Monday 2nd April 2018

Naomi Campbell, Tiffany Amber, Ozwald Boateng Dazzle as ARISE Fashion Week Ends Today Vanessa Obioha The trio of Naomi Campbell, Tiffany Amber and Ozwald Boateng were part of the horde of A-list fashionistas who graced the show yesterday as the Arise Fashion Week comes to a climactic end today,

Men fashion which dominated activities that lined up the second day of the star-studded event was redefined on the runway of Arise Fashion Week as Kimono Kollection showcased iconic pieces.

From its famous tuxedos

and jackets with lapels, the male models strut the brand on the runway. Adding a new twist to his collection is the new metrosexual look-a unique dungaree worn over a shirt. A daring look that raised eyebrows in the audience but may definitely point to a new

fashion trend.

Nigerian top model Oluchi Orlandi and Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo were also among the models who walked the runway on the second day of the Arise Fashion Week. Donning iconic pieces of South African luxury

fashion brand Orapeleng Modutle Style Avenue, the Nigerian model who was catapulted into the international scene after winning the M-Net Face of Africa in 1998 oozed elegance as she strutted the runway in a gorgeous black dress,

eliciting applause from her audience. Oluchi who is based in New York is one of the main highlights of the Arise Fashion Week, alongside international supermodel Naomi Campbell who had a Continued on page 9

Market to Weigh New MPC Members’ Monetary Policy Stance… Page 8 Monday 2 April, 2018 Vol 23. No 8383. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Frosty N/Assembly, Executive Relationship Threatens Buhari's N4.2tn Bond Request … Page 10

FG Inaugurates In-House-Committee to Investigate Cambridge Analytica Scandal Presidential aide wants PDP, Facebook, Cambridge Analytica to provide answers PDP Wants Probe Extended Into Buhari’s 2015 Campaign Funds Omololu Ogunmade and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government has set up what it described as an in-house committee to investigate an allegation that Cambridge Analytica, a United Kingdom-based data firm, was hired by a member of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to hack into personal

records of the opposition party the All Progressive Congress' (APC) candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, during the 2007 and 2015 electioneering campaigns.

The committee, according to a presidential source, would among others, investigate if the acts of the firm violated the laws of Nigeria or infringed on the rights of other parties Continued on page 8

...Releases More Names of Alleged Treasury Looters, Says List Not Arbitrary Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Federal Government yesterday reacted to calls to withdraw the alleged looters’ list because of its arbitrariness by releasing a new list of alleged looters of the treasury and clarifying that the list

of alleged looters which it released earlier was based on verifiable facts, including the amount involved, the date the amount in question that was collected and from where it was taken.

Releasing a fresh list of Continued on page 8

IBB Urges Youths to Take over the Leadership of the Country ... Page 50

Tiffany Amber (left) and Super model Naomi Campbell at the ARISE Fashion show in Lagos... yesterday

2

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018

3

4

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018

5

6

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018

7

MONDAY, ͺ˜ ͺ͸͹΀ ˾ T H I S D AY

8

PAGE EIGHT

Market to Weigh New MPC Members’ Monetary Policy Stance Analysts favour monetary policy easing to grow economy Obinna Chima As the newly confirmed members of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and Deputy Governors go in for their inaugural MPC meeting tomorrow, financial market operators would be watching to assess their monetary policy stance.

The two-day MPC meeting, which is the first this year, is expected to end on Wednesday.

There is also optimism that as the financial market re-opens tomorrow after the public holiday that was declared to celebrate Easter, financial analysts are of the opinion that since the country’s economic indicators have been positive this year, it has strengthened the argument for monetary policy easing.

Mrs. Aisha Ahmad and Mr. Edward Lametek Adamu last week formally assumed duty as Deputy Governors of the CBN, following the confirmation of their appointments by the Senate the preceding week.

In addition, the trio of Professor Adeola Festus Adenikinju, Dr. Robert Asogwa and Dr. Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi were also at the Head Office of the CBN to formally commence their tenure as members of the MPC of the Bank.

At the last MPC held in November 2017, the MPC had retained the benchmark Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 14 per cent.

Then, the committee also retained the cash reserve ratio (CRR) at 22.5 per cent, the Liquidity Ratio (LR) at 30 per cent and asymmetric corridor around the MPR at +200 and -500 basis points.

But since this year, the country’s economic indicators have been positive. Thus, it has strengthened the argument for monetary policy easing.

For instance, the fourth quarter 2017 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures released last month showed that the Nigerian economy grew in real terms by 1.92 per cent in Q4 of 2017 year-on-year, maintaining its positive growth trajectory since the emergence of the economy from recession in Q2 of 2017.

Also, the country’s external reserves currently stand at $46.3 billion, according to figures on the central bank’s website, while the naira has remained stable and inflation continues to decelerate.

To the chief executive, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, there is the need for the MPC to reduce the MPR. “I believe that they should reduce the MPR by 25 basis points. But if they don’t have the courage to do that, like it happened in Ghana, South Africa and some other countries, they should probably adjust the asymmetric corridor to make it +5 and -5, rather than +2 and -5. They should reduce the cash reserve requirements,” he added.

But a research analyst at

Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Wale Okunriboye, argued that to sustain inflow from portfolio investors, the MPC might retain all its monetary policy tools at its meeting tomorrow.

He explained that: “Since last year when inflation started to come down, the central bank didn’t see the need to cut interest rate because it feels it will be too pre-emptive and may be a disincentive for foreign investors.

“Consistent with that view and given where inflation is, which is still higher than the policy rate, the MPC members may decide to wait till May, to see if inflation will drop to about 10 per cent to be comfortable to cut.

“For the new members as well, I don’t know if they would have settled down for them to make the right decision.”

To analysts at FSDH Merchant Bank, the short-term outlook of the Nigerian economy favours monetary policy easing to stimulate credit creation and economic growth.

They pointed out that the easing may be in the form of an adjustment to the MPR or an adjustment to the CRR. “Although the GDP growth rate in Nigeria improved further in Q4 2017, the recovery is still very fragile. Thus, additional monetary policies are required to stimulate a broad-based growth.

“The increase in the crude oil price and favourable crude oil production in Nigeria have increased capital inflows and led

to a favourable trade balance.

“FSDH Research believes the inflation rate may drop to single digit mid-year, while the exchange rate should remain stable in the short-term. “Therefore, there is a need for monetary policy easing to boost credit creation and stimulate economic growth.

“Looking at the short-term outlook of the Nigerian economy, FSDH Research believes the MPC should begin monetary policy easing to signal the end of its monetary policy tightening cycle,” they added It would be recalled that the Senate recently confirmed the nominations of Mrs. Aisha Ahmad and Mr. Edward Adamu as deputy governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria, paving the way for the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank to hold its first meeting this year slated for tomorrow.

Before now, the Senate had on July 2017 resolved to suspend all confirmation processes for presidential nominees whose offices are not specifically listed in the 1999 Constitution.

The resolution was made after Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, by his remark, deepened the rift between the Senate and the Executive over the rejection, twice, of the nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by the upper legislative chamber.

Osinbajo had said since the EFCC was not specified in the

constitution, there was no need to have sent the nomination to the Senate in the first instance.

The Senate thereafter resolved to suspend consideration of all such nominees, pending the legal determination of its power of confirmation.

However, the Senate reconsidered and rescinded its stance last week on the CBN nominees and gave its Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions one week to screen them.

During the confirmation, it however, rejected the nomination of Dr. Asheikh A. Maidugu as a member of the MCP. Also confirmed were Prof.

Adeola Festus Adenikinju, Dr. Aliyu Rafindadi Sanusi and Dr. Robert Chikwendu Asogwa as members of the MPC. The Senate also yesterday transmitted its resolutions on the nominations to President Muhammadu Buhari for further action required for the nominees to be a part of the next meeting of the MPC. The resolutions followed the adoption of the recommendations of its Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, said while all the nominees performed well at the screening and were cleared by relevant security agencies, Maidugu did not respond satisfactorily to some questions.

“The nominee (Maidugu) was

interviewed by the committee and he responded to the questions asked by the members, but the committee was dissatisfied with his response to the independence required for each member of the MPC, and we are concerned that a regular civil servant who is ladened with bureaucracy and red-tapism, may not be independent in his judgment on each crucial decision of the MPC that affects directly the whole economy,” Ibrahim said.

He stated that the other three nominees for the MPC have the vast knowledge that will facilitate the attainment of the objectives of price stability and the formulation of monetary and credit policies of the CBN. “The three nominees are knowledgeable in the operations of the CBN Act and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act,” Ibrahim added.

The Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, speaking after the nominations had been adopted, called on the president to quickly send in a replacement for the rejected nominee.

He also urged the Senate to make concessions for the screening of members of the governing board of the CBN, as the MPC requires at least two more persons to form the required quorum.

Presiding, Senate President Bukola Saraki said the request to consider screening the governing board nominees would be considered at plenary this week.

FG INAUGURATES IN-HOUSE-COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE CAMBRIDGE ANALYTICA SCANDAL and their candidates during the polls.

Affirming the move to investigate the firm's activities in Nigeria during the 2007 and 2015 elections, a presidential aide, Garba Shehu said it is important for the former ruling party and both Cambridge Analytica and Facebook to clarify their positions on the weighty allegations levelled against them. He also stated that investigating the matter would assist in determining if there was a linkage between various killings and maimings that had characterised Nigerian elections since 2007, adding that such move would also be helpful to Buhari in his wish to leave a legacy of improved elections.

Immediately weighing in on the setting up of an inhouse probe by the federal government, the leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded that an open and independent inquest devoid of government control, be conducted not only on the Cambridge Analytica saga but also on the source of funds for

the President’s 2015 campaign so that Nigerians will know the truth.

The party said the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Federal Government are chasing shadows in their desperate plot to implicate the opposition in the alleged hacking into the personal record of its Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

Cambridge Analytica was alleged to have swiped the data of more than 50 million Facebook users to sway elections in many countries including Nigeria, where it was allegedly hired by an oil billionaire PDP member to perpetuate a campaign of discord and hack into personal records of Buhari, who is now the incumbent president.

The presidential source told journalists in Abuja at the weekend that the outcome of the investigation would determine whether a special investigator would be appointed and criminal prosecutions subsequently initiated by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami

on the matter.

A whistleblower, Christopher Wylie, who worked with a Cambridge University academic to obtain the data, had reportedly told the Observer, a UK newspaper, that in carrying out their nefarious acts, they exploited Facebook to harvest millions of people’s profiles and built models to exploit what they knew about such persons and "target their inner demons."

Cambridge Analytica reportedly worked with Israeli hackers "to get dirt on Muhammadu Buhari during the presidential campaign."

Reports further said SCL Elections, a public relations firm which later became Cambridge Analytica, manipulated Nigeria’s 2007 polls by organising campaigns to weaken the chances of opposition parties through “anti-election rallies” to demoralise supporters of opposition parties from voting in the 2007 elections won by the late Umar Yar’Adua of the then ruling PDP. The Cambridge Analytica team reportedly came up with a video to portray Buhari as

a leader who would enforce Sharia Law in Nigeria with the intention to sway the minds of millions of Nigerians to vote for the PDP candidate.

Speaking on the investigation, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said although he had not been briefed on the matter, the former PDP administration needs to provide answers to Nigerians immediately while Facebook and Cambridge Analytica also need to answer questions on how and why they improperly obtained and used the data to interfere in Nigeria's elections.

According to him, investigating the matter would assist in determining if there was a linkage between various killings and maimings that had characterised Nigerian elections since 2007, adding that such move would also be helpful to Buhari in his wish to leave a legacy of improved elections.

Meanwhile as the federal government decides to set up an in-house probe to look into the allegations,the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has

demanded that an open and independent inquest devoid of government control, be conducted not only on the Cambridge Analytica saga but also on the source of funds for the President’s 2015 campaign so that Nigerians will know the truth.

The party said the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Federal Government are chasing shadows in their desperate plot to implicate the opposition in the alleged hacking into the personal record of its Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

The party said while it welcomes an open investigation into the Cambridge Analytica saga, it demands that such inquest is extended to cover the sources of the looted funds used to prosecute President Buhari’s campaign in 2015.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement, on Sunday, said the APC is merely seeking to divert public attention from its manifold failures and scandals, as it is already public knowledge that neither

the PDP nor any of its officials or members were ever linked or indicted in any way, in the said saga.

"It is also public knowledge that the document being relied upon by the APC clinically stated that, “there is no suggestion that Jonathan knew of the covert operation."

"We are therefore aware that this new agenda is to divert public attention from the various scandalous allegations hanging on the neck of the Buhari Presidency, including the use of looted funds to finance his 2015 Presidential election, the Martin Luther Kings award saga, the damaging Bill Gates verdict on the Buhari’s economic policies as well as the numerous financial scandals in the NNPC under his watch.

"This inquest should, therefore, be completely open and independent of government control, so that Nigerians will know the truth, not only on the Cambridge Analytica saga but also on the source of funds for the President’s 2015 campaign and other sleazes under his watch," it said.

watch? Did the PDP actually believe that the massive looting under its watch was a joke?

Did they think it is April Fool?'' he queried.

The Minister said the PDP's reaction to the looters' list has shown that its recent apology is an election-induced act, contrived to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians to vote for the party in the 201 general election, even when it has not come clean on its looting spree during its time in office. ''The hysterical and panicky reaction from the PDP has shown that the party is not at all sincere about its choreographed apology. Were it not the case, the party would have followed in the footsteps of one of its

leaders, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, who simply owned up to his role in the party's rigging in the past elections and said he had turned a new leaf. ''It is said that a true confession is done in humility with an attitude of repentance.

It is clear that the PDP does not know this, hence its resort to

...RELEASES MORE NAMES OF ALLEGED TREASURY LOOTERS, SAYS LIST NOT ARBITRARY alleged looters, in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also said those complaining that the list was too short apparently did not understand that it was strategically released as a teaser.

The latest development was however provoked by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) which urged the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to “immediately withdraw the clumsy, arbitrary and selective looters’ list, released last week, as the list would seem to serve a political objective or carry out

political agenda.”

The organization said: “This kind of action can only diminish the government’s ability to fight corruption, frustrate its oftexpressed goal of a transparent governance, allow suspected perpetrators—whether from the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP)--to escape justice, and ultimately, deny victims of corruption justice and effective remedies.”

In Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the Pioneer Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practice and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) Justice Mustapha Akanbi(rtd) has charged federal government to as a matter of priority release

the name of anybody that has looted the government treasury irrespective of party affiliation.

Justice Akanbi said the naming of corrupt Nigerians must cut across all political parties in order to give credibility to President Muhammadu Buhari led administration's efforts in fighting corruption.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed had on Friday released a list of some of those who have allegedly looted the nation’s treasury. The names in the list revealed were mostly PDP chieftains who are currently being tried for corruption and financial crimes.

Addressing the media in Lagos yesterday, Mohammed

clarified that ''At the press conference where the list was released, I did say it was a tip of the iceberg. Apparently, this does not mean anything to people whose style is to comment on issues they barely understand, or just to shoot down anything coming from the government,'' he said, adding that the Federal Government has a large number of alleged looters on its list.

Alhaji Mohammed slammed the PDP for daring to challenge the Federal Government over an issue that the party knows is its weakness: Looting of public treasury. ''What was the PDP expecting when it challenged the FG to name the looters of the public treasury under the party's

hubris instead of humility and genuine penitence,'' he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said the Federal Government will neither be intimidated nor blackmailed into silence, adding that it will also not rest until all those who looted the public treasury have been brought to justice.

Continued on page 9

MONDAY, ͺ˜ ͺ͸͹΀ ˾ T H I S D AY

9

NEWS NAOMI CAMPBELL, TIFFANY AMBER, OZWALD BOATENG DAZZLE AS ARISE FASHION WEEK ENDS TODAY special meet-and-greet session with other designers on the opening night of the AFW. Also stealing the show was Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo who walked the runway for Taryor Gabriels, a Lagos-based fashion design.

Taryor elevated the men's fashion with his unique suits, jackets and senator outfits.

Dressed in an embroidered Agbada with a red priest cloak draped over his shoulders, Mofe-Damijo walked the runway like a king. Although his steps were a bit fast-paced, the theatrical display fetched him a loud ovation.

Earlier, another famous men fashion brand, Kimono Kollection showcased iconic pieces. From its famous tuxedos and jackets with lapels, the male models strut the brand on the runway. Adding a new twist to his collection is the new metrosexual look-a unique dungaree worn over a shirt. A daring look that raised eyebrows in the audience but may definitely point to a new fashion trend.Ex-Big Brother Naija housemate Leo also donned pieces of Kimono Kollection.

Making her debut in the Arise Fashion Week is Funke Adepoju of Phunk Afrique.

She brought glow and frills on the runway, with most of her creations showcasing dance and movement.

Nigerian musician Seyi Shay provided the music and entertainment for the night.

Not to be left out in the parade of stars, Taryor Gabriels, a men fashion brand also showcased his pieces on the runway Also making her debut on the Arise Fashion Week is Funke Adepoju of Funk Afrique. She brought glow and frills on the runway, with most of her creations adapted from Spain.

Nigerian supermodel, Oluchi Oluigbo also walked the runway donning a yellow patterned gown from one of the designers.

The second day of the Arise Fashion Week also saw other designers like Yutee Rone, Mustafa Hassanali , Imad Esuso among others.

The show on the opening day kicked off showcasing Vonne Couture, owned by the Lagos based fashion designer Yvonne Nwosu. Her collection-brightly coloured apparels with floral patterns- is resplendent in the traditional Hawaii culture.

However, it was Latasha

Ngwugbe, who dropped some jaws when the plus size models strut the runway. Under the fashion brand, About that Curvy Life, she celebrated big women who are rarely presented the opportunity to walk the runway. She took a bold step by dressing the models in edgy and sheer garments that speak volumes of their confidence. Jumpsuits, kimonos, lacy sequinned gowns, the models cheered by the crowd walked the runway with pride.

“It’s a good approach to the fashion industry, particularly for African women who are not really skinny. It’s a bold statement that we are diverse and look nice,” said Uzo, one of the models who is also a chef.

Abaya Lagos, a fashion brand that serves as the melting pot of Asian/Arabian fashion, also dazzled the audience with its cosmopolitan styles of Abayas and kaftans, accentuated by turbans and sunshades.

Expectedly, Lanre DaSilva left the audience in awe of her collection which was a delectable mix. She experimented with gold colours, spawning sheer elegance with her fabrics on

the runway.

Arguably adjudged the most beautiful runway in Africa, Arise Fashion Week is poised to celebrate the most iconic fashion designers in the continent as well as in the diaspora.

The ARISE Fashion Week 2018 runway kicked off on Friday with a meet and greet session with supermodel Naomi Campbell who is the headliner of the fashion event.

As the show ends today at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, 45 designers from between 12 and 14 countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Germany, Canada, France, Morocco, the United Kingdom, United States, the Caribbean and Nigeria will parade the runway.

Since its inception over a decade ago, ARISE Fashion Week has been adjudged one of the best fashion events to come out of Africa. Famous fashion designers in the continent and the diaspora such as Ozwald Baoteng had dazzled the runway with intricate designs. With over 40 designers from 14 countries for its fifth edition, Arise Fashion Week is poised to celebrate the

most iconic fashion designers in the continent as well as in the diaspora. As part of its commitment to empower fashion entrepreneurs, the organisers launched a lifechanging novelty known as the ARISE Fashion Management and Mentoring Programme (AFMMP).

The AFMMP is an innovation curated by ARISE Media, promoters of AFW, for start-ups in the fashion business that can be nurtured to international brands in fulfilment of one of the founding objectives of the AFW which is to groom African designers who can distinguish themselves globally.

The AFMMP started on March 27 with a short, intensive, and rigorous training where designers participating in the AFW 2018 will have access to a faculty of experts, who will engage the selected designers on Fashion Business and Financial Management, the Business of Luxury, Supply Chain Management, Strategic Planning, Merchandising, Retail and Export Strategies, Social Media Strategies, Image and Reputation Management, Brand Acceleration, and most importantly, 10 Steps to Becoming World Class.

At the end of the training, participants will be expected to produce a commercially viable business plan. The top 30 proposals will be selected to receive financial, entrepreneurial, mentoring and business support. Each winning designer will be awarded N10 million funding to enhance the designer’s infrastructure, supply chain, retail and export plans.

According to Orode Imevbore, AFMMP Programme Coordinator: “This funding will be provided by a consortium of banks including Zenith Bank, Access Bank, GT Bank.

Other benefits include a brand accelerator, and a global mentor, drawn from leading design luminaries from around the world, who will donate their time and expertise to take Africa’s fashion brands global. Arrangements are also being concluded with leading consultants and business schools to ensure sustainability with quarterly classes.”

The runway show which kicked off two days ago with designers like Abaya Lagos, Lanre Da Silva among others showcasing their designs will come to a climactic end today at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

to date information relating to the following: 1. To widely disseminate including on a dedicated website information about the names of high ranking public officials from whom public funds were recovered since May 2015. 2. The circumstances under which stolen public funds were returned.

It would be recalled that the Ministry of Information last year published details of the recoveries, which showed that the Nigerian government successfully retrieved total cash amount valued at N78,325,354,631.82, $185,119,584.61, £3,508,355.46 and €11, 250 between May 29, 2015, and May 25, 2016.

Also released were recoveries under interim forfeiture, which were a combination of cash and assets, during the same period: N126,563,481,095.43, $9,090,243,920.15, £2,484,447.55 and €303,399.17. Anticipated repatriation from foreign countries totalled: $321,316,726.1, £6,900,000 and €11,826.11. The ministry also announced that 239 non-cash recoveries were made during the one-year period. The non-cash recoveries are – farmlands, plots of land, uncompleted buildings, completed buildings, vehicles and maritime vessels Subsequently, SERAP issued an FOI request and gave the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed 14 days to disclose the names of all suspected looters The request reads in part: “While we believe that suspects generally are entitled to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, SERAP opposes blanket non-disclosure of names of high-ranking public officials from whom some of the funds were recovered. SERAP insists that the public interest to know is greater than any other legitimate interest that the government might wish to protect.

“The Nigerian government has an obligation to balance whether the risk of harm to the legitimate aim (that is secrecy of ongoing corruption investigation and presumption of innocence) from disclosure of the names of public officials is greater than the public interest in accessing the information. Publishing the names of those public officials will provide insights relevant to the public debate on the ongoing

efforts to prevent and combat a culture of grand corruption in the country,” it stated.

...RELEASES MORE NAMES OF ALLEGED TREASURY LOOTERS, SAYS LIST NOT ARBITRARY Releasing the list of 24 names making up the second batch of alleged looters and the amounts allegedly embezzled, Mohammed listed the alleged looters to include: 1. Former NSA Sambo Dasuki: Based on EFCC investigations and findings alone (this is beside the ongoing $2.1 billion military equipment scandal), a total of N126 billion, over $1.5 billion and 5.5 million British Pounds was embezzled through his office. A good number ofthese monies were simply shared to persons and companies without anyformal contract awards.

2.

Former Petroleum Resources Minister Dieziani Alison-Madueke: In just one of the cases the EFCC is investigating involving her, about N23 billion is alleged to have been embezzled. She is also involved in the Strategic Alliance Contracts of the NNPC, where the firms of Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko got oil blocks but never paid government taxes and royalty. About $3 billion was involved. The Federal Government is charging Omokore and Aluko and will use all legal instruments local and international to ensure justice.

3. Rtd. Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah: N13.9 billion. N4.8 billion recovered by EFCC in cash and property 4. Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika: N4.5 billion. N29m recovered by the EFCC so far.

5. Alex Barde, former Chief of Defence Staff: N8 billion, and EFCC recovered almost N4 billion in cash and property already.

6. Inde Dikko: former CG Customs: N40 billion, and N1.1 billion in cash recovered in cash and choice properties.

7. Air Marshal Adesola Amosun: N21.4 billion. N2.8 billion recovered in cash. 28 properties and 3 vehicles also recovered.

8. Senator Bala Abdulkadir, former FCT Minister: N5 billion.

Interim forfeiture order on some property secured.

9. Senator Stella Oduah: N9.8 billion. Interim forfeiture order on some property secured.

10. Former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu: N1.6 billion - from NSA. 11.

Senator Jonah Jang, former Plateau State Governor: N12.5

billion.

12. Bashir Yuguda, former Minister of State for Finance: N1.5 billion. $829,800 recovered.

13. Senator Peter Nwaboshi: N1.5 billion 14. Aliyu Usman: Former NSA Dasuki’s aide: N512 million 15. Ahmad Idris: Former NSA Dasuki’s PA: N1.5 billion 16. Rasheed Ladoja: Former Oyo Governor: N500 million 17. Tom Ikimi: N300 million 18. Femi Fani-Kayode: N866 million 19. Hassan Tukur, former PPS to President Goodluck Jonathan: $1.7 million 20. Nenadi Usman: N1.5 billion 21. Benedicta Iroha: N1.7 billion 22. Aliyu Usman Jawaz: Close ally of former NSA Dasuki: N882 million 23 Godknows Igali: Over N7 billion SERAP Ask FG to Withdraw Arbitrary Looters’ List Reacting earlier, SERAP in a statement yesterday by its executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni said: “The authorities should withdraw the looters’ list and come up with a comprehensive list as ordered

by Justice Hadiza Shagari last year. Allowing the published looters’ list to stand will undermine the credibility of the government’s claim to fight corruption, and signal to Nigerians that it is not serious to satisfactorily address the allegations of grand corruption under the former government of President Goodluck Jonathan and involving those close to this government.”

According to the organization, “If Buhari is truly interested in vindicating the rule of law and the proper administration of justice, his government will do well to genuinely obey Justice Shagari’s judgment ordering the authorities to ‘tell Nigerians the full names of all suspected looters of the public treasury past and present.’ Few things would go farther in fostering and nurturing our system of constitutionalism, democracy, and the rule of law.

The statement read in part: “This politicized list comes at a time when the government is promoting itself as a

beacon of transparency and accountability, and a model for other African countries to follow. The authorities ought to have resisted the temptation to put out this shambolic list and instead obeyed the spirit and the letter of Justice Shagari's judgment. What is at stake is not just the rule of law, but also the larger question of whether the government is really serious to fight grand corruption and combat the impunity of perpetrators, regardless of who is involved.

