a Rasta promotional outfit based in Cape Town, South Africa, the concert is inspired by strictly rasta conscious affair and the reality which Rymzo’s music is currently mostly projected, “and November is that time of the year when the Rastafarian communities around the mountain of Cape Town have their yearly event to rejuvenate and bring fun to the communities. It normally record a crowd of between 2000-3000 individuals, but this year the organizers thought to make it bigger and that is where The Roaring Lion Concert was initiated,” Rymzo said.

During the concert, Rymzo who dedicated one of his albums, Salute Jah to The Almighty for all the favours He has done for him especially saving his life in 2008 when someone shot him said he will perform some of his hit songs, and his other Rymzo songs that contain strong contents

Tony Okuyeme

M

at the concert that is already generating interest in Jamaica, Europe, and other African countries. “There are a lot of my songs that I dare not push out around because of the contents since most people here only favour love and dance songs; those very serious songs are the ones that will rock “The Roaring Lion Concerts” e.g “Keep on Burning”, “Every Africans”, “Unite”, “Government”, “Fake Friends”, “I Will Never Be Like Dem”, among others.”

Lucky Dube’s country is the first region “The Roaring lion Concert” is requested; this is because of the large concentration of Rastafarian population in South Africa, and Rymzo’s music contains very serious messages “going amongst their sound systems

and reggae dance, plus my very huge fan base within the reggae music lovers in South Africa,” the songwriter, and record producer disclosed.

Apart from “The Roaring Lion Concert”, Rymzo have been involved in lots of projects lately in order to be a force to reckon with in the reggae world. He has been recording lots of songs by other producers from Europe, UK, Jamaica, US, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi “my own riddims too is still going on with loads of other artistes voicing, I am also finishing a couple of Jamaican and Nigerians collaborations, and all African tour is on the pipeline as demands from Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Malawi is quite strong now. I am working according to Jah plan,” he said.

I am not a party-party artiste, nor a sexy love singer; that is why I scarcely come to show off swag or fashion on stage

It is a known fact that Nigerian artistes of today prefer hip hop to reggae music because it pays more, but Rymzo has stuck with reggae genre since the 90’s and he is pushing reggae music beyond frontiers. “The real business of reggae is still currently on the bottom of the scale at home at the moment, but I try to maintain my base but work more internationally since we have not really been very successful in building the structure that is obtainable to make the real and authentic conscious reggae music important here, but we will get there too.”

To show that he is a master of his act and other genres of music like Hip hop, R&B, Rymzo collaborated with Jamaica artiste Richie Loop, in a love song. “It is an R&B, but it is going to be considered reggae because of the artistes and the styles on it, that’s an example of what I do, I am a serious and strictly reggae music artiste but you may hear me sing on a chunk, hip hop or house beats, yet my style won’t change, my message won’t be altered either, I will never be a Pop or R&B or Afrobeat artiste, but you may hear me ride some of such instrumental and my reggae style will augment the listener’s categorization of the music’s genre.”

Not many Nigerians care much about reggae since hip-hop and rap music is on the increase, and at a time when most people feel reggae is old fashioned, Rymzo thinks otherwise.

He is putting his best to revive reggae music in Nigeria. “I personally have put so much in the revival of this genre here in Nigeria, but still a lot needs to be done physical and mentally, where it concerns other reggae practitioners, I can see the awareness is growing now so I am hopeful the balance will be found soon. Young artistes prefer hip hop to reggae music; 99.9 percent got interested in the music business based of hustle since they see how hugely it now pays, so definitely they have to go in the lines of popular demand, they will have to check for the area when they can get the quick pay and I don’t think they are doing anything wrong because it takes some that’s in the music because of the passion for the art or on a mission to stick to genres like reggae or real jazz around a country like Nigeria, if you wanna be highly in the mix to get paid quickly then you must move with the trend and join the band wagon, but as for me I am on a mission with my music and reggae music is the genre that gives me the right set of audience to move with,” Rymzo said.

Suits takes short break on M-Net

anhattan’s top corporate lawyers Harvey and Mike, and the rest of the legal eagles in Suits, will not be able to make their weekly appointment with M-Net viewers this weekend Saturday, 5 July, 2014. But from next week Saturday they will visit local fans even closer to their latest appearances on US television.

A release from M-Net indicates that after a short production break was added to the series’ production schedule, Suits Season 4 will return

to American screens with episode 4 next week Wednesday (9 July). And three days later, on Saturday July 12, M-Net viewers will see this very same episode.

The programme schedule for Saturday, 5 July, as announced by M-Net shows that Beatles: The Night That Changed America - A Grammy Salute, The Live Concert will be aired at 16:00; while “Pitch Perfect” (PG13L) Comedy Romance is scheduled for 18:00; Crisis 1 #1awn09 “Found” (20:00); and Leftovers, The 1 #01 “Pilot” *Season 1 Starts (21:00).

“Suits” was created and its executive producer is Aaron Korsh (The Deep End). Doug Liman (Covert Affairs, the Bourne trilogy, Mr. and Mrs. Smith) and David Bartis (Covert Affairs, The O.C.) of Hypnotic also serve as executive producers and Gene Klein (Covert Affairs) serves as co-executive producer.

The series centers on a fast-paced Manhattan corporate law firm led by legendary lawyer, Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) and his brilliant, but not-technically-legal associate, Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams). In season

4, the once perfect pair Harvey and Mike’ working relationship gets all complicated. Logan ordered Harvey to hire a private investigator to air Mike’s dirty laundry. Knowing full well what would happen to Mike if the skeletons in his closet were to get out, Harvey searched for another way to use Mike’s past against him without destroying his life. But Mike didn’t see Harvey’s move as an act of mercy: but as an attack. And as tempers flare and the conflict escalates, it seems.

Will things get a lot more personal for everyone involved?

MEDIA 23

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Why I took to writing, by Ihemenwa

“I

took to writing after watching the film Finding Forrester”, he says this bright afternoon at the Association of Voice Over Artistes (AVOA) secretariat, Surulere, Lagos.

“The idea to write a book started in 2007 after my paper presentation on the topic – Literature, Writers & ICT Revolution during the 27th International Annual Convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). Before 2007, I had attended a book-writing seminar where the rudiments of writing and self-publishing were taught.

Yet the writing muse was not forthcoming. After the writing seminar, I went steps further in reading books including journals, magazines amongst others on writing. I also research on the internet. During my research on the internet, I was persuaded to register for another writing course with the London School of Journalism. I could not register because of the financial implication. I have come from a family where the profession – writing sound strange and perceive as an odd profession. In spite of all efforts within my capabilities, the muse to write refuses to come.”

According to him, worried and devastated while desperately searching for help, he was blessed to be exposed to the movie – Finding Forrester. “But the title – Finding Forrester left me with these questions: Who is finding Forrester? Why Forrester and no other person? Who then is Forrester? As I ponder over them for about a week or thereabout. I refuse to distant myself from the movie as I ask any young individual of the same interest if any have watched the movie – Finding Forrester.

“On the eve of a famous celebration, I cannot remember but not Easter and not Christmas, there was a heavy rainfall. Because of the lack of basic amenities in my locality where I reside and the greed of self-centered politically appointed leader in my locality, the roads are always bad whenever it rains and this day was not different.

Since the roads are bad, I opted to get busy with the Finding Forrester movie with those questions still in my mind.

With an open mind, I watched the movie again. This day, I did not watch to the end. I did stop the movie at the scene where William Forrester (Sean Connery) told Jamal Wallace (Rob Brown) that ‘the first key in writing is to write’.

“That statement ignites the writing skills and capabilities God has planted inside of me. How it did happen is a story for another day. The statement of the fact today is simple – I am an author. The new title – Author has humbled me a lot while opening my knowledge to a new page about life, living and talents.”

Continuing, Ihemenwa added that the entire drama of his very first factual novella – Silver Lining wondered him.

“Anytime I come in contact with the very first draft, I am happy as I just smile at the result today. While I would not want to bore you with my story, I crave your indulgence to please read on as I am taking you to a destination of interest. In all honesty, how the title of my book came about, I simply cannot explain but I felt the connection and synergy from within when I printed the A4 size paper with the inscription – Silver Lining on it.

“I was astonished when my book was mistaken with the movie – Silver Linings: the playbook. To me it was supposed to be an ‘irony’ but it was not. Both talked about love but from a different facet. I know that someday, my factual novella would be turned into film.

“My book was first self-published in

Godwin Ihemenwa whose pen name is Godwin 3ple-I, prefers to be described as an African by birth, a Nigerian by blood and citizen of the world by intellect. A writer, he is the author of the book, Silver Lining, his first work of fiction. In this chat, he explains how the idea to write a book started in 2007, and the influence of the film Finding Forrester on his interest in writing. He also said that he wants to be called and identify with the pen name, ‘Godwin Iheanacho’, adding that with the philosophy of ‘Keeping It Short and Simple’, he loves mingling, adventuring and rubbing minds with scholars and non-scholars. TONY OKUYEME writes.

Ihemenwa

Nigeria in 2011 before self-publishing internationally with AuthorHouse, United States (http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/products/SKU-000602511/ Silver-Lining.aspx) in 2012. Publishing with AuthorHouse was another beautiful and memorable experience. It was my publishing with AuthorHouse that I came up with the pen name – Godwin 3ple-i. Since then, I have been using the name for my literary correspondent including the social media platforms including my blog not until now.

“Change, perceived as a cliché, is accepted as a constant occurrence to life and living. Change is good. Change is bad. Change is either good or bad. As a higher mammal, human beings in general are prone to foot dragging to any form of change,” he said, adding that he has come with a change he believes is already being accepted with an open heart from all especially the Media and literary world. “This change in question has to do with my brand identity.

“I am always humbled and have pledged my loyalty to the Media and Literary world that I – Godwin 3ple-i love to be called and identify with the pen name – Godwin Iheanacho.

Silver Lining tells the story of Goddy, a practitioner in the entertainment world. His busy schedule does not let him to be involved, settle down or be in any serious relationship. But things change when his friend, Richard, invites him to attend a meeting in an NGO. Richards and Goddy are childhood friends but had some early discrepancies in their relationship be-

cause Richards always claimed to be the senior in the duo. Richards seems to have outgrown some tendencies and has become reserved with family life.

In this NGO meeting, Goddy meets a lady who stuns and intrigues him. The lady responds rather cordially. The meeting of this lady brings him closer to his childhood friend, Richards. This enhanced friendship further leads to approaching this lady with his bold step, he enquires her name.

Tina – Goddy’s dream girl, according to Goddy’s delight feels already at ease with him, her family (especially her mother) is pleased to meet him. In spite of the embarrassment he gets from her father, he is not deterred. A cordial friendship then develops between Goddy and Cynthia, Tina’s sister. He promises Cynthia a visit; during the visit he meets Tina.

Goddy through Cynthia’s witty insinuations is able to take Tina out to hang out with his friends. In this very occasion, Tina turns cold and drawn

I was astonished when my book was mistaken with the movie – Silver Linings: the playbook. To me it was supposed to be an ‘irony’ but it was not

from the rest of the evening. Later on, Goddy and Tina share their first kiss.

A misunderstanding ensues later due to Goddy’s tactlessness in expressing his surprise towards her visit.

Trying to re-enact his relationship he acquaints his writer friend Phil, who encourages him to apologise and try to woo Tina back. This amounts to a failure with Tina turning him down, admitting that she is not ready to give up her existing relationship.

Goddy begins to receive stinkers and threats from hoodlums in the ghetto where Tina resides, asking him to stay clear of her. Goddy and Tina shared their Christmas together having her in his apartment for two days because of her mother’s approval. He takes her out to see his ‘Big Bros’ also known or called Brokus in showbiz who host an annual Christmas celebration with his neighbours. There, Tina had a nice time hanging out with big names in showbiz, and the duo gets Christmas gifts / hampers.

Goddy gets fired from work and is desolate and despondent. He can hardly keep up with the lifestyle he had, with his difficulty in paying bills. His only option becomes to move in with ‘Big Bros’. Tina becomes sick and calls for his attention but Goddy cannot do anything for her. Goddy advises her to go see his doctor friend. Tina takes another option to collect the money from her ex-boyfriend. Goddy exorcises her out of his life when he finds out.

Goddy becomes restless and searches for something, anything to contain his emptiness. He finds an inspiring article which takes its references from the Bible. He is visited by Cynthia, Tina’s sister, who looks well to do now.

Cynthia tries to intercede for her sister but, it leads to no avail with Goddy.

Two days later, Goddy discovers that it would soon be Tina’s birthday; he apologises to Cynthia for his abruptness and plans a surprise birthday for her with her family.

Goody begins to put his life back together. He joins Bi Bros Production Company and Tina gains admission to the university. He refuses to listen to his colleagues who try to incite him not to trust Tina because she is now a ‘university babe’. After hearing a sermon about forgiveness, Goddy develops some kind of remorse for his unforgiving attitude towards Tina.

He decides to let go of his feud and ‘reunites’ with Tina. They become stronger than ever although she was in school. During holidays she maximum and splendid time with him so much that she becomes reluctant to go back to school.

Goody works his way so he could be among the production team that will go to the state where Tina’s university is in so he could see her. His colleagues indulge themselves with ladies in the university they tease him profusely and mock him for his stalwartness towards Tina. They tell him his ‘baby girl’ must be having some fun of her own. The story ends sadly when it turns out that his colleagues were right, Tina was one of the ladies picked up by one of his colleagues. Goddy is heartbroken and dismayed.

24 TOURISM Andrew Iro Okungbowa

I

t was a display of the vast and rich food culture of Nigeria at the recently held Nigeria Food and Cultural Fair (NFCF), a three day expo organized by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the event held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.

Tagged “Celebrating One Hundred Years of Food, Culture and Hospitality,” it was in commemoration of Nigeria Centenary anniversary celebration held at the beginning of the year. It drew a large number of participants from across the food and culture value chain of the country, ranging from manufacturers, to service and products providers. Also in attendance were government officials and food vendors.

It was a showcase of Nigeria food culture and history covering the one hundred years of existence of the country with the various regions represented as some of the food and produce to the cooking utensils on display while some arts and craft were also on display and musical rendition lead by Tar Ukoh’s Mabissah Group.

The Chairman of the Board of NIHOTOUR, Kanayo O. Kanayo of the Nolloywood fame set the tone for the three days food feast with his welcome address in which he spoke of the importance of promoting, celebrating and creating awareness about the vast food culture of the country both locally and internationally.

He pointed out that the event is part of NIHOTOUR’s aligning itself with the transformation agenda of the president, which he said is to develop and promote the best of Nigeria. If countries which are not as endowed as Nigeria can afford to promote their cuisine to the global level, Nigeria, he said has no choice but to do so.

Enhancing the food and culture fair, according to him, is not just only to celebrate the one hundred years of the country but to bring to the fore the development and need to attract the global market for the country’s food product.

Kanayo therefore impressed it on the audience that the food fair should serve as a platform for promoting Nigeria food even as he revealed the commitment of NIHOTOUR to ensuring the successful promotion, packaging and marketing

I

t is actually a good development and the right time for us to celebrate our culture because our culture is diverse and our food chain and repertoire is very large as well. We should embrace our food culture instead that of others.

We should also look at a better way of increasing our food product and creating more awareness about of our vast food sector. I am quite happy and satisfied with the expo because it has provided us the platform to put our food and service range on the map.

•Effiong, director of Operations, Pridemark Luxury Suite and Apartments, Abuja My impression is that it is really a good platform for us and I am satisfied with the programme. It has brought out the history of Nigeria food culture from the beginning to where we are now, which is very good and informative for many of us who don’t know about our rich culture.

It has brought so many of us together and I am quite happy about this and it has also enabled us to expose our products and services to the public. With the caliber and number of visitors that I have seen around it means that the right people were here and they took the event as serious affair.

I am expecting a feedback from many of those who visited our stand and expressed a desire to be our distributors; this would add more value and broaden our sales.

•Foeman Chinyere, trade activation manager, Dansa Food, Abuja region

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Nigerians call for promotion of indigenous food Nigeria foods to the international market as the country has what it takes to achieve this feat.

On his part, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke while declaring open the food and cultural fair, commended the creativity of Nigerians, especially those in the food and hospitality sector for the various manners in which they have over the years expanded the scope and packaged Nigeria food.

This creativity and industry of Nigerians, the minister said need to be encouraged and taken to another level that should attract attention to the nation’s rich and colourful food culture at the international stage. Duke therefore called for the harmonization of the various efforts by Nigerians and the need to grow the food sector to the level of

generating wealth for the country and its people.

At the colloquium section that held alongside the food and cultural fair there were presentations on the different aspects of Nigerian food by selected speakers. This include ‘Nigerian food as a non – oil export product by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council; Food administration and control in Nigeria – the role of NFDAC by NAFDAC and acquiring and promoting culinary technology for national development by the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).

There was also a presentation on one hundred years of cooking: Perspectives on the food industry of Nigeria by the Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHO-

TOUR), Dr. Munzali Dantata. In the paper, he traced the historical evolution of the Nigeria food culture as he outlined the various developmental stages and transformations of the Nigeria cuisine in the last one hundred.

Nigeria, he said, has a rich cultural heritage, which according to him is more visible in the food sector. In his conclusion, he pointed out that ‘‘Nigeria is exceptionally endowed with many types of foods and traditional food making implementing. Over the years it has borrowed other people’s foods and implements not because of intellectual backwardness but due to historical contacts and cultural exchange. ‘‘Let us celebrate iconic inventions and events that shaped our first 100 years as we prepare for the next 100 years.’’

Chairman of NIHOTOUR’s Board, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mrs. Nkechi Ejele and other guests viewing food product on display.

Participants score event high It is a good experience because for me it shows what Africa is about and how we have evolved and I have seen quite a lot from here on how we started and have now gone industrial.

I am quite impressed by what we are showcasing here, especially all the things that we have in Nigeria. They are all by us and not from outside so I am happy we (Transcorp Hilton Hotel) participated are fully represented at the event.

What I am taking away from here is that let us not forget our culture and as an international brand we think international but we act locally and you can see that some of the things that we have showcased here are pointing that direction.

Let us showcase Nigeria in whatever way that we can and I am happy and satisfied that we supported this event and by so doing reaching to the people and bring us more business in the nearest future if not now. *Ijeoma Cassandra Osuji, public relations executive I think it is a good idea and development in the food sector of the country but if they can sustain it and bring in more participants and stakeholders I think it would become more standardized than what it is today.

I also think that properly visitation of the various stands by the officials and visitors was not well handled and that the visitors and officials would had been allowed to visit and sample the various

foods by the exhibitors that way each exhibitor is patronized and not the almost divisive manner it was done.

The publicity for the event too was not properly done but overall

I think it is a good start and it is actually a good forum for us in the tourism industry to showcase our products and services and then interact.

•Gennie E. Ene, managing director/ ceo, House of Gold International

COMMUNIQUÉ

•That Nigeria is blessed with vast varieties of food/cuisine with high nutritional values that reflects the culture and social values of the people; •That Nigerians are great travellers and are strongly tied to their food both at home and in the Diaspora; •That our cuisine lacks the proper technology and packaging to make it acceptable and compete favourably with others at the international market; •That Government at all levels should play leading roles in opening avenues for local food producers or farmers to improve on their product by providing them with the necessary technology and infrastructure; •That the Nigerian food/cuisine is a potential catalyst for economic growth and development of the Nation; •That government at the community level in partnership with the various relevant Federal, State and donor agencies as well as the organized private sector should provide soft loans and the required human capital formation and; •Local communities should be encouraged to preserve and conserve their natural cuisines.

EXHIBITORS

•NASCO Plc, Dala Foods Nigeria Limited, Kano, RMRDC, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), House of Gold International, Dosh Events, Biobak Kitchen, HASOTEL, Drumstix, Nigerian Export Promotion Council AND Nigeria Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB).

Entertainment

NEW TELEGRAPH

25

www.newtelegraphonline.com/entertainment

SOny Neme Entertainment Editor

sony.neme@newtelegraphonline.com 0811 181 3096

FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014

Multichoice raises the bar with Only The Best l Launches Africa Rising with Davido, Tiwa Savage, Lola Rae and others

Eku Eduwor and Uti Nwachukwu

Rita Dominic and a MultiChoice Africa official

Performance at the event

Lola Rae performing at the event

Davido addressing the media

F

or five days MultiChoice Africa was at Mauritius for Only the Best in an amazing experience, as the group also unveiled Africa Arising. The inspirational addition saw five leading African musicians namely Davido, Tiwa Savage, MiCasa, Sarkodie and Lola Rae, on top of their game.

The four-day content extravaganza, which commenced on Tuesday, June 24, on the sugarcane-rich island, was witnessed by a convergence of top celebrities and journalists from across the world, just as the best international and local content was on the spotlight.

In his welcome address on Tuesday night at the Trou Aux Biches Resort and Spa, Chief Executive officer of Multichoice Africa, Nico Meyer said: “We are here to showcase the best of our local and international content that MultiChoice Africa has to offer through our exciting brands, DStv and GOtv.” An apparently excited Meyer asked rhetorically, “Ever wondered what the world would be without satellite technology or even television? Before the birth of modern multimedia, our ancestors were all but cut off from vivid graphics and virtual reality. Never mind access to news and great stories…But isn’t it amazing how often we take having been born into the age of technology for granted?

I often wonder what life would be like without television and that thought also frightens me.”

For him it is the same thought, however, that makes him proud to be part of a company that has pioneered Pay TV on the continent.

Jara was also on hand to entertain with Nigeria’s Uti Nwachukwu and Eku Edewor combining well with the host Ikponwosa, aka Ik, who was the chief host. Nollywood celebrities such as Mr. Chinedu Ikedieze (MFR), Rita Dominic, Majid Michele and Mildred Okwu added colour to the Multichoice Africa welcome dinner at the Beach Marquee.

“Our story began in 1986 when M-Net was founded as one of the first subscription television services outside of the United States. Later MultiChoice was incorporated to provide subscriber management services for pay television bouquets. Today, MultiChoice Africa is proud to be the leading multi-channel, multi-platform pay-TV service provider in Africa, delivering great television to viewers in 50 countries across

sub-Saharan Africa and its adjacent Indian Ocean islands,” he intoned.

On the journey so far, he said: “We faced many hurdles, as a new company and we needed to build and develop credibility not only with the market in which we were offering services, but also with international channel suppliers and satellite companies. Twenty years years ago, many called us crazy!

“However, against all odds, we soldiered on as we believed that the people of Africa deserved only the best dynamic technology platforms and a range of bouquets built around compelling news, premium movies, and documentaries as well as sports channels. Our mission has always been to be at the cutting edge of new technology that enables our subscribers to enjoy the very best home television experience.”

His joy is that above all, “we are a pan-Africa company that believes in uniting Africans to address the social and economic needs facing our continent. As MultiChoice Africa, we have a pivotal role to play in both the economic and social transformation of our continent and corporate social investment provides the ideal vehicle through which to bring about meaningful change and uplift to our people.”

He explained that it is with this in mind that they are aiming to be part of the making of this unfolding critical time in Africa’s history through various initiatives that promise to unearth Africa’s potential.

He stressed: “We aim to be part of creating a paradigm shift amongst Africans thereby being a catalyst for change as we believe there is so much more to celebrate in and about our continent. We strongly believe that the quest for good corporate citizenship starts with an acceptance of responsibility, not only from citizens of Africa but to the broader African community and corporates. As such, we have invested in various corporate social investment (CSI) projects namely, “The MultiChoice Resource Centre programme, which was launched in 2004. The initiative uses MultiChoice’s digital satellite technology platform to support and enhance the learning and teaching experience; The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Awards which, since 2005, has been encouraging and recognising excellence in journalism throughout Africa. And most recently, we introduced

the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards, through which we enable young people to become passionate about and to be exposed to science and technology concepts.”

In order to ensure that their initiatives have a sustainable impact, Meyer said: “We continuously improve their efficiency through on-going support and monitoring. We would not be able to meet these challenges without the on-going commitment of our partners and colleagues, whose relentless drive, compassion and enthusiasm are nothing but remarkable. There is still so much more to be done to ensure that we leave a lasting legacy for our children”…

He said that “being at the cutting edge of technology is part of our DNA and is used to make information and entertainment easily accessible and adaptive to the changing needs of our subscribers. They also constantly innovate on content and in 2013, we saw the launch of fantastic new channels on the DStv platform.”

The launch of GOtv, which is a low cost digital television service using the latest generation Digital Video Broadcast standard, he further explained, has been hugely exciting to them. “This launch, therefore, represents one of the most advanced digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcast system and infrastructure established in Africa to date and leapfrogs the out-dated T1systems, which were utilised by first movers in the Digital Migration and puts Africa at the forefront of technology in the digital migration process,” he further disclosed.

Meyer said that MultiChoice Africa remains committed to the digital migration process in Africa and will continue to work closely with governments and all stakeholders to ensure that this is a seamless platform, ensuring great family entertainment at affordable prices.

“As an innovative company we are constantly introducing new technology to ensure that our subscribers have access to the best information and entertainment anytime, anywhere, on any devise,” he stressed.

“Take our latest innovation, the Explora, which significantly changes the way you can experience and control your TV. By the way, I hope you’ve all remembered to set your recordings before you left home, you know the World Cup, your favourite series, oh and how can I forget, the movies… in that order (Chuckle).

C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 2 7

26 Entertainment

Friday, July 4, 2014

New dance style ushers in MALTINA DANCE ALL 8

T

he popular family dance show, Maltina Dance All (MDA) season 8 is here.

The 2014 edition tagged “The Rhythm of Happiness” will chronicle new dance styles known as Rhythm of Happiness Dance (ROHD), while consumers and other Nigerians are encouraged to come up with their ROHD. This was unveiled to journalists at the Atrium of the Silverbird Galleria in Lagos on Saturday. The venue witnessed a peep of the expected when 10 dancers mesmerized with eye popping and highly entertaining choreography. The performance was a prelude to the MDA 8, which kicked off same day.

The Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, who addressed the media on the annual event, said the performance was just a tip of this season of Maltina Dance All. According to Ekanem, “As we all know, it is the foremost experiential and sponsorship platform of the Maltina brand renowned for promoting togetherness with friends and loved ones. The TV show, which made its debut in 2007, has remained Nigeria’s first and only family dance TV show featuring families from various regions across the country.”

Ekanem added that, “The show is about the emotions, excitement, fun and the unbreakable bond that 10 families will showcase when they challenge themselves by learning and performing various dance styles in

MDA 8 Rhythm of Happiness in a performance

the famous Maltina Dance All academy.”

While recalling the uniqueness of previous editions, he said each year comes with a unique theme that drives the activation.

His words: “For instance, the theme for Season 5 was the ‘Biggest Maltina Dance All,’ Season 6 came with ‘Most Spectacular MDA’ and Season 7 was ‘The Evolution.’ This year, we present to you the Maltina Dance All Season 8 “Rhythm of Happiness.”

Unlike the other editions where winners were presented

with a brand new car, this year is coming with a huge sum of money that will make the winners very comfortable if well invested. He said: “The winning family will go home with the grand prize of a whopping N10 million while the first and second runners up will also get N3 million and N1 million respectively.” This is a considerable increase from the N6 million, N1 million and N500, 000 won last year by contestants in that order.

He further reassured con-

Somewhere Down the Line premiered

Yemi Black and Bukky Wright

O

ne of the most anticipated movies in the last three months, Somewhere Down the Line, was finally premiered in grand style at the Silverbird, Ikeja City Mall on Sunday, June 29. The movie which is produced by fast rising actress, winner of the 2011 Next Movie Star, Tamara Eteimo, came under the stables of Shola Fajobi’s Origin 8 Formats Limited.

The red carpet, which was sponsored by P&G had in attendance notable filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, Saheed Balogun, Ireti Osay-

emi, Doris Simeon, Foluke Daramola-Salako, Gbenga Adeyinka, Alex Mouth, Thandekile Maseko, Sola Fajobi, Mary Lazarus, who also starred in the movie and others who came to rally support for their colleague.

One of the highpoints of the night came during the screening of the movie as the guests were entertained and tickled by the acting but especially singing prowess of Tamara Eteimo who played a twin character in the movie.

Speaking on her cinema debut, Tamara said: “Before the screening I was tensed. Naturally, you will be tensed because you don’t want anything to go wrong. But at the same time, I had to tell myself, Tamara calm down, if anything goes wrong you are still who you are. But seeing people reaction tonight, this is just God telling me, my daughter I’m always strongly behind you. I’m really, really happy.

And I’m encouraged to do more but this is not for producers not to give me jobs o. please o I’m still an actress.”

The movie tells the story of a couple, Tolu and Goke who, eight years into their marriage, remain childless. They choose the path of IVF but it leads them down an emotional destination, causing more sorrow than joy.

The couple agrees on surrogacy but it turns out that Grace, the surrogate becomes emotionally attached Somewhere Down the Line and does not want to part with the foetus in her womb.

For the red carpet of Somewhere Down the Line, Excite On TV will lead other TV stations to cover the event. Afterwards, a week from when it makes its cinematic debut, there will be campus screening across five selected Nigerian campuses. They include University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Niger Delta University, University of Port-Harcourt and University of Ibadan.

sumers and Nigerians that, “The show will still be about the unbeatable fun and the unbreakable bond that 10 families will showcase when they slug it out learning and performing a variety of dance styles in the famous Maltina Dance All Academy.”

For the Senior Brand Manager Maltina, Mr. Adewole Adedeji, building any brand is a very long journey. “We are glad about the evolution of the Maltina brand over the years and the impact it has made thus far,” he enthused. “We are also very excited about what season eight of MDA has in store for us. Eight years is a long time for a show to still be relevant and we are very glad that Maltina, through MDA, continues to bring the brand experience of sharing happiness and fun to the consumer. The MDA’s Rhythm of Happiness edition will be refreshingly unique because we put a lot of work into it, because each year there is something bigger and better.”

The show proper will be pre-

ceded by regional auditions that will commence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State at the Atrium Event Center on July 18 and 19th. That will be followed here in Lagos at the National Theatre on July 24 – 26, while Abuja will host the train at Nicon Luxury Hotel on August 1 and 2.

Adedeji advised interested Nigerians to register online at www.maltinadanceall.tv or at each of the venues of the auditions for a chance to participate.

They can also visit facebook. com/MaltinaNigeria for more information.

Adedeji further explained that during these regional auditions, respective family members also stand a chance to win any of the numerous regional dance competition prizes, such as generating sets, flat screen television sets, home theatre and lots of refreshing Maltina drinks.

“The TV show will be aired from September 7 this year on major TV networks with videos uploaded on YouTube and Facebook. Also, viewers can participate and win fabulous prizes through the interactive SMS platform during the show,” he stressed.

The 2007 edition produced the Onye family as winners; in 2008 it was the Opuwari family and in 2009 the nation’s best dance family were the Ibiams. Adejoh’s held sway in 2010 while the Ekubo in 2011 were crowned the number one dance family. In 2012 the Greens were the best with the swinging moves of Opus and his sister, while the Briggs family is the reigning champion.

“Since its introduction into the Nigerian market in 1976, Maltina has evolved to become one of the nation’s best malt drinks with high quality natural malt drink, fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. This affords the entire family the vitality and superior nourishment necessary for their daily activities - including those special fun moments shared with friends and loved ones,” Adedeji surmised.

OLX Makes Me Happy radio show launched

LX meets entertainment in Oevent its unique campaign, in an that included a special

airing of success story videos.

To demonstrate their hold on their success story, successful participants were present alongside the winners of the online competition.

The success stories, New Telegraph gathered, were real stories of everyday Nigerians who used the OLX site to either buy or sell or advertise their services. The participants included Folashade McIver, a young lady who used OLX to advertise her make up services and received over 20 customers and Dominic Uba, who got a buyer for his phone within just 10 minutes, as well as a student and aspiring rapper named Kanye Whet.

The event, which took place at Ikeja also featured exclusive cuts from the OLX Makes Me Happy competition that is supported by TECNO. In it, users were asked to record and remake videos of the “Happy” song by Pharrell for a chance to win the latest

TECNO R7 Smartphone. The prizes were presented to the winners at the event by the marketing manager for TECNO in Nigeria, Mr. Soffack Sonna.

OLX Country Manager Lola Masha, in her welcome speech, said, “The OLX Makes Me Happy” campaign celebrates the impact that OLX has on lives of the average Nigerian. We regularly get positive feedback from our users on how OLX has literally changed their lives.

We’ve connected buyers and sellers that have become lifelong friends; we have given our sellers the opportunity to make some money to take care of critical family needs.”

Masha further explained that their goal, “is to provide a platform that empowers individuals and contributes to the economic growth of the country. With our focus on enabling customer to customer trade, it is essential that we showcase stories of successful trades to encourage others users to try OLX.”

Entertainment

Friday, July 4, 2014

CinemaWatch (Radio/TV/Events Guide)

JULY 4 – 10 Highlights

M-Net Movies Premiere (DStv channel 103)

27

LYRICS for the week

DSTV

M-Net movies Premiere is bringing a range of blockbuster movies in July. DStv viewers can look forward to Obvilion, The Wolverine, Thor: The Dark World and Man of Steel.

Oblivion: From the director of Tron, comes this futuristic sci-fi epic with Tom Cruise at the helm. As a drone repairman on an evacuated earth, Cruise discovers a crashed spacecraft that will change everything he knew. Tune in on Sunday 6 July at 20:30 CAT. SNOG, MARRY, AVOID?: Dubbed the world's first make-under show, Snog, Marry, Avoid? Sees Personal Overhaul Device transform “over the top” girls and boys into natural beauties.

Presented by Atomic Kitten member Jenny Frost, focuses mainly on transforming 'fakery obsessed' or 'slap addicts' into natural beauties by stripping them of their skimpy clothes and layers of make-up and giving them a ‘make under’ instead of a makeover with the help of the team. Tune in every weekday at 20:05 CAT. AfricaMagic Entertainment (150) In July, DStv audience can look forward to an exciting range of Africa Magic Original Films throughout. The line-up of movies includes titles such as The Diary, Deep Ends, Different Strokes, Return of the Prodical, Heartbreak, I’m Audrey, Tough Ladies and Out of Fire.

The Diary: Ade has always had to deal with his mother’s authoritative ways.

However after the death of his father he refuses to succumb to her demand that he marries her friend’s daughter. Now he must find a wife for himself and she must be Igbo just as his father asked him to, otherwise he will not be able to retrieve his father’s diary from the lawyer. Tune in Sunday 5 July at 22:30 CAT. Deep Ends: A man prides himself in his ability to provide for his family

Tough ladies, on DSTV

is suddenly threatened by the loss of his job. Not willing to give in to his fears he employs drastic measures to save face only to find himself in deeper waters. Tune in on Sunday 6 July at 23:30 CAT. Style (DStv channel 173) Turn Up the Heat with G.Garvin: in July, DStv viewers can Join established chef G. Garvin as he shares his wealth of cooking knowledge, including secret recipes and expert techniques.

Aimed at all levels, from novice cooking enthusiasts to expert chefs looking to broaden their knowledge of recipes and cooking styles in the kitchen, G. Garvin aims to create the most interesting flavours with the simplest of dishes. Catch him every Monday from 7 July at 19:20 CAT and 19:45 CAT. Black Men Revealed: Black Men Revealed continues to give an insightful look into the black male experience, with heated and interesting discussions from the regular panel of hosts.

Examining current hot topics, everyday issues and often controversial situations, the panel of celebrities and intellectuals includes Yvetta Young and star actor Reggie Watkins. Catch them every Thursdays at 21:10 CAT. Get the hook up: This July on Style, DStv can follow Get the Hook Up, afresh new dating

game that mixes up the traditional dating format. By allowing the contestants to show-off their hidden talents through live performances and talent segments, Get the Hook Up creates a fun and relaxed atmosphere, encouraging everyone involved to have fun and party, with the potential that they’ll meet the person of their dreams.

Featuring host Russ Parr, the matchmaking action is packed into a half-hour slot, ensuring each minute is as entertaining as the last. Tune on Fridays at 20:15 CAT and 20:40 CAT.

Knife and Bad News, a group of children use their kung fu skills to defend their home against enemies at any cost.

Madeas Family Reunion on Saturday 5 July at 19:30 CAT on Mnet Movies Zone Madeas Family Reunion is a 2006 comedy-drama film adaptation of the stage production of the same name written and directed by Tyler Perry. While planning her family reunion, Madea must come to terms with family dramas, including the runaway who has been placed under her care, and her love-troubled nieces.

BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) Chefs - Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (Series 2): This highly entertaining series turns the cookery format on its head by pitting ten top chefs, including Aldo Zilli, Gino D'Acampo and James Tanner, against each other in the toughest test they've ever faced. In each episode, two of the chefs cook in a different environment; be it a top class restaurant, a gastro pub or a trucker's cafe. But there's a twist; for the final dessert course the diners will be invited to pay as much as they think the dish is worth, meaning that the winner won't be decided until the very end. Catch them every Monday from 7 July at 11:05 CAT.

Hole in the Wall on Monday 7 July from 17:45 on Sony Max Fans of Japanese game shows will be thrilled to see the premiere of Hole in the Wall, a new series that requires teams to squeeze through gaps in a polystyrene wall that’s moving towards them.

GOtv First of Dragons on 4 July at 18:00CAT on Blackbelt TV With names like Crazy

School of Rock on Wednesday 9 July at 20:00CAT Music takes centre stage in the entertaining romantic comedy starring Jack Black.

Girlfriends season 3 on Thursday 10 July at 18:35CAT on Sony Entertainment Television This highly acclaimed and multi-awarded comedy series draws us into the lives, loves and losses of four women from very different walks of life. They start out as friends and become family as they navigate relationships, family, friends, careers, divorce and other topical issues with wit and insight.

Multichoice raises the bar with Only The Best CO N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 5

Nico Meyer, CEO MULTICHOICE Africa

“Just as we continuously work to innovate and grow our business excellence, we apply the same level of commitment to using our expertise and infrastructure to drive development across the continent.

Over the years, we have invested billions into brand new state-of-theart SuperSport and M-Net studios to catapult the local film industry into showcasing local talent and

programmes. This contribution has been unmatched by any other operator in Africa.

Remaining on the cutting edge of technological developments is an on-going challenge for us. Many of our viewers are not aware of the vast machinery that delivers DStv and GOtv and rightfully so – our business is providing top quality entertainment while yours is to enjoy the experience.”

Verse – don jazzy ehn doro bucci don doro bucci doro jazzy ehn doro boss doro big you know say doro heavy doro skillful you know say doro bloody doro get the biggest label wey you know of course doro tush pass anybody wey doro meet doro gather pass anybody for the gathering doro get money pass everybody there hook – reekado banks oya doro… doro bucci o… oh na na na doro… doro bucci o doro doro doro bucci mama n mo o doro… dorobucci e bu onye ebe o doro fresh….ngwanu doro big…..ngwanu, ngwanu doro flashy doro classy doro fine pass anybody wey doro see doro get pass anybody wey doro meet e o verse – tiwa savage doro na diva….doro doro na tiwa doro na leader….doro follow the leader…doro doro doro do do doro…. doro doro is bigger…doro doro is higher follow the ladder…doro so follow the ladder doro get liver she no dey tire doro hot doro eminado doro fine do do dorobucci eh doro me doro you doro mavin we the baddest crew verse – dr. sid doro suru doro lere doro grab doro carry doro fast pass anybody wey don dey fast before doro sleek pass anybody wey doro jam eh ehn doro hammer doro pako doro knack pass carpenter wey don dey knack before doro nado doro messi doro dribble anybody wey try to mark doro verse – korede bello doro doro african prince doro see doro dey make all the girls dey feel robo robo

doro o doro catch anybody wey doro fish doro doro chop anybody wey doro beef doro doro mega doro super doro star doro mega super star o doro catch anybody wey doro fish doro doro chop anybody wey doro beef doro verse – di’ja doro bad doro double-o-seven…. doro doro na yaro doro wey get e money…. doro doro like for do anything wey doro like for do mey nobody try doro cos dey go wound o doro bad doro double-o-seven…. doro doro na yaro doro wey get e money…. doro doro like for do anything wey doro like for do mey nobody try doro cos dey go wound o verse – d’prince doro is a cheerful giver doro is a kind of boss…..a kind of boss doro is a money spender doro too dey floss…..too dey floss too dey floss o anywhere wey doro dey you know say wahala dey…..wahala dey chickalas dey…..chickalas dey cos doro gallant eh anywhere wey doro dey eh wahala dey…..wahala dey chickalas dey…..chickalas dey cos doro gallant o omoba doro money doro baller verse – reekado banks doro popping doro naughty doro fly pass anybody wey dey the plane ehn ehn doro ball pass anybody wey dey the pitch yeh hook – reekado banks doro… dorobucci o doro… dorobucci o doro doro dorobucci mama n mo…..doro fine pass wey anybody doro see doro…..doro get pass anybody wey doro meet e bu onye ebe o dorobucci doro big doro street ngwanu doro big doro chuck norris

28 What’s your impression of Nollywood?

Wow! I think this is one country where stars are celebrated.

To be an actress in Nigeria is something very big. Whereas in my country, there are just so many of them; it’s not as if we are not recognized but not like here. Here, they support African movies. They support actors.

They celebrate them. They go out of their way to make them feel important. So, the whole experience has been amazing.

What attracted you into the make believe world?

Sometime, two years ago, I was walking down the road with a friend of mine, and we saw a group of people having an audition. Immediately, I approached the place, the producer was like; you are the one we’ve been looking for. At first I was stunned because I just wanted to go and have a look at what they were doing. But, I was auditioned and that was how it all started.

Two years down the line how has it been?

I have just finished shooting a 56-episode drama series. It is called the Lincoln Clan. It was done by Total Recall Production.

It’s a Nigerian company. They came to South Africa to shoot the series. It took them two months to complete it. That isn’t their first project that I will be working on. I worked with them last year September as well.

We shot The Dragon. Both the Lincoln Clan and The Dragon, I played the lead roles. Dragon was a 26-episode series. And it’s airing very soon. I think in August but I’m not sure which channel yet.

What were you doing before acting found you?

Well, I was a cabin crew with South African Airways. I used to do local flight. This is like my third trip to Nigeria on a holiday basis. The longest I have stayed was actually three months. Nigerians is beautiful. The people are great. They are so nice even when they don’t know you. Immediately, you tell them that you are a foreigner, they just go the extra-mile to make you feel comfortable. So, Nigeria has been great.

What made you leave your lucrative cabin crew job for acting?

What made me go into acting really was that I just wanted to do something different. I was tired of being a cabin crew. It’s not as good as it looks. Doing the same thing over and over again was just tiring. I did the job for two and half years and in those two and half years, my dear, I did the same thing every day. I was tired of saying Chicken or Fish. So, when the opportunity came for a change, I was very excited. I am happy in what I do now. Not that I wasn’t happy as a cabin crew. I was doing it to get my pay. But this I love doing. It’s a passion. It makes me happy.

Before now, did it ever cross your mind you would one day be an actress?

I would be lying if I say so. It just happened within a twinkle of an eye. Actually, I’d gone to visit my friend, as she was walking me down, she saw these people doing auditioning and she was like let’s go and see what they are doing. And when I got there, they were like, the whole day we’ve been waiting for you. The next thing the producer said, can you read lines and I replied, are they in Eng-

Friday, July 4, 2014

‘I am ready for the competition in Nollywood' Beyond her looks, Thandekile Maseko is a very strong character.

The South African-born sexy and trendy thespian who wants to be a known actress in Nollywood, had called it quits with South African Airways as a cabin crew member two years ago.

Thereafter, she embarked on a journey into the world of make believe, as she found a reliable ally in a Nigerian company that has signed her on. Trophies and Classics Entertainment, her new managers, an agency for actors would manage her career and those of other upcoming talents. Thando, as she is fondly called, spoke with New Telegraph recently on life as a single mom, career, and more. Excerpts: lish? And that was it. I got a role and the rest is history. Later, I got an agent. My agent goes out of his way to look for jobs for me.

It’s been great.

What’s your experience in Nollywood in terms of getting roles?

My very first experience was with Total Recall Production, a Nigerian company. They told us that the story was supposed to be shot in Nigeria by Nigerians but because they just wanted to do something different, amazingly I played a lead role. I played alongside…oh! this guy is not going to be happy that I forgot his name. A known Nigerian actor, he does mostly Yoruba movies. Yes, yes, yes, his name is Rikado Agbor. I played next to him as his wife. He was in South Africa. We shot it last year September and the response I think was impressive the way it came out, so they came back again in February and we shot the 26-episode.

Do you have any plans of relocating to Nigeria?

If the opportunity comes definitely I will grab it with both hands. I don’t see South Africa only as home. I see where I am welcomed as my home. I have been very welcomed in Nigeria and I see it as home. It is still Africa. I don’t see Nigerians; I don’t see South Africans; I only see Africans. So, definitely, it wouldn’t be a problem for me to cross over to Nigeria. There is a plan in place already as I have a manager now in Nigeria. He is really trying very hard to see a way he can help me break into Nollywood. I have a manager in South Africa but I felt coming into Nigeria and to be able to make a mark, I have to have a manager here in Nigeria. I am not familiar with the terrain so I think it’s better when you have someone who knows the industry. In Nigeria, I am managed by Segun Arinze’s Trophies and Classics Entertainment. As an agency for actors, they manage the careers of upcoming talents in areas of perception management, talent grooming, scouting for jobs, portfolio creation, media and publicity, archives management, investment and financial guidance and brand endorsement opportunities.

Any recent work?

A couple of weeks ago, I came for Tinsel audition. I actually arrived on the day of the audition

and I was the last person that they auditioned that day. And I actually stayed for like a week and within that week that was when we were planning how I would come back for the AMAA. It was nice. I even forget sometimes that I am not home. I am having fun! I am loving every moment of it.

Any role in Tinsel?

I haven’t heard from them yet. But it’s looking good. It’s looking promising. People say because I’m South African, I might have an edge. I think Tinsel has grown beyond being a Nigerian story. They are really going out to capture other countries and other cultures. So, being a South African, I think it will add more to that story. I am hoping and praying that they do give me a role. I just want to show Africa what stuff I am made off.

How was it like growing up?

I am South African by birth.

I grew up in a town called New Castle. In South Africa we speak a lot of Afrikaans. Afrikaans is like Pigin English. It was from Afrikaans school that I went into High school just when South Africans gained independence.

So, we were the first group that started going to a white school and it was hard. My High School life was hard. It was really very challenging. From there I went to the university and studied Dermatology. I have never practiced it though, because it’s not my first love. Even though I am trained for it; I don’t think it’s something I want to do.

How ready are you with the competition in Nollywood?

Oh my God! I am ready because I’m gonna be me. I’m gonna be myself. I don’t want to be anybody. I don’t want to imitate anybody. I just want to be Thando. I just want to be known for who I am. While growing in the industry, I wanna pick the good in everybody and channel it in a way that will help me.

Who are your role models in

You need to look at what you are getting yourself into and the kind of people you are going to be working with as an actor

Nollywood?

I love M e r c y Johnson.

I’ve foll owe d her career. I’ve watched a lot of her movies. I find her very versatile. She c a n play a n y role. I mean she is amazing. From the girl next door, to the girl in the village, to a mother, anything that you give her, that woman is just amazing.

She’s talented. She goes out of her way to interpret her roles.

She loves what she does. And I am really inspired by her.

Have you been sexually harassed for a movie role?

You know when you are desperate people see it. People see it when you show desperation.

It’s not every audition that you want to go to. It’s not every opportunity that comes that you need to take. You need to look at what you are getting yourself into and the kind of people you are going to be working with as an actor. You need to use wisdom in such places. I have never had an experience where I am harassed by a director or he comes with a story. It depends on the way I present myself to them that will not even give them the room to think of crossing the line with me. So, I think it depends on how you present yourself.

But you cannot shy away from the fact that you are heavily endowed in certain places…

A certain director actually said to me one day, can I ask you something after the audition. And I said ok fine! He said, it’s outside of work and I said its okay. Then he said, does everyone in your country have the same hips like you? I heard that in your country, all the girls have your kind of figure. I replied him and said not all the girls have hips like me. I understood where the whole conservation was going. Even though I’m sure he meant it as a joke

Thando

but the way you now answer the question that will tell him to push further or to stop. So when people try to bring those issues out, how do you address them? How do you answer? You need to stand your ground as a woman so that they know that there is so much more to you than your hips and all that. In trying to stand my ground, I try to answer such question without being rude and without being cheap.

Are you married?

I’m not married but I have a son. I have a nine year old son.

Mostly in all my interviews I do tell people, I am a mother. I have a son. I don’t hide my son from people because I am a proud mum. I am not ashamed of the fact that I am a mum. I think I took responsibility for my action. I had my son when I was still in the university, then I had to drop out of the university for a year to bring up my son before I could go back to school. So, I never hide him from the media even though I don’t expose him to all of those but I don’t hide the fact that I do have a child to people.

Do you still believe in love? Are you giving marriage a chance?

I do believe in love definitely and I will get married, that is definite. In the near future I want to get married, settle down and have more children. Even though my past experiences, I had been heartbroken just like every other person but that does not mean I would now say all men are the same. I do believe that there are still some good ones out there. Even, I have got one in Nigeria!

BUSINESS Friday, July 4, 2014

What's news Boost for world's cocoa as black pod non-toxic pesticide debuts Cocoa farmers in cocoa producing areas across the globe may have cause to smile this year as scientists have found a non-toxic pesticide that can stop the destructive menace of black pod disease, a deadly destroyer of cocoa pods, New Telegraph findings have revealed.

}p-30

Iraq's Kurds plan oil reserves larger than Nigeria’s Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurds are planning a referendum for independence and intend keeping troops in the nearby oil hub of Kirkuk in order to develop oil deposit estimated to be larger than that of Nigeria and the United States.

}p-30

New Pension law: Expecting some bites after the bark After months of immersed breath, the Federal Government finally signed the amended Pension Reform Act 2014 into law on Tuesday thus giving room to stakeholders in the pension industry to let out some steam on what to expect under the new law.

}p-31

BUSINESS CREW AYODELE AMINU, Deputy Editor (Business) Simeon Ogoegbulem, Dep. Business Editor BAYO AKOMOLAFE, Asst. Editor (Maritime) SUNDAY OJEME, Asst. Editor (Insurance) SIAKA MOMOH, Asst. Editor (Industry/Agric) Godson ikoro , Asst. Editor (Money Market) JONAH IBOMA, ICT Editor DAYO ADEYEMI, Property Editor ADEOLA YUSUF, Energy Editor

29 NEW TELEGRAPH

www.newtelegraphonline.com/business

Shea butter is exporters’ new bride }p-34

ayodele aminu, Deputy Editor, business

ayodele.aminu@newtelegraphonline.com ayodeleaminu@yahoo.com

No going back on N35m BDC capital, says CBN UNYIELDING CBN insist the measure would check rent seeking, depletion of external reserves and dollarisation of the economy

of unauthorised transactions and dollarisation of the economy,” the source said.

Since last week when the new measures were announced, BDC operators had mobilised to stop the apex bank from implementing the policy.

Already, the House of Representatives has passed a resolution directing CBN to put the policy on hold.

The lower chambers of the federal legislature had also summoned CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, to appear before it to throw more

light on the new policy.

Last Tuesday, the Association of Bureau de Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) stormed the Senate seeking the intervention of the upper legislative chamber in reversCONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Simeon Ogoegbulem and Abdulwahab Isa Abuja

S

trong indications have emerged that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) may not back down on the N35 million new capital base for Bureau de Change (BDC) operations in the country.

CBN had last week announced far reaching measures in the operations of BDCs, top of which was the raising of the capital base from N10 million to N35 million.

The banking watchdog also increased the mandatory cautionary deposit, which would be deposited in a non-interest yielding account in the CBN, to N35 million.

CBN explained that the new measures are geared towards correcting “observed deficiencies in the operation of which have led to gross inefficiencies and sharp practices.”

However, competent CBN sources said that the “apex bank would not back down on the new policy,” adding that that the banking watchdog had the political will for the new BDC capital.

“We have briefed relevant authorities before coming up with the new policy initiative and there is no going back on the new policy.

“We are optimistic that the steps being taken would check the growing incidence of rent seeking, depletion of external reserves, financing

L-R: Director, Brands and Communications, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye; Brand Director, LagosPhoto Foundation, Wunika Mukan; Curator, World Press Photo, Paul Ruseler and Head, Corporate Communications/High Value Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi, after a press conference to announce the 5th Edition of the Etisalat-sponsored LagosPhoto Festival.

NEITI, DPR, IOC bicker over oil metering figures OIL THEFT NAPE seeks harmonisation of reports to end metering disparity

Adeola Yusuf

T

he Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and international oil

companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria's multi-billion dollars oil and gas industry have continued to bicker over the authenticity of figures on oil thefts and accuracy of production metering.

The squabble ensued when at the 2014 Special Management Workshop on Fluid Accounting and Metering Issues in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry, organised by the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos.

While the NEITI said that its audits have showed that DPR's

efforts to ensure adequate metering of oil production is less than desirable, the DPR posited that NEITI has never sought its contribution, as the industry regulator, on audited data.

The oil companies on the other hand, were also divided over the actual figure of stolen crude in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, President of NAPE, Mrs Adedoja Ojelabi, has called for harmonisation and reconciliation of reports

by NEITI, DPR and IOCs to end CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

WOLE SHADARE, Aviation Editor DELE ALAO, Brands/Marketing Editor CHRIS UGWU, Capital Market Editor Abdulwahab Isa, Finance Editor Chuks Onuanyin, Energy Nnamdi Amadi, Reporter JOHNSON ADEBAYO, Asst. Production Editor

Rates Dashboard INFLATION RATE April 2014...............................7.9% March 2014............................7.8% Feburary 2014 ........................7.7%

LENDING RATE

EXCHANGE RATE

(Parellel As at June 26)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N167.50 InterBank Rate . . . . . . . . . 10.50% Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N284 Prime Lending Rate. . . . . 16.93% Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N227.50 Maximum Lending Rate..25.83% • External reserves US$ 37.27 billion as at 26/6/14

EXCHANGE RATE

(Official As at June 26)

USD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N155.73 Pounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N265.21 Euro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N211.95 Source: CBN

30 BUSINESS | NEWS INNOVATION Cocoa farmers to smile as non-toxic pesticide that will put black pod disease in check is found Siaka Momoh

C

ocoa farmers across the globe may have cause to smile this year as scientists have found a nontoxic pesticide that can stop the destructive menace of black pod disease, a deadly destroyer of cocoa pods, New Telegraph findings have revealed.

Industry sources say that co-

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Boost for world's cocoa as black pod non-toxic pesticide debuts coa farmers will lose an estimated 30 to 40 per cent of their crop to pests and disease, and with chocolate prices having risen globally by roughly two-thirds in the past decade, concern is growing about sustainability in cocoa production. Of particular concern is the environmental impact and human health risks of toxic agrichemicals – organochloride insecticides and heavymetal-based fungicides – used in cocoa production to fight pests and disease.

But scientists at Penn State's Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences have found – in a safe, biodegradable compound – a potential alternative to the hazardous antifungal agents currently being used to combat one of the most damaging cocoa diseases, Phytophthora pod rot (also known as black pod), responsible for an estimated 20 to 30 per cent loss in yield annually.

Mark Guiltinan and Yufan Zhang, with Siela Maximova and in collaboration with Phil

Smith of the Metabolomics Core Facility, have discovered that spraying the leaves of the Theobroma cocoa tree with a low-concentration glycerol solution, triggers the plant's defense response and enhances its natural disease resistance.

“Right now,” says Guiltinan, “cocoa farmers are using fungicides and other chemicals that are very effective but are also highly toxic compounds, very persistent in the soil, and relatively expensive. Glycerol, on the other hand, is extremely non-toxic; it's super safe, super cheap, biodegradable, and it triggers the plants' defenses very efficiently – it only takes small amounts to trigger the whole plant defense system.

“The plant immune system,” he continues, “is made up of many different components that – imagine, if you can – are like little micromachines. It has five or 10 major components that all have little safeties on them, and safeties on the safeties, and things that turn them on and off and regulate them.

Some of these components are always running at some level and the system is a complicated thing on a hair trigger, always ready to go. You just give it a little trip and off it goes – all the little micro machines will be activated in a certain sequence and the whole thing takes off, so glycerol is one of the ways we've found to come in and trigger this to happen.”

NEITI, DPR, IOC bicker CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

L-R: Key Accounts Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), Mrs Grace Owolabi; General Manager, Shoprite, Mr. Anton Wagenaar; National Key Accounts Director, NBC, Mrs Yanju Olomola and Commercial Manager, Akure, NBC, Mr. Fred Omafomah, at the opening of Shoprite in Ibadan.

Iraq's Kurds plan oil reserves larger than Nigeria’s Sunday Ojeme

I

raq’s semi-autonomous Kurds are planning a referendum for independence and intend keeping troops in the nearby oil hub of Kirkuk in order to develop oil deposit estimated to be larger than that of Nigeria and the United States.

“As a people, we have the right to be independent, but the issue is up to the Kurdish people, to be decided upon via a referendum,” Safeen Dizayee, spokesman of the Kurdistan Regional Government, said in an interview in the city of Erbil. “We now have arrived at a new reality. If the Kurdish people, through referendum, were to opt for complete independence, we want it to be done through negotiations with Baghdad, like what happened in Czechoslovakia.”

Iraq’s minority Kurds, who historically have resisted control by Arab-dominated central governments, are charting a course to independently develop oil reserves that the KRG calculates at 45 billion barrels - larger than BP Plc’s estimate for deposits in the United States or Nigeria, Africa’s biggest producer.

Kurdish armed forces moved last month outside their region in northern Iraq and occupied the long-disputed Kirkuk oil fields after the Iraqi army fled from Islamist militants.

Iraq’s central government in Baghdad said that any referendum the Kurds may hold, whether to determine the future of the city of Kirkuk and its nearby oil fields or to declare independence for the Kurdish region itself, would be unlawful. “The government doesn’t accept anything outside the constitutional way, which was voted on by the Kurds,” Ali al-Moussawi, media adviser to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, said by phone in response to Dizayee’s comments. “If they do this, it would be unilateral and unconstitutional.”

By securing the oil facilities in and around Kirkuk, the Kurds would add almost 9 billion barrels to their own crude reserves. Iraq, excluding such an enlarged Kurdish-controlled region, would be left with reserves of 141 billion barrels, still the world’s fifth largest.

Bloomberg survey indicates that the Organisation of Pe-

troleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) crude production climbed for a second month in June as gains in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria made up for the loss of Iraqi barrels.

Production by the 12-member OPEC rose by 278,000 barrels a day to 30.223 million, according to the survey of oil companies, producers and analysts. Last month’s total was revised 43,000 barrels a day lower to 29.945 million because of changes to the Kuwaiti, Libyan and Ecuadorian estimates.

Nigeria’s production rose 200,000 barrels a day to 2.15 million in June, the secondbiggest gain in the survey. It was the highest output since September. Output figures for Africa’s biggest producer are volatile because of unrest and theft in the Niger River delta, the main oil-producing region.

Violence flared in Iraq, OPEC’s second-biggest producer, this month as a militant group seized Mosul, the country’s biggest northern city, and advanced south toward Baghdad. Fears that the upsurge may ignite a civil war sent prices higher.

metering disparity in Nigeria's oil industry.

The association, she said, would continue to contribute its quota to the development of Nigeria's oil industry by addressing cardinal issues that will help the Federal Government to achieve its 40 billion barrels oil reserves target.

Executive Secretary of NEITI, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, told the gathering of petroleum geologists and stakeholders at the NAPE event, that its audits are not a witch-hunting exercise.

"We have been able to come up with figures, detailing disparities in oil production figures given by the DPR and the ones given by IOCs," she said.

Stating that her agency "will still need to reconcile some of the data available on the on-going 2012 audits with the DPR," the NEITI scribe who was represented, disclosed that Nigerians should expect the report by December.

Director of DPR, George Osahon, told stakeholders at

the event that NEITI has never consulted his agency, which is the regulator to obtain official data.

"The DPR is the only body empowered by law to release official figure. But what we are saying is that I have a report of 2011 audit by NEITI and it was only written on it that this report has been reconciled with NNPC. It never said that it had been reconciled with the DPR," Osahon said.

He continued: "Have we functioned efficiently? I think strongly, with the hardworking management and staff of DPR, yes we have performed well to the best of our ability.

"I don't need to disagree with NEITI because it does not matter. In some cases, NNPC does about 80 per cent of DPR's job. Our services are in line with the international standards. Our procedures are well articulated.

“We are not mandated to monitor pipelines our own concerns are at the terminal points.

No going back on N35m BDC capital CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

ing the policy.

ABCON acting president, Mr Aminu Gwadabe, had insisted that implementing the new policy would further worsen the already aggravated unemployment situation in the economy.

CBN, while announcing the new policy measure, decried the avalanche of rent-seeking operators whom, it said, were only interested in widening margins and profits from foreign exchange market, regardless of prevailing official and interbank rates.

Amongst sins listed against BDCs operators by the apex bank include, weak and ineffective operational structure, resulting in the sub-sector completely aban-

doning the objectives for its establishment, depletion of foreign reserves in view of the unusually large number of BDCs, and potentially financing of unauthorised transactions with foreign exchange purchased from CBN window.

Other infractions by BDCs include gradual dollarisation of the Nigerian economy with attendant adverse consequences on the conduct of monetary policy and subtle subversion of cashless policy initiative.

With the new regulation, CBN said that the objective of having a structured BDCs effectively regulated and well capitalised to perform the role of BDCs as expected in the economy, would be realised.

Pension

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

31

PROSECUTION The failure of government to fully try and sentence a single pension thief in the past cast doubts on the new law Sunday Ojeme

A

fter months of immersed breath, the Federal Government finally signed the amended Pension Reform Act 2014 into law on Tuesday thus giving room to stakeholders in the pension industry to let out some steam on what to expect under the new law.

Although the PRA 2004 was highly commended by Nigerians for the 10-year period it was in operation, the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders, however, felt there was a need to tinker with the provisions so as to make it more encompassing and more accommodating.

As the new law has finally taken care of some aspects that were lacking in the old one including prescribing 10-year jail term for pension thieves, what, however, matters most to Nigerians at the moment is the seriousness by the Federal Government to sincerely prosecute and see to the imprisonment of culprits.

Over the years, Nigerians in all walks of life have always had the belief that the problem with the nation’s justice system has never been the lack of enough constitutional provisions to see criminals, especially the high profile ones, go to jail but the lack of sincerity by the government to get it done.

In the light of the above, stakeholders especially pensioners, who have been victims of stolen and mismanaged pension funds, are still wary of government’s ability to exhaustively prosecute the section of the new law to the end.