“The government cannot pick and choose which judgments it wants to obey even though the judgments at times may be highly unsettling. The judgment ought to have been fully obeyed and implemented even if the government would step on toes and make some politicians—whether in APC or PDP--uncomfortable.

“For the government to impose this list on Nigerians, which would seem to serve as an expedient means to an end that disregards the orders by Justice Shagari is more than a violation of law; it is a breach of trust with the Nigerian people.

If disobedience of court orders becomes the norm, the ship of government would become anchorless and adrift in a sea of treacherous uncertainty that could lead to a beachhead on the land of tyranny.

“If Buhari is to renew his commitment to fighting corruption regardless of whether it involves politicians from his own party and the opposition, something more than a propaganda list and hypocritical conduct is needed to restore citizens’ confidence in the ability of his government to deliver on good governance.

That something more is a restoration of the rule of law.

“Our courts, interpreting our Constitution and legislation, stand as the living symbol of the rule of law. But persistent disobedience of court orders by this government has magnified its lack of respect for the rule of law. Persistent disobedience of court orders is profound, dangerously wrong, and a distortion of democratic principles, and ultimately, an assault on the very concept of the rule of law and judicial integrity.

Implement Justice Hadiza Shagari's Ruling It would be recalled that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abukabar Malami, had last year disclosed that President Buhari had sent a directive to all relevant agencies to compile documents on names of all looters with a view to fully enforcing the judgment of a Federal High Court ordering the government to release to Nigerians information about the names of high ranking public officials from whom public funds were recovered.

The judgment delivered in July last year by Hon Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari following a Freedom of Information suit number: FHC/CS/964/2016 brought by SERAP ordered the government to tell Nigerians the circumstances under which funds were recovered, as well as the exact amount of funds recovered from each public official. Mr Malami made the disclosure during a meeting at his office with a delegation from SERAP in October last year.

It would be recalled that the SERAP suit was a follow up to the disclosure last year by the Federal Government of funds recovered from some high-ranking public officials and private individuals In her judgment delivered on 7th July 2017, Justice Shagari agreed with SERAP that “the Federal Government has legally binding obligations to tell Nigerians the names of all suspected looters of the public treasury past and present.”

Joined as Defendants in the suit were the Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Muhammed and the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture. The same day that the judgment was delivered, Mr Malami told reporters in Abuja that government was in agreement with the ruling and would carry out the order as long as it was not sub judice.

Justice Shagari also granted the following reliefs: A DECLARATION that by virtue of the provisions of Section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, the Defendants are under a binding legal obligation to provide the Plaintiff with up

Treat Alleged Looters Equally, Akanbi Declares In Ilorin, the Pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practice and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) Justice Mustapha Akanbi(rtd) has charged the federal government to as a matter of priority release the names of individuals that have looted the government treasury irrespective of party affiliations.

Justice Akanbi said the naming of corrupt Nigerians must cut across all political parties in order to give credibility to President Muhammadu Buhariled administration's efforts in fighting corruption.

Justice Akanbi made this declaration on Sunday during an interview with journalists shortly after a special prayer organised for him by members of Muslim Charitable Women Association of Nigeria founded by the wife of the Emir of Ilorin, Hajia R.A. Zulu Gambari at Justice Akanbi residence, Agbadam street, G.R.A, Ilorin.

According to him, "the announcement of those who looted government money should not be limited to members of the opposition party (PDP) alone but should cut across members of ruling party too if the government is sincere about the war against corruption" Justice Akanbi who said the release of alleged looters of Nigerian funds was long overdue stated that naming of corrupt Nigerians will give people the confidence in the present administration.

"If there are members of APC or any other political parties, they should mention them so that there will be credibility to what they are doing because fighting corruption should not be one-sided.

"I have always said that why do they have to hide the names of those who have looted the nation's treasury?

"If you know they have looted the nation's fund, let the public know and then take them to court so that people will feel confident in what you are doing" he added.

10

MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

Frosty Relationship Between N’Assembly, Executive Threatens Buhari’s N4.2tn Bond Request Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The recent rapprochement between the Senate and the executive arm of government which led the Senate to rescind its earlier decision on the screening of presidential nominees for various position is set to be broken.

In the imminent face-off, there are indications that the bid by President Muhammadu Buhari to seek parliamentary approval for a N4.2 trillion bond would be stalled by the frosty relationship with Senate In separate letters read at their respective plenary sessions by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu

Dogara on March 27, 2018, and on March 28 by Senate President Bukola Saraki, the President had sought approval for the bond.

The N4.2 trillion, Buhari said, is to be deployed to clear obligations to oil marketers, pensioners’ payments and salary arrears of promoted civil servants, unpaid power bills, debts owed to contractors and suppliers, among other financial obligations.

THISDAY, however, gathered that lawmakers, particularly in the Senate, are not well disposed towards approving the bond.

Aside the hostile relationship, lawmakers are also worried that the expenditure of over N9.2 trillion secured as loans or bonds since 2016, has not been made clear.

Gunmen Kills Two, Abducts Nine in Kaduna Community John Shiklam in Kaduna Two people have been killed by unknown gunmen in Tsohuwar Gwari village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A source from the village said the gunmen who were said to have invaded the village at midnight last Saturday, also kidnapped nine people including a newly wedded bride.

He added that three of those abducted, however, managed to escape from the kidnappers.

According to the source, the criminals always take advantage of the bad roads in the area to

A total of 750 kidnappers, cattle rustlers and bandits in Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State have voluntarily sworn to an oath with the Bible and the Qur’an to renounce crime.

The renunciation ceremony took place yesterday in Kubau, the headquarters of the local government area.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Austin Iwar, who presided over the ceremony, said the repentant criminals took advantage of the window of opportunity opened by the state government and the Inspector General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris.

The police commissioner said he has been engaging community leaders to persuade deviants in their areas to abandon crime and embrace government’s amnesty programme.

He disclosed that two weeks ago, another set of 400 criminals and kidnappers had sworn with the Quran to renounce crime.

Iwar said the repentant criminals would also hand in their weapons to the government.

“I assure you that very soon we will begin to recover most of these arms, as some of them have volunteered to handover their arms back, but not in public.

“One of the strategies we decided to adopt was to see

Another lawmaker wondered why the trillions in generated revenues which the government continues to claim are being made, cannot be deployed to fund such pressing needs?

“This is just another loan. This government is taking too many loans, as far as many of us are concerned,” he said.

He added that the bond request is one of the issues that would be addressed as soon as the lawmakers resume from the Easter recess on April 10, 2018.

“Unless a miracle happens, the general mood at the moment is to reject the bond request,” he said.

Buhari’s letter for the bond approval titled: ‘Request for the Establishment of a Promissory Note Program and a Bond Issuance to Resettle Inherited

Local Debts and Contractual Obligation,’ read in part: “I wish to convey the resolution of the Federal Executive Council requesting the National Assembly to pass a bill to effect the promissory note and bond issuance program to clear the long-standing obligations inherited by this administration,” “The promissory note and bond issuance programs have become imperative to clear these obligations which include: (a) unpaid obligations to pensioners, salaries and promotional arrears of civil servants (b) obligation to petroleum marketers (c) contractors and suppliers debt (d) unpaid power bills and obligation from tariffs reversal in 2014 (e) export expansion grant IMBET (f) judgement debt (g)

refunds to state governments for projects undertaken on behalf of the federal government.

“As you may be aware, sections 41 (1a), 44 (2b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) stipulate that the proceeds of borrowing, by government at all tiers, shall be applied solely towards capital expenditure, to provide legal backing to clear the recurrent expenditure component of the obligation.

“Request for amendment of the FRA was sent to the National Assembly via a letter from the Presidency dated 4th August 2017,” “I have attached information of the subject program from the Honourable Minister of Finance for your consideration, who may also provide additional information or clarification,” it read.

commit their nefarious activities.

“They stopped people, taking advantage of the bad road, killed two people on the spot and kidnapped nine others even though three people were able to escape,” he said.

He called on both the federal and state governments to as a matter of urgency come to the aid of the people.

Spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Aliyu Mukhtar, confirmed the incident on telephone.

Just recently, 11 soldiers deployed to the Birnin Gwari area to check the activities of kidnappers and armed robbers were killed by suspected bandits.

750 Bandits, Kidnappers, Cattle Rustlers, Renounce Crime in Kaduna John Shiklam in Kaduna

There are also allegations that the president did not first, interface with members of the National Assembly over the bond, before transmitting the request to the lawmakers.

Buhari’s request might also be rejected as his planned expenditure is mainly towards recurrent items, not capital funding which would be more acceptable to the public.

A lawmaker explained to THISDAY off the records that the failure of the president to create a workable and mutually respectful relationship with the National Assembly remains a sore issue.

“Members believe the president has treated them with contempt, and despite mediatory efforts, he continues to do so by words or actions, so there is no point,” he said.

how we could get across to some community leaders in the context of community policing programme we are doing.

“If you want to solve a problem you have to work with the people that created the problem; we also held series of meetings with hunters as prelude to the series of activities we call Renouncing Violence Strategies,” the police commissioner said.

Iwar maintained that if the exercise is sustained, it would significantly reduce crime in the state.

According to him, “Having young people that are roaming in the bush committing all forms of crimes to come out and renounce violence, swear by Holy Qur’an that they will not go back to violence again is very important.

“You will understand that it is a very difficult decision for a criminal to come out in public and announce the atrocities he has been doing.”

Also speaking, the leader of the Vigilante Service in Anchau, Mallam Audu Sallau, commended the security operatives for theirsupport to the programme and for winning the confidence of the criminals.

The renunciation ceremony which was witnessed by heads of security agencies in the state, was held amid tight security provided by a detachment of the Nigerian army, police and civil defence.

EMINENT FACES AT ARISE FASHION SHOW

L-R: Executive Secretary, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Segun Awolowo; Wife of the Senate President, Toyin Saraki; Editor, THISDAY Style, Ruth Osime; and Promoter of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu, at the Arise Fashion Week in Lagos … yesterday

Apapa Bridge for Permanent Repairs Construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, is set to move to site for the permanent repairs of Apapa bridge in Lagos.

All parties to the construction are awaiting stakeholders’ suggestion for alternative routes before the closure of bridge for repairs.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mr Adedamola Kuti, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday that the ministry was working on effective traffic diversion alternatives that would ensure minimal stresses on users then.

He explained that the bridge was still in use because of an earlier emergency repair work done by Julius Berger to stabilise it.

Kuti said Messrs Buildwell Nigeria Limited had completed permanent repairs on an extension of the bridge which was damaged by fire.

He said when Julius Berger returned to site, it would carry out permanent repairs on the portion of the bridge awarded to it.

“The repair work will be

done on the bridge slab on the outbound Apapa carriageway.

“The situation we have found ourselves now is that for Julius Berger to start work, it means we have to divert traffic and we are still looking for the best alternatives.

“We have all sorts of trucks; lorries on this Apapa road, and as a result of that, we are having problems of diversion and that is what we are still looking at.

“We hope that very soon, we will be able to come up with the best solution on how to solve the traffic situation there.

“We are grateful to the federal government that has intervened by awarding the contract for the permanent repairs of the bridge to Julius Berger Construction Company.

“We will be coming up with solutions on traffic diversions in the next few days,’’ he told NAN. Kuti said meetings were already ongoing with stakeholders and traffic regulatory agencies on how best to tackle the problem and ensure minimal stress

for road users.

He explained that some materials needed for the repairs of the bridge could not be sourced locally.

Hence, the contractor could not work on the bridge during its earlier closure to traffic, he said.

The controller said adequate announcements would be made when the diversion of traffic would be made.

He appealed to road users to comply with directives of law enforcement and traffic agencies then.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on August 5, 2016, inspected the dilapidated Apapa bridge which was damaged by fire.

The effect of the fire exposed some of bridge’s steel layers and made it to cave.

Fashola, after a meeting with relevant stakeholders on August 7, 2016, ordered the immediate closure of the bridge.

Julius Berger Plc moved to site the following day to begin emergency repair works.

An impact assessment of the bridge was thereafter carried out by Julius Berger which advised the federal government to embark on its permanent repairs.

This was despite the emergency work then.

However, in February 2017, the federal government ordered the closure of another extended portion of the bridge for four months for total rehabilitation.

The closed portion was about 700 metres long from the portion repaired by Julius Berger for four months.

However, due to paucity of funds, the contractor abandoned site but the project was captured in 2017 budget leading to its award and subsequent permanent repair

by Buildwell Nigeria Ltd. NAN reported that the Apapa Bridge and the Marine Beach Bridge are jointly referred to as the Apapa-Ijora Bridge.

Both bridges had been damaged by fire at different times in the past.

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018

11

12

MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

2019: PDP Accuses FG, APC of Plot to Clampdown on Opposition, CSOs Party disowns Mantu’s rigging confession Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged clandestine plots by certain agents of the federal government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to clampdown on key members of the opposition parties ahead of the 2019 general election.

The party has also dismissed the advice by the APC that it should learn from the former Senate President, Deputy Senator Ibrahim Mantu’s claims on how he rigged election.

The main opposition party explained that part of the alleged heinous plot is also to arrest members of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) opinion leaders, the media and professional groups who refused to buy into the fabrications, lies, deceptions and propaganda of the APC and the federal government.

“The PDP is reliably informed that the plot against opposition will be hinged on trump up charges of corruption, allegations of plotting to disrupt the processes leading to the 2019 general election as well as alleged politicisation of security issues in the country.

“The first leg of this scheme is to commence a vicious intimidation and harassment of PDP members who have refused to succumb to pressure to join the APC in their undemocratic quest to create room

for a one party state in Nigeria.

“This will be followed by arrests, detention as well as jailing of members of the opposition and others perceived to be opposed to the interests of the APC ahead of the elections.

“It is important to state that the trajectory of our political history neither provides a space for a one party state nor a self-succession shenanigan that seeks occupation of political offices without elections.

“The PDP, which grew our democracy to become sustainable and successfully handed power to the opposition after the 2015 general election, has a responsibility to ensure that democracy and the application of its tenets flourish without let in our country.

“The PDP and the majority of Nigerians, rallying under our repositioned platform, will never be intimidated or cowed on the principles of democracy.

“All we are saying is that the APC and its federal government must provide good governance and live up to its campaign promises of eradicating corruption, vanquishing insurgency and bringing our currency to the value of one naira to one US dollar, among others.

“We want the APC and the federal government to know that this country belongs to all of us and that this plot against the people will be firmly resisted not only by the members of our party but also

CPC Opens Inquiry on Blue Band ‘Spread for Bread’ Controversy The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) yesterday said it had opened inquiry into the controversy about the safety of Blue Band “Spread for Bread” when subjected to high temperature in boiling water.

The council said in a statement sent to Premium Times that it was aware of a short demonstration video circulating on social media about how the product by Unilever Nigeria Plc did not melt or dissolve under certain heat conditions.

The statement signed by the Director General of the council, Babatunde Irukera, said the video has been a subject of anxiety and intense controversy as it suggested the product was unsafe for human consumption.

Irukera said: “Available scientific information confirms that though butter, margarine, and spread appear analogous, and share similar components, characteristics and uses, they are different products available to consumers.”

He said butter and margarine share a particular similar characteristic of low resistance to heat.

As such, the consumer protection agency said both products were likely to melt when subjected to certain levels of heat.

However, the agency said spreads have varying heat resistance, depending on intended use, and production process.

As a result, Irukera explained, even where a spread did not melt under similar heat conditions as butter or margarine, it was not necessarily unsafe for human

consumption.

“Spreads are produced in part by adding emulsifiers which are additives used in stabilising and binding processed foods. They are not inherently unsafe or uncommon.

“The specific emulsifying agent and amount used, largely depends on many factors, including shelf life, storage, handling and climatic conditions in order to prevent microbial activity,” the CPC statement explained.

The council said Unilever already issued a statement to address public concern by differentiating Blue Band “Spread for Bread” product and explaining the purposes of the two different products.

Regardless, the council said it opened the inquiry to determine the product’s safety, and clarify some aspects of Unilever’s statements to the consuming public.

Irukera said the inquiry was to ensure Unilever’s products, differentiated or otherwise, were safe and subjected to proper processes.

Besides, he said, the council wanted to ensure the “in-trade” handling was consistent with the different properties and characteristics of each product.

The council said it would continue to collaborate with the National Agency for Foods Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on applicable safety standards.

It, however, advised members of the public that consumption of butter, margarine or spreads generally are not unsafe.

by generality of Nigerians and the international community at large.”

Meanwhile PDP has responded to the jab thrown at it by the APC, maintaining that Mantu never rigged elections for it.

The party in a statement issued yesterday by its spokesman, Ologbondiyan dismissed the advice by the APC to learn from former Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Mantu’s claims on how he rigged elections.

He said Mantu’s reported claims were personal to him and

has nothing to do with the PDP, adding that the party has never directed any of its members to rig election on its behalf, at any point since its formation.

“Mantu spoke about his personal activities and tendencies in the elections where he participated.

The PDP has never directed or had any pact with him to rig election on its behalf. Never! “”Individuals run their elections on the platform of political parties once they emerge as candidates.

In the PDP, candidates are issued

with the party’s Code of Conduct containing the basic rules of electioneering engagements.

“There is nowhere in this rules of engagement where candidates or party members are directed to rig elections on behalf of the party. If any member’s conduct transgressed these basic rules of engagement, that individual did not act on behalf of the PDP, and as such the party cannot be vicariously held responsible.

“It will therefore be misplaced for anybody, including the APC,

to surmise that Mantu, in the said confession of rigging, acted on behalf of the PDP. “After all, in 2007, Mantu lost his own senatorial election. What, then, happened to his rigging machinery, if he could not deliver himself.

“We urge the APC to manage its manifest failures in party administration as well as its incompetent, lack-lustre and wobbling governance which has grounded the nation’s economy and brought hunger and starvation to our people,” the party said.

CELERATION OF 40TH ANNIVERSARY

R-L: Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; and Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya, during the activities marking Danyaya’s 40 years on the throne in Bauchi State.....weekend

Archbishop: I’m Not Afraid of Arrest, Insists on Rejection of Okorocha’s Son-in-law for Governorship Amby Uneze in Owerri The Metropolitan Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Diocese, Imo State, Rev. Anthony J.V. Obinna, has declared that he is not afraid of arrest, even as he stated for the first time that the state Governor Rochas Okorocha’s regime for the past seven years came as a default as a result of the arrogance of former governor Ikedi Ohakim in 2011.

The outspoken cleric stated this at the weekend during his homily on the celebration of the Easter at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.

He also reiterated his stand in condemning the Okorocha’s endorsement of his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu, to succeed him in 2019, adding that such motive amounted to third term agenda of the governor.

But Okorocha has stated that the Catholic archbishop cannot install a governor of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2019 since he was unable to do that in 2015.

This was just as the governor noted that the Catholic prelate had continued his onslaught against his government using his Easter message as a guise.

In statement by the governor`s Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, he stated that the latest accusation by Archbishop Obinna against the governor was one too many, and noted that the

government would still continue to accord him the desired respect he deserves in spite of the verbal attack.

However, the Archbishop said: “I am not afraid of being arrested because on Jesus Christ I derive my strength. I cannot fear the army or police for arrest. I can only fear the Lord. He is my strength and from Him I am made.

Presenting the 2018 Easter Message tagged: ‘Restoring Confidence and Courage to Imo citizens – A Celebration of Joy of the Risen Christ’, he deplored the system which for the past years had kept Imo citizens in fear of speaking the truth because of fear of molestation from the hands of the present government.

“Jesus Christ is always there to restore confidence and give courage to those who are in fear.

For some years in the past, Imo citizens have been living in fear because of bad government. It is absurd and undemocratic for the governor to anoint his son-in-law to succeed him while his daughter will succeed his wife as first lady.

“This is undemocratic and does not give a level playing ground for other party members to participate in the primaries. Christ has liberated us by His death on the cross, therefore, no person can overturn what God has done. It was because the Imo people were not speaking that I had to speak out on March

3 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Ngwuoma, and since then, the Imo people found courage to speak out and condemn unpopular action of the present administration.”

According to the archbishop, democracy demands equity and fairness so that governance can be rotational. It is the best for zones to take their turns and that is justice.

He said: “There is no way I can endorse Nwosu candidacy because it contravenes equity. I have never endorsed him, I only advised him at the Cathedral during the Cathedraticum. Nwosu has never mooted the idea of governorship because he is not ripe yet. It was Okorocha’s idea to extend his tenure to third term.”

The cleric described the publication in a national newspaper (not THISDAY) as “irresponsible” because he had never said he endorsed Nwosu in any event. “It was quite unfortunate that The Sun Newspaper should report me in bad light. I have no intention to support the governor’s son-in-law. Does it mean that there is no credible candidate in Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe other than Okorocha’s son-in-law?”

However, Onwuemeodo, who faulted the claims of the Catholic Prelate that the people of the state have been living in fear and panic, challenged him to mention anyone who has been arrested in the state for criticising the governor.

According to him, “And we

humbly wish to challenge the archbishop to mention just one person whom the governor or government has arrested for any reason including criticising him or any other person who the governor has imprisoned since he became the governor in 2011.

“Where the archbishop fails to do this, we ask with every sense of politeness that he corrects that false claim and if he deems it worth doing, he should apologise to the governor.

“Of all the governors that had governed the state, both military and civilian, Okorocha stands out to be the most tolerant and accommodating.

We stand to be challenged on this assertion.

“The overwhelming love of the Imo people for the governor means more to us than the weak voice of the opposition in the state made up of few politicians.”

He further pointed out that “it has become obvious that the archbishop has intensified his disdain or hatred for APC, President Muhammadu Buhari and Okorocha this time because of the 2019 election. And the Archbishop should know that most people have become fed up with his repeated unprovoked and unwarranted attacks on the governor and his government using every platform and every event available to him. We do not think that the archbishop should be doing that for the benefit of a particular political party or certain politicians.”

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018

13

14

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

COMMENT

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

BILL GATES, AI AND RETURNED LOOT

Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku canvasses the need to invest in human development and infrastructure

L

ast month, March, a self-driving SUV knocked down and killed a pedestrian trying to cross the street in downtown Arizona, USA. That incident came at a time when UBER was already celebrating the feat of developing technology that makes it possible for cars to move from point to point without a driver. In that incident, a passenger in that SUV was said to be mostly looking downwards and focused on his business. And immediately, several issues concerning technology and their relationship with us begin to surface. One of those issues concerns our future in a millennium which would soon be dominated and soon to be controlled by machines and robots. I remember sometimes ago just after the entrance of this millennium when a certain bank, Bank PHB, used to run an advert that one day cars were going to run on just water.

My friends were aghast, telling me that that was going to be impossible. But I was sure it would happen soon because all that the technology would need to make cars run on water would be an app which irrevocably separates the two hydrogen atoms - hydrogen and oxide - covalently bonded and the miracle would ensue. I used to tell my friends then once that happens, it radically transforms our oil-dependent economy for good.

Development of technology in this millennium has already begun to affect all spheres of our lives. Our politics, economy and even our food and homes are all nearly tied to the arteries and veins of machines. It looks as if without machines today, our lives would come to an abrupt end. To this extent, there are fears that the robots and the machines that are being developed today would soon take over our jobs, families and jobs. But I don’t entertain such a fear, and I have a simple reason: a machine or a technology without a human being is useless. But a human being without a machine can, and will survive. Take the above example in the first paragraph of this discussion: there’s a 50-50 chance that if it were to be a human being at the driver’s seat of that SUV, that unfortunate accident may have been averted. The driver may have swerved or ran the vehicle into a tree or a building if he could rather than just ram into the unfortunate pedestrian. In Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011), we get a strong idea that what radically makes humans human and different from machines and animals is in our ability to combine the automatic ‘impulses’ of the machine plus complex, slow and deliberate processes of thought. Citing the law of least effort, Kahneman believes that we as human usually gravitate to the

LET US CONSIDER SPENDING THE MONIES IN TAKING CARE OF YOUTH FACILITIES – LIBRARIES, STADIA, HOSPITALS AND MEANINGFUL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES – WHICH SEEM TO PREPARE OUR PEOPLE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES WHICH A COMPETITIVE FUTURE THAT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BRINGS

least demanding course of action if there are several ways of achieving the same goal.

Bill Gates, one of the world’s richest men pretty much said the same thing when he visited Nigeria. Two things - human capital development and the health of our citizens – is what he said we should focus on. In his very words, Gates said: Nigeria’s bright future will benefit from further investment in the country’s greatest potential: its people. For in the nearest future, even though some of us are not afraid that robots and machines would eventually take our jobs, we shiver and shake that someday, cars would eventually begin to run on water. Because when they eventually do, one industry - the oil industry - responsible for the upkeep of the nation and the thousands and millions who depend on it would nearly become extinct. To be ready for this we must build our young people. The other day I was at the National Library in Benin City, a centre supposedly for human and capacity building in today’s knowledge-based economy. There is usually no power. The books are so old that I was left wondering if this is the 14th Century or this millennium. In that library, to do any kind of meaningful study or research is a no-no because in less than a minute after I sat down to flip through a book, I was soaked to my skin in sweat. The many times I have gone there, you see our young people milling outside the premises and trying to make do with the shameful circumstances from where they aspire to be leaders of tomorrow.

Many of the people who have argued that returned loot – that from Switzerland the UK and the US – should be used to sponsor a memorial to remember the damage of stealing from the public purse have a case. Even those who argue for the monies to be spent on pursuing a social security schema supervised by the World Bank have a point as well. But I verily believe that that is a recipe for a re-looting of those monies. One, we have no such social security or population data to which we can rely on to determine who benefits from a social security schemata. Therefore then, let us consider spending the monies in taking care of youth facilities – libraries, stadia, hospitals and meaningful youth development programmes – which seem to prepare our people to meet the challenges which a competitive future that artificial intelligence brings. That was the point Bill Gates was making. @bobaneej

NGIGE, KOKORI: WHEN TWO ELEPHANTS FIGHT The ‘fight’ between Ngige and Kokori over NSITF is an unnecessary diversion, writes Emma Agu

T

he recent media campaign casting aspersions at the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, over the delay in inaugurating the board of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) is a very unfortunate development. Frank Kokori, chairman nominee of the NSITF who is spearheading this campaign, claims that Ngige is running a one man show; that the minister has been busy populating the Fund with members of his community before he was stopped; that the savings of Nigerian workers are domiciled in the Fund.

Kokori is not alone in criticising the delay in inaugurating boards of federal establishments. Some critics have gone to the extent of insinuating that the delay is to afford the All Progressives Congress-led federal government the leeway to siphon funds for the 2019 general elections. Others impute ethnic undertones; that President Muhammadu Buhari simply allowed his kinsmen a field day to run the parastatals according to their whims and caprices.

When you hear this kind of allegation, you are left with the impression that all the MDAs are headed by the president’s kinsmen from Katsina. Pray, is Ngige one of his kinsmen?

That said, there are indeed genuine reasons to worry over allowing long and serious gaps in the structure of government. First, it is difficult to do so without committing serious constitutional breaches on infringing on the governance environment envisioned to guarantee transparency and accountability. Second, it is axiomatic that power corrupts and absolute power breeds absolute corruption.

It therefore goes without saying that wherever it occurs, no matter the ministry, department or agency of government, such a scenario should not be allowed to fester indefinitely. Besides, boards usually add fresh insight into the running of organisations and as extensions of the social capital, can be quite useful in broadening the resource base of the MDAs as they implement government polices of course with the ministry, having an over-arching eye on all her parastatals as their supervisor. It is in these

contexts that Kokori’s discomfiture begins to gain some currency.

For the benefits of those who do not know, it is important to state that Comrade Kokori has been a dogged fighter for the rights of workers. He remains one of the most powerful General Secretaries (GS) produced by the National Union of Petroleum and Gas Workers (NUPENG) - even though GS are paid staff. In his day, the fear of NUPENG was the beginning of wisdom for any government. You can ask the Abacha Government in 1993/1994.

He is also a very smart political actor who, as he amply demonstrated during the June 12 debacle in Nigeria, can adopt the most invidious propaganda machinery to achieve his objectives. In other words, most times, the line between his patriotism and self-interest can, at best, be very tenuous indeed.

From that standpoint, characterising his present position could be tricky: where do you draw the line between habitual activism and the noble pursuit of the interest of workers? This becomes necessary because today staff/workers of NSITF are praising Ngige to high heavens, for being the first minister to tour their establishments in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Bauchi, etc., and making sure that all their outstanding allowances and contributions are straightened out.

To start with, it is rather unfair and smacks of laughable hypocrisy to single Ngige out, as Kokori had done, as far back as January 2018, as obstructing the inauguration of the NISTF Board. For it is common knowledge that inauguration of boards had been tacitly placed on hold before the recent directive by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) placing a deadline to start off the boards. To be sure, the delay in inaugurating the boards had raised concerns over the legitimacy of actions of the managements of these companies.

For another, certain statutory approvals affecting staff welfare such as appointments and promotions, discipline and even infrastructural development had suffered undue delays. However, it will be misleading to place Kokori’s agitation just within this construct. For he knows and Nigerian Labour

Congress also knows that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been investigating the place since 2016 and it was not until November/December that they charged about six persons from the last former board to court for various financial malfeasance and even obtained temporary forfeitures on properties and accounts traced to members of the former boards.

Something appears to be amiss about his agitation. Yes: agitation. For that is what he has turned his grouse into. In content, temperament and methodology, Kokori’s agitation smacks of a vicious effort to unsettle the minister by instigating a media crisis to the effect that he is disobeying the president.

Such a strategy is designed to fit the present national narrative that the president is not in charge; that his aides have pulled the rug from under his feet and that his noblest intentions have been derailed by his aides.

But it will be entirely wrong to situate Nigige’s position within that context. On the contrary, the minister has made it clear that he sought and got the president’s nod to put an administrative panel to look into the breakthrough of the financial regulations and internal audit mechanism of the place and to stay action on the board’s inauguration, pending conclusion of the work of the committee investigating allegations of massive diversion of funds by the previous board. This runs into huge billions of naira!

While it is debatable whether anything would be lost if the board was inaugurated, it does not seem that anything stands to be lost by allowing a little more time for the panel to conclude its work and for the government to look at it, and, put in place the appropriate structures that will prevent future board members from doing “business as usual� of the yesteryears.

Quite frankly, one is rankled by the language ascribed to Chief Kokori who, at this stage should have qualified to be addressed as an elder statesman. It is bad enough that he descends to the usual Nigerian pastime of dressing every situation in ethnic garb. But to reduce the minister to an unserious person who is always attending burials and sundry

matters as he did in his Gani Fawehinmi Lecture in Lagos recently as reported by Sahara Reporters is to descend to the nadir of pettiness and mischief.

Ngige’s track record is a standing repudiation of any such claim. When Nigerians and International agencies heap encomiums on the Anambra miracle, they are simply paying tribute to Gov. Ngige whose regime sowed the seeds of the renaissance being aggressively pursued by Governor Willie Obiano.

Besides, if Kokori is looking for anybody who will do anything to undermine the president’s anti-corruption crusade, he should look elsewhere.

While I am not in a position to claim that the Labour Minister is a saint, one thing I know for a fact: his loyalty to Buhari even at the threat of filial disconsolation from his tribesmen does not permit any iota of treachery; Kokori can go to the bank with this. Also Comrade Kokori getting the NLC to issue threats on his non-inauguration into a board that is 100 per cent federal government-owned, in which the FG, in the spirit of labour tripartism, is carrying the social partners along, to me also smacks of a huge political miscalculation. After all by the 2004 Act of NSITF, is not the minister the one that recommends to the president who to appoint chairman. Are we to expect a fight between a minister and his chairman ad-infinitum in this case?

If I have any worry about the face-off between the minister and the incoming board chairman, it is in the fact that both men are gladiators of no mean order. Kokori, as earlier said, is a dogged fighter.

Play back Ngige’s day as Governor of Anambra State and you will see a human matador, a man who is ready to sacrifice all for any principle he stands for-fighting Godfathers backed by a sitting President Obasanjo without caring, all for the benefit of the people of Anambra State. So what gives, in the circumstance? We should be mindful of the saying that when two elephants fight, it is only the grass that suffers. By extension, this “fight� between two elephants is an unnecessary diversion from the serious challenges confronting the PMB Administration at this moment. It should not be allowed to fester

15

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

EDITORIAL A CULTURE OF OFFICIAL BEGGING It is not only shameful but belittling

F

rom airports to supermarkets to hotels to banks and the major highways across the country, a serious social disease aficts many otherwise engaged Nigerians: begging while on duty.

While this is not a new practice, as it has been going on for several years, the situation seems to have worsened in recent months. Of course the economic downturn of the country could be a convenient excuse for this disgraceful conduct but the malaise runs far deeper as the culture of begging predates the current challenge.

That is why we enjoin the relevant authorities to ďŹ nd a way to deal with the situation that compromises both our national image and security.

At most of the important desks, at practically all levels of government in our country, “anything for your boysâ€? has almost become the accepted language of ofďŹ cial interaction. Yet, this pervasive and shameful conduct not only dehumanises the perpetrators but also makes our country vulnerable since unscrupulous elements can get away under a situation where a little tip would make WHEN PEOPLE ARE PUT IN ofďŹ cials shirk their UNIFORM BY THE STATE TO responsibilities. To SERVE THE PUBLIC, THEY redress this situation, ARE MEANT TO EXHIBIT we must begin to A CERTAIN STANDARD OF build a new ethos BEHAVIOUR THAT OUGHT that places emphasis TO MIRROR THE HIGHEST on self-respect and CODE OF CONDUCT FOR dignity of labour.

THE SOCIETY What makes the state of affair even more deplorable is that in several of the critical places where this ofďŹ cial begging occurs in the full glare of the public, there are also CCTV cameras installed to capture such unsavoury conduct. But in instances where the cameras do work, there is hardly anyone to keep track of what’s happening and where there are, they are mostly watching Nollywood movies or sport channels on cable television! Even at that, there seems

to be some form of complicity in which nobody is ever punished for what has now become an acceptable behaviour.

N

T H I S DAY

EDITOR

DEPUTY EDITORS

˜

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ˜

˜

˜ ˜

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS ˜ DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS

˜ CONTROLLERS

˜

˜

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION

igerians will recall the ugly incident in 1994 when Mr. Mike Wallace, then of the American CBS news programme “60 Minutesâ€?, secretly recorded some ofďŹ cials openly soliciting for bribe at our major international gateway, the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja. When aired, the programme was a major scandal that had serious dent on our image as a nation and ultimately led to some house cleansing. But that lasted only for a few years before the rot returned. That is why it is important that someone at the higher end of political authority with a sense of national pride intervene to stop this shameful racketeering that gives our country a bad name and makes us vulnerable to disasters.

However, we also need to take a closer look at the sociology of a begging culture. There is a possibility that dire economic conditions have lowered the self-esteem of most Nigerians who ordinarily would feel too proud to be found begging or it could just be a popularisation of an unfortunate phenomenon that has become proďŹ table. It may as well be the product of an underlying psychology of income redistribution in a society that has islands of stupendous afuence in a sea of crushing poverty. Whatever may be the cause, it is something that has to be dealt with and very quickly.

Indeed, the fact that most of the beggars are gainfully employed persons makes it a matter of urgent public policy concern. The fact that a signiďŹ cant segment are in uniform makes it even more frightening.

When people are put in uniform by the state to serve the public, they are meant to exhibit a certain standard of behaviour that ought to mirror the highest code of conduct for the society. Therefore, since this matter touches at the very ethical roots of our society, we urge the authorities to work towards putting an end to what has become another emblem of shame in Nigeria.

TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

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

A PROMISING EASTER DAWN FOR IMO PDP

F

or 12 long political years (1999-2011), the Peoples Democratic Party umbrella towered over Imo state like a giant canopy.

Politicians who dared to seek recognition outside of its huge shade, found themselves in the blistering heat of irrelevance and struggled desperately to get back in.

Following the defeat of the party in the 2011 gubernatorial polls and also the 2015 presidential and gubernatorial polls, the travails of Imo PDP went from bad to mbadamba, to cite a native wisecrack.

The party was steamrolled out of contention in the rescheduled senatorial election for Imo North (Okigwe zone) by the All Progressives Congress. To confound matters even more, party stalwarts found themselves on different sides of the ensuing Makarfi/Sheriff struggle that consumed the PDP for over a year.

After that, the party turned to a shadowy hulk of its old self. Thus, only a Nostradamus could have foreseen this inspiring turnaround, when Charles Babatunde Ezekwem and Ray Emeana took over as chairman and secretary respectively two years ago.

From the ashes of defeat and intra party squabbles, Imo PDP is rising, like a home grown phoenix, into a sunlit dawn of heart-warming aspirations for the growth and deepening of democracy in Imo State and Nigeria. No longer “wobbling,â€? to use Obasanjo’s descriptive phrase. “Since the inception of this Executive in August 2016,â€? Ray Emeana, secretary of Imo PDP told state party faithful on February 5 this year. â€œâ€ŚI am surprised that the Imo PDP Executive has not been listed in the Guinness book of records as the party with the highest litigations against it‌ We are most grateful to God that we have come out victorious in all the cases.â€?

In the Nigerian political jungle, being in opposition is not a bongo

carnival and Emeana’s speech to the assembled stakeholders was a rallying cry for them to get their act together and mobilise the grassroots for a decisive victory in the 2019 gubernatorial polls. “Gone is the era of playing politics at the state capital with total neglect of our wards,� he advised, and listed a number of constructive actions to shore up the vastly eroded membership of Imo PDP. “This is a new PDP,� Emeana, a one- time legislator who represented Owerri North in the Imo Assembly, asserted.

A Ward to Ward (W2W) Group is overseeing the drive to register new members into various party platforms like the PDP NonIndigenes Association, PDP Traders Association, the PDP Physically Challenged Association, and PDP Mechanics and Allied Associations, amongst others. Capping them all is a PDP Integrity Group in various urban centres signposting the new era in the once unpredictable party machinery.

Internal democracy is the mantra of this new reality and the Imo PDP gospel is spread through a bi-weekly Imo PDP Newsline and the PDP Radio Hour on My Radio 101 FM, a new and popular radio station that has ruled the airwaves above Imo State since late 2016.

The Radio Hour is a call- in programme that allows listeners in Imo and beyond, to update their appreciation of the challenging makeover of Imo PDP, from the political auctioneering of the past into a true democratic institution with respect for democratic norms and protocols.

Though stability has returned to the party since the Supreme Court decision on the Makarfi/Sheriff squabble, Ray Emeana’s admissions about a deserving mention in the Guinness Book suggest that it may not yet be “uhuru� for Imo PDP. Indeed, resentments exist among the membership which would not augur well for the determined comeback of the green-red-white Umbrella to Douglas House, Owerri.

Realising this, the party hierarchy set up a so-called Imo oneUmbrella Team; to reach out to all disenchanted members in an independent fence- mending peace and reconciliation effort of the party.

Wading into the numerous complaints, the “One Umbrella Team� found that the overriding desire of party leaders “to control party executive councils from wards to state level in the name of structure control� was at the root of most disputes in the party.

The onus now lies on the current state executive to curb the excessive tendency of party elders and leaders to want to dominate every rung of the party structure. To mend fences, the Ezekwem- led council has since lifted the suspensions on some party stalwarts, as recommended by the Imo one-Umbrella Team.

Predictably, the amazing strides of the new leadership in maintaining party cohesion against all odds have attracted the caustic criticism of jaundiced opponents. Imo PDP belongs to an individual, they allege.

Analysts attribute this unseemly label to the fact that Ezekwem had been largely unknown before his emergence as chairman, and was considered a featherweight politician by many pundits. His reform agenda was seen as paving the way for some powerful interests to call the shots. Rather than give him due credit for the startling rejuvenation of the once-moribund party, his traducers prefer to hand the kudos to some big, un-named “masquerade�.

However, Ezekwem has been quick to debunk the suggestion. “The PDP in Imo State is too large to be owned by one man or for one man to dictate what happens within the party,� he declared to reporters. “Our membership is not discriminatory. How then can only one man own or monopolise the party?� he asked.

Pita Okute, novelist and script writer, is an indigene of Imo State

16

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018

17

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2018

18

Group Politics Editor Tobi Soniyi Email tobi.soniyi@thisdaylive.com 07054786260 SMS ONLY

POLITICS

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

Why Buhari May Return as President Notwithstanding the mounting opposition against President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term, there are factors working in his favour, writes Tobi Soniyi

D

espite the growing dissatisfaction with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerians may have to learn to live with his governance style for the next five years.

This is because, the man, many like to hate, still stands a good chance of returning to power. I know that many can not stand him for another four years but the reality is that, Buhari still stands a good chance of retaining power.

Many must be asking why. Isn’t the economy not bad enough? No doubt, the debilitating effect of the president’s poor handling of the economy has crippled many households. Unemployment remains very high.

Even billionaire Bill Gates not known for criticising economic policy of nations issued a scathing attack on the Buhari’s economic policy.

According to him, the present economic templates being used by the Muhammadu Buhari government do not have the potentials to address the unique needs of Nigerians at present.

Speaking at the special and expanded National Economic Council, held in Abuja last week the philanthropist and founder of Microsoft corporation noted that the federal government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) identified “investing in our people” as one of three “strategic objectives”. He however, added that the “execution priorities” did not fully reflect people’s needs, ”prioritising physical capital over human capital”.

He explained further saying, “To anchor the economy over the long term, investments in infrastructure and competitiveness must go hand in hand with investment in people. People without roads ports and factories can’t flourish. And roads, ports and factories without skilled workers to build and manage them can’t sustain an economy.”

As usual, those sympathetic to the government have mounted a strong defence of the government’s economic policy without putting Gates’s admonition into perspective.

In the view of the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, by investing N500 billion in social investment programme, the Buhari government has invested in people. No doubt, investing N500 billion in social investment programmes is good but Nigeria needs to do more to convert the nation’s human capital into wealth creation. That is the point Gates emphasised.

Security, a sector where many expected the president to be at his toughest, has turned out to be his albatross.

Though Boko Haram insurgents appeared to have lost the capacity to come to Abuja to plant bombs, the gains recorded in the fight against Boko Haram had been wiped off by herdsmen’s killings.

The Nigerian Army has delpoyed personnel in virtual all the states of the federation. The police are overwhelmed.

Yet, this has not stopped the killings in Plateau, Zamfara, Taraba, Benue states to mention just a few.

The killing has reached a level that even government should worry. Soldiers and policemen are being killed.

Recently, former army chief, Theophilus Danjuma not known for speaking against the government in power had to call on civilians to defend themselves against the military. He accused the military of complicity in the killings. This is an usual time in the history of the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari

When economy and security are used as bases to assess Buhari and his predecessor in office, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, many people say they fared better under Jonathan.

With this dismal performance, why should Nigerians be willing to give Buhari a second chance?

No Credible Alternative If not Buhari, who else? Even though Nigerians generally agreed that Buhari should retire to Daura, they have not been able to agree on who will replace him. The Peoples Democratic Party does not appear to be ready to take back power. With about a year to election, nobody can say precisely what the PDP stands for. The party, so far has not been able to reinvent itself. Many still see the party as a group of looters. It has not been able to reconcile its members after last year convention. Other political parties do not enjoy the spread to challenge the All Progressives Congress.

The reality is that people don’t trust PDP enough to return it to power. The

Going by past experience, the fear among Tinubu’s supporters is that Buhari will use him to achieve his second term ambition and dump him

party is also not doing enough to earn the peoples’ trust. The third force has yet to transform into a political party. Yet, only political parties can field candidates during in an election. Buhari will be counting on the south-west to vote him. Despite all the ill-feeling, the south-west may indeed support him. The region was humiliated by the Peoples Democratic Party at last year’s convention. Will south-west vote for the PDP during the presidential election?

It is a dicey game.

But with Bola Tinubu campaigning for Buhari, it should not be hard to tell the direction in which the south-west will go.

Tough to Defeat Buhari in the North The strength of Buhari is the north. Despite his poor performance, the president still commands a sizeable number of followers in the north. It will therefore be very tough to defeat him in the north. It is not impossible, but it will be difficult especially by a party as discredited as the PDP. The president enjoys the support of the poor in the north. Even though, he has disappointed them, they are still most likely to support him.

Why the South will Vote Buhari Perhaps, the most important factor working in favour of the president is that the quickest way for the south to get power back is to support Buhari. Constitutionally, the president is entitled to one more term.

Whoever, the PDP brings forward will want to do two terms. Both the PDP and the APC have zoned the presidency to the north.

Buhari is most likely favoured to pick the

APC’s presidential ticket. Someone from the north will also pick the PDP’s ticket. If the PDP candidate wins, the south should forget power for another eight years. This, the south does not want. Whoever the PDP picks can promise to do a single term of four years. However, after the Goodluck debacle, no one is likely to believe such a promise. The odds favour Buhari.

Even the south-east is hoping that after Buhari, it should be its turn to produce the next president. Those rooting for Buhari in the south-east are using this argument to cajole the people to support Buhari.

Those Campaigning against Buhari don’t have Voters’ Cards If the presidential election will be held on social media, Buhari will lose. Unfortunately, those who don’t want Buhari to return as president don’t have voters cards. Many of them are not likely to take advantage of the ongoing voters registration exercise. Those who do may not be able to withstand the elements on the election day. Recently, the Independent National Electoral Commission had revealed that thousand of voters cards were not collected.

On the other hand, Buhari supporters, including underage, will register to vote.

They will also come out and vote regardless of the weather. This is what will make a whole lot of difference on the election day.

To be precise, those who do not want Buhari to return will either not register as voters or not come out to vote on the election day.

They will continue to campaign against CONT’D ON PAGE 19

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2018

19

POLITICS

MONDAY DISCOURSE W H Y B U H A R I M AY R E T U R N A S P R E S I D E N T

Tinubu...his support needed for the president to win

him on the social media. Unfortunately for them, those who will vote for the president are not on social media.

Religious Influence As it was in 2015, in 2019 religion will play a crucial role in the determination of who will be elected as president. Those who want to exploit religion as a factor are already alleging that the herdsmen are being used to wipe out Christians. This, however is not supported by evidence.

When the herdsmen kill, they don’t ask whether the farmers that are killed are Christians or Muslims.

This argument was also raised when Boko Haram went on rampage. However, the insurgents went to mosques and killed Muslims. That marked the demise of the claim that the insurgents were targeting Christians.

Nevertheless, those who accused the president of harbouring a plan to islamise the country will resuscitate the argument.

Many gullible Nigerians will fall for it and vote against Buhari.

The question, however is, who will they vote for? PDP will no doubt feature a muslim as presidential candidate. May be, PDP will feature a liberal muslim. But on record, there is no evidence to support the allegation that herdsmen and other militias are targeting Christians. Assuming they are, there is also no evidence that they are being sponsored by the president. Nevertheless, religion remains an issue that may work for or against the president.

Buhari Shows no Desperation for a Second Term The president has refused to allow his desire for a second term to blindfold him.

There are many issues the president could have handled better to woo more people to his side. This is double-edged sword that may work against him. For instance, many people are of the view that he could have handled the herdsmen-farmers’ clashes better. Others expected him to change the service chiefs by appointing more Christians as service chiefs. The president, perhaps believes that doing so will offend his base.

APC Controls More States Once Buhari can allow state governors under the APC to have their way, they will in turn support him. The party controls more states and will likely take advantage of this to win more votes for the president.

It is no secret that some of the governors

Obasanjo...advises the president not to run

do not want the president back, but they have limited options. This leads us to the amendment of the Electoral Act to change the order in which INEC conducts elections.

Election Sequence With the general election drawing closer, many are hoping that the National Assembly will override the president’s veto and pass the amendments to the Electoral Act. Despite the arguments to the contrary, even INEC knows that the National Assembly has the power to determine the order of election.

It is the National Assembly that gives much of the powers that INEC exercises to it and not the constitution. The power to control INEC is given to the National Assembly. It is even strange that a court of law will stop the National Assembly from performing its constitutional duty of law making. Something is fishing with the preservative order purportedly issued by Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court stopping the National Assembly from overriding the president’s veto.

But if the amendment succeeds, the president will have a battle in his hand.

At press time, it does not look like the amendment will pass. Even if it passes, INEC may argue that it is too late to alter the sequence of election.

Is Incumbency Still a Factor?

After Jonathan lost the 2015 presidential election, many were quick to make the suggestion that incumbency was no longer an issue. But that would be a simplistic way to look at it. Incumbency remains a factor. Buhari is not Jonathan. He has already concentrated military powers in the hands of his kinsmen. The Inspector General of Police is his errand boy. This INEC has not shown enough signs that it is independent. In 2019, incumbency is going to be a factor. The president will

When economy and security are used as bases to assess Buhari and his predecessor in office, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, many people say they fared better under Jonathan

use all the resources within his reach to win the elections.

What the President can do to Win To brighten his chances, the president will have to reach out to former allies. This is what he did when he came to Lagos last week to attend Bola Tinubu’s 66th birthday.

The president also appeared eager to dump the party National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun to satisfy Tinubu.

Already, the party is reportedly shopping for a replacement for Oyegun now that Buhari has asked the APC’s National Working Committee to reverse the decision to extend the tenure of Oyegun and states’ executives of the party. A former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who has been jobless since he left office as governor, is considered as the president’s favourite to replace Oyegun.

If past experience is anything to go by, the fear among Tinubu’s supporters is that Buhari will use him to achieve his second term ambition and dump him. “If Buhari can do that to him during his first term in office as president and when he knows he will need him for his second term, what do you think he will do to him when he no longer needs him?”, an APC chieftain in Lagos who chose not to speak on record asked rhetorically.

But in politics, reasoning gives way to ambition. If Tinubu can manage to continue to enjoy Buhari’s support after the 2019 election, his plan to take a shot at the presidency will become a reality. Tinubu had said that he would run for the office of president if Buhari would not run. This, perhaps is the major reason why Tinubu would back Buhari after the humiliation he suffered in the hands of the president’s men after helping him to win the 2015 elections.

The President should Communicate Better There are many good things the president has done in his three years. The minister for information and culture, Lai Mohammed has been the lone voice telling the world what the president has done. As election approaches, all the ministers should speak out. They should tell Nigerians what they have done. The job can not be left for the information minister only. The president should also fund his media team. The time the vice president spends talking about the looting under the PDP should be better utilised by telling Nigerians what this

government has done. He keeps on telling Nigerians what they already know. The vice president should hammer more on what this government has done.

Stop Alienating the South-east The Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu and a few others have been the lone voices speaking for the president in the south-east. Ministers from the south-east should speak to the people of the region. Now that Nnamdi Kanu has disappeared, the president should offer a political solution to the trial of members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra who are on trial. Discontinue the case and free those who secured Kanu’s release on bail.

They did it to ensure that peace returned to the south-east then.

Obviously, the presidency has been unable to forgive the Senate President, Bukola Saraki for allowing Ike Ekweremadu to emerge as the Deputy Senate President. For this, both Saraki and Ekweremadu had been subjected to series of humiliation. They were charged with poorly investigated crimes or offences they did not commit. It is time to let go. Discontinue the persecution. Stop making unnecessary enemies.

Buhari Can still Lose Despite all the factors working in his favour, the president may still lose the election. This is because the president has lost ground in many of the states he won easily in 2015.

Besides, the electorates are more discerning.

For obvious reasons, the president will find it tough to win states like Kwara, Taraba and Kogi states.

The people in the southwest are becoming tired of Tinubu and his politics. Even the Lagos APC is divided.

In the north, there are many politicians who enjoy good followership among the talakawas (the poor). Many have yet to see the dividends of democracy which Buhari promised them during the campaigns.

Regional powerhouses are also not backing him, former president Olusegun Obasanjo has asked him to retire, former military ruler ibrahim Babangida has also raised a similar objection. Now former army chief, Theophilus Danjuma has spoken out against the killings taking place under Buhari. The president has been at loggerheads with the Senate President Bukola Saraki. Winning the presidential election without these heavy weights will be tough. However, there is still plenty of time to reconcile with them.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

20

FEATURES

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

Rice Revolution in Kebbi Rice growing is widespread in many parts of Kebbi State, raising hopes that Nigeria is on track to achieving zero importation of the food staple, Olawale Ajimotokan reports

A large scale rice farm in Suru

K

ebbi State has become a model in Nigeria’s strides to boost local rice production. Its irrigated plains are patterned with paddy rice common in 15 out of the 21 local government areas.