Their fear is further fuelled by the fact that the current administration under the same President Goodluck Jonathan, who signed the new law, has not successfully dealt with any case of corruption to the satisfaction of Nigerians.

The Law According to the new law, operators who mismanage pension fund will be liable on conviction to not less than 10 years imprisonment or fine of an amount equal to three-times the amount so misappropriated or diverted or both imprisonment and fine.

“Furthermore, there are currently more sophisticated mode of diversion of pension assets, such as diversion and/or non-disclosure of interests and commissions accruable to pension fund assets, which were not addressed by the PRA 2004. Consequently, the Pension Reform Act 2014 has created new offences and provided for stiffer penalties that will serve as deterrence against mismanagement or diversion of pension funds assets under any guise,” The 2014 Act also empowers PenCom, subject to the fiat of the Attorney General of the Federation, to institute criminal proceedings against employers who persistently fail to deduct and/or remit pension contributions of their employees within the stipulated time. This was not provided for by the 2004 Act. With the new law in place, it is obvious that the National pension Commission has not only been given enough room to improve its activities but also empowered to ensure that employers who fail to remit deductions are penalised and the amount owed duly paid.

NAICOM Past Efforts to Prosecute NAI-

Pensioners reviving their collapsed colleague

New Pension law: Expecting some bites after the bark

Maina

Acting Director-General, PenCom, Chinelo Ahonu-Amazu

tween January 2010 and December 2011.

As at the end of September 2013, RAs established outstanding pension contributions and interest penalties of N13.33 billion against 335 private sector employers.

In the same vein, the Commission had taken legal action against 50 employers, out of which judgment has been entered in favour of the Commission with respect to 16 employers. Meanwhile, another set of 30 employers are also being prepared for prosecution.

Past Pension Fraud Maina However, with the new law in place, observers are still very much concerned Adeleke

COM Prior to the new law, the commission reported that it had recovered a total of N13.33 billion from employers who defaulted in remitting pension deductions from their employees under the new Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The amount includes interests calculated along with the principal sum.

During the recovery exercise, it was established that 15,427 employers failed to remit pension contributions to their employees’ Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) for various periods be-

The general consensus is that those who had evidence and authority to prosecute and ensure Maina was within the confines of the country deliberately paved the way for his escape, and not that the law was not there to prosecute him

about the sincerity of the Federal Government to ensure that those who had been indicted in the past over monumental pension fraud are jailed for their offences.

As at today, the case of the escaped Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, is still fresh.

Maina, who was appointed to restore sanity to the highly tarnished pension system, ended up corruptly enriching himself. With pension money, he opened accounts in different banks, one of the accounts in his younger brother’s name.

These alleged illegal transactions were reportedly yielding an interest of about N100 million monthly.

He was also accused of spending up to N1billion to carry out biometric verification for retirees, both in Nigeria and abroad. On the whole, Maina allegedly misappropriated about N195 billion.

The general consensus is that those who had evidence and authority to prosecute and ensure Maina was within the confines of the country deliberately paved the way for his escape, and not that the law was not there to prosecute him.

Yusuf If Maina could, however, escape justice by running away from the country, the case an indicted Director of the Police Pension Office, Mr. John Yusuf, exposed Nigerian’s abuse of the legal system to the world when he was handed down only a two-year jail sentence and an option of fine of N750,000 by Justice Abubakar Talba for conniving with others to defraud the office and pensioners of N27.2bn.

Yusuf admitted to stealing N2bn of the money.

But he would not spend the two years in jail as Justice Abubakar Talba gave him an option of fine in the sum of N750,000 for the three offences he pleaded guilty to.

Yusuf, who by his sentence was to have become the first to be jailed in the ongoing trial of persons involved in the N38.8bn Police pension scam, paid out the option of N750,000 almost immediCONTINUED ON PAGE 32

32

business | PENSION

RETIREMENT An improved welfare for workers after retirement can now be guaranteed through the commitment of employers to the Contributory Pension Scheme Sunday Ojeme

F

ollowing the resolve by the Lagos State Government to ensure its workers enjoy better life after retirement, the administration has contributed over N51 billion to their Retirement Savings Account under the Contribu-

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

CPS: Lagos contributes N51.6bn to workers’ RSAs tory pension Scheme.

Disclosing this in Lagos, the Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mr. Rotimi Hussain, also said that the state government had paid about 4,990 employees who retired from the State Public Service under the Contributory Pension Scheme over N26.21 billion from 2010 till date.

The director-general while recalling that 437 retirees were earlier paid a sum of over N1 billion during the first tranche

presentation in April, pointed out that the State Government had paid a total sum of N3.51 billion to 791 retirees, under the two tranches of the 11th batch.

He spelt out the resolve by the administration of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola at ensuring that no employee in the State Public Service retired into penury, stressing that the administration had continually exhibited high sense of responsibility and commitment to the Contributory Pension Scheme.

He pointed out that the state had contributed over N51 billion being the monthly deduction of 7.5 per cent from the salary of every employee and the counterpart 7.5 per cent contribution into the RSA of every employee.

Hussain said that the achievement by the State Government has further brought to fore, the benefits and advantages inherent in the Contributory Pension Scheme as against what was obtainable under the

Old Pay-As-You-Go Scheme, adding that the implementation of the CPS especially in Lagos State has proven to every doubting Thomas that the scheme really works.

He observed that the CPS, which has been found to be safe, fully funded, portable, transparent, and convenient, ensured instant payment of lump sum and guarantees payment of retirement benefits to the next-ofkin in the event that the main beneficiary has passed on.

1.5 m workers’ pension plans at risk

T

L-R: Legal Head, AMAC Norvatis, Mr. Bryant Aaron; Head, Malaria Initiative, Dr. Limus Igwemezie; Head/President, AMAC Novartis, Dr. Rainer Boehm and Country Group Head, English West Africa, Norvatis, Mrs. Vera Nwanze, after a press conference on the activities of the company held in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: SULEIMAN HUSAINI

BT faces big payments to plug pension deficit expect that a nineA£47nalysts month long review of its billion pension plan,

which began on Monday, will probably conclude that the plan’s liabilities have increased since the previous review three years ago and that BT will need to inject equity to keep the deficit under control.

Financial Times reports that analysts at Macquarie estimate that the pension deficit will be £8.1 billion, which would mean BT would need “top-up” payments of £700-770 million every year above existing payments of about £325m.

The difference is equivalent to 12 per cent of BT’s free cash flow targets, which Macquarie warned could limit the company’s appetite for an aggressive bid for future Premier League rights.

BT’s pension plan is a half bigger than its market capitalisation of £30 billion and the largest private sector defined benefit pension plan in the UK. The plan is a legacy of the company’s days as the state telecoms monopoly, but its massive size had caused analysts to describe the scheme as “the tail

that wagged the dog”, with fears over the scheme’s deficit weighing on BT’s share price.

BT’s most recent annual report acknowledges the risks.

“An increase in the pension deficit . . . may have an impact on the level of payments we are required to make,” the 2014 report says. “Indirectly it may also have an adverse impact on our share price and credit rating.”

This time BT is bigger and

healthier than in recent triennial reviews, which means it may not get pulled down on its backside quite as hard as in the past, although the deficit is still a worry for analysts.

There is a wide disparity between estimates – with consensus assuming about £500m of annual contributions in future – which lies in the uncertainty around key assumptions used to calculate the deficit.

he Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation said that retirement plans for 1.5 million workers in the United States are lacking the proper level of funding to cover benefit payments, meaning that there is a real threat that these workers will have their benefits cut.

“Plan insolvencies… are now both more likely and more imminent than in our last report,” said the report from the PBGC. Specifically, multi-employer plans, which are plans collectively bargained and maintained by more than one employer, are the ones that are at risk for benefit cuts.

Single-employer pension plans are strong at this point in time. The 30-million singleemployer plans are expected to be on stable ground for at least another 10 years, according to the PBGC. While the US economy has gone through hard times over the past 6 years, causing multiemployer pension plans to be underfunded; most of these plans will remain solvent.

“In the past year, economic conditions have improved significantly and most plans are projected to remain solvent,” continues the agency in its newest report.

However, “even the improving economy will not be sufficient to maintain their [some plans] solvency,” says the PBGC.

Expecting some bites after the bark C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 1

ately left off the hook without stepping a foot into prison.

Oyo 12 Another prominent matter that has dragged for months now is the case involving a former Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Mrs. Kudirat Adeleke and 11 others who were arraigned on November 7, 2013 on a 213-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money through false pretense, and forgery involving

about N2.6 billion.

The matter has suffered series of setbacks as a result of deliberate clogs being put in place by both the prosecuting team and the lawyers defending the culprits all in a bid to frustrate the process.

With catalogue of failure on the part of those responsible for prosecuting pension thieves growing by the day, the ordinary Nigerian believes that until the full process of nailing them is brought to a convincing conclusion, the new law prescribing 10-year

jail term for offenders will remain an additional cosmetic document.

Expectation In spite of the shortcomings of the past, a stakeholder and executive member of Pension Operators Association of Nigeria, Mr. Idu Okwuosa, believes that the new Act will enable them expand the investment market.

Okwuosa, who is Head, Risk and Compliance, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, said, “We are happy about it,

The PBGC has played an important role in protecting the benefits of workers in the U.S. The Washington Examiner reports “If a company goes bankrupt and is forced to terminate its pension plan, the PBGC will generally take over making sure that retirees continue to draw pension benefits, at least up to certain limits. It’s a form of insurance.”

As of last year, the PBGC guarantees a maximum of $57,477 per year for those whose pension plans have been terminated.

In order for this system to work, employers pay a fee to the PBGC for each employee they have.

Due to the increasing number of baby-boomers that are retiring, the PBGC is finding it difficult to fund multi-employer pension plans.

“Some multi-employer plans are deteriorating and PBGC’s multi-employer program is more likely than not to run out of money within the next eight years,” says the agency.

The 1.5 million people whose pension plans are underfunded are in danger of not having the PBGC as a backup should they fail.

The PBGC said that the building and construction, retail food, garment manufacturing, entertainment, mining, trucking, and maritime industries are those that are contributing to the 1.5 million number it is currently predicting.

as we have been waiting for it.

The new Act states that if an employer has three or more workers, it is compulsory to open account for them, but the old Act provided for a minimum of five workers.

“Also the informal sector and voluntary contributions are highlighted in the new Act. Another major plus in the new Act is the penalties on embezzlement of pension fund. Going forward we would see more sanctions on defaulting employers which is also provided for in the Act.”

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Agric

BUSINESS 33

Hard Facts

Maize plantation. Inset: Hybrid maize

Nigeria releases herbicideresistant maize hybrids INNOVATION IITA, in partnership with Dupont Pioneer Seeds, develop new hybrids that will take agric to higher grounds Stories by Siaka Momoh

T

he Nigerian National Variety Release Committee (NVRC) has released the first generation of maize hybrids, resistant to metsulfuron methyl herbicide, that are also endowed with resistance to the noxious parasitic weed striga hermonthica.

They were developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in partnership with DuPont Pioneer Seeds using conventional breeding with funding from IITA and the Integrated Striga Management in Africa (ISMA) project

as part of strategies to control S.hermonthica in maize.

The hybrids were released as P48W01 and P48W02 and are recognised as IITA IRMaize Hybrid 2 and IR-Maize Hybrid 4. The hybrids have a yield potential of up to 5 t/ ha under Striga infestation in comparison with local varieties that produce less than 1 t/ ha in such conditions.

“These hybrids are the product of introducing a single nuclear gene that confers resistance to imidazolinone herbicides, including metsulfuron methyl (MSM), into inbred lines with known field resistance to S. hermonthica,” Dr Abebe Menkir, IITA Maize Breeder, said.

Recent baseline studies conducted under the ISMA project showed that farmers ranked Striga as the number one constraint to maize production in northern Nigeria, with 50 to 100 per cent of the households

reporting Striga incidence in their farms. The parasitic weed infests more than 9 million ha planted to millet, maize, and sorghum in Nigeria and severely lowers the production capacity of these crops.

Dr Menkir said that yield losses in maize from damage

by S. hermonthica varied from 20 to 80 per cent among subsistence farmers, but 100 per cent loss could occur in susceptible cultivars under severe infestation in marginal production conditions.

The released herbicideresistant hybrids allow seeds to be planted that have been treated with low doses of metsulfuron methyl herbicide.

This targets S. hermonthica before or at the time of its attachment to the maize root, killing the parasite underground before it inflicts damage on the crop. These hybrids can thus be used to deplete the Striga seed bank in the soil and

minimize yield losses in subsequent cereal crops. MSM-reated seeds of these hybrids can be integrated into the diverse farming systems in Nigeria because the herbicide effectively controls the parasite at a low rate of application.

The ISMA project works with the private sector to catalyze the process of producing and marketing treated seeds of herbicide-resistant maize hybrids to smallholder farmers in Nigeria to control S. hermonthica.

Other collaborating partners engaged in extensive testing of these hybrids include the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) and Agricultural Development Programs in Bauchi and Kano States.

The ISMA project is being implemented by IITA in partnership with CIMMYT, icipe, BASF Crop Chemical, AATF and national partners in Kenya and Nigeria.

Investment in agric drives economic progress –AGRA FUNDING African political heads call for increased investment in agric from public and private sectors

I

nvestment in agriculture is uniquely effective in driving economic progress, African heads of state who gathered in Nairobi Kenya last week have agreed, said that the president Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Jane Karuku.

Said he: “African leaders were unanimous in their call for increasing investments from both the public and pri-

vate sectors, intensifying efforts to develop irrigation projects, increasing access to land and agricultural inputs, and utilizing science and technology to modernize farming and transform agriculture across the continent. As a body, the African Union will coordinate this work through the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP).”

He said that it was also encouraging for United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Kimoon, to have underscored the importance of the AU’s focus on agriculture, which he rightly noted is more than just food production. “He described agriculture in Africa as ‘a source of employment, an engine for

economic growth, and a vital contributor to environmental services. It is the glue that binds rural societies.’”

For Karuku, “we must keep in

Economic activities from farm output

mind that ten years ago African Union member-states promised to invest ten per cent of national C O N T I N U E D O N PA G E 3 4

1.9 million metric tonnes (mmt) of rice was produced in the dry and wet seasons combined in 2013. Output is forecast to hit 2.9 mmt this year and the official expectation is that Nigeria will be self-sufficient in rice in 2017.

In fisheries, local output has steadily increased over the last five years. Data from the CBN show that artisanal production accounted for around 76% of the catch of 851,000 mmt in 2012. Much of the catch is from coastal and inland waters.

Globally, agriculture accounts for 4.5% of GDP, but in dollar terms at US$3,043 billion this is equivalent to more than the entire GDP of France or the UK. With the use of technology and the emergence of large scale producers, agriculture has been transformed into a driver of economic growth. Yet it is not a sector without challenges.

The USA is by far the world’s largest agricultural exporter. It exported US$103 billion of food and live animals in 2013.

The USA dominates the world in exports of meat, cereals, fruit and vegetables.

It is home to some of the world’s largest agribusiness companies including Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Cargill and Monsanto; The importance of developing economies in agricultural production has risen sharply with Latin America and Asia in particular seeing solid progress in their agricultural sectors.

China for example has seen strong growth in its agricultural sector, with exports of food and live animals increasing by 70% in US$ terms between 2003 and 2008. It has risen to become the world’s largest exporter of fish and seafood accounting for 16.2% of global exports.

Yet the demands of its home market are ever growing. For example, despite being the world’s largest producer of cereals, responsible for 21.8% of cereal production globally, China is a net cereal importer and indeed the world’s 6th largest cereal importer; Nigeria does not produce (in quantity) bovine leather due to Ponmo consumption at high hide prices; Sheep & goat leather is considered good general-purpose light leather and is used for a diverse range of leather soft goods; Nigeria is Globally perhaps the most important exporter of light leather.

34

BUSINESS | AGRIC

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Shea butter is exporters’ new bride Nigeria's ECOWAS neighbours, especially the Ghanaians, for over a decade had jumped onto the Shea gravy train. And in recent times, not a few Nigerian exporters have been laughing all the way to their banks

cious in the US market with an estimated annual demand of $55 million.

And this trend is on the upward spiral because most Americans rightly believe in its inherent skin and hair healing properties. Documented scientific studies reveal that Shea is naturally rich with vitamins A, E and F, providing healthy skin collagen which prevents premature wrinkles, premature faicial lines and slackened skin. Some testimonies on skin cancer cures abound.

Nigeria's Ecowas neighbours especially the Ghanaians, for over a decade, had jumped on to the shea gravy train. And in recent times, not a few Nigerian exporters have been laughing all the way to their banks. A lot of cross border smuggling of Nigeria Shea through the overland routes to Benin Republic and Togo is quite heavy; due to the export unfriendly nature of Nigeria's sea and airports. The litany of our port tariffs and freight rates are one of the highest in the world. Not to mention other rent takers like COBALT INSPECTION milking us with ‘export taxes’ that have been abolished elsewhere.

The sky is the limit for those whose shea products meet the fastidious demands of the international markets. In Bida, Ogbomosho, Iseyin and Oyo, there are quite a lot of tested producers whose Shea are ac-

Chinyemike Torti

P

ure unrefined Shea butter, known as ori in Yoruba, okwume in Igbo and mankade in Hausa, is an edible vegetable fat derived from the Shea tree that is prevalent in the wooded savannah in West Africa, transcending Ghana, Mali, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso and Togo. This Shea belt extends to the semiarid Sahelian region of Central Africa, sweeping through Sudan and Northern Uganda.

In recent years, there has been an explosion in the demand of Shea butter as an essential ingredient in the production of chocolates, in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, Ireland, Russia and Japan. The appetite for Shea as an ingredient for cosmetics and soaps has been more vora-

UEMOA STANDARDS FOR UNREFINED SHEA BUTTER PARAMETERS

1st Grade

2nd Grade

3rd Grade

Free fatty acid (%)

- to 1

1-1.3

3.1 – 8

Peroxide Value (mEq)

- to 10

11 – 15

15.1 – 50

Moisture Content (%)

- to 0.05

0.06 – 0.2

0.3 – 2

Insoluble Impurities (%)

- to 0.09

0.1 – 0.2

0.3 - 2

ceptable to oversea buyers.

Quality control is the operative word at every point of the Shea processing cycle. Right from the point of picking and post harvest handling of the Shea nuts through the traditional or mechanically-extracted chain, the exporter must keep a hawk’s eye on the ball, to ensure that chemical components like free fatty acids, peroxides, impurities and moisture content are kept within moderate limits.

This can be achieved by working very closely with the rural women who are at the hub of S h e a production.

Shea butter

For i n stance, boiling of the Shea nuts results in high peroxides and offensive odour while the free fatty acid is determined at the heating staff impurities are associated with the quality of water, metal, dirt

Softs

Commodity ICE Cocoa ICE Coffee "C" ICE Sugar #11 ICE Orange Juice Conc ICE Cotton #2 SFE Greasy Wool CME Lumber TOCOM Rubber CME Ethanol

p iv otal to a successful market entry. The American Shea Butter Institute, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and other

regional bodies like UEMOA are veritable reference points; in Shea butter classifications and standards. Mind you, these certifications are keyed to the hygiene state of the Shea butter.

UEMOA classifications for now would do.

The first grade shea butter serves the needs of the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry while the second grade does it for the food industry while grade three is just fine for the soap making industry. There are quite a number of analytical laboratories in Nigeria whose appraisals are internationally accredited. They include: TOPFEEDS / SEEPC; Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Alpha Laboratories; Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (F.I.I.R.O) and a host of others.

Penetrating the lucrative US market is the outcome of meticulous preparations by the exporter who has to work in tandem with the rigorous standard in terms of technical specifications, labeling, packaging, fair trade, and traceability and EureGap requirements. Potential exporters who desire to gain knowledge of the export trade are welcomed to join the Federation of Nigerian Exporters. Distance is no barmier as all trade leads and market intelCONTINUED ON PAGE 36

‘Investment in agric driving economic progress' C O N T I N U E D F R O M page 3 3

budgets in agriculture. Several countries that significantly increased their agricultural investments - such as Ghana, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Rwanda - experienced tremendous progress,

Agricultural Commodity Prices - Grains Commodity CBOT Corn CBOT Wheat CBOT Oats CBOT Rough Rice CBOT Soybeans CBOT Soybean Meal CBOT Soybean Oil ICE Canola

accumulated from the grinding process and containers.

It must be acknowledged that the Accra-based NGO, West Africa Trade Hub (WATH), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has done quite well in sensitising thousands of exporters on the fundamentals of exporting Shea to the international markets; vide their eclectic workshops and seminars.

An understanding of the quality parameters is

Units USd/bu.

USd/bu.

USd/bu.

USD/cwt USd/bu.

USD/st USd/lb.

CAD/mt

Price 421.25 572.00 329.50 13.53 1,144.50 362.30 38.93 457.30

Change -4.00 -5.50 +5.50 -0.05 -12.75 -5.10 -0.22 -10.10

% Change -0.94% -0.95% +1.70% -0.33% -1.10% -1.39% -0.56% -2.16%

Contract Dec 14 Sep 14 Dec 14 Sep 14 Nov 14 Dec 14 Dec 14 Nov 14

Units USD/mt USd/lb.

USd/lb.

USd/lb.

USd/lb. cents/kg USD/tbf JPY/kg USD/gal.

Price 3,119.00 170.95 17.80 147.40 72.88 334.20 212.50 2.03

Change -8.00 -4.15 -0.21 +0.65 -0.63 -1.60 +1.40 -0.02

% Change -0.26% -2.37% -1.17% +0.44% -0.86% -% -0.48% +0.66% -1.12%

Contract Sep 14 Sep 14 Oct 14 Sep 14 Dec 14 Aug 14 Sep 14 Dec 14 Aug 14

Time(ET) 14:02:10 14:02:05 14:01:49 14:02:20 14:01:50 14:01:43 14:02:17 14:14:59 Time(ET) 13:30:00 13:40:22 13:03:54 14:00:00 14:02:18 14:02:17 05:59:59 13:39:23

Livestock Commodity Units Price Change % Change Contract Time(ET) CME Live Cattle USd/lb.

151.43 +1.35 +0.90% Aug 14 14:02:02 CME Feeder Cattle USd/lb.

215.78 +3.00 +1.41% Aug 14 13:59:55 CME Lean Hogs USd/lb.

130.50 -2.33 -1.75% Aug 14 14:02:08 Commodities trade on different exchanges with different trading sessions. Change always shows from the previous close price.

Quotes delayed, except where indicated otherwise. All prices in local currency. Time is ET. Source: Bloomberg

not just in agriculture, but also growth across their economies.

While significant challenges remain since the mid-1990s; their investments in agriculture have coincided with major reductions in the percentage of people living in extreme poverty: Ethiopia by 49 per cent; Ghana by 44 per cent; and Burkina Faso by 37 per cent.

“A key reason agriculture is such a powerful engine for economic progress is that there is an entrepreneurial spirit among resource-poor farmers in Africa that can be tapped to simultaneously increase food security, raise our standard of living, and even address gender disparities. Up to 80 per cent of the food eaten in Africa is produced by smallholder farmers people who tend crops and raise livestock on less than a hectare of land - and most of them are women. At the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), every day brings powerful evidence that these farmers hold the key to sustainable and equitable growth in Africa.

They have never had a proper chance to show their true colors. The time to give them that chance in now – as Africa reaffirms its commitments to agricultural development.”

He advised that governments can be the instrumental in realizing the potential of Africa’s smallholder farmers by investing in research to develop new, higher-yielding crop varieties; in extension services to deliver the fruits of agriculture research to

farmers’ fields; and in transportation and other infrastructure to develop markets for African agricultural products that will allow poor farmers to profit from their hard work. “Governments also can cultivate a policy environment that will encourage private sector investments in locally-owned agriculture businesses, such as seed companies and farm supply stores to serve our very capable but very neglected farmers,” he said.

He noted that there are abundant examples across Africa that this model works governments doing what they do best, the private sector playing to its strengths - with the end result that food production increases, incomes rise, and poverty declines.

“For our part, we are co-convening with the African Union, African Development Bank, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, among others, the African Green Revolution Forum in September to critically examine the Malabo Decisions. Close to 1,000 leaders of governments, farmer organisations, and international and African agri-businesses will converge on Addis Ababa to generate strategies to assist governments in implementing their new declaration and programme of action. Let 2014 be the year when African governments take bold steps that will allow our smallholder farmers to become the foundation for building a more secure economic future,” the AGRA boss said.

BUSINESS | AGRIC

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

35

From farm to homes: Agribusiness is big business SPECIAL REPORT Nigeria is not alone in the business of emphasing the importance of agriculture to the economy. It is currently a global affair.

Metropolitan countries such as the US, UK and others whom you may think have no problem regarding this issue are not resting on their oars.

So, when Euromonitor International goes all out to do a special report on the importance of agribusiness, one should know how important this issue is.

Excerpts of the report Siaka Momoh

A

gribusiness is big business and key farming countries are jostling for position to be the leading suppliers of agricultural commodities. Why? Globally, agriculture accounts for 4.5 per cent of GDP, but in dollar terms at US$3,043 billion this is equivalent to more than the entire GDP of France or the UK. With the use of technology and the emergence of large-scale producers, agriculture has been transformed into a driver of economic growth. Yet it is not a sector without challenges.

Key points • The USA is by far the world’s largest agricultural exporter, exporting $103 billion of food and live animals in 2013.

The USA dominates the world in exports of meat, cereals, fruit and vegetables and is home to some of the world’s largest agribusiness companies; • The importance of developing economies in agricultural production has risen sharply. China is now a key player globally with exports of food and live animals increasing by 70 per cent in US$ terms between 2003 and 2008; (One must humbly add here that Nigeria, under the leadership of our own Akinwunmi Adesina has covenanted to take agriculture to greater heights and it is doing just that); • Supply constraints play an important role in the industry.

The amount of arable land is increasing only slowly; be-

Cassava farm. Inset: Agric tractors

tween 2008 and 2013 when the population increased by 6.3 per cent; • Demand drivers include an increase in population, growing incomes in emerging markets and the increasing consumption of calories; • Agriculture is not only about food. Biofuels contribute to demand in the agricultural sector but also create food supply challenges; • The future of agriculture will be about producing more food with fewer resources. The largest economic gains will be seen by those able to produce quality products to stringent safety and hygiene standards.

Big players Agriculture is often perceived to be a sector characterised by low productivity; a sector, which countries must move out of if economic growth is to be strong. But this is only one side of the story, with the use of technology and the emergence of largescale producers, agriculture has been transformed and the world’s leading economies are keen to be key players.

Supply and demand for food The supply and demand for food are at the heart of trends in the agricultural sector. In terms of supply: • The amount of arable land is increasing only slowly; between 2008 and 2013 when the world’s population increased by 6.3 per cent, the amount of arable land globally increased by just 1.0 per cent per cent or 14 million hectares – a similar land area to Nepal or Tajikistan; • Climate change and extreme weather events also impact on supply. For instance, the drought in the US in 2012 which still continues in some states, combined with a hard winter in 2013/2014, have served to negatively impact the country’s wheat produc-

tion. US is the world’s third largest wheat producer, so this has a large flow-on effect on global markets and prices; • Social and political tensions can also sway agricultural production. For example, Ukraine is an important producer of cereals, particularly wheat. Its production in 2014 is likely to be lower than expected as a direct result of the unrest in the country but also indirectly due to the fall in the currency which makes imported inputs such as fertiliser and pesticides more expensive.

(We must also cite our own Boko Haram-related insecurity problem here as it affects food production and supplies.

This writer spent one full day at the Lagos State Ketu foods market regarding this issue and his findings were highly revealing – high costs of food items as a result of dwindling supplies from up North where the foods originates from, and high transport costs).

Many of the demand drivers are linked to socio-economic and demographic trends: • The increase in the number of middle class households globally has driven up demand for food. The number of households with a disposable income over $15,000 (in 2013 prices) has increased by 70 per cent in the BRIC countries alone between 2008 and 2013. In actual terms, this equates an increase in BRIC of 77.8 million house-

As a population we are also consuming more calories.

Evidence of this can be seen in the rising numbers of overweight and obese people

holds – more than the total number of households in Germany and France combined; • This growth in income has led to a corresponding increase in consumer expenditure. Globally, consumer expenditure on food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 14.6 per cent between 2008 and 2013 in real terms, or US$833 billion. 93 per cent of this increase was from emerging and developing countries; • As well as a growing middle class, the global population as a whole continues to expand. We expect it to first surpass eight billion in 2024, just 12 years on from first surpassing seven billion; • As a population we are also consuming more calories. Evidence of this can be seen in the rising numbers of overweight and obese people. In a ranking of 85 countries in 2013, 20 per cent or more of the adult population were overweight in 80 of these countries and 20 per cent or more were obese in 32 of these countries.

Biofuels fight for growing space Agriculture is not only about food, biofuels contribute to demand in the agricultural sector but also create food supply pressures, particularly when food crops are diverted to fuel.

• Biofuel production took off in the early 2000s, with production more than doubling between 2004 and 2007 alone. During this period the amount of arable land globally actually declined by 1.2 per cent globally; • The USA and Brazil dominate global production of biofuels. The USA in particular produces more biofuels than the next 19 countries combined. The EU is also an important player.

Second generation biofuels come from non-food crops such as grass, waste such as pulp, and non-food parts of crops such as leaves and stems. It is argued that

these are more sustainable, but the former in particular does not alleviate pressures on land and other resources such as water.

Yet from an agribusiness point of view, biofuels have added an additional facet to agriculture and an important revenue stream.

Prospects In a nutshell, the future of agriculture will be about balancing supply constraints and demand drivers by producing more food with fewer resources.

For example, water scarcity has an impact on agricultural production and this is an issue, which is expected to increase in importance. 70 per cent of water used globally is for agriculture and some of the world’s largest agricultural producers are also those countries with low or declining freshwater resources.

The largest economic gains will be seen by those countries able to produce quality products to stringent safety and hygiene standards. In food production, traceability is crucial. This gives countries with efficient, well-regulated agricultural sectors something of an advantage.

Food security will continue to be a theme. Countries have been buying up farmland overseas in order to guarantee food security. Chinese agribusiness has already invested in Brazil, Argentina and Ukraine among other countries. China is by no means alone in this; Qatar has sizeable investments in Australian farmland, and Saudi Arabia in Ethiopia, Sudan and Kenya.

In fact Africa looks set to increase in importance as a destination for foreign investment in agriculture as countries look abroad to secure their food supplies, conserve their water resources, hedge against climate change and meet the demand of their growing populations.

36

BUSINESS | AGRIC

Sanctity of Truth

BATNF empowers graduates on agro-entrepreneurship TRAINING Graduate job seekers benefit from BATNF’s empowerment programme Siaka Momoh

S

ixty unemployed graduates in Ogun State have been trained by British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF,) in fulfillment of its mandate under its Start-Up Ogun Youth Enterprise Training - Young Farmers’ Version, designed to empower youths in entrepreneurship.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Executive Director of the foundation, Mrs Oluwasoromidayo George, disclosed that the Foundation has identified the agrarian status of the state and decided to invest in the agricultural value chain, including investment in agriculture-based entrepreneurship for jobless youths, in fulfillment of BAT’s corporate social investment.

George said that the training, empowerment and mentorship on agriculture-based enterprise was designed to foster creativity and innovativeness in business idea development and business networking promotion geared towards the creation of both direct and indirect jobs as well as the wealth creation.