In the North-western state, over 200,000 farmers cultivate rice thrice yearly. The peak of the activity is the dry season when the product is grown twice in the year.

Rice is produced in Augie, Argungu, Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Bunza, Suru, Dendi, Koko/Bese, Jega, Ngaski, Bagudo, Tsanga, Yauri, Wara and Myamama local government areas.

Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu attributed Nigeria’s hyped exit from recession to the N54 billion loans provided to the rice farmers nation-wide under the CBN's Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP).

Private millers are also cashing in on the frenzy.

As off-takers, they are setting up high capacity rice mills, where the yields are processed and distributed into major cities across the country.

The major mills include Dandi Rice Mills in Kamba, Labana in Birnin Kebbi and Wacot in Argungu. There are also Olam and Umza, while corporate billionaire, Aliko Dangote is also constructing a mill in Jigawa, scheduled to open this year.

The General Manager Labana Rice, Abdullahi Idis Zuru, said the company, which produces the famous Lake Rice, a supply arrangement between Kebbi and Lagos States has two plants, with the installed capacity to process 20 tonnes of rice per hour.

Labana requires about 100,050 metric tonnes of paddy per year to meet its installed annual capacity.

The mill has about 1,050 staff that run on three different shifts.

Zuru said under the ABP, 3,500 farmers were given N750 million. He added that last season, Labana allocated N450 million to 2,050 farmers that are supplying it with rice. “The introduction of the ABP has assisted in getting raw materials for the factory. When it was first launched, we recorded more than 300 per cent increase in the number of farmers that have gone to the farm and in the quantity of paddy rice that was supplied. As a result, most of the rice millers in the country have moved to Kebbi State, opening offices and establishing ware houses, from where they

Bagudu...driving the rice revolution in Kebbi

buy from farmers and stockpile. Kebbi has become the centre of paddy rice supply to all rice millers in Nigeria. And it is not just rice,

Kebbi has become the centre of paddy rice supply to all rice millers in Nigeria. And it is not just rice, but high quality paddy rice, the one you can’t get in any part of the country

but high quality paddy rice, the one you can’t get in any part of the country,� Zuru said.

The rice mill in Kamba is owned by an indigenous entrepreneur. It has two production lines. The installed capacity of the mill is 370 metric tonnes per day. “The benefits will be enormous because one of the advantages of siting the company here is proximity to the source of raw materials, which reduces cost of production. The rice produced here is highly competitive to rice produced elsewhere in the country,� said the District Head of Kamba, Mahmoud Fana.

The demand for unprocessed rice has also led to the emergence of weekly rice markets where agents of the mills scramble for every available grain on offer.

Many warehouses at the Kamba Rice Market

are rented by the companies while the humming of trucks, waiting to distribute the commodity to other end users is a common activity.

The CBN introduced the ABP in 2015 to support rice farmers in many states using Kebbi as the pilot state.

Kebbi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Garba Dandiga, declared at a FADAMA rice plantation in Suru that the state has attained self-sufficiency in rice production and is prepared to meet the country’s 50 per cent rice demand.

Dandiga made the declaration, when Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, led reporters to Kebbi State to witness its thriving rice industry.

He projected that an aggregate 2.5 million metric tonnes of rice will be produced for the 2018 dry and wet seasons.

To make that possible, the Kebbi State Government recently procured 100 tractors, 300 power tillers, 300 threshers and 200 reapers to support paddy rice growing.

According to Dandiga, the Suru cluster farms, covering 50kms by 20kms, sold 1.5 million bags of rice about (115,384mt) last year.

"Last year, we produced over one million metric tonnes and made a turnover of N40 billion from rice. From the look of things, we expect a bumper harvest this year. Normally, if the yield increases, the tonnage also increases.

We want to produce 2.5 million metric tonnes.

Our rice production is in fulfilment of our mantra that ‘whenever you see rice, it must be from Kebbi’," Dandiga said.

He said the state government had assisted farmers to increase output by subsidising the prices of fertilisers which are supplied to farmers at N5,200 as against the market cost of N7,000-N8,000.

The Suru FADAMA Rice Farm is the biggest rice market in the state, closely trailed by Oroba (Dendi), Samanegi, Jega, Dogoraha, Dogosuho and Argungu.

At Jega where there are 15,000 farmers, a local farmer, Alhaji Ibrahim, was lauded for his outstanding feat in using superior farming techniques to improve yields from the national average of 2.5 metric tonnes to 10-11 metric tonnes per hectare.

Bagudu, who is the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Rice and Wheat Production in Nigeria, noted that the Kebbi rice approach has been replicated in other states as

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

21

FEATURES

L-R: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Kebbi State Commissioner for Agriculture, Garba Mohammed Dangida; Kebbi State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mohammed Suleiman Marafa and some rice farmers, during the inspection of a water-sourcing facility at a rice farm in Jega

Rice stockpile in Kamba

the country is inching towards self-sufficiency in rice production.

He said though it is possible for rice to be delivered at N10,000-N11,000 for a bag of 50kg rice there is a need for deliberate investments in the sector as the country is competing with other nations which are also investing. “If you consider the sacrifices made by countries that are dependent on oil- Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Russia, they have not achieved the kind of low level growth that Nigeria achieved largely through agriculture,�

Bagudu said.

He also called for greater lending to agriculture.

According to him, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) indicated that in the first two months of this year, fuel subsidy alone was about N180 billion, while the lending to agriculture under two and half years to farmers across 31 states was only N54 billion. “We need massive investments in agriculture.

Countries that have achieved food sufficiency spent decades supporting agriculture in form of subsidies and providing different producer support and that is what we should do,�

Bagudu said.

In Kebbi, the farmers grapple with a complexity of problems that are impacting on their ability to maximise their production potential.

They irrigate the farms and the water is derived through pressure pump powered by generators. High cost of fuel is a major problem. The farmers buy at N300 and above the official price of N150 because of activities of cross border smugglers.

Water is scarce to find during the dry farming season as the farmers pay N120,000 per annum for water, compared to farmers in Kano State, who are charged N20,000 only. “Most of our farmers use irrigation. In some

Last year, we produced over one million metric tonnes and made a turnover of N40 billion from rice. From the look of things, we expect a bumper harvest this year. Normally, if the yield increases, the tonnage also increases.

We want to produce 2.5 million metric tonnes.

Our rice production is in fulďŹ lment of our mantra that ‘whenever you see rice, it must be from Kebbi’

Tractors purchased by Kebbi State Government for rice farming

Kebbi State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (middle) and Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed (left), at the commencement of media tour of some rice farms in Kebbi State

states it is possible to use gravity where you don’t buy fuel, you just use the water pump in order to produce rice. Because of this our farmers are always buying petrol not at N145 assumed in the model or at most N150. The farmers, in some places, buy fuel for as much as N300. Despite the best effort of the federal government the challenges still remain. Kebbi is contiguous to Benin and Niger Republic and as presented by the NNPC, the prices of petroleum products in both countries are over N320, which is an incentive for people

to smuggle petrol,� Bagudu lamented.

He appealed to the federal government to aid Kebbi with the provision of dams and channelisation as the state lacks the means to embark on those projects.

In addition, farmers like Ibrahim Salihu and Sumaila Mohammed in Kamba and Oroba said inputs like fertilisers are not readily available.

Salihu is one of the 12 farmers that work on a cluster paddy farm in the dry season.

Last year, he managed to harvest only five bags of rice but only with the low yields as

he did not get government support. “I was not opportune to get fertilisers and all sort of inputs distributed by government.

It is only the farmers that obtain the loan that will tell you if they are given the second phase or not,� he said.

Sumaila Mohammed Kamba, who is the Coordinator on Agricultural Project to Dendi Local Government, fingered high cost of fertilisers and water as a limitation as they buy diesel, dig the well and source for fuel to irrigate their farms.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

22

IMAGES

Photo Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ ÔËÖË Email Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›Ă‹Ă”Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

L-R: President, Finance House Association of Nigeria (FHAN), Debola Agunbiade; Managing Director/CEO, Crownrise Finance Plc, Babatunde RaďŹ u; Director, Other Financial Institution and Supervisory Department (OFISD), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Tokunbo Martins; Chairman, Crownrise Finance Plc, Jonathan Abayomi Babalola; and Board member, Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN), Elizabeth Ngozi Ehigiamusoe, at the Crownrise Finance Plc stakeholders luncheon in Lagos,.. recently etop ukutt Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otuunba Bimbo Ashiru (right) presenting CofOs to one of the beneďŹ ciaries of Home Owners Chapter Programme, Mrs Abiodun Rumola Alli, in Abeokuta...recently

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Capt. Fola Akinkuotu; General Manager Public Aair, NAMA, Mr. Khalid Emele and Head Media and Publicity Unit Public Aair, NAMA, Mr. Stephen Onabe, during the Gateway Forum on the activities of NAMA at Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos....recently kolawole alli

L-R: Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, JOF Nigeria Ltd, Segun Olugboyegun; Director, AACE Foods, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli; Unilever Global Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Paul Polman; Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Psaltry International Company, Yemisi Iranloye; Operations Director, SIL Chemicals, Raja Punjabi and Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Mohinani Group, Anil Mohinani, after a meeting with Unilever Nigeria local suppliers of raw materials, during Paul Polman’s visit to Nigeria...recently

Boats displaying at the 2018 Lagos Boat Regatta to mark the Easter celebration in Lagos..recently

L-R: Executive Director, Technology / Operations, Weco Systems International Ltd, Nnamdi Onyebuchi; Channel Lead, English West Africa, Cisco Systems, Isioma Udeozo; Chief Information OďŹƒcer, Chicason Group, Steve Obiago; and Solution Architect, Weco Systems, Ethelbert Ezeaputa, at Weco- Cisco wokshop on delivering outstanding business outcome with Meraki and Core Refresh in Lagos... recently etop ukutt

Members of the Silver Knights, an Ibadan-based social club, during their annual Black Tie Gala, held at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan...recently

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

23

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157

Í° ͡ Ëœ Í° ÍŽ ÍŻ Íś MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

REPO ;˛ͯ; Ϲ ͜˛͎͜ Ϲ

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

ͳϹ ͜˛;ͳ Ϲ ͡˛ͳ͎Ϲ

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

͹Ͳ;˛Ͳ͹ Ϲ ͎˛͎;Ϲ ͯ˛ͲͯϹ

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

ͳ˛Ͳͳ Ϲ ͳ˛Ͳͳ Ϲ

EXCHANGE RATE ͹͎ͳ˛ʹͳ˚ͯ ̊ ̊

THUMBS UP Rejection of Kaduna’s $350m Loan Request BRAINSTORMING ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION

L-R: GMD/CEO, United Bank for Africa Plc, Kennedy Uzoka; MD/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Peter Amangbo; MD/CEO, GTBank, Segun Agbaje; President/Chairman of Council, The Chartered Institute of Bankers’ of Nigeria (CIBN), Segun Ajibola; GMD/CEO, Access Bank Plc/Chairman, Body of Bankers’ CEO, Herbert Wigwe; GMD/CEO, Union Bank Plc, Emeka Emuwa; MD/CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, Bola Adesola; and GMD/CEO, Diamond Bank, Uzoma Dozie, during a press conference to unveil the Shared Agent Network to deepen financial inclusion in Nigeria, held in Lagos ‌ recently

Banks Raise Commission, Collateral Requirements for Corporate Loans Obinna Chima Commercial banks in the country now demand more collateral from all firm sizes on approved new loan application in the first quarter (Q1) 2018, a report has stated.

Also, the report indicated that lenders will demand for more collateral from all firm sizes in the next quarter.

In the same vein, fees/commissions on approved new loan applications rose for all firm sized businesses in Q1 2018 and has been estimated to remain high in the next quarters.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed this in its Credit Conditions Survey Report posted on its website at the weekend.

According to the report, all firms did not benefit from an increase in maximum credit lines on approved new loan applications in Q1 2018, except for small businesses.

Similarly, all firm sizes expected not to benefit from an increase in maximum credit lines on approved new loan applications in Q2 2018, except

ECONOMY for large PNFCs. “Demand for corporate lending from all business sizes increased in the current quarter and were also expected to increase in the next quarter.

Demand for overdrafts/personal loans in Q1 2018 was higher in comparison with other loan types. “The most significant factors that influenced demand for lending in the review quarter were the increase in inventory finance and capital investment, and they were expected to remain the main drivers in the next quarter,� it added.

Furthermore, the report showed that corporate loan performance as measured by the default rates improved for all sized business in the review quarter.

Lenders also expect lower default rates on lending to all sized businesses in the next quarter.

In addition, the average credit quality on newly arranged PNFCs borrowing facilities

improved for both quarters.

Loan tenors on new corporate loans improved in Q1 2018 and were expected to improve further in the next quarter.

But draw down on committed lines by PNFCs worsened in the current quarter and was expected to improve in the next quarter.

In the same vein, households demand for lending for house purchase decreased in Q1 2018, but was expected to increase in the next quarter.

Of the total demand, households demand for prime lending and other lending increased, and these demands were expected to increase in the next quarter. “Households demand for consumer loans rose in the current quarter and is expected to rise in the next quarter.

Demand for mortgage/remortgaging from households rose in Q1 2018 and is expected to rise in Q2 2018. “Secured loan performance, as measured by default rates, worsened in Q1 2018 but is expected to improve in Q2 2018. “Similarly, loss given default worsened in the current quarter

and it is expected to improve in the next quarter,� it stated.

The availability of unsecured credit provided to households rose in the current quarter and was expected to rise in the next quarter. Lenders reported brighter economic outlook and higher appetite for risk as the major factors that contributed to the increase in Q1 2018, the report showed.

Despite lenders’ resolve to tighten the credit scoring criteria for total unsecured loan applications in the review quarter, it showed that the proportion of approved total loan applications for households increased.

Also, lenders expect to still tighten the credit scoring criteria in the next quarter, but anticipated that the total loans applications to be approved in Q2 2018 will increase.

The proportion of approved credit card loans decreased in Q1 2018 due to lenders’ stance on the credit scoring criteria for granting credit card loans.

Similarly, the proportion of Continued on page 24

FG Pledges Commitment to $1.5bn Lekki Deep Sea Port Eromosele Abiodun The federal government has pledged its total support to the management of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise towards the actualisation of the $1.5billion Lekki Deep Sea Port project.

President Muhammadu Buhari made the commitment at the flag-off of the project in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

Represented by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Buhari stated that the project was in line with the federal government Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP). “We are totally committed

MARITIME to the success of this laudable project because of its enormous economic benefits, with a target of 1.5million 20-foot equivalent units of container capacity annually which is expected to grow to 4.7million TEUs, Lekki Port will become the largest port in Nigeria and serve as a hub for port operation for the whole of West Africa�. Osinbajo said.

According to the Vice President, the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which is jointly owned by the Tolaram Group, the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian

Ports Authority is expected to be a major boost to the maritime sector and the Nigerian economy at large.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, disclosed that the Lekki Deep Sea Project is one of the three key projects that the current administration, through the Ministry of Transportation is determined actualise. He noted that the ministry under his watch has helped the promoters of the project to remove all the obstacles, which were hitherto frustrating the smooth take-off of the projects by successive administration.

On his part, the Managing

The Senate last Thursday dismissed Kaduna State government’s request ÞÙ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă‹ ÍœÍąÍłÍŽ Ă—Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜Ă• Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂžËœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă‹Ăž Ă‹ ÞÓ×Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ËŞĂ? ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŽĂ?ĂŒĂž Ă–Ă?Ă Ă?Ă–Ëœ Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ë›

Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă”Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂžËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ? ÚÙĂ?Ă“ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒĂ? ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă‹Ă–ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂŽĂŁ Ă’Ă‹ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?âÓĂ?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂ‹Ă?ÕÖÙÑ Ă™Ă? ÍœÍ°ÍąÍŻ Ă—Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă™Ă˜ ĂŽĂ?ĂŒĂž åÓÞÒ Ă‹ ÖÙå Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Generated Revenue (IGR) status. Ă’Ă? Ă&#x;ÚÚĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă&#x;Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă?ĂĄ Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ăž ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂŽËœ

Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă‹ ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂŒĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă?ÞËÞĂ? Ă‹Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂŁË›

Ăž ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ ĂœĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă Ă‹Ă˜Ăž Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž ÞÙ Ă?Ă“ĂœĂ?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă Ă?Ă˜Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă˘ĂžĂ‹Ă˜Ăž ĂŽĂ?ĂŒĂž management act. Ă’Ă‹Ă“ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă˜Ëœ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ù××ÓÞÞĂ?Ă? Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă?Ă‹Ă– Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜ Ă?ĂŒĂžĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă’Ă?Ă’Ă&#x; Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ëœ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă‹ Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞåÙ ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ? Ă?Ă˘ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă‹Ă– Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Þ˛ ĂšĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁËœ Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂž Ă‹Ăž ÚÖĂ?Ă˜Ă‹ĂœĂŁËœ Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ? ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă˜ ÒÙå ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜ ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? Ă”Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă–ĂŁ Ă&#x;ÞÓÖÓĂ?Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÒÙå ĂŒĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă“Ăž ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ?Ë› Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂ˜Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ăž ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂŽËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ?ËŞĂ? ĂŽĂ?ĂŒĂž Ă?ÞÙĂ?Ă• ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? ÞÙ ÍœÍłÍśÍ°Ë›ÍŻĂ—Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă“Ă—Ă“Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ–ĂŁËœ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă&#x;Ă–Ă?Ă“Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă•Ă&#x;ĂŁĂ“Ëœ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă‹ Ă™ĂœĂžĂ’Ëœ Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‘Ă?ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?ÙÖÖĂ?Ă‹Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? ÞÙ ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă—Ă“Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂžËœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ăž ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂœĂŽĂ?Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ?Ë› Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ ĂšĂ™Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă™Ă&#x;Ăž ÞÒËÞ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ăž ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜Ă• ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă“Ă˜ ĂžĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ă— åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂ&#x;ĂœĂšĂ™Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ÑÒÞ˛ Ă–Ă?Ă™Ëœ Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜Ă”Ă&#x;Ă—Ă‹ Ă‹ËŞĂ‹Ă’Ëœ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă‹ Ă™Ă&#x;ĂžĂ’Ëœ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ăž ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?ÞÓÞĂ&#x;Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ë› Ù××Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă?ĂšĂ&#x;Þã Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă‹ĂŽĂ?ĂœËœ Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ Ă‹ËŞ Ă–Ă–Ă‹Ă’Ëœ Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽ Ă“Ăž ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă? Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă˜ ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă™ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă?Ă‹Ă“Ă– ÞÙ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ăž åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă?Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă—Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă Ă? Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă‹Ă–Ë› Ă˜ Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžËœ Ă?ĂšĂ&#x;Þã Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă•Ă? Ă•ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x; Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ Ă‹ ËŤĂ–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜ ËÚÚÖÓĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă– ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž ĂŒĂ‹ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ Ă“ĂžĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? ÞÙ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ăž åÓÞÒ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂ?ÙÚÖĂ? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? ËÚÚÖÓĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ–ĂŁ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ă—Ă™Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă?˛ˏ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă‹ ÞËÞĂ? ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă’Ă‹Ă? à ÙåĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă‘Ă™ Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂŽ åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜Ă• Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?ĂžËœ Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ăž ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ?Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?ÞËÞĂ? Ù××ÓĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ëœ Ă&#x;Ă–Ă?Ă“Ă—Ă‹Ă˜ ĂŒĂŽĂ&#x; ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂ“Ëœ Ă?Ă–Ă‹Ă“Ă—Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒĂ? Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜Ă• ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ? Ă—Ă?Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă?Ă˜ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜Ë› Ă? Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă?ÞËÞĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă Ă‹Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ù××ÓÞÞĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă?Ă?Ëœ ĂŽĂ?ĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă–Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂ&#x;ĂœĂšĂ™Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă‹Ă˜Ë› Ă? ĂšĂ&#x;Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ? Ă‹Ă Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă‘Ă? Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ’Ă–ĂŁ Ă‹Ă–Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÍŻÍ° Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă‹Ăž ͹˛Ͱ͡ͳ ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă? Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂœĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ’Ă–ĂŁ ĂŽĂ?ĂŒĂž Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂšĂ&#x;Ăž Ă‹Ăž Í˛Í´ÍľË›ÍŻÍ°Ă—Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ë› ËŤ Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ?ĂŽË? ËŤ Ă™ Ă‹Ă—Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? ĂŒĂ–Ă‹Ă?Ă•Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ëœ Ă˜Ă™ Ă‹Ă—Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă—Ă“ĂŽĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă˜Ă™ Ă‹Ă—Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă—Ă“Ă?ĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂšËœ ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă? Ă˜Ă™ Ă‘Ă™Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă• Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă&#x;Ă? Ă‹Ă? Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă? Ă—Ă™Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ÞËÞĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă?ĂŽË› ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă™Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ ÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă? Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă‹ Ă?ÞËÞĂ? ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă™Ă Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă Ă?Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă? Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? ĂšĂœĂ&#x;ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ăž Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? Ă“ĂžĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ë› ÖÞÒÙĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă’Ëœ ÞÒĂ? ĂŽĂ?ĂŒĂžËœ Ă“Ă? ĂšĂœĂ™ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ–ĂŁ Ă&#x;ÞÓÖÓĂ?Ă?ĂŽ ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂ? ĂŒĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ?Ëœ Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă‹ĂšĂšĂ–ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă– ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă“ĂšĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă˜Ă?ÑËÞÓà Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă˜ Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă?ÓÞÓäĂ?Ă˜Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ë›

Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza BalaUsman stated that the NPA as regulator of ports operations in Nigeria is committed to providing technical support and regulatory environment that would see to the timely completion of the construction work and ensure efficient operation and management of the port.

She promised that the NPA would work with all stakeholders to ensure that the deep sea port becomes a world class facility and an enviable edifice that can stand the test of time, become an institution that would be Continued on page 24

Senate President, Bukola Saraki

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

24

BUSINESSWORLD BANKS RAISE COMMISSION, COLLATERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CORPORATE LOANS

approved overdraft/personal loans applications decreased.

Lenders reported that spreads on credit card lending widened in Q1 2018 but were expected to narrow in the next quarter.

Spreads on unsecured approved overdrafts/personal loans applications narrowed in the current quarter and was expected to further narrow in the next quarter. Overall spreads on unsecured lending narrowed in the current quarter and was expected to be same in the next quarter.

The limit on unsecured credit cards on approved new loan applications decreased in Q1 2018 but was expected to increase in the next quarter.

The minimum proportion of credit card balances to be paid on approved new loan applications increased in the review quarter and was expected to further increase in the next quarter. “Maximum maturities on approved unsecured new loan applications were shortened in the current quarter, and lenders anticipated that they will remain shortened in the next quarter. “Demand for unsecured credit card lending from households FG PLEDGES COMMITMENT TO $1.5BN LEKKI DEEP SEA PORT

the pride of all stakeholders and encourage more of such investment.

Delivering his address at the ceremony, the Managing Director (Africa), Tolaram Group, Mr. Haresh Aswani commended the federal government for creating an enabling environment and providing necessary support for business growth, promising that the company is determined to deliver the Lekki Deep Sea project both to specification and time.

Aswani disclosed that the Lekki Deep Sea Port would support and enhance the development of the various Free Zones in the area, thereby making Lekki the economic hub for the region and also create an enabling environment for the businesses and help in furthering the national policy of improvement in the ‘ease of doing business’ in Nigeria.

NEWS

Import Duty on Solar Panels Threatens Nigeria’s 30% Electricity rOperators push $500m investments to Zambia Ejiofor Alike The federal government’s target to generate 30 per cent of Nigeria’s electricity through renewables by 2030 is under threat by the five – 10 per cent import duty imposed on solar panels by the Nigeria Customs Service, the Executive Committee of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) has said.

REAN has also raised the alarm that while Nigeria has only $15 million investments in solar energy, Zambia has attracted $500 million worth of investments, stressing that imposing duties on solar panels will further hurt Nigeria’s capacity to attract investments.

In a communiquÊ issued in Lagos at the weekend, REAN noted that even though import duty on solar panels should be zero under the CET Code 8541.4010.00, their members are being forced to pay five – 10 per cent import duty on solar panels.

The operators alleged that the Nigeria Customs Service re-classified solar panels as DC generators to attract import duty, adding that the development will increase the cost of solar panels and discourage investments in renewable energy.

The investors also added that with the imposition of import duty on solar panels, discharge of goods from the ports has been slowed down immensely, while demurrage charges have reason for their members since the

beginning of 2018. “Nigeria moved up 24 places from 169th to 145th on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Report in 2017 because this administration has demonstrated a willingness to improve the

business climate and ensure the survival of the private sector.

We commend the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) team on its successes thus far. However, it will be counterproductive for

government agencies at the ports to operate in a manner that sets them against the vision of government.

This will reverse achievements this government has made thus far,� REAN said.

WOOING INVESTORS

L-R: Executive Director, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim; Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman and Regional Business Executive, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Rasaq Aboyeji, during the Ogun State Investment Summit in Abeokuta ...recently

Telcos Sue NASS, Seek Judicial Interpretation of Oversight Functions Stories by Emma Okonji Disturbed about the frequent summons received from different committees of the National Assembly (NASS), which negatively impact on the ability of the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of telecoms operators (Telcos), to focus on their operations, the telcos, under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), have dragged the NASS members to court. In the suit, the CEOs are seeking judicial interpretation of the oversight functions of the lawmakers on telecommunications operations.

Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, who made the disclosure at the weekend in Lagos, said they were compelled to approach the court, after several dialogues with the National Assembly

members failed. According to him, telecoms operators have engaged with the lawmakers severally to make them understand that the frequent summons by its various committee members are distorting the workflow of the CEOs, who are being summoned to discuss the same issue that other committee members had hitherto summoned them for, and the committee member had always refused to listen to them.

Adebayo said the incessant summons by the committees indicate the overlapping functions of the different committees, which he said must be addressed in the law court. “The NASS’ insistence on attendance of CEOs at such session is without consideration of these CEOs reasonable schedule conflict or the fact that other senior management staff may be better versed and suited due

to the nature of their job roles vis-a-vis the subject matter of investigation,� Adebayo said.

ALTON, at its general meeting held on Friday, 20th October, 2017, resolved to seek judicial interpretation of the oversight functions of the members of NASS on telecoms operations.

Based on the outcome of the meeting, ALTON engaged the services of a law firm, which eventually filed a case at the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the powers of the lawmakers over telecoms operations in the county.