Said he: “It is my pleasure to inform you that the oneweek training programme

which keyed into the “StartUp Ogun” program of the state government, has successfully trained 60 youths of the state in acquiring requisite skills in developing their entrepreneurship skills, foster creativity and innovativeness in business idea development, promoting networking and opportunity sharing among participants. It is worthy to mention that this is not the first time the Foundation is implementing projects in Ogun State as we have implemented four projects before now - three agriculture projects and one water project between 2006 and 2012.

“We also currently have two more projects which are in progress. This will include

the establishment of poultry farms in the four divisions of the state and a cassava project in Ilugun, Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of the state,” she concluded.

In his address at the ceremony, Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Bimbo Ashiru, tasked the trainees to leverage on Bank of Industry (BoI) and Ogun State government's N1 billion SMEs loan for actualisation and practicability of learned business idea development and agriculture-based entrepreneurial skills, saying that government could not wait to key into the scheme.

Ashiru, whose ministry worked with BATNF and the Kinderlech Centre on the train-

ing, declared that the state government would continue to expand its initiatives in wealth creation and employment generation through economic engagement of youths in the state, adding that the BATNF enterprise initiative would go a long way to provide support in strengthening government socio-economic plans as regards agriculture and industrialisation.

“Not everybody will do white-collar jobs; you can use internal creativity to become who you want to be in life. You could see the business plan presentations they did today.

Six groups presented different vocations and businesses which are highly creative and innovative,” he said.

Youth agric entrepreneurs

Agribusiness milestones

T

he agricultural sector continues its recovery, which we can trace to Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA). At the recently concluded AgrikExpo in Lagos, the minister of agriculture and rural development, Akinwumi Adesina, discussed a few milestones. These included the provision of subsidised fertiliser to farmers through the e-wallet system and the new heights in local rice production. Adesina also referred to the generation of about 360,000 additional jobs in the rural economy.

In his maiden briefing which touched on promoting economic development, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, said that the bank’s intervention in agric will be focused on boosting productivity, particularly in rice, fish and wheat.

The following are some of the milestones: • Adesina said that previously that 1.9 million metric tons (mmt) of rice was produced in the dry and wet seasons com-

bined in 2013. Output is forecast to hit 2.9 million metric tons this year and the official expectation is that Nigeria will be self-sufficient in rice in 2017.

• Backward integration policies have been adopted for sugar as well as rice. For wheat, genetically-modified variants are options that may be adopted for local cultivation.

• In fisheries, local output has steadily increased over the last five years. Data from the CBN show that artisanal production accounted for around 76 per cent of the catch of 851,000 mmt in 2012. Much of the catch is from coastal and inland waters.

• Other segments set to grow are oil palm production and bee-keeping. The Delta State government intends to boost oil palm in collaboration with the UN Industrial Organisation (UNIDO) in processing and packaging as well as market linkages. Meanwhile, support for apiculture will be geared towards increased honey production, processing and training of qualified personnel.

• When we consider the increased investment in sugar and rice production as a result of backward integration, we expect to see similar outcomes in other sub-sectors.

• In broader policy terms, the

objective of industrial policy is import substitution. The prizes on offer are numerous: job creation as well as an easing of pressure on the current account, the naira exchange rate and official reserves.

Shea butter is exporters’ new bride C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 3 4

ligence are delivered on-line; to members At the risk of boring repetition, it is strongly recommended that shea butter consignments are accompanied with highly visible technical specifications that convey the chemical components of the shea.

Three packaging modes for transporting bulk shea are in conventional use. First is through dedicated vegetable oil tankers, wherein shea butter is pumped in as liquid and reheated on arrival.

Alternatively you could pour the shea in liquid form into 50 to 200 litre drums and sealed.

The third mode is to pour the liquid shea into plastic lined card boxes or sacks using the boxes as mould. Do not transport before cooling and ensure containers remain dry.

Good shea stored under cool, dry conditions, in airtight containers away from direct sunlight has a minimum shelf life of up to 3 years. Export orders for bulk Nigerian shea butter have been commanding prices as high as FOB Price: US $19992400 per metric tonne.

Chinyemike Torti is CEO of Federation of Nigeria Exporters and Export Gazette Consultancy and Research Email: exportgazette@yahoo. com

Friday, July 4, 2014

UNIDO’s ¤14m W'African commodity quality programme a major engine of growth Aforsand economic development developing countries, trade

plays an important role in reducing poverty. Although a number of duty- and quota-free initiatives have been launched to give developing countries better access to markets, many do not yet enjoy equitable participation in global trade. They are hampered by the absence of a supply capacity and inadequate quality infrastructure to prove compliance with market requirements, especially standards and technical regulations.

Between 2001 and 2005, UNIDO implemented a programme to strengthen the export competitiveness of the eight West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) countries. Key exports included cotton, fish, fruit, vegetables, cashew nuts, oil seeds and edible oils. Internationally accredited microbiological and chemical testing and SPS compliance systems were not available to local exporters. The programme provided technical expertise mainly in accreditation, standardisation, metrology, product testing and quality promotion and targeted agro-industrial sectors.

UNIDO assisted in establishing a sub-regional institutional structure for coordinating standardisation, certification and quality promotion; establishing modern national standardisation institutes in each country; creating a sub-regional accreditation body; training 500 executives/scientists, 200 private consultants, 53 auditorevaluators and 50 auditors in the region; adopting standards for 500 key products and giving easy access to international standards; developing a database for the standards and technical regulations of the eight participating countries; and establishing a quality awards system for the best performing enterprises.

The positive results achieved led to a successor programme in support of all 15 countries in the Economic Community of West African States and Mauritania, once more, funded by the European Union.

The West African Quality Programme will contribute to the development of an enabling business environment that will allow enterprises to produce goods that meet market requirements, including public and private standards. The programme will, in particular, upgrade quality infrastructure and services for the internationally accepted proof of such compliance. The ¤14 million programme, financed by the European Union, will comprise eight activities: trade analysis, accreditation, standardization, metrology, product testing, quality promotion, traceability and inspection.

Source: UNIDO

FEATURES

newtelegraphonline.com/entrepreneur

ABIODUN BELLO FEATURES EDITOR

FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014

Efforts of the police and some public-spirited individuals appear to be restoring peace to volatile areas in Rivers State, writes JOE EZUMA

37

NEW TELEGRAPH

abiodun.bello@newtelegraphonline.com otuntise@yahoo.co.uk

Combating crime through youth empowerment

O

n Thursday June 26, 2014 the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin, paraded 16 criminals comprising cult members, rapists, kidnappers, armed robbers and ritual killers.

Ogunsakin told journalists that he had on assumption of office in the state, a few months ago, decided to confront the menace of cultism decisively.

He said: “This is in realisation of the fact that the activities of cult groups were assuming a dimension that was no longer acceptable.

“Consequently, in order to bring an end to the activities of cult groups which have posed serious security threat to the state command, I established the Anti-Cultism Unit in the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID)." Ogunsakin was right.

The neighbouring communities of Ibaa in the Emohua Local Government Area and Otari in the Abua/Odual Local Government Area, which had been engulfed in internecine communal crises in recent times are perfect examples were cult groups are fuelling the fight.

However, there are people in the area who believe that apart from the police forceful intervention, there are other ways to combat cultism and sundry crimes.

One of them is a philanthropist, who is the Chairman of Ikwerre Political Front, Mr Great Owhor.

Owhor is from Ndele in the same local government of Emohua, a community that shares historical affinity, culture and environmental conditions with Ibaa.

The cult and youth clashes that have escalated into communal crisis in that western axis of Rivers State have woken Owhor’s philanthropic spirit.

The man has donated motorcycles to 10 young men in the area. The donation, which was the first phase, according to him, is to empower the youth because of the old axiom that idle hand is the devil’s workshop.

Owhor donated the motorcycles recently while unfolding his empowerment programme for over 40 young men and women in his Ndele community.

The programme, he said, was to check the spiral effect of clashes in the relatively peaceful community.

The beneficiaries are expected to use the motorcycles for transportation within Emohua.

Having been banned from the Port Harcourt metropolis and its environs, the use of motorcycle popularly called okada as a means of transport is still a legitimate business to engage in by mostly the unemployed and poor in rural communities.

Owhor’s youth empowerment programme is also training about 40 young men and women in skills acquisition such as welding technology, electrical/electronics, automobile mechanic, hair-dressing and tailoring, with a promise of starter packs at graduation.

The philanthropist said that he was motivated to assist the youth because

Some of the donated motorcycles and beneficiaries

The reason our youths are engaging in criminal activities is essentially because they feel that the society has abandoned them of the increasing incidence of cult activities in some communities in the state, adding that youths that were constructively engaged would not have time to engage in criminal activities.

He said: “Many young men are embracing crime because of unemployment and lack of gainful activity.

“For those who cannot go to school, society should at least be able to assist them to do some small-scale businesses or be assisted to undertake some training in skills acquisition so that they can be useful to themselves.”

Owhor promised that he would, in the next three months, give out 10 driers to young girls in Ndele who are currently acquiring skills in hair-

Ogunsakin dressing.

The man also promised to distribute 10 sewing machines to first batch of graduates of the empowerment programme.

“Politicians, businessmen and women and all public-spirited people should strive to assist our youths to acquire skills that will make them useful to themselves, their families and the society.

“The reason our youths are engaging in criminal activities is essentially because they feel that the society has abandoned them,” Ohwor said.

He said any community or society that failed to invest in the training of its youths would regret it in the future.

This, according to him, is because such a community or society will in the future have to cope with the restiveness of the youth that it failed to plan for.

He said: “One of the surest ways to forestall our youths from being used in perpetrating electoral crimes is to make sure they are engaged in what is productive and rewarding.

“A young man that is constructively engaged will not be favourably disposed to leave his gainful employment or business and expose himself to the obvious risk of snatching ballot boxes.

“Political thuggery is driven by youths who are embittered with society who then become willing tools in the hands of politicians who want power at all cost.

“I believe that the sort of politics that will inspire growth and development is the politics of superior ideas rather than the parade of brute force and violence.”

Police and Owhor’s strategies appear to have started yielding fruits already as five cult groups in Abual/ Odual Local Government Area, the Celanders and Greenlanders, have signed a peace pact in the presence of police and Army chiefs, the clergy as well as the representatives of youth groups.

Also in attendance was the local government Chairman, Udi Odom.

The peace deal came after hostilities between the groups forced people to flee Otari community.

sport fanzone

38

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

World Cup exit: Way forward for Super Eagles The exit of the Super Eagles from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil has sparked another row with Coach Stephen Keshi purportedly resigning from his position. New Telegraph speaks with a cross section of Nigerians on the way forward for the team.

Eagles need continuity

NFF should be dissolved Federation should The Nigeria Football be dissolved because we need a transparent committee to usher in a new board. The present board members are not patriotic and that is why they allow their incompetence to affect the Super Eagles with the bonus distraction. We have a good team but there was too much politics surrounding the team.

Keshi

Nigeria needs competent leaders in NFF

Feyi Aaron, Businessman

he first stage is to have competent and qualiTNigeria fied personalities to run the affairs of the Football Federation because they al-

lowed their personal interest and greed to ruin the chances of the Super Eagles at the World Cup. France were beatable but the Eagles were distracted with the bonus crisis and that have proven that the NFF are very poor crisis managers. Also, the players saw the massive entourage of the NFF at the World Cup where more than 30 state FA chairmen and secretaries were in Brazil on the bill of NFF, so they had no choice than to demand their entitlements.

Olayemi Olatunde, Education Officer

international. We need somebody who can read the game very well and will not be heady. Stephen Keshi travelled with 23 players and used only 15 players at the competition, which means some of the players taken to the World Cup were not worthy to be in that team. He also can’t make a good substitution which shows his lack of tactical awareness.

I

Nwaneri Benjamin Uchenna (Businessman)

Eagles need fresh legs

e need to inteW grate new and fresh legs into the

team, we have been building and building since Keshi took over the team and it is high time we stabilised the team. All we need now is to expose the boys to more matches. Also one of our problems is we don’t have good players again, all what we have are average players but we keep over celebrating them which has gotten into their heads.

Olanipekun Tunde, Engineer

Enyeama still relevant

e should try and beg W Enyeama to rescind his decision to resign from in-

ternational football. He has age on his side as a goalkeeper and it will be good to build a new team around him.

Kingsley Akinyele, Liverpool England

Nwabudike Onyema (System analyst)

We need a new team Other sports need attention ust we, as a nation continue M to waste money on football? What has the country

benefited from the game? Let us look towards other sports and see how we can develop them instead of this heartbreak from Nigeria footballers.

Olugbenga Ojo, Abuja

Keshi should stay for 2018 World Cup this World Cup, but if the NFF are able to convince Keshi to remain for a few more years, maybe we will have a realistic chance of winning the 2018 World Cup because if he could achieve this with this young team; this team that has been together for less than two years, then I can’t wait to see what he would achieve by the time these players get to play together for another two to three years.

Dennis Aleogena (Banker)

wasn’t happy they failed to go beyond the second round, but the biggest mistake the NFF can make right now is to allow Keshi to go. They should do everything possible to keep him because any coach coming in now will have to start all over again, and before you know it we will go the next World Cup with a bunch of untested players.

But if this team, under the leadership of Keshi and with Vincent Enyeama as captain, is allowed to grow, in the next four years the rest of the world will be too afraid to play Nigeria.

Aliu Kolawole, publisher, Lagos

don’t think the Super Eagles were as bad as some are making IWorld them out to be. I mean, were we expecting the team to win this Cup? The answer is no. There is no way we could have won

One Nations Cup trophy and a second round exit at the World Cup, and people are complaining?

In the history of Nigerian football only one other Nigerian football team has come close. We hail that 1994 team full of foreign-based players and a white man for a coach as the best in Nigerian history and we make fun of the team that achieved the same feat with a mix of average, home-based players coached by a Nigerian. Yet we wonder why nothing works in Nigeria.

NFF must keep Keshi, Eagles

A new technical adviser a necessity

hat we need now is a good technical Adviser W that has good knowledge of the game and not just getting somebody because he is an ex-

NFF must not disrupt this team in any Tall heway.

They should allow for continuity and do they can to ensure Keshi remains in charge.

NFF must give new Eagles freehand

T

he way forward should start from the football house. Do they have any plan or agenda for football development or just participating in competition? Do all those plans encompass all that is needed to have a successful national team? I mean from welfare of the players and giving the coaches the free hand to work.

Rita LUKE, TV presenter

Keshi needs more time should be allowed to stay as head coach.

Kwilleshi I believe if given more time, the Super Eagles do better and can retain the Nations Cup. He should look for a creative attacking midfielder; work on the attackers’ and look for quality players to fortify the bench. A lot of Nigerians criticized Mikel but is there any Nigerian midfielder apart from Onazi that played regularly in his club who is better than Mikel now.

Femmy Niyi, Consultant

think we should not start thinkIbecause ing about building a new team now that is not the solution.

There are useful players in the present team that should form the nucleus of the new team.

Olusola Alao, Lagos

2015 Nations Cup our target

imporTishetanttomost thing now look for-

ward because we have the Nations Cup qualifiers around the corner. We need to put this team together so that they can learn from the experience in Brazil. Some players that said they are of the leaving the national team should be made to rescind that decision. We are defending champions of the Nations Cup and we need a good team to defend the trophy in Morocco next year.

Bibian Onwugbolu, Port Harcourt

The crew Emmanuel Tobi Ifeanyi Ibeh Ajibade Olusesan Charles Ogundiya

Sanctity of Truth

Africa’s best 11 at Brazil 2014

Friday, July 4, 2014

SPORT Extra

39

With Africa’s participation at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil coming to a close on Monday, following Nigeria’s loss to France, and Algeria’s defeat at the hands of Germany in the round of 16, New Telegraph’s Ifeanyi Ibeh takes a look at the continent’s outing and picks 10 outstanding players from the continent who excelled in Brazil. one save after another to keep the former world champions at bay until well into extra time, capping his performance with a Man of the Match award.

But it was no less than was expected from M’Bolhi, born in France to a Congolese father and Algerian mother, who won plaudits for his two games between the posts at the 2010 World Cup.

Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria) Brazil 2014 was Enyeama’s third World Cup appearance and he continued from where he left off from four years ago in South Africa by posting five-star performances in all the four games the Super Eagles were involved in. ‘The Cat’ showed why he is currently rated as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and only made one notable mistake throughout Nigeria’s involvement in Brazil, albeit a costly one which earned the French their opening goal in Nigeria’s second round loss. Despite that costly error, though, Enyeama was magnificent between the sticks and greatly earned the respect of his doubters and also enhanced his reputation.

Rais M’Bolhi (Algeria) The Algerian forward line may have scored the goals that took the Desert Foxes to the round of 16, but it was M’Bolhi’s performance between the sticks that gave them the confidence to surge forward, sometimes, with reckless abandon. Against the Germans in the second round, the goalkeeper made

Kenneth Omeruo (Nigeria) Chelsea followed Omeruo with keen interest throughout the World Cup and they would definitely have been pleased with the performances posted by the defender, who showed a level of maturity way beyond his young age.

The Nigerian, who spent last season on loan from the Blues at English Championship side Middlesbrough, held his own against Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, when Nigeria piped Bosnia-Herzegovina and he also posted an above average display when he came face-to-face with an Argentina strike force that included Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel di Maria and Sergio Aguero, as the Super Eagles marched to the second round for the first time since 1998.

Serge Aurier (Cote d’Ivoire) Aurier was wanted by a handful of clubs prior to the start of the World Cup following his performance last season for Toulouse. But the number of potential suitors has increased significantly after impressing in Brazil, especially in Cote d’Ivoire’s opening game of the tournament against Japan where he created both of his side’s goals in a 2-1 over the Asian side.

To add to that, the 21-year-old full-back was the quickest player in the World Cup group stage, according to official figures released by FIFA.

Gervinho (Cote d’Ivoire) Cote d’Ivoire, for the third straight World Cup, failed to get past the group stage, but Gervinho was able to put a smile on the faces of fans of Les Elephants on a couple of occasions throughout his team’s shortlived outing in Brazil with a series of impressive displays, to go along with the two goals he scored – one of them the winning strike against Japan, the other a brilliant solo effort against Colombia.

Andre Ayew (Ghana) Andre Ayew may only be 24-years-old but he showed in Brazil that fans of the Black Stars need not worry about the future with his exemplary leadership on and off the pitch. And after grabbing a goal each against the United States and Germany in Ghana’s short-lived campaign, to add to his undoubted creative skills, it comes as no surprise that a host of clubs are showing interest in grabbing the Olympique Marseille player.

Asamoah Gyan (Ghana) Ghana may have bowed out of the 2014 World Cup, but Asamoah Gyan can at least console himself with the piece of history he made in Brazil after

surpassing Roger Milla’s five-goal mark and becoming Africa’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with six goals.

Gyan broke that legendary mark with a fine header against Portugal for his second goal of Brazil 2014.

Sofiane Feghouli (Algeria) Prior to Brazil 2014, Algeria were renowned for their defensive abilities.

But at the World Cup, with Feghouli orchestrating his side’s attack from the wings, the Algerians were always going to be a threat to opposing backlines.

And the Spain-based winger was able to cap off a memorable World Cup campaign for self and country with a goal against Belgium, as well as two assists.

Ahmed Musa (Nigeria) Emmanuel Emenike may have been the focus of Nigeria’s attack in Brazil, but it was Musa, despite starting his World Cup campaign on a dour note against Iran, who proved more deadly in front of goal, grabbing two goals in Nigeria’s 3-2 loss to Argentina and in the process becoming the first Super Eagles player to score twice in a World Cup fixture.

Islam Slimani (Algeria) Algeria made it to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in their history and part of it was down to coach Vahid Halihodzic’s decision to pick Slimani to play in attack against South Korea. And after opening the scoring and then providing an assist for his team’s third goal in the Desert Foxes 4-2 win over the Koreans, he simply never looked back and put in superb efforts as his country’s frontman, adding another goal in the 1-1 draw against Russia.

Ogenyi Onazi (Nigeria) The young Lazio of Italy midfielder became the engine room for Nigeria at the World Cup thereby making up for the inadequacies of other players with his tenacity and high work rate.

Onazi showed off his technical ability by keeping the ball and releasing it to other players. His injury against France was instrumental to Nigeria exit from the competition as other midfielders struggled to fill his shoes.

40

E X HORTATION

NEW TELEGRAPH

adeolaomoyusuf@yahoo.com 0803 438 0340

“Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace. But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).

FRIDAY JULY 4, 2014 l 7th Ramadan, 1435

” Quran 11:3

newtelegraphonline.com/islam

UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH

Attack on churches during Ramadan proves B’Haram are pure terrorists, not muslims-MURIC

QUESTION

As-salamu `alaykum. Please advise us with regard to suhur. Is it conditional for the fast to be correct or not?

Name of Questioner: Faraj ANSWER In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Dear brother in Islam, thanks a lot for your question and your keeness to know about the teachings of Islam.

With regard to your question, Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi answers: Suhur is not a condition for fasting; it is sunnah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) partook of suhur and encouraged others to do it.

He said: “Take suhur, for verily there is a blessing in suhur.”

Suhur is a sunnah and to delay it is also a sunnah.

“This is what will strengthen the fasting Muslim, and would lessen the hardship of fasting.

It would also lessen the time period of thirst and hunger.

Since Islam is based on easiness and has come with rules that make the acts of worship easy for people, a Muslim is advised to delay the suhur and hasten the iftar (breaking the fast).

So it is a sunnah for the fasting Muslim to get up for suhur and have something to eat, even if he or she would take a small edible thing like a date or a sip of water.

If he or she does this, he or she would have done fulfilled the sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Allah ALmighty knows best.

Answer supplied by consultant: Imaam Yusuf Al-Qaradawi

L-R: Guest Lecturer, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Akani; Discussant, Dr. Lukman Adedeji and Chairman, Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) Agency for Zakat and Sadaqat, Alhaji Niyi Yusuf, during a Ramadhan Lecture in Lagos. PHOTO: GODWIN IREKHE

FIGHT THEM MURIC has charged the Nigerian authorities to demonstrate commitment to the war against insurgents Adeola Yusuf

M

uslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has declared that the Sunday attacks on three Churches near Chibok, Borno State was a further proof that Boko Haram are not Muslims but pure terrorists.

Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola who said this strongly denounced the

attack coming on the second day of the Ramadan fasting.

“We are constrained to conclude that this attack is an infringement on the rules of Ramadan, which requires Muslims to pursue a robust spiritual programme involving supplications, glorification of Allah and enlightenment during the holy month,” he said.

In a press release entitled: “ATTACK ON CHURCHES: CONTRADICTS SPIRIT OF RAMADAN,” Professor Akintola said: “Here lies further proof that Boko Haram is Haram. For whereas Islam teaches the halting of hostilities in Ramadan, Boko Haram chooses the same Ramadan to kill with reckless abandon.

“While Islam teaches the

pursuance of education by both sexes from childhood to old age, Boko Haram forbids education for the girl-child.

“While Islam teaches peaceful coexistence, Boko Haram pursues a barbaric agenda of killing and maiming.”

Boko Haram insurgents had on Sunday ravaged three churches in villages near Chibok killing about 30 people.

The villages attacked included Kautikari, Nasarawa, Gwaradina and Kwadake.

“MURIC charges the Nigerian authorities to demonstrate commitment to the war against insurgents.

“We expect Nigerian soldiers to have studied the tactics adopted by the insurgents by now and to have evolved ways and means of truncat-

ing their gimmicks,” Professor Akintola said.

“At the same time, the Federal Government must start considering a round-table with the insurgents. This is a group that cannot build but it is capable of destroying.

“Wise counsel dictates that the Federal Government must stoop to conquer. Too many lives are lost on daily basis.

“The authorities should find ways of placating Boko Haram soonest in order to bring peace to the North East.

“There are offers on ground for this initiative. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently revealed that he was in contact with the insurgents but FG’s reaction to his offer was cold. A lawyer who is allegedly close to the group, Hajiya Aisha Wakil, reported last week that Boko Haram was seeking amnesty and that the group was ready to swap the 219 girls with 70 Boko Haram detainees. We are yet to hear any reaction from FG.” The ball, the group continued, “is in President Jonathan’s court. We charge the president to be more proactive in these matters.

“Nigerians are waiting to hear his response to the offers on ground. It is escapist to claim that Obasanjo knows how to see the president.

“There are things FG can facilitate in such circumstances. Nigerians are not fools. We are very eager to see peace returning to the North East, the president’s North East, because the whole country is Mr. President’s constituency. Fire in the North East is therefore fire on the president’s roof.”

Fasting best medicine for many ailments – Doctors Adeola Yusuf

M

edical Doctors have described the on-going Ramadan fasting as beneficial to the humans health with the way God has structured it.

Rising under the aegis of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN), the medical practitioners who said this however cautioned muslims against over-eating after Iftar, the breaking of fast.

President, Lagos State Chapter of IMAN, Dr. Sola Labinjo said in a presentation obtained by New Telegraph: “Fasting during the daylight hours has several health ben-

efits; it cleanses the system and removes harmful toxins from the body.

He maintained that over 1, 000 patients, muslims and non-muslims, have benefited from free medical services of IMAN during Ramadan in Lagos.

He continued: “When the body is fasting and not occupied with the process of digestion, its organs are given an opportunity to rejuvenate and restore themselves, in turn allowing the one who fasts to recover from various ailments.

“However, if a person overeats in the evening and indulges in heavy, fatty foods, this offsets the physical benefits of fasting. It is generally presumed that since one is re-

straining from food and drink during the daylights hours, the body needs increased input during the non-fasting hours.

“This is not the case, however, as the body regulates itself when it is in fasting mode and has the opportunity to utilize its storage of body fat.”

His view was corroborated

by Dr. Imam Ibn Qayyim Al Jauziyah.

“Healing With the Medicine of the Prophet” that breaking the fast with dates “is a wise decision, because fasting empties the stomach of food. Thus the liver would not find any sufficient energy that it could transfer to the various organs,” he said.

“Sweets are the fastest

foods to reach the liver, when one eats ripe dates the liver accepts it, benefits from it and then transfers the benefit to the rest of the organs of the body,” he stressed.

According to him, after “this process the body is ready to accept and digest additional food. Thus ideally, one should break their fast with a date and after praying the Maghrib prayer, they should continue with their meal.

“This gives the body ample time to prepare itself for the sudden increase in food intake.”

He therefore cautioned faithful against the habit of over-eating before going to bed after breaking of fast.

• Gov

CRIME

41

NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/entrepreneur

JULIANA FRANCIS juliana.francis@newtelegraphonline.com

FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014

We sleep outside with our children, cry policemen’s widows

Juliana Francis

T

en widows of policemen, who died on active duty, broke down and wept like babies recently, after their children and property were bundled out of their quarters at the barracks of the Mobile Police Unit 20 Ikeja and dumped outside like unwanted baggage.

Since their eviction from the police quarters, the women have been running from pillar to post, seeking where they and their kids could lay their heads.

Their predicament was made worse by the fact that it is rainy season and the element has neither friend nor foe.

Most of the women said that they knew they would have to leave sooner or later, but were shocked that they could be treated so shabbily by the same Nigeria Police Force, their husbands died serving.

They had pleaded for time to get another apartment, but the police authourity refused, allegedly giving them only a week to vacate the quarters.

According to them, they wanted to collect their husbands’ gratuity, which had not been paid before they moved out, but the matter of the gratuity had become like the classical play of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.

Mrs. Stella Mubo, wife of late Inspector Simon Mubo, said: “We were just given three days to vacate the quarters.

On the third day, some policemen came to throw us out. I and my children have been sleeping outside since then. We have nowhere to go!”

Recalling how they were evicted, Mrs. Mubo said the widows received a missive from police authourities that their presence was needed at GRA Ikeja and had promptly dashed to the place.

“We thought that the call had something to do with our deceased husbands.

We’d been awaiting the entitlements due to our husbands,” said Mrs. Mubo. “We were however shocked when we were told to vacate the quarters with immediate effect.”

The widows thought it was a big joke until May, 31, 2014, when mobile policemen stormed their homes and started flinging their property out of the quarters.

Mrs. Mubo whispered in a pained voice: “There was nothing we could do.

How can somebody serve Federal Gov-

Mrs. Bello

Some of the widows of police officers

ernment for over 20 years and die in active service and his widow and children would be thrown out like a piece of rag without the man’s entitlement?”

Mrs. Mubo said that her husband died on August 22, 2010 and that she had not received any sort of payment from the police.

She added: “The only thing we received was burial expenses. I have been running up and down, borrowing money to pursue the payment of my husband’s gratuity.

“I don’t really know what the problem is. I have been going to the Pension Alliance and they have been telling me the money was not ready.”

She cried: “The injustice is too much!

This will not encourage me to advice any of my children to join the police force.

They made me to cry and I cry every day.

I want the police to pay us so that we can get accommodation!”

Meanwhile, the police said that the widows had lived in those quarters for more than seven and eight years, which

was grossly against mobile police rule.

The widows were actually supposed to leave immediately their husbands were buried.

Bu the angry women insisted that it was a lie. That they had not stayed up to those years.

“Its’ just three years and few months that my husband died,” said Mrs. Mubo.

“How can the police, which are responsible for law and order, do this? Can a landlord under the law issue three days quit notice to a tenant and go ahead to execute it? If such matter is reported to the police, how will they handle it?” If I had been paid, why would I still be in the barrack? I’m suffering there. There is no renovation there! When they came, I was not around. They forced the door open and threw my things away.”

Mrs. Alice E. Bello said that before the death of her husband, they lived at Block 1 Flat 7 in the Mopol 20 Barracks.

While Mrs. Mubo said she was given only three days’ notice, Mrs. Bello insisted she was given two-day.

She said: “They brought the notice on a Thursday, on Friday; we went to their office to beg them, to give us more time because we had not collected our husband’s benefit. My husband died in car accident in 2010. Even the burial money, they had not been paid. When I went there for my husband’s pension, they told me they did not see his file.”

Mrs. Bello said she and other widows had gone to see the Commissioner of Police on Friday to beg him for more time, but the man was not on seat.

They were directed to Ngozi Iloh who is the Assistant Commissioner of police, in charge of Administration. The concerned police woman promised to ask for extra week on behalf of the widows.

Iloh’s pleas apparently did not work, as the women woke up on Saturday morning, to see mobile policemen at their door steps.

“On Saturday, I was not at home. I was on duty because I’m managing a cleaning work somewhere. Before I returned from work, they had broken my door, scattered my property and damaged so many things,” recalled Mrs. Bello.

She continued: “I have two children.

I was not working before the death of my husband, but after his death, I had no choice. In fact, when I came to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

42

CRIME

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

‘Illiteracy delays pension payment’

The 3rd Eye State Police in Nigeria (3) Frank Mba

T Mrs. Mubo CONTINUED FROM PAG E 4 1

command headquarters, some policemen suggested I look for work because my husband’s benefit would take long to be paid.”

According to her, before she took the cleaning work, she had tried her hand on selling fufu, pepper and okra inside the barrack.

“I was living from hand to mouth. If I sell, I will eat. If I did not sell, I will not see something to eat with my children. My husband was promoted to a sergeant, but he did not wear the rank before he died.”

After the mobile policemen had swooped on them, Mrs. Bello said she distributed her property to different friends, especially when she noticed that the rain was beginning to damage them.