Citing duplication of efforts by the Committees, ALTON said its members were summoned by both the Standing Committee on Telecoms and the Ad-hoc Committee on Operational activities of Telecoms Equipment and Service Providers, both investigating

loss of revenue to the federal government. The committee on telecoms is also investigating loss of jobs, which the committee on labour had also summoned its members in respect of.

The Committee on Telecoms also served summons for investigation by its Adhoc Committee for Value Added Services and Committee investigating locally manufactured skills.

According to Adebayo, some of the requested information border on information within the purview of specific government agencies which the NASS could easily request the agencies to provide, such information as evidence of tax remittances to government since inception of members operations, which could date as far back as sixteen years; or confidential information which members should not be obliged

to provide.

ALTON has therefore asked for the court to determine the extent of the NASS’ oversight functions as it relates to private companies and particularly, telecommunications companies being private companies; the specific nature of information which the NASS can lawfully request from private companies including telecommunications companies, and whether it includes companies’ confidential information and information within the purview of government agencies; specific nature of directives that can be made by NASS pursuant to the outcome of their investigative activities. ALTON is also seeking for an order restraining the NASS from serving any further summons on telecommunication companies, pending the determination of the action.

Cisco 2018 Cybersecurity Report Highlights Threat in Ransomware Attacks

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Jonathan Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (AgriBusiness)

The 2018 Cybersecurity Report released recently by Cisco, global leader in Information Technology (IT) and networking, has highlighted the evolution of ransomware and more sophisticated tradecraft by attackers.

According to the report, Cisco’s security capabilities benchmark study on cybersecurity, revealed that 94 per cent of Middle East and Africa companies surveyed, suffered a breach in the past year Analysing the impact of ransomware attacks that hit various counties in 2017, at a media presentation of the Cisco 2018 Annual Cybersecurity Report in Lagos recently, the company raised awareness on the increasing and rampant sophisticated ransomware attacks, and urged businesses in Nigeria and in other African countries to set

the bar higher on cybersecurity.

The IT security company also called on businesses to adopt security measures and to take a comprehensive approach across people, process, technology and policy to protect their businesses from hackers and cyber criminals.

The Cisco Cybersecurity Report identified the evolution of ransomware as one of the most significant threat developments over the past year. The report also highlighted that malware had become more vicious and harder to combat and that attackers are developing more skill in creating malware that can evade traditional sandboxing. It also revealed that adversaries are increasingly embracing encryption that is meant to enhance security, to conceal command-and-control activity and that nearly half of the security risk that organisations

face stems from having multiple security vendors and products.

Speaking at the cybersecurity report presentation, the Country General Manager of Cisco Nigeria, Mr. Olakunle Oloruntimilehin, explained the need for businesses and enterprises to adopt advanced methods of cybersecurity. He said: “Security is getting more complex and the scope of breaches is expanding. Several companies are hit by cyber breaches and attacks every year causing losses in millions of naira and stealing highly classified information. It is therefore imperative that any organisation that desires to stay safe and minimise risk or loss, address cybersecurity at the top, with executive leadership setting the tone and engender a ‘securityfirst-always-and-everywhere’ culture that flows throughout

the organisation.�

The Cisco 2018 Security Capabilities Benchmark Study reveals that 94 per cent of companies in the Middle East and Africa suffered a breach in the past year and that 34 per cent of breaches resulted in more than half of systems being impacted. The study also indicated that nearly a quarter of organisations in the region manage more than 21 vendors and cite lack of security personnel as one of the biggest obstacles to security.

Corroborating the importance of robust cybersecurity practices, Systems Engineer and Security Expert at Cisco, Mr. Tomi Amao said: “Cisco researchers observed a two-fold increase in malicious web traffic volume in roughly over 12-months. This alone demonstrates that cyber adversaries continue to learn and evolve. The time to raise the

bar in cybersecurity is now. That is why at Cisco we take pride in being able to educate and provide businesses with the solutions and best practices required for effective cybersecurity. Our threat researchers have a reputation for timely, accurate and innovative work, and our network of talented teams, are devoted to driving impactful outcomes for our customers.�

Now in its eleventh year, the Cisco 2018 Annual Cybersecurity Report offers security industry data, analysis and insights about attacker behavior over the past year. The report highlights findings and insights, derived from threat intelligence and cybersecurity trends, observed over the past 12-18 months, and provides recommendations designed to help organisations and users defend against attacks.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

25

Equities Market Halts Two-week Decline Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie

gainer, appreciated by 0.3 per cent.

Thursday, which was the last day of the week and quarter, the market reversed the four-day decline as the NSE ASI rose 1.72 per cent to close at 41,504.51. The appreciation recorded in the share prices of GTBank, Dangote Cement, Nestle, FBN Holdings, and UBA were mainly responsible for the gain recorded. The growth made the market to record a week-on-week of 0.08 per cent.

The Nigerian equities market rose marginally to halt two weeks of decline. Sell pressure had led to negative performance in spite improved corporate earnings by companies for year ended December 31, 2017. Investors had intensified profit taking, a development that led the market to shed 1.11 per cent the previous week.

Although the bears remained in control for three days last, the negative performance was reversed on Thursday. Consequently, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 0.08 per cent to close at 41.504.51, while market capitalisation closed the week higher at N14.993 trillion.

Similarly, all other indices finished lower during the week with the exception of the NSE Premium, NSE Consumer Goods, NSE Lotus II and NSE Pension Indices that appreciated by 1.15 per cent, 1.73 per cent 1.58 per cent and 0.34 per cent respectively.

Analysts at Meristem Securities Limited said: “Amidst impressive financial scorecards released this week, the NSEASI shed on the first three trading days of the week. We however note that bargain hunting activities on the last trading day drove the market to a positive close.�

Market Turnover Meanwhile, investors traded 1.541 billion shares worth N16.647 billion in 18,805 deals down from 2.328 billion shares valued at N28.927 billion that exchanged hands in 25,530 deals the previous week.

The market opened for four trading sessions last week as the Federal Government of Nigeria declared Friday 30th March 2018, Good Friday.

But the Financial Services Industry led the activity chart with 1.024 billion shares valued at N10.946 billion traded in 11,019 deals, thus contributing 66.44 per cent and 65.75 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 213.704 million shares worth N3.053 billion in 2,693 deals. The third place was occupied by Oil and Gas Industry with a turnover of 158.643 million shares worth N908.260 million in 1,897deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely, Zenith Bank Plc, Champion Breweries Plc and Skye Bank Plc, accounted for 485.832 million shares worth N5.851 billion in 2,221 deals, contributing 31.5 per cent and 35.2 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Also traded during the week were a total of 15,293 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N254,840.00 executed in 16 deals, compared with a total of 4,165 units valued at N78,276.06 that was transacted two weeks ago week in 15 deals.

A total of 21,583 units of Federal Government Bonds and one State bond valued at N22.868 million were traded last week in 16 deals, compared with a total of 5,152 units valued at N4.562 million transacted the preceding week in 24 deals.

Daily Performance The market opened sustaining the losing streak with the NSE ASI falling by 0.04 to close at 41,454.30 points. This was due to largely to profit taking in GTBank, Unilever and Seplat. In the same vein, activity level weakened as volume and value traded fell 32.2 per cent and 24.1 per cent to 379.9 million shares and worth N5.1 billion respectively.

Sectorally, three of five indices trended southwards, while two closed in the green. The NSE Oil & Gas Index led laggards, down 2.5 per cent followed by the NSE Industrial Goods Index with 2.0 per cent. The NSE Banking Index shed 0.4 per cent on the back of losses in GTBank and Diamond Bank.

However, on the positive side, the NSE Insurance Index led with 1.3 per cent, followed by the NSE Consumer Goods Index appreciated by 0.3 per cent.

Profit taking dragged the market further into the red on Tuesday as the Index shed 0.51 per cent to close at 41,243.24. Losses by International Breweries Plc, Seplat and Zentih Bank Plc were the majorly responsible for the negative performance.

Only the NSE Industrial Goods Index was the lone gainer, rising by 0.9 per cent. Conversely, the NSE Oil & Gas Index depreciated the most, losing 2.7 per cent on the back of losses in Seplat. The NSE Banking Index was dragged 1.0 per cent southward due to price depreciation in Zenith and ETI. In the same vein, the NSE Insurance Index and NSE Consumer Goods Index went down by 0.6 per cent and 0.4 per cent in that order.

The bearish trading continued on Wednesday as the NSE shed 1.07 per cent to close at 40,802.08, while market capitalisation shed N159.4 billion to close lower at N14.74 trillion.

An analysis of the decline showed that the bearish performance was mostly due to sell offs in Dangote Cement Plc, and Nigerian Breweries.

Activity level was mixed as volume traded rose 51.6 per cent to 535 million shares while value traded dropped 11.7 per cent to N3.7 billion.

The top traded stocks by volume were Champion Breweries (153.9

Price Gainers and Losers

million), Skye Bank (104.7 million shares) and Sterling Bank (41.2 million shares) while GTBank(N531.3 million), Champion (N397.1 million) and Zenith Bank (N396.2 million) were the top traded stocks by value.

In terms of sectoral performance four of five indices closed in the red while one index closed in the green. The NSE Banking Index lost the most, down by 3.4 per cent.

The NSE Industrial Goods Index

followed with 2.6 per cent, while the NSE Insurance Index went down by 0.3 per cent. The NSE Oil & Gas Index shed 0.03 per cent. On the positive side, the NSE Consumer Goods Index, which was the lone

Top 10 Brokers by Volume Rank

Broker

Description

Quantity

% of Volume

1

CAM

CASHCRAFT SECURITIES LIMITED - BRD

356,951,333

11.58

2

GTI

GTI SECURITIES LIMITED - BRD

344,213,679

11.17

3

CSL

CSL STOCKBROKERS LIMITED

215,057,706

6.98

4

RSNL

RENCAP SECURITIES (NIG) LIMITED

187,644,615

6.09

5

SISB

STANBIC IBTC STOCKBROKERS LIMITED

143,661,146

4.66

6

FBNS

FBNQUEST SECURITIES LIMITED

121,999,494

3.96

7

MCSE

MORGAN CAPITAL SECURITIES LIMITED

121,231,485

3.93

8

MERI

MERISTEM STOCKBROKERS LIMITED

88,745,832

2.88

9

CHDS

CHAPEL HILL DENHAM SECURITIES LTD - BRD

57,900,338

1.88

10

APT

APT SECURITIES AND FUNDS - BRD

57,571,896

1.87

1,694,977,524

55.01

Top 10 Total Volume NOTE: The top 10 Stockbrokers are responsible for 55.01% of the total volume between 26/03/2018 and 29/03/2018

Top 10 Brokers by Value Rank

Broker

Description

Value

% Value

1

CSL

CSL STOCKBROKERS LIMITED

5,417,872,748.88

16.25

2

RSNL

RENCAP SECURITIES (NIG) LIMITED

5,012,717,836.00

15.04

3

SISB

STANBIC IBTC STOCKBROKERS LIMITED

2,943,032,652.77

8.83

4

FBNS

FBNQUEST SECURITIES LIMITED

2,375,938,482.44

7.13

5

EFCP

EFCP LIMITED

1,749,191,614.05

5.25

6

GTI

GTI SECURITIES LIMITED - BRD

1,166,522,691.02

3.50

7

CHDS

CHAPEL HILL DENHAM SECURITIES LTD - BRD

864,947,220.90

2.59

8

ARMS

A.R.M SECURITIES LIMITED - BRD

747,640,373.23

2.24

9

CSEC

CORONATION SECURITIES LIMITED

627,682,971.33

1.88

10

CAM

CASHCRAFT SECURITIES LIMITED - BRD

521,321,513.64

1.56

21,426,868,104.26

64.27

Top 10 Total Value

A look at the price movement chart showed that 40 equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than 33 of the previous week. Similarly, 40 equities depreciated in price, lower than 49 equities of the previous week. GlaxoSmithkline Consumer Nigeria Plc led the price gainers with 33.3 per cent, trailed

by Wema Bank Plc with 32 per cent. Custodian and Allied Plc chalked up 20.9 per cent, just as Unity Kapital Assurance Plc and Eterna Plc garnered 18.1 per cent and 8.4 per cent. Associated Bus Company Plc, Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc rose by 8.3 per cent and 7.3 per cent in that order.

Other top price gainers include: Caverton (7.2 per cent); PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc (6.3 per cent) and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc (6.2 per cent).

Conversely, Japaul led the price losers with 14.4 per cent, trailed by Diamond Bank Plc with 13.4 per cent.

Champion Breweries Plc shed 11.4 per cent, just as Jaiz Bank Plc went down by 10.9 per cent.

Other top price losers included: Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc (10.5 per cent); AIICO Insurance Plc (10.1 per cent); C & I Leasing Plc, Lafarge Africa Plc (9.4 per cent); FTN Cocoa Processors (9.1 per cent); and LASACO Assurance Plc (8.3 per cent).

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

26

A view of Lagos ďŹ nancial district

AKINWUNMI IBRAHIM

W’Bank Reveals Improving Economic Inclusion among Women Obinna Chima Governments in 65 economies took steps to improve women’s economic inclusion, enacting 87 legal reforms in the past two years, the World Bank Group’s ‘Women, Business and Law 2018,’ report has disclosed.

However, women continue to face widespread barriers, entrenched in laws that keep them out of jobs and prevent them from owning a business by restricting their access to credit or control over marital property, the biennial report which now monitors 189 economies stated.

For example, it discovered that in 104 economies, women are barred from working at night or in certain jobs in many areas, including manufacturing, construction, energy, agriculture, water and transportation. This negatively affects the choices of more than 2.7 billion women. “No economy can grow to its full potential unless women and men participate fully,�

World Bank Chief Executive Officer, Kristalina Georgieva said.

Georgieva added: “Yet in more than half the world women are still prevented from working in certain jobs simply because of their gender. The report finds that where there is gender equality in labor laws, more women work and earn more relative to men.

Women should have the same equality of opportunity as men to provide for themselves, and to give their children the best start in life possible,�

Now in its fifth edition, the report introduced, for the first time, a scoring system of 0 to 100, to better inform the reform agenda.

Scores were assigned to every monitored economy on each of the report’s seven indicators: accessing institutions, using property, getting a job, providing incentives to work, going to court, building credit, and protecting women from violence.

While no economy got the perfect score of 100 in all seven indicators, economies that performed well across the indicators included the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Spain. OECD high-income economies generally had the highest average score across most indicators.

Protecting women against violence, through laws against domestic violence and sexual harassment at work or in educational facilities, remains an area where much work is needed, the report stated.

Of the 189 economies examined, 45 do not have laws on domestic violence and 59 do not have laws against sexual harassment in

MARKET INDICATOR employment. Overall, 21 economies receive a score of 0 in the protecting women from violence indicator. Many of these economies are located in Sub-Saharan Africa and in the Middle East and North Africa.

Although the vast majority of the economies monitored have laws establishing nondiscrimination in employment based on gender, only 76 mandate equal remuneration for work of equal value and 37 economies have no laws protecting pregnant workers from dismissal.

In building credit as well, it showed that there is much room for improvement.

Legislation prohibiting gender-based discrimination in financial services exists in only 72 economies, with 79 economies scoring 0 on this measure. Low income economies perform particularly poorly, with an average score of eight.

According to the report, four of the world’s five economies which implemented the most reforms in the past two years were from Africa.

With 13 reforms collectively implemented by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, the region accounted for a total of 34 reforms.

Nearly a third of these reforms were in the area of building credit, a weak point around the world, including in high-income OECD. “With an average score of 19, Sub-Saharan Africa is on par with East Asia and Pacific on this indicator. The region also carried out almost half of the world’s 13 reforms to protect women against violence. However, of the world’s 45 economies with no laws against domestic violence, 19 are in Sub-Saharan Africa, earning the region an average score of 46 on this indicator. “The region performs well in the areas of accessing institutions, with an average score of 87. In fact, 20 of the region’s 47 monitored economies receive 100 on this indicator, with not a single economy earning 0. Using property is another area of relative strength for the region, with an average score of 76, and 16 economies with a perfect score,� it stated. “Giving women equal opportunity is a moral and economic imperative and rescinding discriminatory laws is an important first step. We hope the Women, Business and the Law data, which is publicly available, will

be used to make the much-needed changes to enable women to make the choices that are best for them, their families and their communities,� World Bank’s Senior Director for Development Economics, Shanta Devarajan said.

Furthermore, the report cited research that shows that gender gaps cause an average income loss of 15 percent in the OECD economies, 40 percent of which is due to entrepreneurship gaps.

Losses were estimated to be significantly higher in developing countries. Gender discrimination by law is also estimated to decrease female labor force participation and undermine economic growth. Research estimates that for some economies, a large fraction of country differences in output per capita can be attributed to gender inequality, and many countries can increase output per capita by discouraging gender barriers in the labour market.

FAAC Allocation The various tiers of government last week shared N647.39 billion for the month of February. The meeting ran into a stalemate after the figures remitted into the Federation Account by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) were disputed by the finance commissioners.

This had prompted the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, to reconvene the meeting.

Briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting, Adeosun who is the Chairman of FAAC, said she personally engaged the state governors in a meeting last Tuesday night to resolve the impasse.

She said: “The figure for this month is higher than last month’s. There are issues that we would take up with NNPC but those issues notwithstanding, we should go ahead and conclude the meeting. “We would sit down with the GMD of NNPC or his representatives. We would hopefully sit down within the next 48 hours to thrash out subsisting issues.�

Adeosun explained that notwithstanding issues surrounding the account, the welfare of workers was paramount, particularly with Easter celebration few days away.�

Financial Inclusion Commercial banks in Nigeria in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the licenced mobile money operators and the super agents, last week disclosed plan to aggressively roll-out 500,000 agent networks to offer basic financial services across the

country.

The financial services to be offered under this arrangement include cash-in, cash-out, fund transfer, bill payments, airline purchase, government disbursements as well as remote BVN enrolment to an estimated 50 million Nigerians that are currently under-banked or unbanked.

According to the plan, the CBN and banks would over the next few months roll out new initiatives, products and services to accelerate financial inclusion in Nigeria.

The approved CBN-Bankers Committees roll-out ratio include: North-East -30 per cent; North-West -30 per cent; North Central – 20 per cent; South-south -7.5 per cent; South-east – 7.5 per cent; and South-west -five per cent.

Speaking with journalists at a media conference together with his colleagues, the chief executive of Access Bank Plc/ Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs, Mr. Herbert Wigwe explained that the 10 licenced mobile money operators and super agents are expected to immediately deploy financial services agents’ outlets in underserved urban and rural areas in the country.

PMI for March The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) in the month of March stood at 56.7 index points. According to the monthly report, the expansion indicated a growth in the manufacturing sector for the 12thconsecutive month. The index however grew at a faster rate, when compared to the index in the previous month.

Of the 14 sub-sectors surveyed, 11 reported growth in the review month in the following order: electrical equipment; cement; petroleum & coal products; food, beverage & tobacco products; chemical & pharmaceutical products; fabricated metal products; paper products; transportation equipment; plastics & rubber products; textile, apparel, leather and footwear and primary metal.

The remaining three sub-sectors contracted in the following order: non-metallic mineral products; furniture & related products and printing & related support activities.

Also, the report stated that at 59.1 points, the production level index for the manufacturing sector grew for the 13thconsecutive month in March 2018.

The index indicated a faster growth in the current month, when compared to its level in the preceding month.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

27

Jadesimi: We Achieve 50% Cost Savings in Deep Offshore Logistics The Executive Director, Business Development of Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL), Mr. Jide Jadesimi spoke to Ejiofor Alike on the challenges of deep offshore logistics projects and the operations of LADOL Integrated Logistics Enterprise (LILE), a business unit of LADOL. Excerpts: LILE which is LADOL Integrated Logistics Enterprise has been in operation from the inception of the LADOL Industrial Free Zone and it centers on drilling, production support services, logistics, fabrication, vessel repair and maintenance capabilities of LADOL. We have executed some of the biggest jack-up rig repairs and maintenance projects in the history of Nigeria for companies like Noble Drilling. During the six-month project LILE provided the bulk of the 370 multidiscipline workforces, accommodation and logistics support

What is the motive behind the creation of LILE? The concept and investment in LADOL started as far back as 2001 when the developers were researching the most efficient operating model for a logistics base in the world. LADOL being an integrated support base, means having the full range of services that our clients need for their production and drilling programs, thus optimising on efficiencies to deliver cost savings to our clients.

LILE was the bedrock of the business and everything else has been built on top of that as we develop the LADOL industrial Free Zone and diversify to support other sectors in heavy industries, maritime, agribusiness and high value inputs such and technology being done cost efficiently, safely and reliably in Nigeria and creating a positive global perception of our country, thereby attracting hundreds of millions of dollars of private investment which will be invested across the country creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and driving up our GDP. Could you please walk us through its operations?

LILE which is LADOL Integrated Logistics Enterprise has been in operation from the inception of the LADOL Industrial Free Zone and it centers on drilling, production support services, logistics, fabrication, vessel repair and maintenance capabilities of LADOL. We have executed some of the biggest jack-up rig repairs and maintenance projects in the history of Nigeria for companies like Noble Drilling. During the six-month project LILE provided the bulk of the 370 multidiscipline workforces, accommodation and logistics support. Lead by Noble’s team LILE’s skilled welders, fitters, electricians and scaffolders worked in teams around the clock ensuring the fastest possible turnaround.

When Noble decided to change the original scope of work – as the company decided to carry out additional repair works after initial kick-off – LILE accommodated these wishes without a glitch. In total over 450 tons of steel were replaced during the six-month timeline.

LILE managed to complete the project within agreed timeframes and within budget.

By partnering with LILE, Noble managed to save drastically on the project. Not only did the company reduce its transportation costs, it also managed to shorten the time the rig was out of operation. Instead of towing the rig to a wharf in South Africa or Tenerife, due to the capabilities of LADOL Noble chose LILE as a local partner to do the work in Nigeria.

Basically, LILE is a fully integrated offshore drilling, production, logistics support and vessel repairs and maintenance company.

Its streamlined business model is based on years of operating the best practices of leading international offshore support bases. The LADOL Free Zone has robust and technologically advanced infrastructure that can operate safely and efficiently 24 / 7 to support high value industrial projects.

Few days ago, we had the arrival of a jack up rig from Shelf Drilling called the Adriatic 1 which will be alongside The LADOL quayside for around three months while work is ongoing. A second rig the Trident 8 will be arriving at the LADOL Free Zone this week from the same company. The rig will require a lot of maintenance and repair work, including changing one of the deck cranes; we will be providing manpower, scaffolding, blasting and painting services This is an extremely important business unit for LADOL, LILE is responsible for all logistics services, moving cargo, personnel, materials and OCTG equipment for our clients. We provide all requirements including warehouse

Jadesimi

and workshop space, offices, accommodation, meals, utilities, etc. for the vast majority of service partners. Indoor and outdoor inventory management services, storage and maintenance. Storing equipment and materials in specialised areas as per requirement by our clients, these can be heavy load bearing lay down or temperature and humidity-controlled conditions.

A good example of the sort of equipment LILE stores for clients are the three Total subsea reels weighing over 300 tons each for the Egina project, which are currently being stored at the LADOL quayside. We also do RFI-D tagging and bar coding which allows our clients to track their equipment and goods directly from their factories whether they are in Asia or Europe all the way to LADOL where we have specialised racking and shelving to warehouse their equipment.

LADOL runs a streamlined fully integrated logistics service, minimising set-up cost for service providers, maximising reliability and quality control and thereby we have built a platform for full service support for the oil and gas industry.

All these factors equate to cost savings for the oil and gas industry, and for our clients by maximising on the efficiency of our operations to deliver 50% cost savings.

This is what LILE does and LILE will continue to expand as we sign up more. It is really the heart of the business.

Having more rigs and vessels come to LADOL quayside; what are the implications for the oil and gas industry?

The indices are good for the economy and specifically for the oil and gas industry. It indicates that there is lot more confidence slowly coming back into the market. The two rigs that we’ve got from Port Harcourt are coming in for maintenance and repair works. So typically rig operators do turn around maintenance before an upswing in the market. We see a lot of these requests coming in from rig owners and it is a positive indicator for the industry which coincides with the stablisation of oil prices in the international market over the past few months.

Oil has remained between $60 and $70 per barrels and the positive effect is trickling down making for more confidence for a lot of the subcontractors and operators in the industry. We now need more of the offshore projects that have been in the planning phase for some time Like Bonga SW, Zabazaba, Nsiko, Owowo amongst others to reach final investment decisions (FID). This will ensure stability and growth in employment, human capital development to keep yards across Nigeria busy and inflow millions of dollars of investment into the country.

How do you intend to achieve 50% cost saving?

If you look at some of the most efficient oil and gas local content driven countries in

world like brazil, fully integrated onshore support bases have been prevalent in the market for over 20 years. The unfortunate situation in Nigeria is that we lack local capacity. The Nigerian market has been kept artificially expensive due to the presence of a monopoly in the oil and gas logistics market there was no level playing field and a lack of competitiveness. This was because a few people, who were not indigenous Nigerians, were ripping off the country while preventing Nigeria from industrialising by stifling modern industrial and maritime facilities like LADOL being built.

The way that LADOL is delivering significant cost savings to our clients is by tailoring our pricing to our client requirements, this means that we don’t have a standard off the shelf pricing model. Instead we have a model that is tailored specifically to the requirements of each client. If you add that to the efficiency with which we operate in a fully integrated world class onshore base facility which hasn’t been present in the market before LADOL was established, that is why it is a new model for doing business which is new for Nigeria but not new for the rest of the world.

How many enterprises do you currently have?

We have over 30 enterprises currently registered in the LADOL Industrial Free Zone not just in oil and gas industry but there are host of subcontractors that are also registered in the Free Zone. We don’t only have International oil and gas companies as our clients, there are also a lot of independent Nigerian oil companies for whom we provide services. A good example is in 2016 when LADOL provided the installation onshore support services for the FolawiyoAje (FASL) project. Aje is a field 24 kilometres offshore Lagos in block (OML) 113 and all the installation support was provided by LILE for the Front Puffin FPSO with has a storage capacity.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

28

Transcorp Records N80bn Revenue, N10.6bn Profit Goddy Egene Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, Nigeria’s foremost investment conglomerate has announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2017, showing improved revenue and return to profitability.

The company recorded revenue of N80.28 billion in 2017, up 35 per cent above the N59.42 billion in 2016. Foreign exchange loss dropped from N18.70 billion in 2016 to N4.55 billion, while net finance cost declined from N26.64 billion

to N13. 73billion in 2017.

Consequently, profit before tax grew N12.31 billion compared to a loss before tax of N5.93 billion in 2016, while profit after tax was N10.61 billion in 2017, as against a loss after tax of N1.13 billion in 2016.

Shareholders’ fund rose by 11p per cent from N86.45 billion in 2016 to N95.71 billion in 2017, just as total assets improved by 23 per cent from N232.16 billion in 2016 to N285.52 billion in 2017.

Commenting on the results, the Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp, Mr. Adim Jibunoh

said the profit reported in the year was largely a result of increase in power generation

by Transcorp Power Limited due to improved gas supply and increased generation capacity.

According to him, available capacity increased from 505MW to 701MW during the year, noting that capacity increase was achieved through carefully planned maintenance programme for our power generation assets and tactical engagement with stakeholders.

Jibunoh said: “Also, our hospitality business remains resilient, posting stronger

year-on-year performance.

Specifically, we continue to maintain market leadership with occupancy levels that are way ahead of competition. In addition, our second Hotel, Transcorp Hotel Calabar continues on strong performance achieving profitability for two consecutive years. We are confident of improved fundamentals going forward, as we increase our available generation capacity to above 800MW by year-end taking advantage of improving gas situation.

We equally expect to

benefit from the upside of the new improved infrastructure upon completion of our upgrade project in Transcorp Hilton Abuja. The upgrade project is currently on track.�

Transcorp had last year said the federal government’s guarantee of N700 billion to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader(NBET), through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), would help ease liquidity challenges in the power sector and incentivise further investment in power generation.

“With this laudable initiative, the risk of not getting paid for power supply has been mitigated and should thus improve our cash-flow and appetite for further investment, as against current situation where we have notable outstanding receivables for our supply. We are now encouraged to generate more, especially as gas supply improves. It is noteworthy that we have also recently invested in additional turbine, which should come onboard and add to our power generation in the second quarter of the year,� the company had said.

NSE Lauds Nigerian Breweries Commitment to Corporate Governance Goddy Egene The Chief Executive Officer of The Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema has commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for its commitment to corporate governance standards. The NSE boss gave the commendation when the new Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel visited the exchange in the company with top management of company.

Speaking during the visit, Onyema who was represented

by Executive Director, Regulation, NSE, Ms. Tinuade Awe, described Nigerian Breweries as an exemplary corporate citizen.

Onyema explained that part of exchange’s core mandate is to ensure that it continues to provide a robust platform that will attract the confidence of local and foreign investors.

In his remark, the MD of Nigerian Breweries Plc acknowledged the pivotal role the NSE has been playing in the sustained growth and development of the capital market and the Nigerian

economy in general, over the years.

While restating the commitment of the company to sustaining its relationship with the exchange, Borrut Bel added that the company has over the years excelled in compliance and corporate governance matters. “I am aware that we have over the years received awards and recognition from the NSE including The NSE President’s Merit Award in the Brewery Sector, The NSE Quoted Company of the Year Award and The NSE CEO’s Distinguished Award for Compliance, and The NSE CEO’s award as the Most Compliant Listed Company on the NSE,� he said. He pledged the commitment of the company to sustain its high performance in matters of corporate governance and compliance.

Borrut Bel also congratulated the NSE for the recent historic high equity market capitalisation of N15 trillion and for being the best performing Stock Exchange in Africa and No 3 in the World in 2017.

COURTESY VISIT

L-R: Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcements, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Efosa Idehen; Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis at NCC, Ms Josephine Amuwa; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management at NCC, Mr.Sunday Dare; Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and Director, Licensing and Authorisation, at NCC, Ms. Funlola, Akiode, when the governor paid courtesy visit to NCC headquarters in Abuja...recently

OGIRS to Begin Electronic Monitoring of Consumption Tax Collection Femi Ogbonnikan in Abeokuta To enhance the collection of its five per cent consumption tax, Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) has pledged to deploy technology to effectively enforce compliance in its operations.

Addressing journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, at the weekend, the Chairman of the service, Mr. Adekunle Adeosun, disclosed that an era

whereby the burden of passing the five per cent consumption on the final consumers are over, just as hotels, bars, even centres, restaurants and others operating within the state would henceforth be electronically monitored to pay on every food and drink consumed.

According to him, “we have consumption tax of 5% in Ogun state which is chargeable on hotels, restaurants, bars and event centres for food and drinks that the public consume on their

premises. It is not payable by the establishments, but it is paid by the consumers. So, if you go to these places to have drinks, they are supposed to pay 5% consumption tax on it now. The law was passed in 2012 and we started the implementation in 2016. So, the next process for us now is to have electronic monitoring of those sales for those establishments. “It will also help those establishments because the sales for those establishments, the

people that work there, also under-report them.

We have a lot of institutions which say that they see people coming in and going out, and when they are done, we see bottles of drinks and when they look at the sales that they have, they don’t see anything�.

Instead, Adeosun noted that the OGIRS will come in and collaborate with the hotels, bars, restaurants and event centres, in order to allow for the deployment of electronic

monitoring of their sales that will aid to determine what their sales are, and also to allow for block leakages on their own part. “Although, we also have leakages on the part of the hotels, restaurants and bars.

So, it is more of a collaboration that allows us monitoring their sales electronically.

We call it fiscalisation. So, we are working on all that. We will also be doing some other things on Pool and Lottery/

betting establishments to also electronically monitor their sales, because the sales they are reporting for tax purposes are being under-declared. “So, there are leakages on our part in our dealings with them.

There are also leakages from the agents they also employ to operate the establishments for them. As a result, it is a win-win solution for both of us to electronically monitor revenue, sales and taxes�, averred the OGIRS chairman.

Cameroun, Congo Brazzaville, Senegal and the Chad, it is only right to recognise, reward and celebrate the performance of the staff who have worked tirelessly to achieve this.

Uzoka charged staff to continue to embody the Bank’s core values in their endless quest of delivering excellent services to both internal and external customers of the Bank.

He added: “I congratulate all for their well-deserved elevation. I also wish to espe-

cially thank those colleagues who have not made it on this year’s list. I implore you to keep up your contribution, as your efforts are recognised.

There are several other ways that we will continue to reward and recognise your contributions and we intend to use all opportunities to demonstrate this.�

United Bank for Africa is one of the leading financial services group in sub-Saharan Africa, with presence in 19 African countries, as well

as the United Kingdom, the United States of America and France. From a single country operation founded in 1949 in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, UBA has emerged as a pan-African provider of banking and other financial services, to 10 million customers globally, through one of the most diverse service channels in sub-Sahara Africa; 632 business offices, 1,750 ATMs, some 13,500 PoS, and a robust online and mobile banking platform.

UBA Promotes 2,000 Staff across Africa The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced the promotion of about 2000 of its work force.

This represents about 17 per cent of total staff strength across the group.

This exercise, according to a statement from the bank, was in recognition of the contribution the staff members made to the bank’s business growth as highlighted by the performance recorded in its recently released 2017 financial year end results.

“It is important to note that about a year ago, the bank had promoted 3,000 staff members, 25 per cent of its workforce, while also doling out cash rewards to deserving staff for exemplary conduct and performance that year,� the statement added.

The announcement was also greeted with joy and enthusiasm by the workforce of the bank.

The affected staff that cut across all units, divisions and 19 countries where UBA

operates were selected after the completion of appraisal system that identified high performers in the bank among other criteria.

The bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka in an email to staff of the bank described the promotion as ‘dividends of hardwork’, adding that with the recent proclamation of UBA as the African Bank of 2017 by the Banker Magazine; as well as its ranking as Best of Bank of the Year in

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

29

Fintech, Firm Partner on Cross Border Payment Solutions The digital payment platform, Flutterwave has partnered Flywire, an international payment medium, that will enable students, patients, and businesses from Nigeria to pay their fees and bills abroad using their local cards and bank accounts.

Flutterwave is a payments technology company that provides seamless and secure payment solutions to banks and businesses across Africa.

Flywire, on the other hand, is a provider of global payment and receivables solutions for education and healthcare sectors, connecting over 1,400 businesses and institutions with its customers on six continents.

Flywire processes billions in payments per year from 220 countries and territories, bank transfer, credit card and e-wallet solutions, in over 120 different local currencies. According to a statement, Flutterwave aims at making payments by Nigerians and Africans much easier, considering the payment process have been complex and slow, with too much paperwork and costly information gaps, bearing in mind that billions of dollars are being invested in international education, healthcare and business goods and services

by Africans every year. “Our partnership with Flywire makes it possible for people in Nigeria and all across Africa to make these investments more confidently and hassle-free. We are very proud to partner Flywire to enable more Africans to be-

come citizens of the world,� the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji said.

Nigeria is the number one source of international students and patients in universities and hospitals from Africa.

Also, a report by the Higher Education Statistical Authority for the 2016/2017 academic session had shown that 15,000 Nigerians were studying at universities in Britain and the United Kingdom, while another 10,000 were studying in United States universities.

According to a World Bank report, Nigerians spend $1bn annually on medical treatment abroad. The country is a thriving market for international payments and trade, exporting an estimated $35bn worth of goods and services each year, and importing over $30bn worth of goods and services each year.

Flutterwave already provides end-to-end payments technology and infrastructure which enables payment service providers, global merchants, licensed money transfer operators and Pan-African banks to process payments to and from Africa with one API integration.

With the Flutterwave and Flywire partnership, experts have predicted that one of the key wins that would be easily adopted would be the ability to pay international school fees from Nigeria in Naira, as all the bottlenecks bedeviling that process will be gone.

Diamond Bank Begins Empowerment Drive for SMEs Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja One of Nigeria’s leading retail banking institutions, Diamond Bank Plc has initiated a business empowerment drive for Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (NSMEs). Part of the empowerment is through MSMEs seminars which are designed to shape and broaden the business acumen of entrepreneurs towards growth trajectory.

Speaking at the maiden MSMEs workshop in Abuja

tagged “Going from Good to Great,� the Acting Head, Regional Businesses, North Directorate, Mr. Sufiyanu Garba said it was packaged commemoration of the month of March designated to celebrate women.

Garba noted that women are very important for the development of the world, adding that “at Diamond Bank, we are very supportive of women and this initiative is one of such ways to show this support.�

According to him, the aim of

the workshop was to support women who are in business, noting that the bank hopes “to inculcate that business idea to women, which is also why we chose the theme of the workshop as ‘good to great’. “We have had success stories from women in the past who started virtually from nothing, who are today talking of turnovers running into hundreds of million. We have also brought some of them here to share their success

stories and challenges as well for women into MSMEs and intending ones can leverage on. “Diamond Bank is a retail bank with strong support for MSME, our customers are very important to us.

This seminar is part of what we do to encourage them in businesses. if they have good business and bankable ideas, they can come to us, we look at it and if it’s okay, we give them loan for such businesses,� Garba said.

Cross River Partners MTN Foundation onYellow Heart Initiative Raheem Akingbolu The Cross River State Government and the MTN Foundation, alongside other relevant healthcare agencies, have pledged to work collaboratively to tackle the menace of infant and maternal mortality in the state.

The partnership, which was announced during MTNF Yellow Heart Health Forum in Calabar recently, was a demonstration of MTN Foundation’s commitment to reduce maternal and child mortality by increasing awareness of the phenomenon in Nigeria and aligning with global efforts to meet the health targets of Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking on the Foundation’s

decision to support the Cross River State Government on this initiative, Director MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro said: “We are very sensitive to challenges within our society and it is against this backdrop that the Foundation created a mandate to spend towards improving the state of healthcare, education and economic empowerment.

We hope to use the Yellow Heart initiative to address predominant issues such as attitudes and cultural practices that hinder women and children from accessing healthcare services in the society�.

Expressing appreciation on behalf of the state Government, wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Linda

Ayade commended the MTN Foundation for the Yellow Heart initiative and other impactful projects commissioned by the Foundation in the state. “The MTN Foundation deserves to be commended for initiating several interventions in the state, particularly in the area of health. The donation of the Y’ello Doctor mobile clinic and a hemodialysis center, and the renovation of the post-natal ward at the general hospital are among the several impactful initiatives of the MTN Foundation in the state and we are sincerely grateful.�

She further disclosed that the Yellow heart initiative aligns with actions of the state government in improving healthcare in the

state. “We founded the Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF) to channel health and development interventions that will address the needs of the vulnerable and less privileged in the state. 1000 persons have received dental and eye care including drugs and laboratory services, we have provided 219 free surgeries, 280 women have received breast and cervical cancer screening, among others�, she said.

Commenting on what the partnership means for the state, Commissioner for Health, Cross River, DrInyangAsibong said that the initiative would immensely improve the health and survival rate of women and children in Cross River State.

s

t y

y

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

30

Fidelity Bank, Andersen Harp on Financial Health Checks Fidelity Bank Plc, in partnership with Andersen Tax Nigeria has embarked on a sensitisation programme aimed at enlightening customers of the bank on the changing trends in Nigeria’s tax landscape.

The bank’s Divisional Head, Private Banking, Mrs. Chioma Nwankwo, who spoke at a recent tax advisory forum organised by Fidelity Bank, said it was designed specifically to educate customers on the current

tax system and its attendant impact on their businesses and financial well-being. She said the programme was organised in view of the deadline set for the federal government’s Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) which elapsed last weekend. “Fidelity decided to partner Andersen Tax to enlighten customers on what is taxable and other related tax issues, including consequences of missing the deadline as

stipulated by government,�

Nwankwo added.

Nwankwo pointed out that the bank organised two streams for customers from branches within the Lagos and Southwest region, whilst another session was held exclusively for the bank’s high networth individuals (HNIs).

Speaking at the forum, the Senior Manager, Private Clients/Family Wealth, Andersen Tax, Mr. Israel

Koledowo advised customers to conduct tax health checks to ascertain their financial status and minimise potential risks associated with non-compliance with tax requirements.

Whilst restating federal government’s resolve to clamp down on tax offenders, Koledowo however pointed out that tax health checks will assist the customers understand inherent gaps in tax compliance.

VAIDS is a time-limited

opportunity for taxpayers to regularise their tax status relating to previous tax periods. In exchange for fully and honestly declaring previously undisclosed assets and income, tax payers will benefit from forgiveness of overdue interest and penalties, and the assurance that they will not face criminal prosecution for tax offences or be subject to tax investigations. VAIDS ushers in an opportunity to increase the nation’s general

tax awareness and compliance.

Meanwhile Chief Executive Officer, Polysonic Nigeria Limited, Mr. Paulinus Ozonnagbo commended the bank for the initiative. “This forum is quite timely and very commendable. It is a clear indication that the Bank truly values its customers because many entrepreneurs and businessmen in the country do not understand tax laws and associated matters� he stated.

Campari Rewards Trade Partners to Grow Brand in Nigeria Stories by Raheem Akingbolu Patrons of Campari, a premium drink from the stable of Brian Munro Limited, were recently celebrated for their loyalty to the brand. The event was at the 2018 Campari Nigeria Trade Partners Award, where many partners of the brand in Nigeria were rewarded with cash and other valuable gifts.

The event, which was hosted

by Brian Munro Limited, the sole distributor of Campari in Nigeria lived up to its billing as everyone in attendance were given a first-class treat. The highlight of this event was the recognition distinguished trade partners of Campari in Nigeria as top-rated entertainers took turns to serenade everyone seated.

The tone of the event was set

by R&B crooner, Kola Soul, who did not only lead everyone to give an inspiring rendition of the National anthem and but also mounted the podium thereafter to demonstrate his mastery of music. The comedy duo of Tee-A and MC Abbey anchored the evening as they spiced it up with exhilarating comic relief.

However, leading the roll call of stellar music performances is the iconic singer and brand ambassador for Campari, Tu Babawas joined on stage by Rude Boy of the P-Square fameduring his live performance.Entertaining music performances were also provided by Salt of the Earth band while DJ Cypha was on hand to play pulsating songs

at different intervals.

Speaking to a select gathering of customers and trade partners, the Marketing Manager, Brian Munro Limited, Nkechi Nwachukwu, in her statement described the award as an opportunity for the company to celebrate its trade partners who have been loyal to the brand and did exceptional performance despite the tough economic situation witnessed last year.

Over twenty-five, major distributors received awards for their outstanding trade efforts and loyalty. Notably amongst the winners are Amadi Theresa Nnedia of Verchi Stores, Ndubisi Dennis Onyeananuof Uzems Aba andChogozieAnagwuofChigotexroyal link limited who aside the trophies presented to them also went home with the sum of 2,821,514 NGN; 3,264,080 NGN and 7,596,446NGNrespectively.

In his reaction, the star prize winner Chogozie Anagwu of Chigotexroyal Link Limited said the recognition from the company made him feel on top of the world, adding that for over the years, they have consistently inspired and provided the remarkable support required for a stronger partnership.

The brand manager, Campari Nigeria, Rilwan Shofunde, added that the company’s strong belief in fostering a fortified partnership with its major distributors is a continuous journey that the management is committed to. He added that the attestation made at the event by major distributors further reiterated the respect and value for a worthwhile relationship with the trade partners.�

INAUGURATION OF LEKKI DEEP SEAPORT

Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (right), in a handshake with the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman, while the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi and his Trade and Industry counterpart, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah (right), look on at the official flag-off of Lekki Deep Seaport project in Lekki, lagos ‌ recently

First Bank Senior Managers Complete Leadership Programme As part of its measures to give customers the fulfillment they require, First Bank has further equipped its senior level managers for higher responsibility.

At the graduation ceremony, organised for the first set of participants in its Senior Management Development Programme, the bank pointed out that the five months course for middle level managers was designed to equip them for higher responsibilities and leadership roles in the bank.

The bank, which grows in strength as it grows old designed the programme with quality facilitation for the initial 23 staff as a succession strategy and for

competitiveness in the sector.

The graduands were said to have been carefully selected along strategic business units of the Bank. The Managing Director of the bank, Adesola Adeduntan, underscored the objective of the programme when he said at the end of the course in Lagos that there is no success without succession. “No matter what we do today, we must quit. Even if we don’t want to quit, the natural biological factors will force us to quit and that is why it is important to prepare successors,� he said.

Adeduntan, who recognised that competition is tough in

the industry, also said that the bank is creating the next level of leaders who are adequately prepared for the challenges ahead. He said that it will be dangerous to go the battle field without preparation.

According to him, the bank’s transition will be incomplete without developing the workforce. He therefore challenged the graduands to embark on continuous personal development as any professional that fails to improve will become a dinosaur.

He also encouraged them to mentor those under them explaining that promotion comes when the management knows

that there are capable people who can take over from superiors.

Also speaking, Ini Ebong, the chairman of the first academic governing council, appreciated the CEO who has kept his promise to develop the people, a course seen as catalyst to the continuous growth of the bank. He charged the staff to unleash their potentials as the bank believes that they have something to offer.

Appreciating the bank’s management, one of the graduands, Yemi Adesanyan who spoke on behalf of her colleagues, promised that they will live up to their expectations.

Sona Group of Industries said it has built strong businesses in Nigeria.

Group Chief Operating Officer, Sona Group of Industries, Ashok Manghnani said the company believes that one of the factors that accounts for the its success is because of its believe in the Nigerian project which has enabled it to build strong brands in Nigeria where all its resources are sourced locally.

Speaking at the Nigerian Manufacturing & Equipment Expo (NME Expo) held recently, Manghnani said: “The promoters of the companies under the group are Nigerians by hearts who have spent many years in Nigeria and who believe in Nigeria.

“Most of the people in our management team are people who have spent many years in the country to know what Nigerians want, that is why for many years we have operated in the country building products sourced with local materials. “We started with about six breweries and now we have diversified into Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), packaging, power and gas, manufacturing as well as in real estate. “We are also into manufacturing of biscuits. We also have wine, soft drinks all made in Nigeria.�

He added: “We produce sorghum in large quantity which we get from the north.

“We have nine industries under the group though it is supposed to be 10, but the tenth is investment banking, which presently investment banking is not very lucrative in the industry.

Asked how challenging it has been doing business in Nigeria, Manghnani said in Europe, the government subsidise their industries and would want to see the same situation applied in the country. “Some of the challenges we face here is high cost of manufacturing coupled with poor power situation and high interest rate which revolves between 22 and 26%. “You find out that importation is always cheaper compared to growing locally, however,

we have found ways to get our materials locally though expensive but available. Gestation period in Nigeria is high part of which is based on raw materials which are sourced locally. After production we export our products to Ghana and other African countries,� he said.

Explaining the reasons for the group’s participation at the Expo, he disclosed that the Expo helps the group to showcase its products and services to customers and other stakeholders directly and the feelers gotten from last year’s event for example led to the production of paper cup, an addition to the innovative products of the group.

Multichoice Commemorates Easter with Free Offering Sona Group COO Expresses Satisfaction over Group’s Businesses DStv and GOtv subscribers, over the Easter holidays, enjoyed more entertainment at no extra cost as they were treated to footballing action from the Premier League, including the match between Manchester United and Swansea City, the Spanish La Liga and more.

Drama and comedy lovers are not left out as omnibus episodes of Battleground, Hustle, The Johnsons and more will be shown on Africa Magic.

General Manager, Marketing and Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, had said: “This long holiday weekend we want to ensure that our customers and their families stay entertained with our existing content line up. We encourage customers to

renew their subscriptions in time and avoid the holiday rush, even as they can also take advantage of our self-help options to ensure that they enjoy seamless, world class entertainment throughout the holidays.�

Meanwhile, viewers also stayed tuned to the everyday drama and intrigue in the Big Brother Naija house, and the excitement and suspense of the Sunday live eviction show after Ebuka’s promise of a surprise for the housemates at the upcoming Saturday night party.

DStv subscribers also took advantage of the Easter Explora Slash which ended on the 31st of March, 2018, and got the DStv Explora with a month’s compact subscription at N29, 000.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

31

Nigeria on the Receiving End of Climate Change Increasing violence in Nigeria, occasioned by conflicts over land use, natural resource development, and disruptions in traditional lifestyles, is largely climaterelated, writes Paul Parks

Gas aring in Niger Delta

The Nigeria Watch Project at the University of Ibadan reported that in 2017 more than 8600 people were killed in Nigeria from civil strife, criminal acts, resource-related conflicts, and other violent incidents. While this number is down substantially from the more than 20,000 deaths at the height of the Boko Haram conflict in 2014, the level is more than twice as high than in the five years before 2010.

This increase in violence is tied to a large degree to land use, natural resource development, and disruptions in traditional lifestyles.

Where climate degradation and conflict were once seen primarily as a Niger Delta issue related to oil development, conflict has now become endemic in the North East with Boko Haram and in the North Central region between herders and farmers. While these various conflicts have diverse causes, climate change is a factor in all of them. Climate change is causing increasing temperatures leading to encroaching desertification, rising sea levels leading to coastal degradation, variability in weather patterns to stresses in the agricultural and livestock sector resulting in volatile food prices, and more frequent and violent storms.

Climate change is a gradual and complex process, and the outbreak of violence is related to many factors beyond environment, but to quote the Norwegian researcher Halvard Buhring: ‌. take the notion of climate change as a “threat multiplierâ€? seriously and investigate the conditions under which climatic changes may accentuate the threat to societal stability and peace, and the mechanisms through which a destabilising effect might materialise.

Nigeria is not alone in facing this challenge. For example, climate change affecting land use and herding occur in places as diverse as Bhutan in the Himalayas to Algeria in North Africa. In sub-Sahara Africa, climate change impacts traditional herding in Kenya, Namibia, and Uganda among others.

Explaining why his children would not follow in his footsteps, one Algerian herder

said: “It’s not like it was before. There isn’t rain.� This statement rings equally true in Northern Nigeria.

Researches from institutions as diverse as University of Texas, Cambridge University, and Peace Research Institute in Oslo Norway demonstrate the links between climate change and conflict. This has led to serious consideration of ways to reduce these risks, which is increasingly discussed in international forums. In almost all the research, Africa is shown to be particularly vulnerable to conflict augmented climate change.

Policy makers in Nigeria need to understand how climate change acts as a threat multiplier and to address this on a policy and operational manner. Maintaining stable livelihoods is a primary objective of any government, and changing climate is

This increase in violence is tied to a large degree to land use, natural resource development, and disruptions in traditional lifestyles.

Where climate degradation and conict were once seen primarily as a Niger Delta issue related to oil development, conict has now become endemic in the North East with Boko Haram and in the North Central region between herders and farmers

increasingly a determinant in this.

Consider migration, as national resources are degraded and depleted by climate related factors, stable livelihoods are undermined leading to migration. While public attention has focused on herders or youth attempting to make the crossing to Europe, the far more numerous migration is from rural to urban areas. Rural dwellers are increasingly unable to support themselves and are forced to seek economic refuge in cities, which are often already overwhelmed in providing public services and employment.

Considering environmental degradation, Lake Chad is a stark warning of what can happen. In the last thirty years the rainy season in Northern Nigeria has decreased by 30 days and the Sahara has advanced southward by 1-10 km a year. Lake Chad once the largest fresh water lake in the country has now shrunk by at least two thirds. Indeed, in Nigeria, what remains of Lake Chad is basically swamps and wetlands.

The Lake’s disappearance along with the tripling of the Basin’s population since the 1980s has led to massive food insecurity for more than 2 million people in Northern Nigeria and widespread extreme poverty.

This poverty, economic fragility, drought and environmental degradation has provided a fertile ground for non-state armed groups such as Boko Haram to contest state authority across the region.

In the international climate negotiations, the response to these climate impacts is referred to as adaptation. The Paris Climate Accord, signed by 174 countries, recognises that climate change is happening and that adaptation measures are urgently needed. Nigeria has signed and ratified this accord, and submitted to the UN its first national climate strategy, a large part of which addresses adaptation. Indeed, Nigeria has worked diligently to be a strong partner in the Paris Accord.

Lake Chad is never going to be the lake it once was, yet even in its reduced state it provides livelihood to two million and food security to thirteen million people. The

World Bank working with Nigeria and the other affected countries has developed a comprehensive plan to improve the lives of the people who depend on the lake. The plan looks at improving management of the remaining fisheries and agricultural production, better land and water rights, better logistics, renewable energy, improved education and health of the people. The plan does NOT try to refill the lake, instead it takes what exists and works to improve the lives on the people who now, and in the future, will depend on it.