“There was no place to put my things. I and my children slept in the corridor. That’s where we are still sleeping up till now,” she said. “The police said some people had been paid, it’s a lie! I have not collected a dime!

My husband served Nigerian Police Force and this is what happens to his family.”

She explained that she had made several moves to collect her husband’s gratuity and move on with her life, but every time she got to the pension office, she would be told to go and bring documents to show when her husband joined the Nigeria Police Force.

She added: “My husband joined at Sokoto. They said I should go and bring letter from there. There, they demanded for money. They said I should give them transport money that they wanted to collect the paper from Abuja. They demanded between N3,000 to N5,000.”

Mrs. Mary James, wife of late Inspector Aghedo James, said her own predicament was worse because the force ejection, led to the loss of some of the documents needed for the collection of her husband’s entitlement.

Mrs. James, a mother of five, added: “I lost my husband in 2011. Ever since then, I had not been paid the benefits. Every time I went there, they gave me excuses that the money was not ready.”

They started throwing everything outside. Even the documents of my late husband that I’m using to process the money are nowhere to be found after they threw my belongings out. I don’t know whether they collected the document. It is a big prob-

Mrs. James and her belongings

lem to me. On Friday, the documents were still with me.

“I and my children are sleeping anywhere we see. If we sleep here today, tomorrow we look for another place to sleep.”

A police source said that ejecting the women was not against the law because serving mobile policemen needed those quarters.

According to him, taking police quarters from dead policemen to hand over to serving policemen is a universal injunction.

The source added that the women had been given enough leverage and time to seek alternative accommodations or family members to live with.

The source queried: “We’re in Africa society, where a woman is presumed to be married, not just to her husband, but to her husband’s family members. It becomes their in-laws responsibilities to take care of their brother’s wife. Where are those relations of the widows and their husbands?”

He also mentioned that by virtue of the new pension/gratuity payment scheme obtainable for retired or deceased policemen, the Nigeria Police Force was no longer liable.

“The payment of their husbands’ entitlement has nothing to do with the police anyone. We have private pension administrators.

Another police source, a chief Superintendent of Police said: “It’s true; we have a no pension scheme. The old police pension scheme had been taken away from the Nigeria Police Force. The Nigeria Police now operate PenCom, which allows policemen to operate policy with any pension regulator they want. It started about three years ago.

“The pension regulator could delay payment to deceased policemen widows for several reasons. If the wife is not the next of kin, just forget it, no matter how many times they go to the pension regulator, they would never get that money. If the next of kin is a month-old-baby, that woman must take that baby there. Some policemen are so stupid, that they put their brothers as their next of kin, when they have wives and children.

“It’s easier to collect pension money if the policeman retires. He goes himself to collect his money and is armed with the right documents. But most police widows

are illiterates. They don’t know or have not heard about some of the documents the pension regulators asked them to bring.

And some of the pension payments would be delayed if the widows can’t meet the pension regulators’ requirement. As for living in the police quarters; the norm before was that the widows could live there until they collected their late husbands’ entitlements, but not anymore. Policemen should begin to educate and lecture their wives on different types of documents that pertain to their work. There should be enlightenment workshop for wives of policemen. But the problem is that some policemen wives will say ‘God forbid, my husband will not die in Jesus name!’ This is not time to be saying such. I am a policeman and I know death can come to any of us, anytime. Our wives might be in the position of these 10 widows today!”

Reacting to the widows eviction, the Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria (NOPRIN), national coordinator, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma said: “This is not only injustice of the highest order to those directly affected now but is also a demotivation for serving officers who now know that the same fate may befall their own families when they die. No policeman or policewoman will be motivated to give his or her best to an institution or country that does not hold any good thing in stock for him or her or die for an organisation that will oppress and maltreat his or her family when he dies. This is surely a disincentive to dedication and sacrifice. It will only create a mindset whereby serving officers will work towards circumventing the system to get what they can-by any means- while still alive and in service in the belief that when they are gone, there will be nothing for their families. NOPRIN calls on the IGP to ensure that the evicted widows of the dead police officers and their children are treated fairly in the interest of justice and to avoid the wrong signal it will send to those who are still alive and serving.

“NOPRIN also calls on the IGP to order investigation into the delay in the payment of entitlements of dead officers to their wives and children. This is to ensure that what happened to Police Pension Funds has not repeated itself here.”

his position is further fuelled by the fact that arguably, the Nigeria Police Force remains the most Pan-Nigerian institution in the country today. Over the years, it has effectively continued to serve as a unifying factor in the Nigerian federation with presence in all states, local government areas, cities, towns and villages and all components of the Nigerian society.

It is argued also that in view of the fact that the major obstacle to optimum performance by the Nigeria Police force is funding, what is the guarantee that most states which are still beset by financial constraints, to the extent that even payment of salaries and emoluments to the state civil servants in their areas of jurisdiction is still a problem, can effectively run State police which requires enormous capital to run.

Perhaps a much more important argument is the fact that State police, considering our experience in the First republic, where Local Government and Native Authority Police Forces in the South and North respectively were used as instruments of oppression to hunt and maim dissenting voices, may further polarize the nation along ethnic and religious lines. It is certainly not enough to desire to be like other Federations, we should at least try and be our own unique people, evolving solutions that suits our very peculiar nature.

We should address first, those other issues such as indigenization, citizenship and so on which tear us apart before we start yearning for State police even Local Government or Village police.

Finally, I agree with the view expressed by Dr. Shettima, Director of the MacArthur Foundation that those who advocate for State Police on the grounds that it will help to reduce the level of insecurity in Nigeria and to maintain law and order miss the point. The alleged state of insecurity in Nigeria is systemic and deeply rooted in the injustice of our economic, social and political arrangements which all of us, young and old, rich and poor Nigerians must seek genuine ways to solve and not seek the scapegoat in the Nigeria Police Force.

Concluded

SMS: 08189679439

BUSINESS | MONEY LINE

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

43

investment bank hires FBN Insurance launches Barclays in Africa as mergers pick up takeover bid for Oasis B CONSOLIDATION

owned by FBN Holdings and South Africa's Sanlam, acquired a 71.2 per cent stake in the motor and fire insurer last February.

It will offer N0.55 per share to buy the remaining 1.87 billion shares next week, it said in a statement on yesterday.

The buy-out process, New Telegraph gathered, will open on July 10 and will last for three weeks, after which FBN Insurance intends to delist Oasis from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), FBN Insurance said.

FBN Insurance has consolidated its position with the acquisition of Oasis Insurance Godson Ikoro

F

BN Insurance is set to acquire 28.8 per cent minority stake in Oasis Insurance, in a deal valued at N1.03 billion.

FBN Insurance, jointly

Shares in Oasis were trading at N 0.50 yesterday, giving the company a market capitalisation of N4 billion as reported by Reuters Sanlam has said FBN Insurance's acquisition of the 71.2 per cent Oasis stake gave it an entry point into the general insurance sector in Nigeria.

George Nolen, President and CEO of Siemems, USA, said: “When you have both solid market and the right distribution channels, acquisitions are often the best way to break into a new geographic location.

UBA floats twitter-based alerts for customers nited Bank for Africa (UBA) fication Service will not replace twitter account should visit Ubased Plc has introduced twitter- the current SMS alerts system in the UBA Group website or the transaction alerts for place for all of the bank’s custom- UBA twitter page to register, customers.

The bank, in a statement yesterday announced that customers will now have the option of receiving transaction alerts in their twitter direct messages inbox.

“Before now, customers can only receive transaction alerts as text messages on their mobile phones and as e-mails, this is the first time any bank in Nigeria will offer customers a third option of receiving their transaction alerts via their twitter handle,” the lender said.

However, UBA Twitter Noti-

ers, but will complement it for added convenience for all those who subscribe to the service.

“Twitter is increasingly becoming a popular means of communication especially among the young adults. As a highly innovative bank, we are giving the Millennials, who are increasingly banking with us an option to get transaction alerts on their preferred platform,” said Rasheed Adegoke, UBA’s Director, Information Technology.

UBA customers seeking to receive twitter powered transaction alerts through their

the statement said.

On the UBA Group website, customers, according to the statement, will be requested to; click on the Twitter notification service page; enter their account number; click on submit. “By following the displayed instructions to log into their personal account and enabling access, the customers can sign on to this service seamlessly.

The customer will only see the alerts, since it goes into his or her direct message box, just like an SMS message going to a phone, the lender explained.

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

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

arclays Plc’s African investment bank said it’s hiring more staff as it expands across the continent and sees a pick up in advisory work.

“Corporate banking is going nicely but slowly and investment banking is doing very nicely,” Stephen van Coller, chief executive officer of the unit, said in an interview with Bloomberg in Johannesburg.

Investment banking was helped after markets stabilised in the second quarter, said Van Coller, who took over the unit in 2010 and manages more than 2,500 staff in South Africa and 10 other countries on the continent. Capital raising and mergers and acquisitions are picking up, said Van Coller, whose team is advising Steinhoff International Holdings Ltd. (SHF) on its secondary listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Barclays Africa Group Ltd.

(BGA)’s investment bank is ranked second after Morgan Stanley (MS) in equity issuance this year and third for debt, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Van Coller said in May that Africa won’t be affected by Barclays’s plan to cut a quarter of employees at its investment bank. Antony Jenkins, who took over as CEO from Bob Diamond in 2012, said Barclays will place more focus on the continent as one of the British bank’s less capital-intensive businesses.

“Chairman David Walker is very supportive,” said Van Coller. “Board members come and visit us - that never used to happen.”

Barclays, which bought a controlling stake in what was Absa Group Ltd. in 2005, last year sold the bulk of its African operations to its South African business and increased its stake to 62.3 per cent.

Africa's number crunchers leave investors in the dark

A

frican countries' rapid growth over the past decade may have been the envy of many developed economies, but their number crunchers have struggled to keep up.

That barely mattered when investors were desperate to find a place to park their cash as more developed markets careered off course.

But now that a global recovery is increasing competition for fund inflows, Africa, Reuter’s news, can ill afford to pump out dodgy data from poorly funded statistics bureaux or leave investors in the dark about central bank policymaking.

Years of neglect, a lack of technical skills and large informal economies make reliable data collection a huge task.

Failure to address these challenges could drive away investors unable or unwilling to pay for their own research if they cannot see an economy's true scale or potential.

"It is important for us to boost the quality of statistics in Africa," said Mthuli Ncube, chief economist at the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), which is working to improve its data operations.

"The better the data, the better the information to investors.

So it is: more transparency, better data, better investments," he said.

Nigeria showed in April what a review of out-of-date figures can mean: it vaulted South Africa to become the biggest African economy after rebasing its numbers to 2010 from 1990.

For the first time, it properly calculated the impact of mobile phones and its huge "Nollywood" film industry.

Ordinary Nigerians were quick to point out that a more accurate measure of the nation's gross domestic product didn't mean that they were now richer or roads had fewer

potholes. But economists and investors say it could have a longer-term impact.

"There has been a tendency to underestimate economic activity in Africa," said Razia Khan, Africa researcher at Standard Chartered Bank. "This may have discouraged some investment in the region, as investors would not have appreciated the true size of those economies."

Some statistics shortcomings are glaring, creating headaches for governments seeking to plan ahead and making it difficult for companies to understand a market's prospects.

In Kenya, for example, more than 40 per cent of births and more than half of deaths are not captured by the national registry, said Mwende Gatabaki of the Kenya Citizens and Foreign Nationals Management Services. Kenya is now spending 5 billion shillings ($57 million) to create a digital registry.

Statistics that do emerge can spark strong debate. The AfDB raised eyebrows in 2011 when it said Africa's middle class had risen to 350 million people in 2010, or about 34 per cent of the continent's total population, from about 126 million in 1980, about 27 per cent at the time.

This was based on those living on $2 to $20 a day.

Given that $2 a day or below is widely accepted as a poverty indicator, many economists viewed the AfDB's middle class range in that study as optimistic, saying any sudden sharp rise in food or fuel prices could plunge people back into poverty.

Some economists suggested a more "African-appropriate" measure of middle class would be those on $15 to $20 a day.

Hardened Africa investors have long learned to give official figures short shrift, relying on their own close knowledge of markets. But gathering this kind of data can be hard work and costly.

44 business | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

3-Jul-14

The FMDQ Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products, fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject to the FMDQ OTC PLC Terms of Use and Disclaimer Statement.

Bonds

Price

FGN Bonds Issuer

Rating/Agency

NA

NA

Description 9.25 28-SEP-2014 4.00 23-APR-2015 13.05 16-AUG-2016 15.10 27-APR-2017 9.85 27-JUL-2017 9.35 31-AUG-2017 10.70 30-MAY-2018 16.00 29-JUN-2019 7.00 23-OCT-2019 16.39 27-JAN-2022 14.20 14-MAR-2024 15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Outstanding Value (N'bn)

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

9.25 4.00 13.05 15.10 9.85 9.35 10.70 16.00 7.00 16.39 14.20 15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00

100.00 535.00 500.27 452.80 20.00 100.00 300.00 351.30 233.90 600.00 165.17 75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

Bid Price

Offer Price

0.24 0.81 2.12 2.82 3.07 3.16 3.91 4.99 5.31 7.57 9.70 14.41 14.89 15.38 16.06

11.14 10.79 11.40 11.32 11.27 11.27 11.28 11.37 11.36 11.82 12.09 12.15 12.16 12.18 12.24

10.50 10.10 11.32 11.26 11.15 11.15 11.18 11.30 11.27 11.77 12.04 12.11 12.12 12.12 12.19

99.50 94.88 103.00 108.85 96.39 94.99 98.18 117.25 82.96 122.40 111.80 119.11 102.19 74.69 84.40

99.65 95.38 103.15 109.00 96.69 95.29 98.48 117.55 83.26 122.70 112.10 119.41 102.49 74.99 84.70

Maturity Date

TTM (Yrs)

28-Sep-14 23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 27-Apr-17 27-Jul-17 31-Aug-17 30-May-18 29-Jun-19 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

4,375.01 Issuer

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

***LCRM

Description

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

Indicative Price

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

978.35 24.56 6.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.33 0.89 1.63 2.44 2.80 3.01

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.75 13.38 13.31 13.26 12.26 12.27

96.31 89.10 105.52 99.01 97.60 95.18

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.09 0.28 1.16 0.76 1.28 1.29 2.80 1.84 3.50 2.47 4.26 2.67 2.67 3.05 3.12 5.39 3.18 3.80 6.40 6.50 3.98 3.84

1.56 3.29 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.74 1.00 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

12.04 13.99 15.23 14.04 15.31 14.34 16.85 12.16 13.06 13.06 12.29 12.26 16.04 12.27 12.27 12.37 14.01 12.28 12.56 13.51 12.72 13.23

100.11 99.89 97.15 99.83 98.57 101.34 85.16 102.52 102.55 102.14 105.49 104.94 95.93 105.46 108.25 108.15 101.84 107.13 104.03 106.29 105.20 117.23

07-Oct-14 18-Dec-14 31-Dec-14 17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 01-Apr-19 14-Nov-20

0.26 0.46 0.50 0.64 0.95 0.80 2.24 2.31 3.24 2.06 2.02 2.18 2.18 4.22 2.29 2.37 3.50 6.37

1.00 5.21 8.71 4.88 1.00 2.63 1.00 1.34 1.00 1.88 3.48 5.20 5.06 1.35 2.29 6.11 2.16 2.76

11.67 16.10 19.64 15.75 11.72 13.42 12.26 12.60 12.27 13.13 14.73 16.45 16.31 12.64 13.55 17.37 13.43 14.31

99.87 98.85 98.80 96.28 100.48 100.57 101.37 103.18 101.86 109.45 102.49 103.10 101.93 104.30 104.49 99.53 106.96 103.79

11-Feb-18

3.61

1.00

12.28

94.06

Bid Yield (%)

Offer Yield (%)

Bid Price

Offer Price

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,304.32

Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

14.00 14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

17.00 6.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

572.90

Corporate Bonds A+/Agusto; AA/GCR Aa/Agusto Nil Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto A/GCR BBB-/GCR BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR BBB/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

LAFARGE WAPCO GTB µ NGC *UPDC *FLOURMILLS *CHELLARAMS NAHCO FSDH UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA# *TOWER# *TOWER# UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA NAHCO

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

07-Oct-11 18-Dec-09 01-Apr-10 17-Aug-10 09-Dec-10 06-Jan-11 29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 22-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14 14-Nov-13

11.50 13.50 17.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 13.00 14.25 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 17.00 16.00 15.25

11.80 13.17 2.00 15.00 37.50 1.50 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.94 8.01 3.63 1.00 35.00 3.00 0.54 4.50 2.05

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

180.17

Supranational Bond AAA/S&P

10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018

IFC

11-Feb-13

10.20

12.00

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

12.00 Issuer

Description

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value ($'mm)

Maturity Date

6.75 JAN 28, 2021

07-Oct-11

6.75

500.00

28-Jan-21

4.88

4.72

110.40

111.31

5.13 JUL 12, 2018

18-Dec-09

5.13

500.00

12-Jul-18

4.14

3.93

103.60

104.41

6.38 JUL 12, 2023

01-Apr-10

6.38

500.00

12-Jul-23

5.28

5.16

107.78

108.68

FGN Eurobonds

Prices & Yields

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

FGN

BB-/Fitch; BB-/S&P

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,500.00

Corporate Eurobonds AFREN PLC I

11.50 FEB 01, 2016

01-Feb-11

11.50

450.00

01-Feb-16

3.80

3.10

111.56

112.71

GTBANK PLC I

7.50 MAY 19, 2016

19-May-11

7.50

500.00

19-May-16

4.96

4.28

104.45

105.69

GTBANK PLC

6.00 NOV 08, 2018

08-Nov-13

6.00

400.00

08-Nov-18

6.14

5.92

99.47

100.29

7.25 JUL 25, 2017

25-Jul-12

7.25

350.00

25-Jul-17

7.03

6.41

100.59

102.30

6.88 MAY 09, 2018

09-May-13

6.88

300.00

02-May-18

8.68

8.27

94.21

95.49

AFREN PLC

10.25 APR 08, 2019

08-Apr-12

10.25

300.00

08-Apr-19

4.93

4.29

113.49

114.68

ZENITH BANK PLC FIRST BANK PLC

6.25 APR 22, 2019

22-Apr-14

6.25

500.00

22-Apr-19

6.36

6.14

99.56

100.43

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.04

6.62

104.23

105.74

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

5.59

5.28

103.99

105.22

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

ACCESS BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

3,460.00

**Treasury Bills DTM 7 14 21 28 35 42 49

FIXINGS Maturity 10-Jul-14 17-Jul-14 24-Jul-14 31-Jul-14 7-Aug-14 14-Aug-14 21-Aug-14

Bid Discount (%) 10.10 9.90 10.00 10.15 10.40 10.05 9.95

Offer Discount (%) 9.85 9.65 9.75 9.90 10.15 9.80 9.70

Bid Yield (%) 10.12 9.94 10.06 10.23 10.50 10.17 10.08

Money Market

NIBOR Tenor O/N 1M 3M 6M

Rate (%) 10.5000 12.3518 13.4335 14.3861

Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards)

Tenor

Rate (%)

OBB

10.25

Tenor

Bid ($/N)

Offer ($/N)

10.50

Spot 7D 14D 1M 2M

162.65 162.98 163.23 163.87 165.00

162.75 163.24 163.57 164.54 166.19

O/N Tenor Call

REPO

Rate (%) 10.33

15.00 28-NOV-2028 12.49 22-MAY-2029 8.50 20-NOV-2029 10.00 23-JUL-2030

28-Nov-08 22-May-09 20-Nov-09 23-Jul-10

15.00 12.49 8.50 10.00

75.00 150.00 200.00 591.57

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Rating/Agency

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA 27, 2014 Friday, June

14.41 14.89 15.38 16.06

12.15 12.16 12.18 12.24

12.11 12.12 12.12 12.19

119.11 102.19 74.69 84.40

119.41 102.49 74.99 84.70

Indicative Price

4,375.01 Description

Issuer

Sanctity of Truth

28-Nov-28 22-May-29 20-Nov-29 23-Jul-30

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017

Issue Date

Coupon (%)

Issue Value (N'bn)

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

# Risk Premium (%)

Valuation Yield (%)

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 06-Jul-12

0.00 0.00 17.25 0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50 0.00/16.50

978.35 24.56 6.00 112.22 116.70 66.49

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 06-Jul-17

0.33 0.89 1.63 2.44 2.80 3.01

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 1.00

11.75 13.38 13.31 13.26 12.26 12.27

05-Aug-14 15-Oct-14 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19 02-Oct-19 22-Nov-19 12-Dec-19 30-Sep-20 27-Nov-20 31-Dec-20 31-Dec-20 06-Jan-21

0.09 0.28 1.16 0.76 1.28 1.29 2.80 1.84 3.50 2.47 4.26 2.67 2.67 3.05 3.12 5.39 3.18 3.80 6.40 6.50 3.98 3.84

1.56 3.29 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.74 1.00 1.00 1.94 1.44 1.95

12.04 13.99 15.23 14.04 15.31 14.34 16.85 12.16 13.06 13.06 12.29 12.26 16.04 12.27 12.27 12.37 14.01 12.28 12.56 13.51 12.72 13.23

100.11 99.89 97.15 99.83 98.57 101.34 85.16 102.52 102.55 102.14 105.49 104.94 95.93 105.46 108.25 108.15 101.84 107.13 104.03 106.29 105.20 117.23

1.00 5.21 8.71 4.88 1.00 2.63 1.00 1.34 1.00 1.88 3.48 5.20 5.06 1.35 2.29 6.11 2.16 2.76

11.67 16.10 19.64 15.75 11.72 13.42 12.26 12.60 12.27 13.13 14.73 16.45 16.31 12.64 13.55 17.37 13.43 14.31

99.87 98.85 98.80 96.28 100.48 100.57 101.37 103.18 101.86 109.45 102.49 103.10 101.93 104.30 104.49 99.53 106.96 103.79

105.74

96.31 89.10 105.52 99.01 97.60 95.18

45

business | FINANCIAL MARKET NEWS

Dancem, Guinness, others lift NSE index ***LCRM

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

1,304.32

Sub-National Bonds

A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto Aa-/Agusto; AA-/GCR A-/Agusto; BBB+/DataPro A/Agusto A-/GCR

UPBEAT

KWARA NIGER KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER *ONDO *GOMBE LAGOS *OSUN *OSUN LAGOS KOGI *EKITI *NASARAWA

Bargain hunters take positions as market sentiment turned green

T

rading activities on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday pointed northwards as transactions in the share prices of Dangote Cement Plc and Guinness Nigeria Plc led other gainers to lift TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE market indicators.

Corporate Bonds The key benchmark indices A+/Agusto; AA/GCR WAPCO returned positive toLAFARGE close in the

14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018 15.50 ONDO 14-FEB-2019 15.50 GOMBE 02-OCT-2019 14.50 LAGOS 22-NOV-2019 14.75 OSUN 12-DEC-2019 14.75 OSUN II 30-SEP-2020 13.50 LAGOS IV 27-NOV-2020 15.00 KOGI 31-DEC-2020 14.50 EKITI II 31-DEC-2020 15.00 NASARAWA 06-JAN-2021

green, taking supports majorly from large capitalised stock, which was particularly driven the two companies. Medium capitalised stocks also contributed to the outlook recorded.

Specifically, the market capitalisation of equities appreciated by N26 billion as market sentiments returned to the green zone after it suffered marginal loss the previous day.

At the close of trading, the NSE All-Share Index firmed up by 0.18 per cent to close at 42,686.86 index points as against 42,609.75 recorded the previous day.

11.50 LAFARGE WAPCO 7-OCT 2014 Consequently, the market 13.50 GUARANTY TRUST 18-DEC-2014 17.00 NGC 31-DEC-2014 10.00 UPDC 17-AUG-2015 12.00 FLOURMILLS 9-DEC-2015 14.00 CHELLARAMS 06-JAN-2016 13.00 NAHCO 29-SEP-2016 14.25 FSDH 25-OCT-2016 13.00 UBA 30-SEP-2017 18.00 C&I LEASING 30-NOV-2017 MPR+7.00 DANA 9-APR-2018 MPR+7.00 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 MPR+5.25 TOWER 9-SEP-2018 14.00 UBA II 22-SEP-2018 15.75 LA CASERA 18-OCT-2018 MPR+5.00 CHELLARAMS II 17-FEB-2019 16.00 DANA II 1-APR-2019 15.25 NAHCO II 14-NOV-2020

Aa/Agusto Nil Bbb-/Agusto A-/Agusto BB+/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR A-/Agusto A/GCR BBB-/GCR BBB+/DataPro†; BB+/GCR A-/DataPro†; BB-/GCR AAA/DataPro†; A+/GCR A/Agusto; A/GCR Bbb+/Agusto; BBB+/GCR BBB-/DataPro†; BB+/GCR BBB/GCR A+/Agusto; A-/GCR

GTB µ NGC *UPDC *FLOURMILLS *CHELLARAMS NAHCO FSDH UBA *C & I LEASING *DANA# *TOWER# *TOWER# UBA *LA CASERA *CHELLARAMS# *DANA NAHCO

B/S&P; B-/Fitch

FIRST BANK PLC

8.25 AUG 07, 2020

B+/S&P; B+/Fitch

AFREN PLC

6.63 DEC 09, 2020

05-Aug-09 15-Oct-09 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12 02-Oct-12 22-Nov-12 12-Dec-12 30-Sep-13 27-Nov-13 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13 06-Jan-14

14.00 14.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50 15.50 14.50 14.75 14.75 13.50 15.00 14.50 15.00

capitalisation appreciated by N26 billion to close at N14.095 trillion as against N14.069 trillion.

The number of gainers stood at 23 as against 34 losers.

Just as in the previous day, other financial services subsector of the financial services sector was the most active during the day (measured by turnover volume); with 307.4 million shares worth N4.7 billion exchanged by investors in 766 deals.

Volume in the sub-sector was largely driven by activity in the shares of FBNH Plc and 07-Oct-11 11.50 FCMB Plc.

E

potential of its unique platform.

“However, I will not shy away from key areas that need to be addressed, including improving our profitability by driving efficiency across our entire network.

Our performance in the 10.20 IFC 11-FEB-2018 first quarter of 2014 has been significantly ahead of the equivalent period last year, which Description gives the Board confidence regarding Ecobank’s prospects for the year as a6.75 whole.”

JAN 28, 2021 At the AGM, all the ordinary 5.13 JUL 12, 2018 resolutions were passed, which 6.38 JUL 12, 2023 of Mr. include the appointment Emmanuel Ikazoboh as the Group’s new Chairman.

An accountant by training, 11.50 FEB 01, 2016 Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh has 7.50 MAY 19, 2016 over 35 years’ experience of in6.00 NOV 08, 2018 ternational 7.25 business manageJUL 25, 2017 ment and corporate advisory 6.88 MAY 09, 2018 roles in both private and 10.25the APR 08, 2019 6.25 APR 22, 2019 spent public sectors, having

N194.21. Wapco added N1.98 to close at N112.98.

On the other hand, Nestle Nigeria led other losers with a dip of N55.00 to close at N1, 090.00 per share while Mobil Nigeria followed with N2.25 to close at N137.31. UACN lost N1.85 to close at N66.00.

At close of trading, investors exchanged a total of 570.8 unit of shares valued at N8.3 billion in 5,224 deals.

Unity Bank’s profit rises 81% in six months Bank Plc has reported “And also leveraging on the 81 per cent increase in pre- strong personalities that make Utaxnity profit for the half-year up the board of directors as well

572.90

13.50 17.00 10.00 12.00 14.00 13.00 14.25 13.00 18.00 16.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 15.75 17.00 16.00 15.25

11.80 13.17 2.00 15.00 37.50 1.50 15.00 5.53 20.00 0.94 8.01 3.63 1.00 35.00 3.00 0.54 4.50 2.05

07-Oct-14 18-Dec-14 31-Dec-14 17-Aug-15 09-Dec-15 06-Jan-16 29-Sep-16 25-Oct-16 30-Sep-17 30-Nov-17 09-Apr-18 09-Sep-18 09-Sep-18 22-Sep-18 18-Oct-18 17-Feb-19 01-Apr-19 14-Nov-20

0.26 0.46 0.50 0.64 0.95 0.80 2.24 2.31 3.24 2.06 2.02 2.18 2.18 4.22 2.29 2.37 3.50 6.37

07-Aug-13

8.25

300.00

07-Aug-20

7.04

6.62

104.23

09-Dec-13

6.63

360.00

09-Dec-20

5.59

5.28

103.99

ended June 30, 2013.

The bank in a filing with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) said it recorded a pretax profit of N7.89 billion for the half year, from N4.35 bilmuch of his career with Deloitte lion in the same period of 2013.

Gross earnings rose to in West and Central Africa.

In accordance with the Gov- N30.85 billion during the sixernance Action Plan approved month period, against N30.17 billion a year ago. at Ecobank’s Extraordinary 180.17 The Managing Director and General Meeting in March of Chief Executive Officer of this year, there has been a sig11-Feb-13 10.20 12.00 11-Feb-18 3.61 nificant reorganisation of the Unity Bank, Mr. Henry Semen12.00 Group’s Board of Directors. itari, speaking recently, said strategically , theDate company’s Messrs.

Sena Agbayissah, KwaIssue Date Coupon (%) Issue Value ($'mm) Maturity Bid Yieldvi(%) si A. Boatin, Assad Jabre and sion as an institution was to be Sipho Mseleku have retired as the retail bank of choice in the Directors. com- 500.00 next five years.

07-Oct-11The new Board 6.75 28-Jan-21 4.88 “Our strategies are strictly prises three executive directors 18-Dec-09 5.13 500.00 12-Jul-18 4.14 (Group CEO, Mr. Albert Essien, in three folds. First, the main 01-Apr-10 6.38 Group 500.00 12-Jul-23 derivative is leveraging 5.28 on a Deputy Group CEO and very strong network across the COO, Mrs. Evelyne Tall-Daou- 1,500.00 da, and Mrs. Laurence do Rego, country. We are looking at netExecutive Director, Finance) works in excess of 240 branch01-Feb-11 11.50 01-Feb-16 3.80 es coming from an amalgamaand nine Non-Executive Direc- 450.00 19-May-11 500.00 tors among others. 7.50 tion of nine19-May-16 institutions4.96 that 08-Nov-18 6.14 are pretty very active in their In08-Nov-13 2013, Ecobank 6.00 generated 400.00 25-Jul-12 7.25 350.00 25-Jul-17 7.03 own right and in their chosen revenues in excess of6.88 $2 billion, 300.00 09-May-13 02-May-18 8.68 business of strategy spread whilst the Group’s total assets 08-Apr-12 10.25 300.00 08-Apr-19 4.93 22-Apr-14 to $22.5 billion.

6.25 500.00 22-Apr-19 6.36 amounted across Nigeria.

FMDQ Daily Quotations List

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE

Also, the banking sub-sector of the financial services sector, boosted by activity in the shares of Zenith Bank Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc, followed with a turnover of 151.1 million shares valued at N2.07 billion in 1,320 deals.

Dangote Cement Plc led other gainers with N4.50 per cent to close at N244.50, while Guinness Nigeria Plc trailed with a gain of N2.19 to close at

18-Dec-09 01-Apr-10 17-Aug-10 09-Dec-10 06-Jan-11 29-Sep-11 25-Oct-13 30-Sep-10 30-Nov-12 09-Apr-11 09-Sep-11 09-Sep-11 22-Sep-11 18-Oct-13 17-Feb-12 01-Apr-14 14-Nov-13

ETI pledges commitment to corporate governance cobank Transnational Incorporated Plc has reinstated its commitment to the practice of corporate governance.