This adaptation approach needs to be applied to other climate challenges. The current crisis over the migrations of the herders needs to take into account that farmers too are suffering from climate change. Variability of rainfall in the Plateau States has increased by 20% putting pressure on famers lifestyles.

Given the inexorable, albeit not fully predicable, increased aridity and desertification; the stress on both herders and farmers will only get worse in the future.

For adaptation to be successful, greater public discussion about active involvement across all stakeholders is urgently needed.

Climate change is with us, and the stress on Nigeria will only increase. To be successful, adaptation measures requires well developed, long-term plans that address the complexities of the issue, including the reduction of violence. These plans will take years and much money to implement, and require the long-term commitment of the government.

It is encouraging to see the Governor of Kebbi State speaking out on this. Public dialogue needs to expand to all levels of government and citizens and lead to actions.

Far too many Nigerians live on the very edge of economic survival and are the ones must vulnerable to climate impacts and susceptible to the allure of violence. Nigeria needs to move forward quickly and decisively on addressing climate change in very tangible ways.

- Parks, who is of Carbon Limits Nigeria, writes from Lagos

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

32

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Caverton Offshore Group Records 254% Jump in Profit Before Tax to N3.9bn Goddy Egene Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc (COSG), a provider of marine, aviation and logistics services to local and international oil and gas companies in Nigeria has announced increases in profit before tax (PBT) and profit after tax (PAT).

The audited results showed revenue of N20.5 billion in 2017, up from N19.3 billion in 2016. Operating profit (excluding other income) stood

at N4.2billion, compared with N2.2 billion in 2016. PBT rose from N1.1 billion to N3.9 billion in 2017, while PAT improved from N2.6 billion, from N612 million in 2016.

Gross margin was 35 per cent in 2017, down from 40 per cent in 2016, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) margin improved to 28 per cent, from 17 per cent in 2016. Similarly, net profit margin improved from three per cent to 13 per

cent.

Commenting on the results, the Chief Executive Officer of COSG, Mr. Bode Makanjuola said that the company remains the leader in offshore support logistics in Nigeria. He stated that part of our strategy to weather the current challenging business environment of the past couple of years is to continue to focus on cost efficiency without compromising on our safety standards.

He added that the company

will shortly commence its five- year Chevron contract from April and is confident of securing and renewing support contracts with new and existing clients alike. “The implementation of our strategy to increase service offerings is also ongoing as the construction of the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility in Ikeja Lagos is at an advanced stage. We continue to explore other innovative solutions in support of deep

and shallow water operations in both marine and aviation business,� he said.

Makanjuola disclosed that they have been able to contain the administrative expenses arising majorly from the impact of the government intervention in stabilising the foreign exchange rate market as well as consistent paying down of their loan which resulted in lower finance charge.

He said that as Nigeria gradually moves out of

recession, the firm remains optimistic for an improved business operating environment. “The impending commencement of our helicopter service contract for Chevron, as well as the completion of our MRO in Lagos are just some of the positive developments we are looking forward to. Meanwhile we are doubling efforts to refocus our marine business strategy and are confident of positive results going forward,� he said.

GTBank Board Meets to Approve Q1 Financial Results After reporting improved performance for the 2017, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is set to unveil its unaudited first quarter ended March 31, 2018. The bank in a notification to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), GTBank said its board of directors would meet on April 18, 2018 to consider financial statements.

GTBank had reported gross earnings of N419.2 billion, up marginally from N414.6 billion in 2016. Net interest income rose from N195.4 billion to N246.66 billion, while impairment charges reduced from N65.290 billion to M12.169 billion in 2017. Profit before tax stood at N200.2 billion, representing a growth of 21.3 per cent over N165.1billion recorded in 2016, profit after tax grew faster by 29 per cent from N132.281 billion to N170.469 billion in 2017.

A further analysis of the results showed that the bank’s loan book dipped by 8.9 per cent from N1.590 trillion to N1.449 trillion while customer deposits increased by 3.8 per cent to N2.062trillion from N1.986trillion

in December 2016.

The bank’s balance sheet recorded a 3.9 per cent growth in total assets and contingents to N3.845 trillion and shareholders’ funds of N625.2 billion.. In terms of assets quality, nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio increased to 7.7 per cent compared with 3.7 per cent in 2016 largely as a result of classification of a single exposure 9mobile.

The bank proposed a final dividend of 240 kobo per share. This will bring the total dividend per share to 270 kobo have paid an interim dividend of 30 kobo last year.

Commenting on the financial results, the Managing Director/CEO of GTBank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said: “2017 was a pivotal year for the bank.

We delivered a strong result in a challenging environment, achieving record growth in earnings, carefully managing cost margins and leveraging our digital-first customer-centric strategy to deliver world-class services that are simple, cheap and easily accessible.�

Deutsche Bank Eyes Ex-UBS Manager Zeltner as Next CEO Deutsche Bank’s chairman Paul Achleitner is considering making Juerg Zeltner, the former head of the wealth management business of Swiss bank, the successor to Chief Executive John Cryan, Spiegel magazine reported on Friday. Sources had told Reuters that Germany’s flagship bank had begun looking for a new CEO to replace Cryan to mollify investors frustrated by the slow turnaround of the loss-making lender.

Cryan said in a staff memo on Wednesday that he was “absolutely committed� to the lender. But Achleitner, who the sources said had initiated the search for a new CEO, has remained silent.

Without citing its sources, Spiegel said Achleitner had already held talks with Zeltner, who left UBS in December after more than three decades at the Swiss bank, hoping to prepare a change by the annual shareholders meeting on May 24. Deutsche Bank declined to comment, Reuters reported.

Zeltner is credited with leading a push by UBS into Asia Pacific, which has become an important

growth driver, contributing nearly a third of third-quarter operating income in the wealth management division.

Separately, WirtschaftsWoche weekly and the Wall Street Journal reported that veteran banker John Thain was a candidate to join the board of Deutsche Bank, with other changes also planned. The bank also declined comment on that. The German magazine cited sector experts as predicting that Thain would support Achleitner’s strategy to continue to lead Deutsche as a global investment bank.

Thain headed Merrill Lynch before it was sold to Bank of America Corp at the height of the financial crisis and served as chief operating officer at Goldman Sachs Group Inc, where Achleitner also worked earlier in his career.

Thain, who began his banking career in 1979, formerly headed the New York Stock Exchange and engineered a series of mergers that shaped it into NYSE Euronext by 2007.

CAPACITY BUILDING

L-R: Senior Manager, General Internal Services;Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Bisola Asaju, , Head, Human Resources, Adeola Onichabor,, Facilitator of the Workshop Seyi Ifaturoti and Executive Director, Marketing, Sovereign Trust Insurance,Ugo Odemelam at the “push For Progress� Workshop organised for the female employees of the organisation in Lagos ...recently

Inyangate, NMRC CEO Retires The board and management of the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) has announced the retirement of Professor Charles Inyangete as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, after three and a half years of service and having attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

Inyangete joined the company in November 2014, following the incorporation of NMRC as a key component of the Nigeria Housing Finance Programme (NHFP) funded under a US$300 million IDA Facility from the World Bank Group.

According to a statement, during his tenure he saw the growth of the company from a 3-man start up charged with launching unto a nascent and very challenging Nigerian Mortgage market with a clear mandate to grow the primary and secondary mortgage markets and promote home ownership in Nigeria to one which has made significant strides in the industry and recognised as an sector leader.

The statement listed the achievements under his watch to include the execution of NMRC’s first mortgage-backed bond issuance in July 2015, stating that it was the first of such in Africa. “The N8 billion raised from that exercise was deployed to the refinancing of legacy and new mortgages of NMRC member

banks that conform to NMRC’s uniform underwriting standards for the formal sector, another transformative product developed

by NMRC under his watch. “Professor Inyangete was a proponent of the value chain approach to tacking the challenges facing a market comprising multifaceted and complex operators, systems and processes along a supply and demand continuum. “Under Professor Inyangete NMRC took the lead in developing partnerships with state governments, as the points where the rubber meets the road in housing provision, including advocating for a draft Model Mortgage and foreclosure law to state actors for review and passage, as the fulcrum for a robust housing market and enhanced home ownership, which would not only benefit the citizenry but also impact state internally generated revenues. “Prof. Inyangete encouraged NMRC’s robust partnerships with other key stakeholders in the housing industry, leading to strong, research, advocacy-based agreements with MBAN (Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria), REDAN (Real Estate developers of Nigeria), FGSHLB (Federal Government Staff housing Loans Board) in addition to several transaction-driven agreements with major developers geared at growing affordable housing supply around the country,� it added.

CRC Credit Bureau Data Rises to 15 Million Nume Ekeghe One of the leading credit bureaux in Nigeria, CRC Credit Bureau disclosed that it has increased its credit files to 15,470,585 as at the end of February 2018.

This covered data from various sectors of the economy.

The firm also attributed the decline in non-performing loans (NPLs) in the banking sector to diligent credit data and improved risk management skills.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive of CRC Credit Bureau, Mr. Tunde Popoola, made this known at the CRCRIMAN Risk roundtable held in Lagos recently.

He said that there had been loan growth in recent times as well as new products for SMEs, growth in consumer loans, increase in credit services from retailers banks as well as the introduction of SME desks in some banks as a result of worthy credit data in Nigeria.

On his company milestone, he said: “We currently have over 15million credit records in our repository and growing daily. Our customer base covers over 1000 institutions as at February 2018 from various sectors of the Nigerian

economy.�

He further stated that these data where gotten from commercial banks, microfinance banks, primary mortgage institutions, merchant banks, other financial institutions, courier, cooperative societies, telcos, the discos, pharmaceutical companies, auto dealers, insurance, oil and gas, leasing and conglomerates sectors.

Speaking on challenges facing credit bureaux in Nigeria, he said that the high cost of operation was a major problem facing his sector.

He added: “Credit bureaux run with sophisticated and expensiveinformation technology infrastructure including credit bureau software, state of the art data analytics engines, communication/ internet access, 24/7 availability resulting in high power and maintenance costs, full service disaster recovery infrastructure with complete software and hardware components, etc. “To operate effectively, credit bureaus need economies of scale. The higher the volume of searches/queries conducted, the lower the transferred cost of service to lenders. Low volumes and low cost is not sustainable for the bureau industry to serve Nigerian lenders.�

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

33

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Navy Moves to Enforce New Policy on Call-up-Cards for Trucks in Apapa Eromosele Abiodun In a bid to ensure that the Apapa gridlock is reduced, the Nigerian Navy has commenced the enforcement of the newly introduced call-up-cards for trucks.

Under the new policy, trucks without the call-up-cards are not allowed to come into

Apapa or be on queue with other trucks.

Already, operatives of the has started sending trucks at the Tin Can Island port out of the queue as part of the efforts to check congestion.

The Navy had given trucks a one week ultimatum to vacate the Apapa bridges during a stakeholders’ meeting.

The Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, Commodore Okon Eyo, said this was the only way to check the current gridlock on Lagos roads, particularly in Apapa area.

He told journalists: “We have advised that there

should be no more delay at the Ports gates. When a container comes there, it should not be waiting to be processed or checked again. That should have been done before it is asked to come forward, with the call-up-card. We are giving

all trucks one week to vacate the roads. We have already started the enforcement and every stakeholder is aware and has subscribed to the process and the responsibilities that go with it. “NPA security agents will work with our men. They (NPA

officials) are to identify trucks that are free to go to the ports while my men will ensure that those that are not identified are turned back and go out of the queue. We will be doing this gradually until the one week is exhausted. NPA will sanction erring shipping companies.�

Customs Confirms Port Status for LADOL Eromosele Abiodun The federal government has granted the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL) a full port status.

The Deputy Comptroller, DCG, Excise, Industrial Incentive and Free Trade Zones, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Patience Iferi announced this when she paid a working visit to LADOL in Lagos.

The DCG during the visit to LADOL disclosed that the process of granting the port status to the offshore logistics company has since been finalised.

She was said to have admitted that she was part of the process of LADOL being given the port status.

The DCG had advised

the management of LADOL to reach out to the Apapa Customs Command in case they have any issue to sort out.

Chairman of LADOL, Mr. Ladipupo Jadesimi had during the visit of the Customs DCG, described the location of the logistics company as friendly to shipping activities.

He also said that LADOL’s involvement in fabricating modules of the Egina FPSO has led to the creation of many jobs in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, Rivers and Bayelsa states.

Jadesimi said: “This is one and only fabrication facility in the entire African continent the visions of the founders of LADOL was to ensure that Nigeria captures the lion share of the oil and gas businesses in the African.�

Snapchat Cuts 7% of Global Workforce Snap Inc. on Friday said it cut seven per cent of its global workforce in March, as disclosed by it in a regulatory filing here.

The social media company said it would incur about $10 million of cash expenditure due to severance costs to be reflected in the current quarter ending March 31.

According to Reuters, as a result of the layoffs, primarily in its engineering and sales teams, the company said it sees savings of about $25 million in 2018.

The company had said it had 3,069 employees as of Dec. 31, 2017, according to

its annual filing.

The Snapchat parent has been under pressure from investors to reduce costs after revenue fell short of analyst expectations during Snap’s first year as a publicly traded company.

Earlier this month, a company memo had shown that the company would cut just over 120 engineers and reorganize its engineering team, Reuters reported.

The Southern Californiabased company said the workforce reduction “is to align resources around our top strategic priorities and to reflect structural changes in our business.�

BREAKFAST MEETING

L-R: Director General, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NAAC); Joyce Akpata, Managing Director, Zenith Carex Limited; Mr. Olamilekan Adelana, President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Chief Olabintan Famutimi, and Guest Speaker/Associate Professor, Lagos Business School, past member, CBN Monetary Policy Committee and FGN’s Economic Management Team, Dr. Adedoyin Salami at a NAAC March breakfast meeting held in Lagos ‌ recently

CIBN to Hold AGM, Elect New Exco Members The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has perfected arrangements towards a successful annual general meeting (AGM) and election of new office holders and other elective positions in its Governing Council who will run the affairs of the institute for a period of two years.

The AGM and election of officers scheduled for Saturday, April 7, 2018 will take place in Lagos.

The President/Chairman of Council of the institute, Prof.

Segun Ajibola, will preside over the meeting.

According to a statement, the Institute has reviewed its current

electoral system by leveraging on information technology thus, optimising the process and giving its targeted audience access to a transparent, accessible and cost effective electoral process for a democratic selection of its leaders.

Electronic voting has been an efficient and cost-effective alternative to the current classic voting procedure which is expected to attract specific group of people, like young electors/voters to participate in the election.

The proposed solution also aims at eradicating all known challenges and providing a complete solution with adequate

level of security, anonymity, authentication, data security, tractability etc. “The system is designed for online voting from any part of the globe, hence, giving more members the power to choose even at the comfort of their homes and wherever possible. “The 2018 Election of the Officers will be opened to members from 4th April at 12:01am to 7th April at 12:01am,� the statement added.

In line with the institute’s tradition, the Chairmen and Chief Executives of banks, past presidents of the institute, presidents of other professional bodies, top government func-

tionaries, Fellows, Honourary Senior Members, Associates and other relevant stakeholders have been invited to attend the meeting and exercise their franchise to elect new officers.

The meeting will also consider the Annual Reports and Accounts of 2017 operational performance of the Institute and other important matters affecting the industry and the welfare of members.

It is expected that members of the Institute all over the country would turn-out enmass and participate actively in the exercise in the interest of the Institute and banking profession.

U.N. Blacklists Ships, Shipping Companies over North Korea Smuggling Eromosele Abiodun with agency reports The United Nations Security Council has blacklisted dozens of ships and shipping companies for helping North Korea beat sanctions by smuggling oil and coal for the country, boosting pressure on Pyongyang as leader Kim Jong Un plans to meet with his South Korean and U.S. counterparts.

The council’s North Korea sanctions committee acted on a request by the United States, designating 21 shipping companies — including five based

in China — 15 North Korean ships, 12 non-North Korean ships and a Taiwanese man, reports Bloomberg .com.

The move comes days after Kim met Chinese President Xi Jinping and an announcement that the North Korean leader would meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in on April 27. He is also scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump some time in May. While Trump has agreed to meet Kim, he tweeted on Wednesday that “maximum sanctions and pressure must be maintained.�

Tension over North Korea’s tests of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles surged last year and raised fears of U.S. military action in response to the North’s threat to develop a nuclear weapon capable of hitting the U.S. mainland.

But the situation has eased significantly since North Korea sent athletes to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said the U.N. sanctions designations — the largest agreed by the council’s committee — were aimed at

shutting down North Korea’s illegal smuggling activities to obtain oil and sell coal. “The approval of this historic sanctions package is a clear sign that the international community is united in our efforts to keep up maximum pressure on the North Korean regime,� she said in a statement.

The list was part of a request

by Washington late last month for 33 ships, 27 shipping companies and the Taiwanese man to be sanctioned. China delayed that bid on March 2, but did not give a reason. The 15-member committee works by consensus.

Washington then proposed a shortened list on Thursday, which was unanimously agreed by the committee on Friday.

The 12 non-North Korea ships are now subjected to a global port ban and must be deregistered, while the 15 North Korean ships are subjected to an asset freeze and 13 of those a global port ban.

The Taiwanese man, Tsang Yung Yuan, is accused of coordinating “North Korean coal exports with a North Korean broker operating in a third country, and he has a history of other sanctions evasion

activities,� according to the U.N. listing. He is subjected to an asset freeze and travel ban.

The assets of the 21 shipping companies, which include businesses based in the Marshall Islands, Singapore, Panama and Samoa, must now be frozen.

The U.N. Security Council has unanimously boosted sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke off funding for Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

34

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

IFAD Offers $18.5m Loan to Boost Food Security in Côte d’Ivoire Over 32,500 rural households in the BagouÊ, Poro, Tchologo, Hambol and Gbêkê regions will benefit from a financial agreement signed between the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Cote d’Ivoire to increase the incomes and food and nutrition security of rural households.

The programme will promote market-oriented agriculture and help farmers add value to their products, as a way to reduce rural poverty and stimulate economic growth

in the programme areas.

The financing agreement for the Agricultural Value Chains Development Programme (PADFA) was signed in Rome

by Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of IFAD, and Seydou CissÊ, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to FAO, IFAD and WFP. The total cost of the programme is US$71.8 million, including a $18.5 million loan from IFAD. The project will be cofinanced by the OPEC Fund for International Development ($19 million), the Government

of Côte d’Ivoire ($4.2 million), and the beneficiaries themselves ($10.2 million), with $19.9 million to come from other sources.

In Côte d’Ivoire, agricultural development projects have traditionally concentrated on boosting productivity, but insufficient investments have been made in post-harvest activities such as conservation, processing and marketing. The IFADfunded Support to Agricultural Production and Marketing Project (PROPACOM) and other projects have introduced hydro-agricultural improvements

and invested in disseminating improved farming technologies.

Drawing lessons learned from the experience of these projects, PADFA will ensure continuity with PROPACOM and scale up tangible results while introducing further innovations.

PADFA will concentrate on improving packaging, storage, processing and marketing, and will expand the supply of rice, vegetables and mango.

These agricultural products were selected on the basis of economic value, profitability and competitiveness, as well

as domestic and international market demand. In addition, they will have potential impact on farm household incomes, particularly among young people and women, and will contribute to the national economy through import substitution and higher exports, and to food security and better nutrition.

PADFA will work with various players in the value chain of the target agricultural products, including the private sector to increase income of the smallholder producers by identifying areas where efficiency,

productivity and quality can be improved. To increase their incomes, smallholders need both to create a surplus for sale and to develop the post-harvest capacities that will enable them to reach a market. PADFA will help producers connect to the value chains for their respective products. Since 1984, IFAD has financed 11 rural development programmes and projects in Côte d’Ivoire for a total cost of $411.8 million, with an IFAD investment of $178.4 million directly benefiting 585,500 rural households.

Stronger NATOP to Emerge at Jos AGM, Says Outgoing President Chinedu Eze The President of Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Nkereuwem Onung has promised to deliver a new more professional association at the AGM slated for the April 9.

In an mail message to members, he said that NATOP has been in transition for years and has grown from 15 professional Tour Operators registered by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in 2011 when other travel associations had over 2000 registered members to a national association that is reckoned with by Nigerians and a thing of envy to others with its growing profile in matters of tourism in Nigeria.

He said because of the rising profile and the quality of the tourism experts found in NATOP, its membership is now sought after by players in the industry.

Parts of the message reads: “Let me use this medium to appreciate all members of NATOP especially the present EXCO for their solidarity and steadfastness that has been exhibited in the past years. It has been a long journey. We

picked up an association at a fragile stage with very few members and little visibility and have seen it grow into limelight and prominence to the extent that other associations feel threatened by it. “We are thankful to Otunba Segun Runsewe D.G NCAC, then D.G NTDC who in 2011 officially registered Tour operators as professional Tourism practitioners in Nigeria. We have witnessed desperate efforts by some individuals who are not Tour Operators and some outside forces attempting to scuttle/ disrupt and hijack the association and crash it.

Thanks to a few dedicated members of the association who stood firm, supported and funded the association up until now. I appreciate them.

Let me state here that; this is the first time government will be Hosting our AGM with commitment. This should be commended.�

He said that Plateau State Government, in an attempt to refresh and highlight “Destination Plateau�, has accepted to Host Tour Operators from 7th- 9th of April, 2018.

Firm Pushes for Quality Culture in Organisations Nume Ekeghe The World Quality Alliance, one of the leading organisations for management system worldwide has stressed that companies must inculcate the right quality culture in their entire operations.

Experts in quality assurance said that with increased competition and complexity of the global market, firms must think differently and inspire their employees by devising new means of achieving set quality goals.

To this end, the Country Director, World Quality Alliance, Mr. Desmond Esorougwe, made the remark in Lagos as part of activities to announce the 2018 World Quality Summit with the theme, ‘Quality as the Basis for Excellence, Leadership and Innovation.’ Esorougwe said the event slated to hold on the 12th of April 2018, in Abuja offers a platform for sharing of ideas

and networking among great leaders and experts locally and internationally, who will share best practices, tested solutions with proven results.

He stressed the need for everyone to embrace best practice in quality management, pointing out that the success of any business depends largely on recognition of quality in different levels of operations He added: “Quality control is essential to building a successful business that delivers products that meet or exceed customers’ expectations. It also forms the basis of an efficient business that minimizes waste and operates at high levels of productivity. “Quality helps you to win business from competitors who are not able to match your standards and gives you the opportunity to charge premium prices for a superior product.

It can also open new business opportunities in market sectors where quality is critical.�

RECOGNISING HARD WORK

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman (right), receiving the Outstanding Leadership in Public Sector Award from the Chairman 2017 DAAR Communications Award Ceremony, Julius Adelusi Adeluyi in Abuja‌recently

Med-View Shareholders Seek Downward Review of Taxes, Charges for Domestic Operators Chinedu Eze Shareholders of Med-View Airline Plc have called on the federal government to review downwards some of the taxes and charges levied on domestic airlines, noting that some of the taxes are outrageous and heavy burden on the operators.

They explained that one of the major reasons why Nigeria does not have successful airlines is the undue taxes the airlines are forced to pay. The shareholders advised the government not to see airlines as sources of revenue but major vehicles for the growth of the economy.

They also urged the government to give tax concession to airlines operating in the

country to encourage them to succeed and deepen their competitiveness.

The shareholders made the call at the annual general meeting (AGM) held at the weekend in Lagos, where they remarked that to deepen competitiveness among airlines, government must help to reduce their operation cost for them to serve the public better.

The shareholders frowned on the increase in the airline’s operating cost, which was blamed on high taxation, the high price of aviation fuel, among others.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole had reported at the meeting that

the company’s turnover for 2017 rose from N26.03billion to N36.9billion which was an increase of 42 per cent from the 2016 result.

He said profit after tax also increased by N1.2billion from N772million in 2016, disclosing that the airline is on the verge of acquiring a new B737-800 and a modern B777-200ER to its fleet to boost its international operations. “High maintenance cost and multiple taxes are still major factors that plague the company, the year in view is not an exception�, Bankole said.

The shareholders while commending the consistency of the airline in declaring dividend despite the challenging operating

climate which has jacked up the operating cost advocated for a tax reduction and more government support for airlines.

One of the independent shareholders, Mr. Patrick Ajudua said: “There is the need for government to come to the aid of the industry especially in terms of easy access to foreign exchange. “Government should encourage the growth of the industry especially the local airlines that are committed to the growth of the industry.�

Another shareholder, Alhaji Tunde Kabir Sanni said: “This account though historical is very commendable. I am particularly happy that this airline has been consistent in terms of payment of dividends.�

S’AfricanTourism Has Huge Growth Potential, Says Minister South Africa will speed up visa processes and lure major conferences in an effort to boost foreign arrivals by 40 percent by 2021, its tourism minister said on Friday.

According to Reuters, the measures are part of a goal to attract five million additional travellers – four million international tourists and one million extra local holiday trips and will help limit the “blip� a major drought is having on South Africa’s top tourist draw card, Cape Town, said minister Derek Hanekom.

“I am bullish because there is huge growth potential,�

Hanekom told Reuters in an interview. “On the international front conditions are very much in our favour so it’s going to be easier to achieve the four million part than the one million,� he said.

Tourism, which contributes more than 400 billion rand ($34 billion) to Africa’s most industrialised economy, or around 8 percent of GDP, is seen by government as key to help drive growth and reduce a stubbornly high unemployment

rate.

South Africa emerged from a recession last year but is struggling to grow its economy and less disposal income means locals are hesitant to travel.

However, the long-haul destination still provides good value for money for foreign tourists attracted to its white beaches, iconic Table Mountain and wildlife safaris.

Earlier this month, the World Travel and Tourism Council said travel and tourism would contribute around 424.5 billion rand to the overall economy

in 2018, before rising by 3.5 percent a year to 598.6 billion or 10.1 percent of GDP in 2028.

Besides establishing a fund which is geared to help South Africa win more global conferences and exhibitions, Hanekom said home affairs officials were also developing online visa applications, as well as possibly producing them for tourists on arrival at airports. “Of course, the first prize for us and the easiest is when visitors from particulars countries don’t need visas at all,� he said.