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Addressing shareholders at Supranational Bond the company’s Annual GenerAAA/S&P IFC al Meeting (AGM) held at the TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE group headquarters in Lomé, the outgoing Interim Chairman Rating/Agency Issuer of the bank, Mr. André Siaka, FGN Eurobonds said the board is committed to establishing BB-/Fitch; B+/S&P the highest standards of corporate governance.

BB-/Fitch; FGN BB-/S&P Siaka said the bank would BB-/Fitch; learn from the recent past, adBB-/S&P dress all of the issues and lay TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE firm foundations for Ecobank’s Corporate Eurobonds continued success in the future.

B-/S&P; B/Fitch AFREN PLC2013 I Reviewing Ecobank’s GTBANK PLC I financial results, Group Chief B+/S&P; B+/Fitch GTBANK PLC Executive, Mr. Albert Essien, B+/S&P ACCESS BANK PLC noted that the fundamentals of B/S&P; B/Fitch FIDELITY BANK PLC the bank’s businessAFREN are PLC strong B/Fitch B+/Fitch; and heBB-/S&P was excited ZENITH by the huge BANK PLC

17.00 6.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00 20.00 80.00 30.00 11.40 87.00 5.00 5.00 5.00

as the quality of manpower that exists, they are what drives our proposition of aspiring to be the retail bank of choice in five years. We are targeting small and medium-sized business (SMEs); that takes you to local content, emerging middle market businesses,” he said.

Besides, Semenitari said the bank was the only bank in this country, that is well-located and situated within the agrarian 1.00 12.28 94.06 belt of the country.

“There is a semantic difference between andPrice how Offer Yield (%) Bid location Price Offer you are situated. You could be Prices & Yieldsa place, but when located around you 4.72are situated, 110.40 it means 111.31you are really into where the busi3.93 103.60 ness is. We are not just104.41 located 107.78 around the agrarian belt,108.68 we are 5.16 also situated,” he said.

“Third is rural economy. By rural economy, we mean lever3.10 our presence 111.56 112.71 aging historically 4.28 104.45 105.69 that was modelled around ur5.92 99.47 100.29 ban-rural drift.

The essence of 6.41 100.59 102.30 taking the economy to the last 8.27 94.21 95.49 tiers is to114.68 bridge 4.29 of governance 113.49 99.56economy 100.43 the6.14 urban-rural ."

3,460.00

105.22

3-Jul-14

The FMDQBills Daily Quotations List (DQL) comprises market and **Treasury

model prices/rates of foreign exchange ($/N) products,FIXINGS fixed income securities and instruments in the OTC market. The use of this report is subject Money Market Foreign Exchange (Spot & Forwards) to the FMDQ of Use and Disclaimer Statement.

DTM OTC PLC Terms Maturity Bid Discount (%) Offer Discount (%) Bid Yield (%) Tenor Rate (%) NIBOR

7 10-Jul-14 10.10 14 17-Jul-14 9.90 21 24-Jul-14 10.00 FGN Bonds28 31-Jul-14 10.15 35 7-Aug-14 10.40 42 14-Aug-14 10.05 Issuer Description Rating/Agency 49 21-Aug-14 9.95 56 28-Aug-14 10.10 9.25 28-SEP-2014 63 4-Sep-14 10.45 4.00 23-APR-2015 70 11-Sep-14 10.55 13.05 16-AUG-2016 77 18-Sep-14 10.70 84 25-Sep-14 10.50 15.10 27-APR-2017 91 2-Oct-14 10.75 9.85 27-JUL-2017 98 9-Oct-14 10.45 9.35 31-AUG-2017 105 16-Oct-14 10.75 10.70 30-MAY-2018 112 23-Oct-14 10.80 NA NA 16.00 29-JUN-2019 119 30-Oct-14 10.80 126 6-Nov-14 10.70 7.00 23-OCT-2019 140 20-Nov-14 10.60 16.39 27-JAN-2022 154 4-Dec-14 10.55 14.20 14-MAR-2024 189 8-Jan-15 10.35 15.00 28-NOV-2028 203 22-Jan-15 10.45 12.49 22-MAY-2029 217 5-Feb-15 10.40 8.50 20-NOV-2029 231 19-Feb-15 10.35 245 5-Mar-15 10.40 10.00 23-JUL-2030 280 9-Apr-15 10.30 TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE23-Apr-15 294 10.20 308 7-May-15 9.90 *from the Amortising # bonds, the average life is Risk Premium is a combination of credit risk and liquidity risk premiums Description Rating/Agency Issuer **Exclusive of non-trading t.bills

Agency Bonds AMCON FMBN

NA

***LCRM

Modified Duration Buckets

TOTAL OUTSTANDING VALUE Sub-National Bonds A/Agusto A-/GCR A+/Agusto A/Agusto Nil A+/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto A/Agusto A+/Agusto; A+/GCR A-/Agusto; A-/GCR A/Agusto; A-/GCR† A-/Agusto

<3 3<5 KWARA >5 NIGER Market KADUNA *EBONYI *BENUE *IMO LAGOS *BAYELSA EDO *DELTA NIGER *EKITI *NIGER

9.85 9.65 9.75 9.90 10.15 9.80 Issue Date 9.70 9.85 28-Sep-07 10.20 23-Apr-10 10.30 16-Aug-13 10.45 10.25 27-Apr-12 10.50 27-Jul-07 10.20 31-Aug-07 10.50 30-May-08 10.55 29-Jun-12 10.55 10.45 23-Oct-09 10.35 27-Jan-12 10.30 14-Mar-14 10.10 28-Nov-08 10.20 22-May-09 10.15 20-Nov-09 10.10 10.15 23-Jul-10 10.05 9.95 9.65

1,008.15 1,146.30 14.00 KWARA 5-AUG-2014 683.94 14.00 NIGER 15-OCT-2014 2,838.39 12.50 KADUNA 31-AUG-2015 13.00 EBONYI 30-SEP-2015 14.00 BENUE 30-JUN-2016 15.50 IMO 30-JUN-2016 10.00 LAGOS 19-APR-2017 13.75 BAYELSA 30-JUN-2017 14.00 EDO 31-DEC-2017 14.00 DELTA 30-SEP-2018 14.00 NIGER II 4-OCT-2018 14.50 EKITI 09-DEC-2018 14.00 NIGER III 12-DEC-2018

Bonds Tenor

Volume(Bn)

953.07 951.30 756.74 2,661.11

28-Dec-11 24-May-10 03-Apr-12 09-Dec-11 20-Apr-12 Weighting by 06-Jul-12

OBB

Rate (%) 10.5000 12.3518 13.4335 14.3861

O/N 1M 3M Outstanding Value 6M

O/N

100.00 535.00 NITTY 500.27 Tenor 1M 452.80 2M 20.00 3M 100.00 6M 300.00 9M 351.30 12M 233.90 600.00 165.17 NIFEX 75.00 Current Price ($/N) BID($/N) 150.00 200.00 OFFER ($/N) 591.57

28-Sep-14 23-Apr-15 16-Aug-16 Rate (%) 10.2451 27-Apr-17 10.4433 27-Jul-17 10.9826 31-Aug-17 11.0047 30-May-18 11.1757 29-Jun-19 11.2247 23-Oct-19 27-Jan-22 14-Mar-24 28-Nov-28 22-May-29 162.5425 20-Nov-29 162.6425 23-Jul-30

10.25 10.50

REPO Tenor Rate (%) TTM (Yrs) Bid Yield (%)

Maturity Date

(N'bn)

Call 1M 0.24 3M 0.81 6M

10.33 12.49 11.14 13.29 10.79 13.98

Maturity Date

Avg. Life/TTM (Yrs)

Tenor

Spot 7D 14D Offer 1M Yield 2M (%) 3M 10.50 6M 10.10 1Y

2.12 11.40 11.32 2.82 11.32 11.26 3.07 11.27 11.15 :Benchmarks 3.16 11.27 11.15 * :Amortising Bond 3.91 Bond 11.28 11.18 µ :Convertible 4.99 Management Corporation 11.37 11.30 AMCON: Asset of Nigeria FGN: Federal Nigeria 5.31Government of11.36 11.27 FMBN: Federal of Nigeria 7.57 Mortgage Bank 11.82 11.77 IFC: International Finance Corporation 9.70 12.09 12.04 LCRM: Local Contractors Receivables Management 14.41 12.15 12.11 NAHCO: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company 14.89 12.16 12.12 O/N: Overnight 15.38 12.18 Company12.12 UPDC: UAC Property Development WAPCO:West Cement Company 16.06Africa Portland12.24 12.19 NOTE:

Bid ($/N)

162.65 162.98 163.23 163.87 Bid Price 165.00 166.28 99.50 169.94 94.88 177.75

Offer ($/N) 162.75

Price 163.24 163.57

164.54 Offer Price 166.19 167.91 99.65 173.55 95.38 184.76

103.00 103.15 108.85 109.00 96.39 96.69 NA :Not Applicable 94.99 95.29 # :Floating Rate Bond 98.18 coupon bonds 98.48 ***: Deferred 117.25 117.55 †: Bond82.96 rating expired 83.26 122.40 122.70 111.80 112.10 119.11 119.41 NGC: Nigeria-German Company 102.19Bank for Africa 102.49 UBA: United 74.69 74.99 84.40 84.70

4,375.01

Issue Date

0.00 AMCON 31-OCT-2014 (SR.5 TR.1) 0.00 FMB 24-MAY-2015 17.25 FMB II 03-APR-2017 0.00/16.00 LCRM 09-DEC-2016 0.00/16.50 LCRM II 20-APR-2017 Porfolio Market Total Outstanding 0.00/16.50 LCRM III 06-JUL-2017 Value(Bn)

10.12 9.94 10.06 10.23 10.50 10.17 Coupon (%) 10.08 10.26 9.25 10.64 4.00 10.77 13.05 10.95 10.76 15.10 11.05 9.85 10.75 9.35 11.09 10.70 11.17 16.00 11.19 11.11 7.00 11.05 16.39 11.04 14.20 10.94 15.00 11.09 12.49 11.09 8.50 11.08 11.18 10.00 11.18 11.11 10.80

Coupon (%)

Issue Value (N'bn)

0.00 0.00

978.35 24.56

FMDQ FGN BOND INDEX 17.25 6.00

Outstanding Vol

35.81 35.75 05-Aug-09 28.44 15-Oct-09 100.00 31-Aug-10 30-Sep-10 30-Jun-11 30-Jun-09 19-Apr-10 30-Jun-10 30-Dec-10 30-Sep-11 04-Oct-11 09-Dec-11 12-Dec-13 14-Feb-12

0.00/16.00 0.00/16.50

Weighting

by Mkt 0.00/16.50 Value

35.52 40.39 14.00 24.10 14.00 100.00 12.50 13.00 14.00 15.50 10.00 13.75 14.00 14.00 14.00 14.50 14.00 15.50

112.22 116.70 66.49 Bucket Weighting

1,304.32 0.36 0.36 17.00 0.28 6.00 1.00 8.50 16.50 13.00 18.50 57.00 50.00 25.00 50.00 9.00 20.00 12.00 27.00

31-Oct-14 24-May-15 03-Apr-17 09-Dec-16 20-Apr-17 % Exposure_ 06-Jul-17

Mod_Duration

17.79 36.41 05-Aug-14 45.80 15-Oct-14 100.00 31-Aug-15 30-Sep-15 30-Jun-16 30-Jun-16 19-Apr-17 30-Jun-17 31-Dec-17 30-Sep-18 04-Oct-18 09-Dec-18 12-Dec-18 14-Feb-19

0.33 0.89 1.63 2.44 2.80 3.01 Implied Yield 11.36 11.68 0.09 12.21 0.28 11.87 1.16 0.76 1.28 1.29 2.80 1.84 3.50 2.47 4.26 2.67 2.67 3.05

# Risk Premium (%)

1.00 2.63 2.27 2.00 1.00 Implied 1.00

Portfolio Price

116.8496 133.3510 1.56 98.8380 3.29 117.6266 4.44 3.23 4.46 3.48 5.59 1.00 1.79 1.80 1.00 1.00 4.78 1.00

Valuation Yield (%) 11.75 13.38 13.31 13.26 12.26 12.27 INDEX 1,109.83 1,129.16 12.04 1,153.02 13.99 1,117.33 15.23 14.04 15.31 14.34 16.85 12.16 13.06 13.06 12.29 12.26 16.04 12.27

Indicative Price 96.31 89.10 105.52 99.01 97.60 YTD Return 95.18 (%)

10.9833 12.9165 100.11 15.3025 99.89 11.7327 97.15 99.83 98.57 101.34 85.16 102.52 102.55 102.14 105.49 104.94 95.93 105.46

Daily Summary as of 03/07/2014

46

business | CAPITAL MARKET

Printed 03/07/2014 15:23:29.029

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Daily Summary as of 03/07/2014 Printed 03/07/2014 15:23:29.029

The Nigerian Stock Market Exchange as at July 4, 2014 Daily Summary (Bonds)

Daily Summary (Equities)

No Debt Trading Activity

Daily Summary (Equities)

Activity Summary on Board EQTY HEALTHCARE Healthcare Providers EKOCORP PLC. Healthcare Providers Totals

Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Fishing/Hunting/Trapping ELLAH LAKES PLC. Fishing/Hunting/Trapping Totals Daily Summary as of 03/07/2014 Livestock/Animal Specialties Printed 03/07/2014 15:23:29.029 LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries Activity Summary on Board EQTY A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. CONGLOMERATES CHELLARAMS PLC. Diversified Industries JOHN HOLT PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Diversified Industries Totals

Symbol FTNCOCOA OKOMUOIL PRESCO

No. of Deals 1 47 9 57

Current Price 0.50 33.00 37.00

Quantity Traded 11,000 781,384 44,800 837,184

Value Traded 5,500.00 25,770,075.26 1,639,956.00 27,415,531.26

Symbol ELLAHLAKES

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 4.26

Quantity Traded 100 100

Value Traded 405.00 405.00

Symbol LIVESTOCK

No. of Deals 33 33

Current Price 3.09

Quantity Traded 700,200 700,200

Value Traded 2,137,804.55 2,137,804.55

1,537,484

29,553,740.81

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol AGLEVENT CHELLARAM Symbol JOHNHOLT TRANSCORP UACN

No. of Deals Current Price Quantity Traded 2 1.31 23,568 4 3.95 22,037 No. of Deals Quantity 20,100 Traded 9 Current Price 1.15 442 5.16 24,424,934 88 66.00 823,950 Page 545 25,314,589

CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Building Construction ARBICO PLC. Building Construction Totals Building Structure/Completion/Other COSTAIN (W A) PLC. Building Structure/Completion/Other Totals

Daily Summary as of 03/07/2014Construction Infrastructure/Heavy Printed 03/07/2014 15:23:29.029 JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC.

Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals

545

Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. Daily Summary as of 03/07/2014 HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC Printed 03/07/2014 15:23:29.029 NATIONAL SALT CO. NIG. PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. Activity Summary on Board NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. EQTY Food Products--Diversified Totals CONSUMER GOODS

Household Durables VITAFOAM PLC. Published by The NigerianNIG Stock Exchange © VONO PRODUCTS PLC. Household Durables Totals

Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals Daily Summary as of 03/07/2014 FINANCIAL15:23:29.029 SERVICES Printed 03/07/2014 Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY BANK PLC. Activity SummaryTRUST on Board EQTY SKYE BANK PLC FINANCIAL SERVICES STERLING BANK PLC. Banking UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals

Quantity Traded 70 70

Value Traded 389.20 389.20

Symbol COSTAIN

No. of Deals 16 16

Current Price 1.38

Quantity Traded 451,981 451,981

Value Traded 626,683.58 626,683.58

Symbol JBERGER

No. of Deals 29 29

Current Price 69.00

Quantity Traded 177,038 177,038

Value Traded 11,836,892.31 11,836,892.31

Symbol

No. of Deals 11 11

Current Price 17.56

Quantity Traded 65,429 65,429

Value Traded 1,175,279.62 1,175,279.62

694,518

13,639,244.71

58

Symbol CHAMPION GUINNESS INTBREW JOSBREW NB

Quantity Traded 19,902 19,902

Value Traded 2,237,285.60 2,237,285.60

Symbol DANGFLOUR DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL HONYFLOUR NASCON NNFM

No. of Deals 72 68 29 40 53 1 263

Current Price 8.20 9.40 78.00 4.09 11.00 19.75

Quantity Traded 1,106,866 896,682 49,002 1,894,562 905,743 10 4,852,865

Value Traded 9,036,014.25 8,446,140.15 3,754,657.99 7,649,055.77 9,968,088.65 197.60 38,854,154.41

Symbol CADBURY NESTLE

No. of Deals 40 28 68

Current Price 78.00 1,090.00

Quantity Traded 128,267 38,293 166,560

Value Traded 9,551,968.75 41,636,374.75 51,188,343.50

Symbol VITAFOAM VONO

No. of Deals 24 1 25

Current Price 4.19 1.44

Quantity Traded 726,319 Page 5,000 731,319

3 2,999,211.28 of 13 6,850.00

Symbol PZ UNILEVER

No. of Deals 28 51 79

Current Price 36.55 55.00

Quantity Traded 119,689 934,758 1,054,447

Value Traded 4,302,211.84 51,264,170.55 55,566,382.39

9,022,262

486,338,844.53

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals

Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

270

Symbol NPFMCRFBK

No. of Deals 15 15

Current Price 0.84

Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services INFINITY TRUST MORTGAGE BANK PLC RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS PLC Mortgage Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals

Symbol INFINITY RESORTSAL

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 1.61 0.50

Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FBN HOLDINGS PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. NIGERIA ENERYGY SECTOR FUND ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UBA CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals

Symbol AFRIPRUD CUSTODYINS FBNH FCMB NESF ROYALEX STANBIC UBCAP

No. of Deals 67 25 482 65 6 5 46 70 766

Current Price 3.26 3.90 16.00 4.37 552.20 0.51 27.00 2.35

2,373

Value Traded 2 490,000.00 of 13

10,974,461.99 7,059,898.00 8,610.00 316,953,647.36 335,486,617.35

OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment Services Activity Summary on and Board EQTYTotals OILIntegrated AND GAS Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services

Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals

3,006,061.28

Published by The Nigerian Exchange © Petroleum andStock Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals

Page Quantity Traded 772,075 772,075

5 of 13 Value Traded 644,323.00 644,323.00

Quantity Traded 100 200,000 200,100

Value Traded 168.00 100,000.00 100,168.00

Quantity Traded 1,467,126 599,770 287,984,912 11,438,930 11,075 254,883 1,006,996 4,676,900 307,440,592

Value Traded 4,774,808.38 2,309,401.34 4,652,856,600.67 50,121,805.53 5,809,924.25 130,049.83 27,126,702.81 10,955,036.35 4,754,084,329.16

496,602,787

6,858,564,058.10

30,592,840.98

of

Value Traded 633.66 633.66

Symbol MORISON

No. of Deals 1 1

Current Price 1.91

Quantity Traded 4,000 4,000

Value Traded 7,280.00 7,280.00

No. of Deals 8 23 10 13 10 2 (Equities) 66

Current Price 2.43 3.10 68.00 1.75 1.38 1.50

Quantity Traded 105,025 2,890,726 3,916,488 828,245 105,585 285 7,846,354

Value Traded 247,367.75 8,937,704.02 255,046,974.96 1,414,132.35 144,130.20 407.55 265,790,716.83

7,850,533

265,798,630.49

Symbol EVANSMED FIDSON GLAXOSMITH MAYBAKER NEIMETH PHARMDEKO Daily Summary

68 Symbol COURTVILLE

No. of Deals 1

Current Price 0.59

Quantity Traded 4,000

Value Traded 2,280.00

Symbol CWG NCR TRIPPLEG

No. of Deals 3 5 1 9

Current Price 5.00 15.20 1.97

Quantity Traded 65,080 107,800 136 Page 173,016

Value Traded 309,130.00 1,633,100.00 255.68 13 7 of 1,942,485.68

1

Daily Summary of 03/07/2014 OIL ANDas GAS Totals Printed 03/07/2014 15:23:29.029 SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals

4,000

10 Symbol ASHAKACEM BERGER CAP CCNN DANGCEM DNMEYER Daily Summary PORTPAINT WAPCO Symbol CUTIX Symbol NIWICABLE

Symbol AVONCROWN BETAGLAS VANLEER

No. of Deals 78 6 23 66 14 3 (Equities) 9 33 232 No. of Deals

177,016

1,944,765.68

Current Price 28.15 9.00 38.50 11.40 244.50 1.11 5.42 112.98

Quantity Traded 1,474,354 17,519 220,900 2,049,695 42,131 11,794 169,107 100,642 4,086,142

Value Traded 41,843,507.05 150,233.02 8,547,950.33 23,125,522.02 10,206,453.35 13,073.95 915,032.45 11,245,126.65 96,046,898.82

1.97 Current Price 0.50

Current Price

Quantity Traded 1,628,166 Quantity Traded 6,000 1,634,166 Page

Value Traded 3,056,417.02 Value Traded 3,000.00 8 3,059,417.02 of 13

No. of Deals 3 2 1 6

Current Price 1.69 16.30 12.08

Quantity Traded 10,171 76,000 700 86,871

Value Traded 17,188.99 1,236,930.00 8,876.00 1,262,994.99

5,807,179

100,369,310.83

Quantity Traded 200 200

Value Traded 100.00 100.00

200

100.00

263 Symbol MULTIVERSE

2,280.00

24 No. of Deals 1 25

No. of Deals 2 2

NATURAL RESOURCES Totals

Value Traded

6

Packaging/Containers AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS BETA GLASS CO PLC. GREIF NIGERIA PLC Packaging/Containers Totals

NATURAL RESOURCES Mining Services MULTIVERSE PLC Daily Summary as of 03/07/2014 Mining Services Totals Printed 03/07/2014 15:23:29.029

Value Traded 49,684,537.80 13,504,290.93 19,196,899.27 109,372,403.26 181,926,125.54 21,325,085.55 6,729,598.48 Value Traded 26,387,915.28 10,714,464.07 758,468.00 1,542,591.56 1,632,000,017.22 2,073,142,396.96 4 of 13 Value Traded 2,449,504.07 3,226,025.20 1,236,457.50 120,362.50 5,800.00 235,094.50 5,300.00 2,934,743.26 1,873,031.86 12,055,606.98 5,000.00 808,000.00 62,651.48 21,625.00 1,100.00 4,481.00 5,548,057.63 Value Traded

Page

Quantity Traded 179 179

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals

Quantity Traded 5,114,176 2,143,110 1,170,016 54,416,582 6,267,022 6,495,471 2,926,098 Quantity Traded 3,348,574 1,077,577 1,516,936 1,619,030 65,016,539 151,111,131 Page Quantity Traded 3,058,677 3,109,565 2,472,915 240,725 11,600 468,189 10,600 1,077,550 3,468,559 14,393,513 10,000 1,616,000 122,654 43,250 2,200 8,962 6,963,930 Quantity Traded 37,078,889

IT Services COMPUTER WAREHOUSE GROUP PLC NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © IT Services Totals

ElectronicGOODS and Electrical Products INDUSTRIAL CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Electronic and Stock Electrical Products Published by The Nigerian Exchange © Totals

Current Price 102.53

Current Price 9.70 6.28 16.50 2.00 29.21 3.26 2.28 Current Price 7.89 10.00 0.50 0.95 25.11

Computer Based Systems Totals

CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC DN MEYER PLC. PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC. Building Materials Activity Summary onTotals Board EQTY

No. of Deals 22 22

Symbol No. of Deals ACCESS 145 DIAMONDBNK 64 Daily ETISummary (Equities) 79 FIDELITYBK 96 GUARANTY 287 SKYEBANK 88 STERLNBANK 36 Symbol No. of Deals UBA 132 UBN 57 UNITYBNK 13 WEMABANK 20 ZENITHBANK 303 1,320

ICT Computer Based Systems COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC

INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC Daily Summary as of 03/07/2014 BERGER PAINTS PLC Printed 03/07/2014 15:23:29.029 CAP PLC

Symbol 7UP

595

Current Price 3.72

ICT Totals

Current Price 10.17 194.21 28.95 2.58 172.00

Daily Summary (Equities)

Quantity Traded Page 50,000 56,784 243,900 3,500 1,842,985 2,197,169

No. of Deals 1 1

Activity Summary on Board EQTY HEALTHCARE Totals

No. of Deals 2 35 16 2 83 138

Current Price 0.82 1.08 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 2.70 0.54 0.84 0.50 0.50 0.52 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.81 Current Price

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

181,823,038.21

Current Price 5.30

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Symbol No. of Deals AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AIICO 46 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONTINSURE 12 CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. CORNERST 22 EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC. EQUITYASUR 3 GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. GUINEAINS 2 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTENEGINS 8 LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LASACO 1 Daily Summary as of 03/07/2014 MANSARD INSURANCE PLC MANSARD 15 Printed 03/07/2014 15:23:29.029 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. MBENEFIT 13 N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NEM 44 NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. NIGERINS 1 OASIS INSURANCE PLC OASISINS 9 Daily Summary (Equities) PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE 6 REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC REGALINS 9 Activity Summary on Board EQTY SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC SOVRENINS 2 UNIC INSURANCE UNIC 1 FINANCIAL SERVICES PLC. WAPIC INSURANCE PLC and Services WAPIC 76 Insurance Carriers, Brokers Symbol No. of Deals

FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals

25,314,589

No. of Deals 2 2

UAC-PROP Daily Summary (Equities)

Pharmaceuticals EVANS PLC. Daily Summary as ofMEDICAL 03/07/2014 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC Printed 03/07/2014 15:23:29.029 GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC PHARMA-DEKO PLC. Pharmaceuticals Totals

Value Traded 29,895.68 82,859.12 Value Traded 22,110.00 127,514,674.68 54,173,498.73 1 of 13 181,823,038.21

Symbol ARBICO

Activity Summary on Board EQTY CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Published by The Nigerian BREW. Stock Exchange © CHAMPION PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. JOS INT. BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals

91

Medical Supplies MORISON INDUSTRIES PLC. Medical Supplies Totals

Symbol EKOCORP

Current Price 0.50

2

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price 63 63

0.53

Quantity Traded 4,302,475 4,302,475

Value Traded 2,280,771.25 2,280,771.25

Symbol OANDO Symbol

No. of Deals 621 No. of Deals

Current Price Current 27.48 Price

Quantity Traded 9,464,028 Quantity Traded

Value Traded 259,573,765.11 Value Traded 259,573,765.11

Symbol CONOIL ETERNA FO MOBIL MRS TOTAL

No. of Deals 37 56 130 30 9 18 280

Current Price 65.40 4.50 207.00 135.06 63.18 173.00

Page Quantity Traded 79,004 1,829,710 392,365 72,418 2,958 15,846 2,392,301

9Value Traded of 13 4,911,021.53 8,205,689.77 81,588,079.57 9,903,042.48 177,568.74 2,719,804.53 107,505,206.62

Symbol SEPLAT

No. of Deals 29 29

Current Price 720.50

Quantity Traded 34,204 34,204

Value Traded 25,040,707.27 25,040,707.27

16,193,008

394,400,450.25

JAPAULOIL

621

9,464,028

993 Symbol RTBRISCOE

No. of Deals 8 8 (Equities)

Current Price 1.06

Quantity Traded 169,263 169,263

Value Traded 178,549.89 178,549.89

Symbol REDSTAREX

No. of Deals 28 28

Current Price 4.81

Quantity Traded 815,346 815,346

Value Traded 3,988,252.38 3,988,252.38

Symbol CILEASING

No. of Deals 12 12

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded Page 865,093

Hotels/Lodging CAPITAL HOTEL PLC IKEJA HOTEL PLC Hotels/Lodging Totals

Symbol CAPHOTEL IKEJAHOTEL

No. of Deals 1 1 2

Current Price 4.50 0.80

Quantity Traded 100 8,000 8,100

Value Traded 428.00 6,640.00 7,068.00

Media/Entertainment DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Media/Entertainment Totals

Symbol DAARCOMM

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 11,000 11,000

Value Traded 5,500.00 5,500.00

Symbol ACADEMY LEARNAFRCA UPL

No. of Deals 2 24 10 36

Current Price 1.71 1.52 4.46

Quantity Traded 11,800 587,187 126,050 725,037

Value Traded 19,578.00 891,748.44 562,730.00 1,474,056.44

Symbol ABCTRANS

No. of Deals 22 22

Current Price 0.86

Quantity Traded 2,307,778 2,307,778

Value Traded 1,984,781.98 1,984,781.98

Symbol NSLTECH

No. of Deals 2 2

Current Price 0.50

Quantity Traded 300 300

Value Traded 150.00 150.00

6 55 61

2.45 5.00

No. of Deals 53 53

Current Price 6.20

Courier/Freight/Delivery Activity Summary on Board EQTY RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals SERVICES

Employment Solutions Published by The Stock Exchange © C & Nigerian I LEASING PLC. Employment Solutions Totals

Printing/Publishing ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LEARN AFRICA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC. Daily Summary as of 03/07/2014 Printing/Publishing Printed 03/07/2014 15:23:29.029Totals Road Transportation ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC

Road as Transportation Daily Summary of 03/07/2014Totals Printed 03/07/2014 15:23:29.029 Specialty Activity Summary on BoardTECHNOLOGY EQTY SECURE ELECTRONIC PLC

Specialty Totals SERVICES Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange © NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING Activity Summary on Board EQTY COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals SERVICES Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals

Daily Summary

Daily Summary (Equities)

Daily Summary (Equities) Symbol No. of Deals Current Price AIRSERVICE NAHCO Symbol CAVERTON

865,093

Quantity Traded Page 105,000 1,314,935 1,419,935

Value Traded 10 435,446.50 of 13 435,446.50

Value Traded 11 246,900.00 of 13 6,496,290.93 6,743,190.93

Quantity Traded 1,302,625 1,302,625

Value Traded 7,946,013.96 7,946,013.96

226

7,624,477

22,763,010.08

EQTY Board Totals

5,224

570,824,053

8,355,195,193.69

Equity Activity Totals

5,224

570,824,053

8,355,195,193.69

SERVICES Totals

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund

Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals

Symbol NEWGOLD VETGRIF30

No. of Deals 1 2 3

Current Price 2,071.00 19.47

Quantity Traded 12 7,500 7,512

Value Traded 24,852.00 146,025.00 170,877.00

170,877.00

ETF Board Totals

3

7,512

ETP Activity Totals

3

7,512

Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

Page

12

Page

13

170,877.00 of

13

of

13

13 Published by The Nigerian Stock Exchange ©

47

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Why we endorsed 42.5mpa cement – Reps Philip Nyam

Abuja

T

Niger State Governor, Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu (right), congratulating Dr. Babaminin Sule, shortly after his swearing-in in Minna…yesterday

Oshiomhole cancels competency test ...restores pay of 936 teachers Cajetan Mmuta BENIN

A

fter several months of crisis leading to legal turf with teachers in primary and secondary schools over competency test and related matters, Edo State Government yesterday finally soft-pedalled on the planned competency test for teachers in the state.

The government also recalled the 936 teachers, whose names were deleted from the payroll over certificate discrepancies and age falsification.

Also, the government announced the immediate extension of the relativity to teachers in the state public schools.

The state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole who announced the cancellation during a meeting

with the teachers unions and the Nigeria Labour Congress at the government house said: “On assumption of office, it was very clear to me and my colleagues that our future is defined by the level of investment in education and the quality of the basic education we provide for our children and that is why we have devoted resources to the rebuilding of our Primary Schools, Junior and Senior Secondary Schools.

He stated that for him, “it was clear coming from my own background, I had obligation to restore dignity to the educational sector in the state. Basic Education is like the foundation of a house. If the foundation is weak, the building will collapse but if the foundation be strong, it will withstand

the test of time. It is easier to re-roof than to rebuild a complete house”.

The governor said that there was the need to ensure the future of the state is not compromised by compromising the future of the Edo child.

He also said there was the need to redefine the educational system in the state.”

He pointed out that the state government’s commitment to carry out competency test was informed by these broad facts, having discovered that “some of our teachers were not qualified or up to date with recent teaching methods.

Our insistence on the fact that competency test must be seen in this light.

According to him, “However, having listened to all suggestions and consultations with various groups, Government has

IG orders AIGs, CPs to prepare for violence-free 2015 polls Emmanuel Onani Abuja

A

s part of measures to ensure violencefree elections in 2015, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has directed zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) as well as commissioners of police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to carry out an analysis on possible threat to the elections.

The aim is to prepare police officers and men adequately for the elections, evolve new counter-ter-

rorism strategies and arrest the recurrent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in some parts of the country.

Going by a subsisting timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a few months ago, the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 14, 2015, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls are scheduled to hold two weeks after.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said the IG

gave the directive for the threat analysis in Abuja yesterday at the end of an emergency meeting with the top echelon of the force.

The statement said a painstaking appraisal of the overall security situation in the country was carried out at the meeting with a view to closing security gaps.

One of the strategies agreed upon, according to Mba, is for the AIGs and the CPs “to evolve new intelligence gathering and crime-fighting techniques and methodologies customised to suit their respective local challenges.”

agreed to set aside the Competency or Assessment test in order to re assure Edo workers that government has no intention to sack anyone.”

Oshiomhole said in place of the competency test, Government will introduce training and retraining for teachers and all others civil servants in the state, promising that welfare package would be provided during the training exercise.

“On the teachers with falsified age declaration with criminal intentions to cheat, government has resolved to pardon them and retire those whose records show that they are above 60 years, while those below 60 years are to return to the classroom with their names returned to the payroll and will benefit from the training programme.

he House of Representatives yesterday explained that it endorsed the high grade 42.5mpa quality cement for buildings in the country to prevent incessant building collapse in Nigeria.

Chairman of the House committee on Media and Public affairs, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, who disclosed this at a briefing yesterday said, "We endorsed the high grade cement to save the life of Nigerians that we represent here".

He said the recommendation of the ad hoc on building collapse led

by Hon. Yakubu Dogara was adopted by the whole house for the interest of the country and not to favour any particular manufacturer.

Answering questions on the position of the House on the ongoing suit between it and the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke on the N10 billion jet charter allegations, Mohammed explained that the House cannot be a judge in its own case, so has left the judiciary to do its job.

He explained that, "the matter is still in the court and we want to believe that judge should know what is right or wrong.

"But because the matter is before the court, one cannot freely speak on it until its outcome".

It will be recalled that the lawmakers had on Wednesday recommended the usage of 42.5mpa grade cement for standard construction works in Nigeria, saying it was less susceptible to misapplication as most stakeholders will prefer it to 32.5mpa.

The House also called for the creation of a cement fund from contributions of N10 per 50kg bag of cement produced in Nigeria and N20 only per 50kg of cement imported into Nigeria for the establishment of state-of-theart laboratories in all the geo-political zones within the period of three years.

The cement fund is to be managed by a task force to be set up by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB).

Police get NOUN special centre in Abuja Emmanuel Onani

he National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has opened a Special Study Centre, at the Dei-Dei Police Barracks, Abuja.

Speaking at the commissioning of the centre yesterday, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, assured that the Force will continue to give priority to education of officers and men of the Nigeria Police.

Abubakar noted that the facility was meant to serve the educational

T

needs of police personnel and other Nigerians.

Earlier, the Director of Police Education, Kabiru Ibrahim, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the initiative was part of efforts to develop manpower resources for the Force in particular, and Nigeria in general.

"With 20 schools within two years, there is no better gesture than to crown it all with what is being done today, the commissioning of the National Open University Special Study Centre.

Obanikoro is Tinubu's headache, says Lagos PDP Wale Elegbede he Lagos State chapter Tcratic of the People’s DemoParty (PDP) said

it will not take with kid gloves any direct or indirect action aimed at blackmailing or attacking any of its members as it approaches the 2015 general elections, adding that it will hold former Governor Bola Tinubu, responsible if any of its members, leaders or governorship hopefuls is harassed.

In a statement signed by the party's publicity secretary, Mr. Taofik Gani, the PDP said its stance is a reaction to Tinubu's allegation that the Minister of State for

Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro is concentrating more on politics than insecurity in the country.

Describing the former governor's assertion as reported in the media as an apparent fall out of the alleged roles attributed to Obanikoro for PDP to win Ekiti governorship election, the party said the outburst was the attitude of a drowning man struggling for political survival.

It stated: "The Lagos PDP describes the for mer Gover nor's public outburst as not only irrational, but a clear sign of a frustrated and desperate emperor who wants to hold on

to southwest and Lagos State in particular.

"On our part, we shall not underestimate the desperation of Tinubu. We,however, promise him that no hatchet plot against any of our members shall prosper."

While admonishing the All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader to come to terms with the new political realities in the South-West and Lagos in particular, the party said: "One of such is to accept the expiration of his control and the political superiority of Senator Obanikoro to defeat him in a free and fair election.

48 NEWS

OSUN 2014

INEC asks Osun REC to proceed on leave for safety discharged

Rufus Ajayi, an Ambassadors gets lessons in diplomacy from his employers Wale Elegbede

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday directed its Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Ambassador Rufus Akeju, to proceed

14.3%

on leave of absence.

The electoral body said the REC should proceed on leave for his own safety and as his contribution to ensuring the credibility of the governorship election coming up on August 6.

The commission in a statement signed by Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said Akeju has not been removed or redeployed as widely reported.

Part of the statement reads: “The REC was re-

The average percentage growth of air transport between 2010 and 2013.

Source: National Bureau of Statistics

quested by the commission to step aside against the backdrop of intense partisan acrimony over his person. He acceded to the request, knowing the effort being invested by INEC to make the Osun governorship election free, fair and credible.

“He has not been indicted for any offence, and the appeal by INEC for a stay of execution of the interlocutory order restraining the commission from recognising him as Osun REC still subsists.

“For avoidance of

63%

The percentage of individuals using the internet in Croatia in 2012.

Source: Itu.int

doubt, Ambassador Rufus Akeju remains INEC’s substantive Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State. But, another Resident Electoral Commissioner will hold fort for the period that Akeju will be away on his leave of absence.”

Stressing its commitment to conduct a smooth election in Osun, the commission said it would spare no effort in ensuring that the governorship election is successful, and that it meets the best possible standard of credibility.

70%

The percentage of irrigated agriculture uses of all water withdrawals on a global scale.

Source: Unesco.org

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Adeleke: Ede votes'll go to Aregbesola Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

ormer governor of FIsiaka Osun State, Senator Adeleke, yesterday

promised to deliver the two local governments in his country home, Ede, to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in the August 9 governorship election.

Adeleke, who made this promise in an interview with newsmen, assured the governor and members of the APC that there was no cause for alarm in fulfilling promise.

The former governor said he has no regret joining the All Progressives

…If he wins Ede, I will quit politics, says Omisore’ running mate ormer Speaker of the Fsembly Osun State House of Asand the running

mate of Senator Iyiola Omisore, in the August governorship election, Hon. Adejare Bello, has said that if former Governor Isiaka Adeleke, wins Ede in the election, he would quit politics and face his law profession squarely.

Bello, who also hails from Ede, where Adeleke is from, said he would deliver the town to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) without much ado.

He spoke in Ilesha, the country home of Governor Aregbesola, where

Deputy Governor, Osun State, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Initiator, Dream up; Speak up & Stand up Project/International Ambassador on Child Education Development, MissZuriel Oduwole, during a presentation of award to Osun state Governor Rauf Aregbesola as theMost Innovative Governor Supporting Education in Nigeria, at Government House Banquet Hall, Osogbo, in Osun State

...Agbaje warns against multiple voting Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

T

he new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje, yesterday warned stakeholders in the governorship election against multiple voting, saying that any-

change of nameS

Arisekola

Former Miss Adesiyan Adenike Adedoyin now Mrs Arisekola Adenike Adedoyin, Former documents remain valid. National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult And Non Formal Education and general public to take note

Lemoha

I formerly known and addressed as Magdaline Ikwuoma now wish to be Known and addressed as Magdaline Lemoha, all former documents remain valid. National Institute For Pharmaceutical Research and Development Idu- Abuja and general public to take note

one caught in connection with multiple voting or any such act against the electoral law would bag one year imprisonment.

The commissioner, who gave the warning while addressing newsmen in Osogbo, at the headquarters of the commission, gave N1million as option of fine for violators of the electoral law.

Agbaje said such offenders, if caught, would be prosecuted by INEC in line with the provision of the electoral law.

He added that the police could only assist in the prosecution process, explaining further that the legal department of INEC would do the prosecution.

He also warned those without voters’ cards not to venture to come near the polling booths, assuring that such would have

dire consequence.

He, however, charged political party leaders to caution their followers to play politics by the rule and eschew politics with bitterness, adding that; “This will go a long way in creating the enabling peaceful environment needed for the conduct of a free, fair, credible and acceptable governorship election in Osun State.”

The INEC boss, who hinted that between March 12 and 17, 2014, 149,884 eligible voters were registered during the CVR exercise, disclosing also that the total number of registered voters in the state stands at 1,406,454, and that arrangement for the distribution of the PVCs of those who registered during the CVR exercise have been concluded and would be given to them as soon

as they are received by the commission.

“As at today, 780,464 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) have been distributed out of the 1,256,569 received as at June 27, 2014 and this represents 62.11 percent of the total PVCs received in Osun State.”

He, however, assured stakeholders of free, fair and credible election come August 9, affirming that Osun State election will be more credible than that of Ekiti in content, logistics, security and the distribution of sensitive materials.

He remarked: “It is very important to further re-assure the people of Osun that the commission is determined more than ever before to conduct a very free, fair and credible governorship election on August 9, 2014 in the state.”

Congress (APC), which he described as a credible party, maintaining that all hands would be on deck to ensure the victory of the party at the poll.

Adeleke, who said he was fully on ground in the local governments, described his political ability as unbeatable even in the constituency.

He said all important members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the town have decamped with him to the APC, affirming also that with their support and that of the old members of the APC in the town, the winning chances of the party is 95 percent.

some members of the APC defected to PDP. The former speaker added that; “Adeleke is going nowhere in Ede politically, we are his eyes, souls, bodies and political footmen and now that he has defected to the APC, his winning chances in the two local governments of the town is bleak.

“Real grass root and serious minded politicians that were with him in the PDP did not follow him to the APC and he knows it that there is no magical power he could use to beat all these politicians in the election,” he added.

APC campaign manager relocates to Osogbo irector-General of Iyiola Omisore, would Dbesola’s Governor Rauf Areg- meet his waterloo at Re-Election the poll, as he could not Campaign Committee in Osun State, Senator Sola Adeyeye, yesterday said that he has relocated from Abuja to Osun State to coordinate the re-election campaign of the governor in the August 9, governorship election.

Adeyeye, who disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo, on the level of the preparedness of his committee, said the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator

withstand the governor in the election.

He also said that the weakest person to be presented as governorship candidate by the PDP to confront Aregbesola at the poll is Omisore, insisting that he is not a threat to them at all.

He added that the committee has commenced work to see that the electorate is well informed about the electoral process, so as to know how to go about their voting on election day.

Governor’s aide tasks electorate on permanent voters’ cards Adeolu Adeyemo Osogbo

hairman of GoverCRe-election nor Rauf Aregbesola Campaign Committee for Ila Federal Constituency, Hon. Sunday Akere, yesterday charged the electorate to ensure that they collect their per-

manent voters’ cards at INEC office to enable them perfor m their civic right on the day of election.

Akere made the charge while canvassing votes among residents of Edemosi, Ajaba, Oragun-Ejigbo and Alegbede areas of Ila Local Government.

AFRICA 49

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

APC: Jonathan’s re-election campaign is callous, insensitive Yekeen Nurudeen Abuja

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday criticised the campaign for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan by some of his supporters.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the campaign in the wake of the insurgency in the country as callous and insensitive, especially when the campaigners are camping at the same spot where those demanding the rescue of the over 200 Chibok girls have been holding their daily protests.

APC said the message being conveyed to Nigerians by such campaign was that Jonathan’s re-election of President Goodluck was more important than the security and welfare of the citizens.

It said: ‘’Were this not to be so, no responsible group will choose this time, when over 200 schoolgirls have been missing for over 80 days and the terror group Boko Haram is daily killing and maiming Nigerians, to launch a misguided re-election campaign for the president. If their daughters were among the missing school girls, will they be launching a political campaign for re-election rather than pushing for the girls’ release? ‘’To show their contempt for decency and as if they were intent on inflicting more pain on the parents and guardians of the missing girls, they

decided to position their campaign instrument, wheel-mounted electronic billboards, right at the Unity Fountain in Abuja where committed and patriotic Nigerians have been holding their own daily campaign for the safe return of the girls.’’

According to the party, the Jonathan administration, which it said had failed to provide purposeful leadership to stop the daily carnage in the country and ensuring the return of the missing girls, has apparently been secretly funding different groups to campaign for it. ‘’First there is the Protectors of Nigerian Posterity, then the Goodluck Initiative for Transformation 2015 and now the GEJites. With the expensive newspaper, television and social media adverts that these nebulous groups are running, it is clear they are being financed from a bottomless war chest, to which taxpayers have been unwilling contributors. ‘’It is sad that a government that apparently cannot adequately fund the war on terror, a government that has lost the initiative to terrorists, a government that cannot provide jobs for its teeming army of unemployed, a government that is running Nigeria aground has suddenly found huge funds to engage in a re-election campaign that is going nowhere, touting tokenism as achievements,’’ the party said.

It said if the presidency was not backing the groups, it should publicly

Sanusi, Abubakar preach peace Muhammad Kabir

Kano

T

he Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sunusi and his Gombe counterpart, Abubakar Shehu Abubakar has pledged to use their exalted positions to champion a lasting peace, progress and economic viability in the North.

The Emirs also expressed serious concern over the excessive killings and wanton destructions of properties by the insurgents, saying the situation calls for prompt attention by all well-meaning Northerners, because if care is not taking, the entire region would be gulp in long time crises.

They made the pledge during a solidarity visit by the Emir of Gombe on his Kano counterpart over his installation as the 14th Emir as well as to condole with the people of the ancient city over the demise of late Ado Bayero.

The Emir of Gombe noted that relationship between Kano and his Emirate Council span over 200 years with respect and

dignity, adding that in the whole of these years, over 80 percent of Gombe businessmen are resident in Kano, where they also run their businesses.

He recalled that he grew up even to see his father being so close to late Bayero.

According to him, they did almost everything, adding that his father usually solicit for the advice of Bayero before taking action on critical issues.

‘Therefore, I think the only way we could sustain such respect and understanding is by cooperating, more specifically now that our region is facing great challenges and uncertainties. Let us remain brothers in order to salvage ourselves from the dark period we found our selves’, he urged.

The monarch further appealed to the Emir of Kano to always include his council in whatever they doing that affect the ancient city because his respect and loyalty to ‘you as a person and the Kano Emirate Council is a permanent one, due to our antecedents and that of our great-grand fathers.’

dissociate itself from them and then call them to order.

Meanwhile, APC has raised the alarm that the federal government is losing the war on terror, which has progressively gotten worse since the abduction of the Chibok girls over 80 days ago. ‘’Almost on a daily basis now, these terrorists have been striking at places and times of their own choosing, even as they are becoming more emboldened to carry their terror campaign right into the heart of the nation’s capital, Abuja. Innocent Nigerians are being killed and maimed in high numbers across several states ‘’Instead of cashing in on the global outcry that followed the abduction of

the over 200 Chibok girls to galvanize national and international action, not just support, the Jonathan Administration has been chasing shadows, pointing accusing fingers at innocent groups and people; harassing the media and curtailing individual freedoms ‘’One misguided pro-Jonathan commentator even said the attacks are occurring in states under the control of the APC, as if Bauchi and Kaduna are APC states. We have said it before and we will repeat it here: Boko Haram is a clear and present danger to all Nigerians: Christians and Muslims; men, women and children; the rich and the poor as well as people of all political

leanings and of all ethnic groups. ‘’When they want to throw their bombs, they do not ask if supporters or opponents of Jonathan are there. They do not ask if supporters of PDP or APC are there. They just kill, maim and destroy indiscriminately,’’ the party said.

It therefore reiterated its earlier call for a non-partisan approach to solving the Boko Haram crisis, an approach that will not factor in the 2015 political calculations, an approach that will not demonize a people of certain religion or ethnicity, an approach that will not divide Nigerians along primordial lines. ‘’This is why we have

offered our hand of cooperation that has yet to be accepted by the Federal Government. This is why we have called for a National Security Summit of all stakeholders to proffer solutions to the Boko Haram crisis. This is why we have reminded the FG that Boko Haram is not just a security issue, but also a social, economic and political crisis that must be tackled holistically,’’ APC said.

The party said the Jonathan Administration should have the humility to admit that whatever tactics it has been using against Boko Haram are not working and then reach out to all stakeholders to find a way out of the national quagmire.

L-R: National Coordinator, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Project Reloaded, Chief Richard Lammi, Ekiti State Governor-Elect, Dr. Ayo Fayose and Minister-delegate, Chief Dayo Adeyeye, during the Governor-elect’s courtesy call and thank you visit, to the Corporate Head Office of the Organization, in Maitama, Abuja

8%

The percentage of male above 60 years in Egypt in 2012.

Source: Un.org

Euro 9.8bn

The cumulative revenue of Europe’s ‘big five’ (England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France) leagues in 2013.

Source: Goal.com

180.5

The number of newspaper journalists per 1m inhabitants of United States in 2005.

Source: Blatantworld.com

Ekiti: PDP warns against looting of treasury Adesina Wahab

Ado-Ekiti

E

kiti State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a warning to civil servants against collaborating with the outgoing All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to loot the state's treasury.

According to a press statement issued by the party's State Publicity Secretary, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, in Ado-Ekiti Thursday, the party warned that any civil servant found to have assisted Fayemi administration in the illegal employment and issuance of backdated letters of appointment would face disciplinary action when the new government is in-

augurated.

Oluwawole also stated that civil servants discovered to have helped the outgoing government to loot the treasury would face disciplinary action.

Oluwawole alleged that Governor Fayemi directed a meeting of top civil servants held Wednesday to come up with a supplementary budget for the local government election he had scheduled for end of this month.

The PDP spokesman stated that civil servants involved in the drawn up of the budget and release of money for the election would not go unpunished.

He also alleged that the out-going governor approved different sums of money within a day with

the papers being perfected by civil servants.

Oluwawole alleged that about three billion naira had been withdrawn from the state's treasury within the last two weeks.

According to him, a sum of N184,863,211.19, N406,293,791.08 and another N604m was collected within a day for the purchase of furniture that would be used at the New Government House which is yet to be completed.

It was equally alleged that the governor made an approval N1.9 billion for the procurement of medical equipment for Oba Rufus Adejugbe General Hospital Ado-Ekiti all within one week.

"We've gathered that

the government is planning to plunge Ekiti State into another round of bond chasing because of the intention of the outgoing governor and his men to milk Ekiti dry before leaving the government in October.

"We wonder why the APC government is doing this now that the people of Ekiti have rejected them by voting out Governor Kayode Fayemi in the June 21 election.

Oluwole added, it is unfortunate that what Fayemi determined to do in his second time in office which the people of Ekiti State have denied him he wants to capture in the remaining three months that he will still be in office", the party alleged.

50 WORLD | NEWS

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Ukraine president appoints new defence officials

U

kraine’s president shook up the leadership of his struggling military yesterday, appointing a new defense minister and top general tasked with stamping out the corruption that has left the country’s armed forces faltering before a pro-Russian insurgency.

President Petro Poroshenko denounced the “complete collapse” of the government’s ability to supply the armed forces in a sometimes angry speech in parliament. He won approval for his choice of Valery Heletey as defence minister, replacing

Mikhailo Koval. Lt. Gen. Viktor Muzhenko was appointed chief of the military’s general staff.

“Today the revival of the army is starting from the scratch, the army which is capable of fighting and winning,” Poroshenko said in parliament. “I have witnessed that during meetings with soldiers and officers while visiting the zone of anti-terrorist operations. The army which knows how to and is able to defend its people and country.” Kiev has struggled to re-assert control over the country’s industrial east, where fighting between

Heletey

government troops and pro-Russia separatists has claimed more than 400 lives since April. The army has

been unable to prevent rebels from occasionally cruising the countryside in armoured vehicles or to dislodge them from the occupied town of Slovyansk. Heletey is a former senior Interior Ministry official who headed the government service that protects top officials.

Poroshenko also appointed Yury Kosyuk, an agriculture magnate and one of Ukraine’s richest men, to oversee defense issues in the presidential administration, and promised to “purge the army of thieves and grafters.” Accusations of

corruption have been rife as Kiev’s operation against the rebels continues. At one point, Poroshenko was interrupted by a woman in the hall shouting that the Ukrainian army was killing children.

After a moment’s pause he answered forcefully that “we will not tolerate any attempt to humiliate and dishonor our army,” winning loud applause from the deputies. Ukraine’s UNIAN news agency identified the woman as a deputy from a party with support among Russian speakers. This could not immediately be confirmed.

Gunmen kill Somali lawmaker

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unmen killed a Somali lawmaker and his bodyguard in a drive-by shooting in the capital yesterday, police said.

The latest attack was by by suspected Islamic militants who have vowed to step up violence during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Mohamed Mohamud Heyd, his bodyguard, a parliamentary aide and another lawmaker were on their way to attend a parliamentary meeting in Mogadishu when their car was sprayed with bullets, said Capt. Mohamed Hussein of the Somali police. The attack happened near the fortified presidential palace, considered one of the safest places in Mogadishu, he said. Heyd and the bodyguard were killed, and the other two were injured, he said.

The Islamic extremist group al-Shabab, which frequently car-

ries out deadly assaults in Mogadishu, claimed responsibility for the attack. Al-Shabab is increasingly targeting lawmakers at a time when the country’s parliament is emerging as a pillar of democracy in the Horn of Africa nation.

Heyd is the third lawmaker killed in attacks this year. Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed condemned the attack, saying in a statement that such a “criminal act only promotes violence, distress and grief in our community.”

Al-Shabab militants had previously carried out attacks against United Nations staff, government officials, African Union peacekeepers and last year on an upscale mall in Nairobi, the capital of neighboring Kenya which has sent troops into Somalia to battle al-Shabab.

Taliban fire rockets at Kabul airport

T

aliban insurgents fired rockets into Kabul international airport yesterday, setting a hanger ablaze but no casualties were reported, officials said, in an attack that underlined security fears in the Afghan capital.

The rockets landed on the military side of the airport, which includes a large NATO base as well as a separate terminal for civilian flights to cities such as Dubai, New Delhi and Istanbul.

“Three rockets have landed inside the military garrison of Kabul airport from an undisclosed location,” a statement from Kabul police said. “Part of the area where the rockets landed has caught fire.”

Mohammad Yaqub Rassouli, head of the airport, said that firefighters rushed to put out the blaze in a hanger con-

taining spare parts as military flights were halted.He said civilian planes were not affected.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid in an email message sent to AFP claimed responsibility for the attack on the airport, which has been targeted several times in recent years. “There is loss of life and financial losses to the airport, and several planes were torched,” the Taliban said.

The insurgents often exaggerate the impact of their attacks. The strike comes a day after a Taliban suicide bomber in Kabul killed eight military officers travelling on a military bus.

The Afghan capital has been relatively peaceful since the presidential election on June 14, though there have been street demonstrations as politicians are locked in a dispute over vote fraud.

Somali Members of Parliament and well wishers.

T

wo men were killed in a bomb blast in Cairo yesterday, security sources said, one of several explosions on the anniversary of the army’s removal of Egypt’s elected Islamist president Mohamed Mursi.

Security was tight in Cairo as armoured personnel carriers blocked off the city’s central Tahrir Square, one year after former army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, now Egypt’s new president, deposed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood. The explosion occurred in a flat in Kerdasa, a western district of the capital, where around 10 policemen were killed in an Islamist mob attack last summer, the security sources said.

Another explosive device detonated on Thursday in a car near the Abbasiya presidential palace in northeastern Cairo and three home-made bombs went off near police cars in the central district of Imbaba without causing injuries, the sources added. There were no immedi-

Two dead in Cairo blasts on anniversary of Mursi’s ouster ate claims of responsibility.

Cairo has been hit by a spate of small blasts in recent days.

Two police officers were killed on Monday trying to defuse bombs planted near the presidential palace. Last week, a series of makeshift bombs exploded at Cairo metro stations, the first in the capital since Sisi was sworn in as president.

In the period following Mursi’s overthrow last July amid mass protests against his rule, security services unleashed a crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood politicians, activists and street protesters, jailing thousands and killing hundreds in clashes and raids. Since then, some radical Islamist groups have repeatedly targeted police and soldiers in the capital and elsewhere, mostly by planting makeshift bombs. The Muslim

Brotherhood, which Egypt has declared a terrorist organization, denies any link to the violence. However, opponents of Mursi’s ouster have called for mass protests following afternoon prayers yesterday.

“On July 3, Egyptians will revolt, marking the beginning of the end of the coup, marching from all towns and cities across Egypt to liberty squares in all provinces,” the anti-coup alliance said in a statement released late two days ago.

A Reuters witness said clashes had already broken out in the upscale Cairo district of Mohandiseen yesterday. The Muslim Brotherhood’s political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party, said on its Facebook page that protests had also begun in the impoverished Cairo districts of Haram and Materiya.

SPORT

51 NEW TELEGRAPH

newtelegraphonline.com/sports

ADEKUNLE SALAMI, DepUTY Editor, SPORTS kunle.salami@newtelegraphonline.com

AUTHORITATIVE VOICE IN GLOBAL SPORT

FRIday, July 4, 2014

Oliseh backs African players’ cash demands

F

ormer Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, has thrown his weight behind African players’ monetary demands which has largely contributed to the woeful performance of the teams at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

African sides have flattered to deceive in Brazil, while off the field they have been embroiled, not for the first time, in a series of pay disputes, once again leading to speculation that they did not have their minds on the job at hand.

But Oliseh, who played in two World Cups for Nigeria and is now a member of FIFA’s Technical Study Group, says it goes much deeper than that and that the bad press the African nations have received isn’t justified.

Because of their unique cultural background, he argues, their financial responsibilities stretch far beyond their own ends.

“I would refute the suggestion that African players are not as committed, in fact I’d say they are more committed,” said Oliseh who won 63 caps for Nigeria and played for a raft of European clubs. “When you look at the responsibilities African players have to carry, the culture is a fa-

miliar one. It’s built around families.

“If you are earning €100, it’s not just for your wife and kids, it’s for your wife, kids, brother, cousin, aunt, sister and wife’s brother. School fees for this and that. In some kind of way, we are drained. But it’s a drain we accept and do not complain about.

He added that most African football federations have failed to live up to expectations.

“So when African players come to the World Cup, it’s not all about money, it’s because of the fact that most of them have (been made) certain promises and these promises have not been fulfilled. It’s very easy to apportion blames, but it’s a general thing because the situation is different. My mailbox is full with questions about this isFatawu Dauda of Ghana sue,” he said.

Yobo (left) and Omeruo

Cameroo

n nationa l team

Plateau court sacks Maigari, NFF Board lDanagogo appoints Katiken Acting secretary

Maigari

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High Court sitting in Plateau State has restrained the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari; the Executive members of the NFF; and the Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction filed by a Plaintiff, Ebiakpo Rumson Baribote, the owner of Nembe FC.

Mrs. Baribote had through her Counsel, S. D. Ekara, holding brief for T. D. Quidon, filed a Suit, No PLD/J 342/2014, praying the Court to grant an Order of Interim Injunction restraining the 2nd Defendant (Alhaji Aminu Miagari) and all the Committee and Congress of the 1st Defendant (the Nigeria Football Federation) from further controlling, commanding or managing the affairs of the 1st Defendant and all Football matters in Nigeria pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Inter-

locutory Injunction filed in the case.

Consequently, the presiding Judge, Justice P. L. Lot, declared: “That Interim Injunction is granted restraining the 2nd Defendant, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, and all other purported members of the Executive Committee and Congress of the 1st Defendant (NFF) from further Controlling, Commanding or Managing the Affairs of the 1st defendant and all Football matters in Nigeria pending the hearing, and determination of the Motion on Notice.

“An Order of mandatory injunction is granted compelling the 4th Defendant (Minister of Sports) to appoint a senior members of the civil service in the 1st Defendant (NFF) to command , control and manage the affairs of the said 1st Defendant and the Football matters in Nigeria pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice in this matter.”

Justice Lot therefore fixed July 11, 2014 for hearing on the Motion on Notice.

Sequel to court declaration, the Minister of Sports, Dr. Tam-

my Danagogo, has appointed Lawrence Katiken, the most senior staff at the NFF, to take over as acting Secretary General and run football matters.

A letter personally signed by Danagogo, addressed to Katiken, reads in part: “Further to Suit No. PLD/J 342/2014 and an order of mandatory injunction, issuing from Hon. Justice PL Lot,….you (Lawrence Katiken) are hereby directed to act as Secretary General of the NFF, and to take over the full management of the NFF. “You are to hold this position pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice in the referenced suit.”

52

SPORT

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Andreas Brehme played a leading role the last time Germany won the FIFA World Cup, that is common knowledge among football fans, especially as he scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the Final against Argentina at Italy 1990. The 53-year-old in this interview with fifia.com speaks about that encounter, the current tournament in Brazil and Friday’s quarter-final between his compatriots and France in Rio de Janeiro.

Have you been following the World Cup closely so far?

Of course! I’m a footballer through and through and have experienced tournaments like this myself. It’s only natural to watch what’s going on there.

Which teams have impressed you most?

Honestly? I’d have to say the Netherlands.

They had some difficulties against a very strong Mexico side, but otherwise I think they’re the ones with the clearest system and structure. I’ve enjoyed watching France too, though. Our team will have to improve another 100 per cent if they want to win on Friday.

So you have not yet been entirely convinced by Germany?

I didn’t say that. Our team hasn’t played badly so far and they deserve to be in the quarter-finals.

But if we play as we did

FIFA WORLD CUP

Germany, France game will be special –Brehme went in the bottom right corner. I think the French goalkeeper [Joel Bats] could probably have done better with it.

against Algeria then France will definitely knock us out. They’re a different calibre of opponent.

What characterises matches between Germany and France?

Games like that are always classics. It’s always a special occasion when the big European nations such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy and England meet at a major tournament. The players feel that too. Those kinds of matches live long in people’s memories and you’re well aware of it as a player.

Does that mean you view France as favourites to win the match?

No, because our team know that it’s crunch time now. Germany have always been a tournament side. The lads have got a huge game on Friday so they’ll be focusing on putting in a top-class performance there. As a German player you know when it’s time to step up.

Can you remember Germany’s last victory over France at a World Cup? Yes, that was in the semi-finals at Mexico 1986. France had a very, very strong team, especially in midfield: [Michel] Platini, [Luis] Fernandez, [Yannick] Stopyra and [Bruno] Bellone were all quality players.

Fortunately, we managed

Brehme

to beat them 2-0.

And you scored the allimportant opening goal in the ninth minute…

I still remember it well.

We had a free-kick on the right-hand corner of the penalty box. Felix Magath teed me up and my shot

What sort of game are you expecting?

If our team can improve, which I really hope and expect they will do, it’ll be a very evenly-balanced match. Both teams have got fantastic players with great quality. At the end of the day, maybe a world-class player like Manuel Neuer will be the deciding factor. The way he played against Algeria was incredible. In my opinion, he’s been one of the players of the tourna-

ment so far.

Who else would you include in that category?

That’s a tough one because there are quite a few.

I’ve been very impressed by the Netherlands’ Memphis Depay, and Arjen Robben is in sensational form as well. I’d have to add Colombia’s James Rodriguez too. Nobody had him on their radar before the tournament started, but he’s a superb player.

To conclude, which team are your favourites to lift the title?

It’s difficult to say this year because no team has been at their best all the way through. As I said earlier, the Netherlands and France have impressed me the most, but our team is also in the running.

You can’t discount Brazil because they’ve got wonderful individual players and as hosts they have the support of the fans behind them. Argentina are vulnerable in defence, but are unbelievable in attack. I think we’ve still got a lot of exciting games to look forward to.

Armero, Colombia’s dance master P ara was the first to score, and he celebrated by placing his hands on his head and swaying his hips.

Then it was the turn of Neymar, who went for a different routine. But what few people had bargained for that afternoon at the Estadio Vila Belmiro in Santos was that, in the land of samba, the true dance master would be a Colombian.

“My Palmeiras team was playing Santos,” said the man in question, Cafetero left-back Pablo Armero, taking up the story. “They took the lead, with Neymar, Robinho and Ganso celebrating the goals by doing a little dance. But then we equalised. I put a cross in and my team-mate Robert scored, and we started to dance too. The opposition fans were shouting at us, but when they saw the way I was dancing they started to laugh.”

Armero’s frenetic dance that afterArmero noon, back in 2010, became known as

Armeration and was loudly applauded by Palmeiras fans. And judging by events in Colombia’s debut match against Greece at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, the celebratory routine is very much alive and well.

It was Armero who set the South Americans on the way to a 3-0 win against the Greeks with the opening goal, one that prompted him to reprise his signature piece of choreography, with Armeration quickly becoming a trending topic on Brazilian Twitter feeds. “It’s great that people still remember it,” said the chuckling defender, in conversation with FIFA. com.

Colombia earned their status as one of the sensations of Brazil 2014 thanks to their entertaining football, James Rodriguez’s electrifying form and, of course, the goal celebrations orchestrated by the loose-limbed Armero and faithfully recreated by

his team-mates.

Having made a little piece of history by downing Uruguay in the Round of 16 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, the Colombians are understandably feeling pretty pleased with life. That said, Armero is determined to keep his feet on the ground, explaining that he and his team-mates are nowhere near fulfilling their expectations yet.

“We are working hard to go as far as we can,” he said. “We knew from the very first game that it wasn’t going to be easy, and our approach is to take things one step at a time. We haven’t come here to enjoy ourselves, but to give our all and go for glory.”

The next obstacle for the freewheeling Colombians is none other than hosts Brazil. Looking ahead to this Friday’s duel at Fortaleza’s Estadio Castelao, Armero said: “It’s going to be a great game because both sides like to play good football.”

53

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

world cup update

I am ready to face Colombia –Neymar

N

EYMAR is fully fit and ready to lead Brazil one step closer to their first World Cup on home

soil.

The Barcelona forward scored the winning penalty against Chile last week, but was battered and bruised by the end of the second-round clash in Belo Horizonte.

He had to leave the pitch for treatment on two occasions after taking knocks to his knee and thigh.

But Neymar is making good progress in his

recovery and says he will be fit to take part in Brazil’s quarter-final clash against Colombia in Fortaleza on Friday night.

Speaking after participating in Brazil’s training session at their Teresopolis base, Neymar said: “I am able to play against Colombia.

“I have no pain. I feel very well trained and rest assured, I’m fine.”

“The game against Chile was exciting for everyone.

But the team does not have any emotional problem in the group.”

F

T

Islam Slimani

IFA president, Sepp Blatter, has revealed his pleasure at the success of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The tournament has seen a record-breaking number of goals scored, while a number of planned protests are yet

Neymar

Brazil may still be favourites to win the World Cup, but the deficiencies in their team are clear for all to see.

Algerian players donate World Cup money to Gaza people he Algerian World Cup team has decided to donate their team salary of $9 million they got after their Round of 16 match with Germany to the people of Gaza, revealed one of the squad’s forwards.

“They need it more than us,” 26-year old Islam Slimani, whose club is Sporting Lisbon.

The manager of the team hasn’t yet officially confirmed Slimani’s statement.

Blatter hails World Cup success

Germany needed extra time to beat Algeria and reach the quarterfinals.

The Desert Foxes from North Africa won the respect of the football fans after the team became one of the leaders in Group H. The Algerians pushed through round of 16 for the first time, giving their fans plenty of reasons to cheer and smile.

Algeria were the only Arab country playing in the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup.

All that means more pressure on Neymar, but he has no doubts about his ability nor that of his teammates.

Shakira, Wyclef for closing ceremony

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olombian pop star, Shakira, and hip hop artist Wyclef Jean, will perform at the World Cup’s closing ceremony in Brazil.

Shakira will be at the World Cup for the third time and sing her “La la la (Brazil 2014)” with Brazil’s Carlinhos Brown ahead of the July 13 final at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium.

Wyclef, guitarist Carlos Santana and Alexandre Pires will combine on Dar Um Jeito, the main theme song for the World Cup.

Colombia workers get time off for Brazil game

C

o l o m b i a n P re s i d e n t , Juan Manuel Santos, has given government workers Friday after noon off to watch the national team play Brazil in the quarterfinals of the football World Cup. The president will fly to Brazil to watch the match played in Fortaleza.

The progress of Colombia to the quarter-finals has sent the country into a state of national euphoria.

The president decreed that F riday after noon would be a “civic day” so that gover nment workers could finish work at 13:00

Santos

Shakira

Blatter

Obama calls USA players heroes B

arack Obama has called USA’s World Cup heroes to praise them on their efforts in Brazil.

Jurgen Klinsmann’s side exited the tournament after falling to Belgium in a second-round epic in Salvador on Tuesday.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard was the star of the show against the Red Devils - his 16 saves a new tournament record.

Skipper Clint Dempsey led from the front throughout, netting against both Ghana and Portugal in the group stage.

And President Obama telephoned the pair to express his gratitude to the team and to let them

Matuidi fires warning to Germany B

laise Matuidi is lucky to be able to play in France’s World Cup quarter-final against Germany, but his presence on the field at the Maracana Stadium on Friday will be vital for Les Bleus.

The 27-year-old was fortunate to escape with just a yellow card in Monday’s last-16 win against Nigeria when a crunching tackle on Ogenyi Onazi left his opponent with a nasty Matuidi ankle injury.

to disrupt the running of the footballing showpiece.

“I am a very happy man today. It is a success of the country, of this game,” said Blatter at a seminar in Brazil.

“I would like to address my compliments to the people of Brazil. They accepted this World Cup. Let’s cross fingers, hoping that the last games will take place with the same pattern, the same atmosphere.”

The next fixture of the tournament takes place on Friday night, as France face Germany in the first game of the quarter-final stage.

Matuidi went into the Nigeria dressing room after France’s 2-0 win in Brasilia to apologise for the challenge.

Matuidi has made more passes than any of his colleagues, and covers more distance too, his stamina showing no sign of letting-up as he prepares to play in a 66th game for club and country since the start of the season.

“Germany are the favourites

know how proud the country back home is.

Howard’s heroics in Salvador have made him into a national icon overnight.

Such is the Everton man’s popularity Obama says he may have to shave off his famous beard to go unnoticed on his return.

Obama

because of their past record. But anything can happen in one match,” warns Matuidi, who recalled featuring in the France team that lost 2-1 to Joachim Loew’s side in a friendly in Paris last year. “[Mesut] Ozil was their playmaker and we played in a 4-4-2. He slipped in between the lines and gave us all sorts of problems.

But we have improved since then and this will be a different match.”

54 SPORT

Samba notes from Brazil Compiled by Adekunle Salami Trip to Brasilia

The trip to Brasilia for the Nigeria, France game was hectic.

The space I have here cannot be enough to talk about it. I went by road to know Brazil better but it was a stressful experience. It was 15 hours to and from Sao Paulo, which is my base. The vehicle that took me was a big Marcopolo vehicle produced here in Brazil. I was not comfortable as the vehicle was ‘dancing’ all over the place as if one was in plane experiencing turbulence. We had three stops on the way and observed same on the way back. The journey started 4.30pm local time in Brazil on Sunday and I returned 12noon on Tuesday.In between the period, 30 hours were spent on the road.

One way roads

In Brazil, 90 per cent of the roads are one way. This according to findings, is a deliberate attempt to reduce accidents on the road. Commercial vehicles like the buses move on top speed on the roads but the taxis are noted for average speed since they use metre to charge fares. Drivers are always careful to avoid accidents here because there are various rules on it. Any driver that hit anyone on the road will go to prison according to the law in Brazil, while a death penalty awaits the driver that knocks somebody dead on the road.

Roving Prof

There is a Nigerian here we simply call Professor. He is a lecturer from one of the Universities in Nigeria, but as I write this piece, we are all praying for him. Originally, Prof was staying in same hotel with me in Santana. This man is always restless.He is always going out even when people have been warning us not to go out alone.

Prof is our Mungo Park who discovers places for us. How he does it, we did not know initially. Later, we realised that Prof was moving at a fast speed blending with Brazilians especially the ladies.

He discovered the night market, discovered Nigerian restaurant in Republican among many others.

Each time we stepped out we see Prof in the mist of two, three ladies, young and old. This is his first time in Brazil and he does not speak Portuguese and so we wonder how this man has been exploring. A week ago, he moved out of the hotel and we hear he is staying with one of his ladies here in Santana. In recent times, he sees us in the street and simply waves to us bye. Prof is from the eastern part of the country and we pray he will not run into trouble here and also pray he returns to Nigeria. Amen!

Nigerians on the move

After the ouster of the Super Eagles from the ongoing World Cup, so many Nigerians are on the move. Expectedly, government functionaries and the Nigeria Football Federation officials started leaving on Tuesday. Many others also left here on Wednesday including fans, not supporters club, who came to watch Eagles games.

Journalists are not left out as over half of the Nigerian journalists have left here as I write this (Thursday) but some of us here to cover the World Cup and not the Super Eagles will stay till the end. Some journalists still here have changed hotels to more affordable ones since Brazil is very expensive in all aspects.

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Eagles made Africa proud –Moses Adekunle Salami Sao Paulo

S

uper Eagles midfielder, Victor Moses, has said that the team made Africa proud at the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.

Moses said the overall performance of the team was not a disgrace to the continent because the World Cup is a very big event.

He noted that some top teams did not make it to

the second round despite their pedigree in the round leather game.

The Chelsea player said; “It was unfortunate we crashed out to France, but we gave a good account of ourselves in the match and in the competition.

“In all the games we played we really gave a good fight.

People expected Argentina to whip us silly and it was a narrow victory recorded.

“Also against France, we had our chances, but were unlucky not to get goals and

they scored only few minutes to the end. Most of the other African teams did not play against big teams like we did. Losing to Argentina and France should not be an issue.

“We have learnt enough to do better in future competitions. Most of us were in the World Cup for the first time and I guess that also affected us a little.”

Moses stressed that the same Super Eagles team would get better in subsequent games for Nigeria.

Olofinjana faults Keshi over bench Adekunle Salami, Sao Paulo

A

former Super Eagles midfielder, Seyi Olofinjana, has faulted the 23-man final list of Stephen Keshi to the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.

Olofinjana came to Brazil from England as one of the commentators at the Mundial.

He argued that the reserve bench of the Nigerian team was too poor for the team to progress past the second round stage of the competition.

The former international noted that after the first 11 of the Eagles, getting a player to push the game was a difficult one for the handlers.

Olofinjana said; “Nigeria lost to France because

there was no replacement for Ogenyi Onazi who was injured. If there was or if Onazi had continued it could have been a different thing. His exit left a vacuum and I wondered why?

“In a 23-man team, there should be a reserve for almost all positions.

There was no other holding player apart from the two playing together.

Brazil 2014 Round of 16 Fixtures Saturday June Saturday June Sunday June Sunday June Monday June Monday June Tuesday July Tuesday July

28 28 29 29 30 30 1 1

QUARTER-FINALS Friday July 4 Friday July 4 Saturday July 5 Saturday July 5

Brazil V Chile 3-2 (P)5pm EstadioMineirao, Belo Horizonte Colombia V Uruguay 2-0 9pm Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro Netherlands vs Mexico 2-1 5pm Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza Costa Rica vs Greece 5-3 (P)9pm Arena Pernambuco, Recife France vs Nigeria 2-0 5pm Estadio Nacional, Brasilia Germany vs Algeria 2-1 9pm Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre Argentina vs Switzerland 1-0 5pm Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo Belgium vs USA 2-1 9pm Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Brazil V Colombia ? - ? 5pm France V Germany ? - ? 9pm Netherlands V Costa Rica ? - ? 9pm Argentina V Belgium ? - ? 5pm

Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro EstadioCastelao, Fortaleza Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador Estadio Nacional, Brasilia

Transfer Updates Kroos’ Madrid move denied

T

oni Kroos’ agent, Volker Struth, has said that no deal for his client has been finalised, amid reports in Spain that the Germany midfielder is set to sign with Real Madrid.

On Thursday, the Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Kroos will join Los Blancos on a five-year deal, adding that the deal will not be announced until the end of Germany’s World Cup campaign.

Struth neither confirmed nor denied the report in a brief comment for newswire dpa, saying: “Nothing has been resolved on our end.

Can completes Liverpool switch

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iverpool have completed the signing of Bayer Leverkusen’s Germany under-21 international midfielder Emre Can. The clubs agreed a £10m transfer for the 20-year-old last month, but had to wait until the summer transfer window opened on 1 July to finalise the deal.

“Emre is an exciting young talent and I’m delighted he’s chosen Liverpool,” Reds boss Brendan Rodgers said.

Ferdinand agrees QPR deal

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PR expect to complete the signing of Rio Ferdinand next week after manager Harry Redknapp confirmed the former Manchester United centreback has agreed to move to Loftus Road.

The towering 35-year-old defender is a free agent following his release by United in the summer and has agreed to take a significant pay cut to join the newly-promoted Premier League side.

Juve show interest in Nastasic

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erie A champions, Juventus, are seriously considering an £8million bid for Manchester City defender, Matija Nastasic, after the Serbian has failed to breakthrough into the side’s first-team.

The 21-year-old was signed by the Premier League club two years ago in a deal worth just over £10 million, and he was predicted to become one of the best young centre-backs in world football, but his growth hasn’t been as big as expected and he lost his place in the starting-XI last season.

Gladbach set sights on Hazard

SEMI-FINALS Tuesday July

8

[W57] V [W58]

9pm EstadioMineirao, Belo Horizonte

Wednesday July 9

[W59] V [W60]

9pm Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo

THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF Saturday July 12 [L61] V [L62] FINAL Sunday July

13

[W61] V [W62]

9pm Estadio Nacional, Brasilia

8pm Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro

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helsea youngster, Thorgan Hazard, is set foraseason-longloanmovetoGermany, with Borussia Monchengladbach his expected destination.

The 21-year-old, who is the brother of established Chelsea star, Eden Hazard, has spent the last two seasons on loan at Belgium side Zulte Waregem.

He won the Belgium Player of the Year award last season and was close to breaking into the national team ahead of the World Cup.

Prandelli in talks with Gala

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alatasaray are in talks with former Italy boss, Cesare Prandelli, about their vacant managerial post. The Istanbul club are looking for a new coach after parting company with Roberto Mancini just nine months into his tenure.

“Galatasaray Sportif has announced that they have begun negotiating with the Italian football manager Cesare Prandelli,” read a brief statement from Galatasary on Thursday. “The public will be updated about further developments.”

SPORT 55

Sanctity of Truth

Friday, July 4, 2014

Chukwumerije to miss WTF Grand Prix

Ajibade Olusesan

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eijing 2008 Olympics bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije, is set to miss out on one of the biggest global Taekwondo events – the WTF Grand Prix Series, which commences on Friday July 4 to 6 at the Suzhou Sports Centre in the Chinese city of Suzhou, due to the laxity and negligence of a representative of the China Taekwondo Association.

Chukwumerije is Nigeria’s sole Taekwondo athlete eligible for the WTF Grand Prix Series, and one of the few from Africa, who was to represent the African continent at this global

event.

Other participating athletes include nine Olympic medallists, including three double Olympic medal winners – Steven Lopez of the United States, Kyung-seon Hwang of Korea and Wu Jingyu of China. The other gold medalists are Argentina’s Sebastian Eduardo Crismanich, Great Britain’s Jade Jones, Serbia’s Milica Mandic and Italy’s Carlo Molfeta, Korea’s Dong-min Cha and Mexico’s Maria Espinoza.

The Suzhou Grand Prix event, the first of three Grand Prix series set for this year, is expected to attract a total of 236 top athletes from 57 countries.

Wimbledon 2014

Kvitova Earn Wimbledon Final Return

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ormer champion Petra Kvitova swept into her second Wimbledon final with a 7-6 (8/6), 6-1 victory over fellow Czech and close friend Lucie Safarova on Thursday.

Kvitova won her only Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2011 and the sixth seed is one Chukwumerije more victory away from lifting The Grand Prix events have a the Venus Rosewater Dish for direct impact on qualification the second time after seeing for the Rio 2016 Olympics, as off 23rd seed Safarova with 24 a massive 40 Olympic ranking winners and eight aces in 80 points are at stake. Only the minutes on Centre Court. world’s top 31 athletes in each The 24-year-old is back in a weight category, based on their April 2014 WTF Olympic ranking, are eligible for the tournament.

Grand Slam final for the first time since that surprise triumph against Maria Sharapova at the All England Club three years ago.

Kvitova will play Canadian 13th seed Eugenie in the final on Saturday.

“It’s great, definitely. I have a lot of emotion from this match,” Kvitova said. “It was a tough match mentally because she is good friend of mine and we know each other well on and off the court. I knew she would play her best tennis and she did.”

Nadal: Injury not to blame C’Wealth Game: NTTF names crack team as camp resumes for Wimbledon exit W Charles Ogundiya

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he Nigeria Table Tennis federation on Tuesday, named a crack 10-man team that will represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland later in the month.

Leading the team in the Men’s category is the current African champion and ITTF World Cup-bound Aruna Quadri, who will be joined by the continent’s most decorated

player, Segun Toriola. Others are Bode Abiodun, Jide Ogidiolu and former junior sensation Ojo Onaolapo.

Germany-based Funke Oshonaike will captain the female team, while other members are Edem Offiong, Cecilia OtuAkpan, Ganiat Ogundele and Rashidat Ogundele.

According to NTTF Secretary General, Chinedu EzealaOgundare, the players were selected based on their present

form and this was to ensure that Nigeria presented a formidable team that would compete for medals against top teams like Singapore, England and India.

According to the Secretary; “We believe we have been in camp since with the staging of the World Tour and also the final trials. We have now moved back to camp to ensure that we give our players the opportunity to train well before departing for a two-week training tour of Italy.”

orld number one Rafael Nad- in a match that came down to a al admits teenager Nick Kyr- serve and return contest as the gios was the bette0r player in the teenager blasted 37 aces and 70 last-16 upset as he targets another winners past the shell-shocked return to the All England Club.

Nadal.

“I tried my best, as I always do Nadal remains confident he can win another title at Wimble- when my physical performance don, a belief fuelled by having gives me the chance to try my injury-free knees that have been best. The last two years I didn’t tested to the limit in London, have that chance to try my best where the ball bounces lower, in- because my knee was not right creasing the stress factor on his to compete,” said Nadal. suspect joints.

“But this year I felt the knee He also pointed to only drop- was right to compete. I competed ping serve once against Kyrgios Nadal and I think I competed well. It was

WorldCup:NigerianjournalistshailSuperSport Wimbledon’s all-white clothing Italian Tobi (New Telegraph Newspaper) enforcement “too strict”- Federer club signs EmmanuelTobi to experience the World Cup in oger Federer says Wimbledon’s Wednesday that photographs of past Brazil. tighter enforcement of its all- champions such as Stefan Edberg R Ugoka igerian journalists who were sponAccording to Blessing Nwosu,” white clothing policy for players is and Boris Becker show that ‘’there IfeanyiIbeh

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igeria women’s national team star, Uju Ugoka, has been signed by Italian league newcomers, Vassali 2G Vigirano.

Ugoka, who earned a scholarship to study at Grayson Community College in the United States of America after excelling at a basketball camp organised by Hope 4 Girls, an NGO founded by former Nigeria international, Mobolaji Akiode, spent her last two years at Virginia Tech where she graduated with a Sociology major this year.

Ugoka was also the star player of the school’s basketball team and was named in the 2014 All-ACC Second Team.

Thisyear,the21-year-oldrecorded 16 double-doubles and sent to the archives the previous mark for made field goals that stood since 1987.

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sored to the Brazil 2014 World Cup

by Supersport have commended company for its commitment to enhancing and developing journalism in the continent.

SuperSport through its parent company DStv sponsored four Nigerian journalists namely Blessing Nwosu (Silverbird Television), Henry Adamu (News Agency of Nigeria), Duro IIkhazuagbe (Thisday Newspaper) and Emmanuel

The World Cup experience cannot be quantified and kudos to SuperSport for the opportunity.

Similarly, Henry Adama said: “The one week all-expense paid trip by SuperSport is one of the best things that have ever happened to me in recent years. The traveling, accommodation and most importantly the two matches watched (Chile v Holland and Nigeria v Argentina) will always be on my memory.”

Lawal commends Airtel Rising Stars Titty Glory

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ormer Super Eagles international, Garba Lawal, has poured encomiums on the Airtel Rising Star football programme. Lawal defined the academy as the nursery that will produce future players for the national team.

The screening of players from the Abuja-Ilorin zones for this year’s Airtel Rising Star will begin today at the Old Parade Ground, Zone 10, Abuja, after its planned take off yesterday was postponed because of heavy downpour. The exercise will end on

Saturday.

Lawal, who doubles as a member of the Nigeria Football Federation Technical Committee as well as a zonal coordinator handling the programme, said the Airtel Rising Star will continue to be relevant in the scheme of Nigeria football as a window which coaches will use in the discovery of raw talents.

“We are looking for the best players and our searchlight is not limited to the male players alone, but the programme is also designed with our female players in mind.”

‘’too strict.’’

There have been complaints this year from some players over the more stringent regulations that include undergarments,the amount of colored trim on shirts and shorts and headbands and wristbands.

Seven-time champion Federer, who was last year told not to wear running shoes with orange soles, said after his quarterfinal win

was some colors.’’

All England Club chief executive Richard Lewis said in a statement provided by a club spokesman that ‘’the rule is almost entirely in white.’’ ‘’We felt the time was right to make accessories such as undergarments, headbands and wristbands consistent with the policy we were applying to the shirts, shorts and socks,’’ Lewis added.

I need to improve my game –Murray

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fter his early exit at the 2014 Wimbledon where he failed to defend the title he won for the first time last year, World Num-

Murray

ber three Andy Murray said that he needed to improve on his game and work harder.

Reacting in his column, Murray said; “This year’s Wimbledon has shown me that I need to improve my game and work very hard in the coming months, both on and off the court, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“I was hitting the ball as well over the first four rounds as at any stage last year, but I couldn’t find that level on Wednesday and Grigor Dimitrov played a very solid match from start to finish.

World Record

On Marble

Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. – Norman Vincent Peale

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 FRIday, JULY 4, 2014

Ziona Chana is head of the world’s largest family, which has 181 members, himself, 39 wives, 94 children, 14 daughters-in-law and 33 grandkids.

They live in 100 rooms.

N150

The thesis and antithesis of Ekiti polls F IvoryGlory ollowing the disastrous outing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ekiti Gubernatorial Election, the leaders and members of the party are not only crest fallen, but shell shocked. Given the often sententious remarks of party big wigs particularly its spokesperson Lai Mohammed, it is not now difficult to see through the strange reticence, or stupefying mum that enveloped APC. It took APC a couple of days to respond after John Kayode Fayemi, in a commendable show of quietism, threw in the towel, conceded defeat in a manner that must have unsettled his party men and women at the National level. The defeat was unambiguous, the loss heavy. Even with this clear demonstration of peoples choice, many Nigerian politicians would still have found several reasons to contest the outcome of the polls and thus set the State on fire. Not Kayode Fayemi, who quickly congratulated his opponent and winner, Peter Ayodele Fayose, the new kid on the block. Fayemi has written his name in gold, even with his imminent ouster from office, he is sure exiting the stage, for now, as the face of Nigerians new democracy, i.e if he does not allow himself to be derobed by unnecessary political gambit like creation of more Council areas or Development Centres.

But Fayose’s second coming must be put in perspective, interrogated contextually, to situate the dialectical interface between performance, and charisma, and the determining influence of the latter in swinging political behaviour, or electoral outcomes. In 2003, largely unknown, then somewhat obscure, Fayose dusted the ebullient, and urbane Niyi Adebayo of Alliance for Democracy, then Governor of Ekiti State. Observers of Nigerian Polity had dismissed that as one of the abracadabra of Obasanjo’s presidency that removed all the AD Governors in the South West, leaving only suave Bola Tinubu, Governor, Lagos State. Therefore, many did not give Fayose any credit, for that dismissal of an incumbent Governor. This time, the hierarchy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) again, got it right when they drafted Fayose into the race, ignoring the cries of more than 20 aspirants to the coveted office of Ekiti Government House. Dr. Peter Odili, two term Governor of Rivers State was the Chairman of the Electoral Committee that conducted the Ekiti PDP Primaries. When Ayodele Fayose was chosen as the winner, many persons wondered how and why would an alleged felon facing myriad charges in the Courts, be allowed to run. Some argued that his alleged sins are enough to earn him rejection from the enlightened Ekiti Electorate.

Fayose solicited the support and cooperation of other contestants, who readily teamed up with him except, of course, Mr. Oni, the major beneficiary of Fayose’s impeachment at

Nkemdili Nnonyelu

aunnonyelu@yahoo.co.uk - 08122801926 (sms only)

the behest of the Obasanjo Presidency, who had since moved to APC; with no electoral base.

At the far end of the divide was former Bola Tinubu’s acolyte Opeyemi Bamidele, who also played significant role in the electoral, or is it now legal victory won by Kayode Fayemi in 2007, secured through litigation, in 2010. Opeyemi Bamidele contested the elections on the platform of his new political camp, Labour Party, having deserted APC, with minimal impact. The Frenzy and build up to the election gave out the now wrong assumption that the contest was to be a three legged battle, but it turned out, more or less an anti-climax, as Fayose won in the 16 Local Council areas, even in wards of Opposition Chieftains. Is this the triumph of amala, or bread and butter politics over puritanic disposition? I am told that Governor Kayode Fayemi performed, even though performance is relative, as is clearly evident in the case of Ekiti people. While Fayemi was busy “doing his thing”, the Ekiti Electorate left him, they moved to identify with one of their own, Ayodele Fayose. As far as the Ekiti Electorate is concerned, amidst the reigning politics of the belly, survival and immediacy of the moment, pitching their tent with Fayose was a necessary political decision. The Electorate is not bothered about finesse or panache, or the very high values that were said to characterize Fayemi’s style of governance. The Ekiti Electorate clearly felt otherwise, poor Fayemi, in spite of his training and background was not perspicacious in discerning the mood of Ekiti people. Fayemi was elitist, serious minded and sincere, not given to undue populism, the trademark of his main political opponent. The people thus felt alienated, justifiably so, for undoubtedly, the people alone knew what policies they prefer, and in what order or priority. A true case of people determining their preferences. In a pertinacious manner, Ayodele Fayose a firm believer in grassroots politics, friend of the masses, saw this hiatus and closed in immediately. He dined and wined with them, and the people saw him as one of their own, an embodiment of their aspirations and wishes. From city to city, hamlet to hamlet, where ever he moved, the crowd surged in admiration and solidarity. Those who had dismissed the mammoth crowd that trailed his campaign rallies are

Fayose

now licking their wounds. His charisma, or aura had endeared him to the voting public in Ekiti. It may be preposterous to suggest that this may have been reminiscent of the days of Awolowo, Zik and Ahmadu Bello when their individual auras attracted significant political followership to them. But for a man, to unseat two political incumbents in different periods is no mean feat. As much as I do not like, even detest Fayose and his political style, we need to give him some credit, if not respect.

By Fayose’s victory, the hitherto seemingly impregnable fortress of the South West, has been opened for further preying by the PDP. Since then, Buruji Kashamu, the PDP money man, and Obasanjo’s nemesis in the South West, indeed President Jonathan’s close ally has asked Fayose to lead the PDPs battle to reclaim the South West. On his young shoulders lie the continued expectation of the Jonathan Presidency towards a controversial second term. In 2011, President Jonathan won all the States in South West Nigeria, apart from the State of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola’s territory.

But that was then. 2015 promises to be totally different, as the APC, the current custodian of political power in the South West will be fighting for its life, relevance and survival.

Talking about Osun State, or State of Osun as the inimitable Aregbosala has named it, what will be the impact or aftermath of the Ekiti Polls. Before the August Election, the APC if it has been wisened up following its

woeful performance in Ekiti, needs to do a lot of soul searching and introspection. Election in Osun, may not be decided on the alter of sophistry, oratorical prowess, or the promises of Opon Imo, tablet of knowledge. It is good, indeed politically expedient to find out where the people of Osun stand on major policy and governance issues, no matter how well intentioned they are. What is the peoples take on these policies? How are the policies received?

We need political barometer to gauge the predilection of the electorate. Who are the dramatis personae, and what do they bring to the table? Definitely, the Election in Osun State will be a two horse race, a contest between the ruling APC, and the PDP. Rauf Aregbesola, the incumbent Governor will be slugging it out with Senator Omisore. Omisore may not have in equal measure the depth of charisma, that Fayose is imbued with, but their political styles enjoy close affinity, and that is the danger. Emboldened by Ayo Fayose’s sterling performance in Ekiti, the PDP will throw in everything, I mean everything, to get Osun so as to further decimate the ranks of the APC. Osun will even be more militarized than Ekiti, as illegal and undemocratic as that is. Therefore, Rauf Aregbesola and his party, APC, need to brace up for this challenge for if Osun, the main bastion of resistance to the PDP capitulates, then the South West, by 2015 will be taken over by the PDP. In that case all the efforts, struggles, anxieties about the emergence, of a political alternative to the PDP will come to naught. The synthesis will then be a restoration of the old order and continuation of the ‘ancient’ regime. Whether this is what Nigerians want, events in Osun State, and 2015 will tell.

OmoBaba

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