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018

35

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

36

CITYSTRINGS

Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™ĂœË? Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ–Ă?Ă? Ă”Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂĄĂ‹ Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ–Ă?Ă?˛ËÔĂ&#x;Ă˜ĂĄĂ‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

Burden of Fake Products Despite the efforts of regulatory agencies in the country, fake and substandard products continue to find their way into the Nigerian market, writes David-Chyddy Eleke

Two truckload of fake Kiwi Shoe Polish worth over N30m conďŹ sticated by the SON oďŹƒcials

H

ardly would one find any product that is of high demand in the market that is not faked.

Though there are agencies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and even the Nigerian Customs Service, who have the job of regulating what comes into the country, importers of fake products have continually managed to flood the market with fake products.

An importer of electrical materials in Onitsha, Chief Ethelbert Uzodinma in a chat recently with THISDAY said what was intriguing was that fellow importers choose a product that is of high demand, take it to China and demand for the same product to be produced for them at a reduced price, without minding the hazards of using them, just to cut cost and make more profit.

Uzodinma said, "We Nigerians are our own problems. These people take genuine products to manufacturers and ask them to water them down in quality, and the white man to whom they are making these explanations is thinking in his mind that these black people must be mad. They take time to outline the consequences of producing a substandard one, like this electric wire you see here (pointing to one of his products), if you use some of these

fake ones they import into this country to wire your house, the likelihood is that there will be fire outbreak. The white man takes time to explain these things, but our brothers don't mind, they just want the white man to produce according to the specification he has given them, just so he will make profits."

Recently, officials of SC Johnson Limited, world known manufacturers of household products and members of the Nigerian Police Force supervised the destruction of two truckloads of Kiwi brand of shoe polish which were found to be fake. The goods which were intercepted on a tip off had been packed in a warehouse, awaiting distribution when they were mopped up.

SON is empowered to ďŹ sh out and impound fake products, but they still do not live up to this.

SC Johnson is in over 88 countries of the world and have been in existence for over 200 years. It is only in Nigeria that we have a problem of our products being faked

Two men; Hyginus Chukwuma and Uju Anike suspected to be owners of the fake products quickly dragged the Nigerian Police and Chief Sam Anyanwutaku, managing director of Asco Investment and sole distributor of Kiwi Polish in Nigeria to court over the seizure.

The recent destruction of the fake Kiwi polish was as a result of the judgment of Hon. Justice IU Ndigwe who had on December 4th entered judgment in the matter between Hyginus Chukwuma and Uju Anike as plaintiffs, against the police and the MD, Asco Investment, Chief Sam Anyanwutaku as respondents upholding an earlier agreement made out of court by the parties involved, for the destruction of the fake Kiwi polish. The execution of the court order which was carried out recently was supervised by the police in the presence of journalists and officials of SC Johnson, manufacturers of the Kiwi brand of polish.

The West African agent of the SC Johnson, Mr. Oghale Elueni told journalists during the destruction that the activities of fake products manufacturers were one of the bane of genuine manufacturers. He lamented that SC Johnson was in over 88 countries globally and had been in existence for over 200 years, making tested and certified products, but that it was only in Nigeria that the company mostly had the problem of fakes. He said, "The Kiwi polish we produce is not just to make your shoes

shine, but to also protect it. But when you use these fake ones, they destroy your shoes and also tarnish the corporate image of our company and brands, and we will not sit back and let that happen," He blamed regulatory agencies, such as SON, saying the failure of the agency was the reason for the sales of fake products in Nigeria. He added that the organisation also frustrates the efforts of manufacturers by willingly refusing to act on complaints against fake product importers brought before them. "When you take a report to them, you find out that it takes as long as six months before they work on your complaints, at which time the importers of the product would have been alerted. SON is empowered to fish out and impound fake products, but they still do not live up to this. SC Johnson is in over 88 countries of the world and have been in existence for over 200 years. It is only in Nigeria that we have a problem of our products being faked."

Chief Sam Anyanwutaku, sole distributor of Kiwi Shoe Polish in Nigeria estimated the worth of the destroyed products at over N30 million. Anyanwutaku, lamented that fake products were not only limited to polish, but stated that the failure of regulatory agencies to stop the importation of fake products into the country was killing the economy.

The state coordinator of SON in Anambra State, Engr. Nwaoma Olujie told THISDAY

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍś

37

CITYSTRINGS

Fake Kiwi Shoe Polish being destroyed on the order of court

Mr. Sam Anyanwutaku, MD of Asco Investment, sole distributors of Kiwi Shoe Polish in Nigeria speaking at the dump site

that the organisation has been working seriously to sensitise both importers and consumers of the hazards of importing or consuming fake and substandard goods.

She said her organisation recently met with importers in a seminar where it harped on the dangers of bringing in fake products into the country.

In a one day seminar themed: Increased Awareness on Quality and Environmental Management System Standards, held in Awka, SON hammered on the harm of selling substandard products saying that besides posing harm to the living it also has harmful effect on the environment.

Olujie denied allegations that the organisation is usually sluggish with investigating complaints brought to them against importers of fake products. She said, "What do they mean by that? Are they saying that we usually leak the information to the

Chief Sam Anyanwutaku, sole distributor of Kiwi Shoe Polish in Nigeria estimated the worth of the destroyed products at over N30 million.

Anyanwutaku, lamented that fake products were not only limited to polish, but stated that the failure of regulatory agencies to stop the importation of fake products into the country was killing the economy

importers of fake products or what? That is not true, because on our part, we have held sensitisation seminars and even raided markets of fake products, even around that Onitsha."

The war against fake and substandard products may be on, but may not be yielding fruit yet as daily, consumers still buy fake and substandard products from the open market. Anyanwutaku said he was not surprised about the faking of Kiwi polish because the trend is so high in the market today, especially among products that are deemed to be of high quality and high in demand.

He lamented that what his company has been doing to rid the market of fake product should be the work of regulatory agencies, who seem to have lost focus. "My company spends a lot of money, including engaging people to move round the market

to sniff out these importers. But that is not supposed to be our job if the regulatory agencies were doing their work. SON for example is empowered to stay at the ports and stop these fake products from coming in, but have they done it?"

A trader in Onitsha, Mr. Callistus Ezeuba told THISDAY that fake products are even more with eatables which are dangerous to health. "Go to Okpoko (a suburb in Onitsha), every shanty you see there, produces bottled drinks and water, and some of these things are harmful to the body, but people sell them out, without knowing if their relatives will fall victim."

For an average consumer, the joy would be a day when a product would be purchased, and its content would be assuredly, what was bargained for, and the likes of SON and NAFDAC are those consumers look up to for sanity.

38

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018

39

40

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018

41

˾ MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2018

42

Monday, April 2, 2018

ZĞĂů ƐƚĂƚĞ DĂƌŬĞƚ ZĞǀŝĞǁ ĂŶĚ KƵƚůŽŽŬ ZĞĂů ƐƚĂƚĞ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ ZĞŵĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ ZĞĐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ,ŝŐŚ sĂĐĂŶĐLJ ZĂƚĞ Θ /ŶĚƵĐĞĚ ŽƐƚ WƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ

ĞƐƉŝƚĞ ƚŚĞ ƌĞďŽƵŶĚ ŝŶ ŐůŽďĂů Žŝů ƉƌŝĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ŵĂĐƌŽĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ϮϬϭϳ͕ ƚŚĞ EŝŐĞƌŝĂŶ ƌĞĂů ĞƐƚĂƚĞ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŝŶ Ă ƌĞĐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ŝƚ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚĞĚ ϱ͘Ϭй zͲŽͲz ĂŶŶƵĂůŝnjĞĚ ŝŶ Yϯ͗ϮϬϭϳ͕ Ă ƐƵďƚůĞ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞŵĞŶƚ ĨƌŽŵ ϲ͘ϵй zͲŽͲz ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƟŽŶ ŝŶ &z͗ϮϬϭϲ͘ dŚĞ ŶĞŐĂƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ ĐŽƵůĚ ďĞ ĂƩƌŝďƵƚĞĚ ƚŽ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ĐŽƐƚ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ ŝŶ ĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ ŵĂƚĞƌŝĂůƐ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŚĂǀĞ ƐƚĞĂĚŝůLJ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ƐŝŶĐĞ Yϭ͗ϮϬϭϱ ĂůŽŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ŚŝŐŚ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƟĂů ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů ǀĂĐĂŶĐLJ ͘ Ŷ ĂŶĂůLJƐŝƐ ďLJ EŽƌƚŚĐŽƵƌƚ ƌĞĂů ĞƐƚĂƚĞ ʹ Ă ƉƌĞŵŝĞƌ ƌĞĂů ĞƐƚĂƚĞ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŝŶ EŝŐĞƌŝĂ ʹ ƐƵŐŐĞƐƚĞĚ ƚŚĂƚ ĚĞƐƉŝƚĞ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞŵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ŵĂĐƌŽĞĐŽŶŽŵŝĐ ŝŶĚŝĐĂƚŽƌƐ͕ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƟĂů ǀĂĐĂŶĐLJ ƌĂƚĞ ŝŶ ƐĞůĞĐƚ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶƐ͕ ŵŽƐƚůLJ ŚŝŐŚͲďƌŽǁ͕ ŚĂǀĞ ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞĚ ǁŚŝůƐƚ ůĂŶĚ ƉƌŝĐĞƐ ŚĂǀĞ ƐŽĂƌĞĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ĂŶƟĐŝƉĂƚĞĚ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĚĞŵĂŶĚ͘ dŚŝƐ ĐŽƵůĚ ďĞ ĂƩƌŝďƵƚĞĚ ƚŽ ƐĞǀĞƌĂů ĨĂĐƚŽƌƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ŚŽƵƐĞ ƚLJƉĞƐ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ƉƌŝĐŝŶŐ͖ ŚĞŶĐĞ͕ ŵŝĚͲŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĂƌĞĂƐ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ůŽǁĞƌ ǀĂĐĂŶĐLJ ƌĂƚĞƐ͘ & ͛Ɛ sĂĐĂŶĐLJ &ĂĐƚŽƌ ŝŶĚĞdž ĐŽƌƌŽďŽƌĂƚĞĚ ƚŚŝƐ ŶĂƌƌĂƟǀĞƐ ĂƐ ŝƚ ƌŽƐĞ ϳ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ zͲŽͲz ƚŽ ϭϳϮ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ŝŶ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ϮϬϭϴ ĨƌŽŵ ϭϲϱ WŽŝŶƚƐ ŝŶ :ĂŶƵĂƌLJ ϮϬϭϳ

WƌŽƉĞƌƚLJ >ŝƐƟŶŐ dĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ ^ƉĂĐĞ ZĞĐŽƌĚƐ &ŝƌƐƚ DĂũŽƌ DΘ ŽŶƐŽůŝĚĂƟŽŶ dĞĐŚ ƉĂƌƟĐŝƉĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĂů ĞƐƚĂƚĞ ƐƉĂĐĞ ŝŶ EŝŐĞƌŝĂ ŚĂƐ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞĚ ƚŽ ĚŝƐƌƵƉƚ ƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶĂů ŵĞƚŚŽĚƐ ŽĨ ŚŽŵĞ ŽǁŶĞƌƐŚŝƉ͕ ƌĞŶƚ ƉĂLJŵĞŶƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĞǀĞŶ ĂƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ ƐŚĂƌŝŶŐ͘ ^ƵƐƚĂŝŶŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŵŽŵĞŶƚƵŵ ĨƌŽŵ ϮϬϭϲ͕ ƚĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ ƐƚĂƌƚͲƵƉƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĂů ĞƐƚĂƚĞ ƐƉĂĐĞ ŚĂǀĞ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞĚ ƚŽ ĞdžƉĂŶĚ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶƐŽůŝĚĂƚĞ ŽƉĞƌĂƟŽŶƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ůĂƌŐĞƐƚ ĂƌĞĂ ŽĨ ƚĞĐŚ ĂĚŽƉƟŽŶ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ ďĞŝŶŐ WƌŽƉĞƌƚLJ ůŝƐƟŶŐ͘ /Ŷ ϮϬϭϳ͕ ƐĞǀĞƌĂů ĚĞĂůƐ ǁĞƌĞ ƐĞĂůĞĚ ďLJ ƚĞĐŚ ƐƚĂƌƚͲƵƉƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚ ŽĨ ǁŚŝĐŚ ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞ ŽĨ :ƵŵŝĂ ,ŽŵĞƐ ĨŽƌ ĂŶ ƵŶĚŝƐĐůŽƐĞĚ ƐƵŵ ďLJ ͞dŽůĞƚ͘ĐŽŵ͘ŶŐ͟Ͳ ĂŶ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ƌĞĂů ĞƐƚĂƚĞ ƉŽƌƚĂů ǁŚŝĐŚ ƚŚĞŶ ƌĞďƌĂŶĚĞĚ ƚŽ ͞ƉƌŽƉĞƌƚLJƉƌŽ͘ŶŐ͘͟ dŚŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶĞĚ ŝƚ ĂƐ Ă ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ůĞĂĚĞƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ EŝŐĞƌŝĂŶ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ƌĞĂů ĞƐƚĂƚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƌĞƉŽƌƚĞĚůLJ ǁŝƚŚ ĂƉƉƌŽdžŝŵĂƚĞůLJ ϲϲ͘Ϭй ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƐŚĂƌĞ͘ ϮϬϭϳ ĂůƐŽ ƐĂǁ ƚŚĞ ĞŶƚƌĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ŶĞǁ ƉĂƌƟĐŝƉĂŶƚƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ͞ŵƵƐƚĞƌ͘ŶŐ͟

͞ŝŶƐƚĂŶƚĂƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ͘ĐŽŵ͟ ʹ ĂŶ ŽŶůŝŶĞ ůƵdžƵƌLJ ĂƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ ƌĞŶƚĂů ƉŽƌƚĂů ʹ ͞ĞƐƚĂƚĞĚĞƐŬ͘ĐŽŵ͟ ĂŶĚ ͞ŵŽŽǀĞĚŝŶ͘ĐŽŵ͟ ĂŵŽŶŐƐƚ ŽƚŚĞƌƐ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ

ǻ EĶs ˨ʲ NÌ Ř¶s ÞŘ ƻNjÞOsǣ Ÿ¯ NŸŘǣǼNjȖOǼÞŸŘ ō ǼsNjÞ Ķǣ

NŸǣǼ Ÿ¯ NŸŘǣǼNjȖOǼÞŸŘ ō ǼsNjÞ Ķǣ ÝǼsŎ

NsŎsŘǼ ʹˤ˟Ĩ¶ʺ

WƌŝŵĂƌLJ DŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ /ŶƐƟƚƵƟŽŶƐ ^ƵƐƚĂŝŶ >ŽĂŶ 'ƌŽǁƚŚ ĚĞƐƉŝƚĞ ^ůŽǁ ZĞĂů ƐƚĂƚĞ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ

^ÞǣǼNjÞEȖǼÞŸŘ DŸ Nj_

ĞƐƉŝƚĞ ƚŚĞ ŶĞŐĂƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĂů ĞƐƚĂƚĞ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ ŝŶ ϮϬϭϳ͕ WƌŝŵĂƌLJ DŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ /ŶƐƟƚƵƟŽŶƐ ;WD/ƐͿ ŚĂǀĞ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ƐƚĞĂĚLJ ŐƌŽǁƚŚ ŝŶ DŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ >ŽĂŶƐ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƐƚ ϯ LJĞĂƌƐ͘ /Ŷ YϮ͗ϮϬϭϳ͕ ůŽĂŶƐ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ϯϯ͘ϵй YͲŽͲY ƚŽ Eϭϭϲ͘ϯďŶ ;ĨƌŽŵ Eϴϲ͘ϴďŶ ŝŶ Yϭ͗ϮϬϭϳͿ͕ ǁŚŝůĞ ĂůƐŽ ƌŝƐŝŶŐ ϲϬ͘ϭй zͲŽͲz͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ůŽĂŶƐ ĂƐ Ă ƉĞƌĐĞŶƚĂŐĞ ŽĨ WD/Ɛ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ĂƐƐĞƚƐ ŚĂƐ ĂůƐŽ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ĂŶ ƵƉǁĂƌĚ ƚƌĞŶĚ ĨƌŽŵ Yϭ͗ϮϬϭϱ͘ /Ŷ YϮ͗ϮϬϭϳ͕ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ůŽĂŶƐ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚĞĚ ĨŽƌ ϱϬ͘ϲй ŽĨ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ĂƐƐĞƚƐ͕ ƵƉ ĨƌŽŵ ϯϵ͘Ϯй ŝŶ Yϭ͗ϮϬϭϱ͘ ŽŶƐŝĚĞƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƐŝnjĞĂďůĞ EĂƟŽŶĂů ,ŽƵƐŝŶŐ ĚĞĮĐŝƚ ĞƐƟŵĂƚĞĚ Ăƚ ϭϳ͘ϱŵ͕ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐŝŶŐ ƉŽƉƵůĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ůŽǁ ŚŽŵĞ ŽǁŶĞƌƐŚŝƉ ůĞǀĞůƐ ŝŶ ƵƌďĂŶ ĂƌĞĂƐ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĨŽƌ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ůĞŶĚĞƌƐ ƚŽ ƚĂƉ ŝŶƚŽ ŝŶ ŽƌĚĞƌ ƚŽ ŵĂdžŝŵŝnjĞ ƉƌŽĮƚĂďŝůŝƚLJ͘ /Ŷ ŽƵƌ ǀŝĞǁ͕ ƚŚĞ ƌŝƐŬ ƚŽ ĐƌĞĂƟŶŐ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞƐ ŝŶ Ă ƉĞĐƵůŝĂƌ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ ůŝŬĞ EŝŐĞƌŝĂ͕ ǁŚĞƌĞ ĂƐƐĞƚƐ ŚĂƌĚůLJ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƚĞ ŝŶ ǀĂůƵĞ͕ ŝƐ ŶŽƚ ĂƐ ƉƌŽŶŽƵŶĐĞĚ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ƌŝƐŬ ƚŽ ĐŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů ďĂŶŬĞƌƐ ĞƐƉĞĐŝĂůůLJ ŐŝǀĞŶ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞ ƵŶĚĞƌůLJŝŶŐ ĂƐƐĞƚƐ ǁŝůů ƐĞƌǀĞ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ďĂƐŝƐ ĨŽƌ ƐĞĐƵƌŝƟnjŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůŽĂŶ͘ tĞ ďĞůŝĞǀĞ ƚŚĞ ďƵƌŐĞŽŶŝŶŐ ŵŝĚĚůĞ ĐůĂƐƐ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŝƐ ĐŚĂƌĂĐƚĞƌŝƐƟĐĂůůLJ ƚLJƉŝĮĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽƉŽƌƟŽŶ ŽĨ ůĂďŽƵƌ ĨŽƌĐĞ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ŝŶ ĞdžĐĞƐƐ ŽĨ EϮ͘Ϭŵ ƉĞƌ ĂŶŶƵŵ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚƐ ƚŚĞ ŚLJƉŽƚŚĞƐŝƐ ĨŽƌ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ WD/Ɛ ĐĂŶ ƚĂƉ ŝŶƚŽ͘

EŝŐĞƌŝĂŶ DŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ZĞĮŶĂŶĐŝŶŐ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ ;EDZ Ϳ >ĂƵŶĐŚĞƐ ^ƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĐ WĂƌƚŶĞƌƐŚŝƉƐ ƚŽ ŽŽƐƚ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ dŚĞ EŝŐĞƌŝĂŶ DŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ZĞĮŶĂŶĐŝŶŐ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ ;EDZ Ϳ ǁĂƐ ĞƐƚĂďůŝƐŚĞĚ ŝŶ ϮϬϭϯ ĂƐ Ă ǀĞŚŝĐůĞ ƚŽ ďƌŝĚŐĞ ƚŚĞ ĞdžŝƐƟŶŐ ŐĂƉ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƚŚĞ ĐĂƉŝƚĂů ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ůĞŶĚĞƌƐ ďLJ ƌĞĮŶĂŶĐŝŶŐ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ůŽĂŶƐ͕ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ ĂīŽƌĚĂďŝůŝƚLJ ŽĨ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ŚŽƵƐŝŶŐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽǀŝƐŝŽŶ ŽĨ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ůŝƋƵŝĚŝƚLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͘ dŚĞ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŝŶ ŝƚƐ ϮϬϭϲ ŶŶƵĂů ZĞƉŽƌƚ ĐŝƚĞĚ ŝƚ ŚĂĚ ƌĞĮŶĂŶĐĞĚ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ůŽĂŶƐ ƵƉ ƚŽ Eϴ͘ϭďŶ ;ƵƉ ĨƌŽŵ Eϭ͘ϵďŶ ŝŶ ϮϬϭϱͿ ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƟŶŐ

Ǣ Ř_ONjsǼs DĶŸOĨ ʹ˨ ÞŘOÌʺ ˠˢ ǣŸOĨsǼ

Ëˠ˚ˡ˟ˠ˥

Ëˠ˚ˡ˟ˠ˦

̇ NÌ Ř¶s

ˠʰˤ˟˟

ˡʰ˧˟˟

˧˥ʳ˦̇

ˣ˟ʰ˟˟˟

ˣˤʰ˟˟˟

ˠˡʳˤ̇

ˡ˟˟

ˡˡ˟

ˠ˟ʳ˟̇

˨ˤ˟

ˠʰˡ˟˟

ˡ˥ʳˢ̇

ˠʰˤˤ˟

ˡʰˤ˟˟

˥ˠʳˢ̇

NjÞǣǼŸŘ ɠ ǼsNj Ìs ǼsNj ʹǢŎ ĶĶʺ

ˡ˧ʰ˟˟˟

ˡ˧ʰ˟˟˟

˟ʳ˟̇

N EĶsǣ ʹ˥ŎŎ ˀ NŸÞĶʺ

ˠ˥ʰ˟˟˟

ˢ˧ʰ˟˟˟

ˠˢ˦ʳˤ̇

ǻɴ¯ŸNj_ OŸŎƼĶsǼs ǣsǼ ɟN

ˠˣʰˤ˟˟

ˠˣʰ˟˟˟

˚ˢʳˣ̇

NŸĶŸȖNjs_ rŎȖĶǣÞŸŘ ƻ ÞŘǼ

˧ʰˤ˟˟

ˠˡʰ˟˟˟

ˣˠʳˡ̇

ƻ ɚÞض ǣǼŸŘs ˥˟ŎŎ ʹĵŸO Ķʺ

ˠʰ˦ˤ˟

ˡʰˠ˟˟

ˡ˟ʳ˟̇

ˡ˥ʰ˟˟˟

ˡ˧ʰ˟˟˟

˦ʳ˦̇

ˤʰ˦˟˟

ˠˠʰ˟˟˟

˨ˢʳ˟̇

ĶȖŎÞŘÞȖŎ NJŸŸ¯Þض ǢÌssǼ ʹ˟ʳˤˤŎŎʺ

ɟÌÞǼs rŎȖĶǣÞŸŘ ʹ^ȖĶȖɮʺ Ë Njɚsɴ NjŸŸ¯ ǼÞĶsǣ ǢŸȖNjOsʲ ŗŸNjǼÌOŸȖNjǼʰ ¯NjÞŘɚsǣǼ NJsǣs NjOÌ

ϭϵ͘ϵй ŽĨ ŝƚƐ ƚŽƚĂů ĂƐƐĞƚƐ Ͳ EϰϬ͘ϴďŶ͕ ǁŚŝůƐƚ ƐƚĂLJŝŶŐ ŚĞĂǀŝůLJ ŝŶǀĞƐƚĞĚ ŝŶ 'ŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ ƐĞĐƵƌŝƟĞƐ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ŝŶ ŝƚƐ ďŝĚ ƚŽ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ƌĞĮŶĂŶĐŝŶŐ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŽƵŶƚƌLJ͕ EDZ ůĂƵŶĐŚĞĚ ƚŚĞ DŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ tĂƌĞŚŽƵƐĞ &ƵŶĚŝŶŐ >ŝŵŝƚĞĚ ;Dt&>Ϳ ŝŶ KĐƚŽďĞƌ ϮϬϭϳ͘ Dt&> ŝƐ Ă ^ƉĞĐŝĂů WƵƌƉŽƐĞ sĞŚŝĐůĞ ;^WsͿ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ĐƌĞĂƚĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ŽďũĞĐƟǀĞ ŽĨ ƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ ƐŚŽƌƚͲƚĞƌŵ ǀŝĂďůĞ ĨƵŶĚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ůŝƐƚĞĚ ŵĞŵďĞƌ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ďĂŶŬƐ ƵƐŝŶŐ Ă ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ŝŶƚĞƌǀĞŶƟŽŶ ŵĞĐŚĂŶŝƐŵ ƚŽ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ƉƌĞͲĮŶĂŶĐŝŶŐ ŽŶ Ă ƐŚŽƌƚͲƚĞƌŵ ďĂƐŝƐ͘ dŚĞ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ǁŽƵůĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ƐŚŽƌƚ ƚĞƌŵ ĮŶĂŶĐŝŶŐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ŝƐƐƵĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ŚŝŐŚ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ŐƌĂĚĞ ĂŶĚ ƌĂƚĞĚ ƐƐĞƚ ĂĐŬĞĚ ŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů WĂƉĞƌƐ ; WͿ͕ ƵƐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽĐĞĞĚƐ ƚŽ ĨƵŶĚ ŵĞŵďĞƌ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ďĂŶŬƐ͛ ƉŝƉĞůŝŶĞ ŽĨ ƉƌĞƋƵĂůŝĮĞĚ EDZ ĐŽŶĨŽƌŵŝŶŐ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ůŽĂŶƐ͘

EDZ ĂůƐŽ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞĚ ƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĐ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌƐŚŝƉƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƌĞĂů ĞƐƚĂƚĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞƌƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ KŐƵŶ ^ƚĂƚĞ WƌŽƉĞƌƚLJ ĂŶĚ /ŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ ŽƌƉŽƌĂƟŽŶ ;KW/ Ϳ ĂŝŵĞĚ Ăƚ ƐƟŶŐ ĐĂƉĂĐŝƚLJ ŽĨ KW/ ďLJ ŐŝǀŝŶŐ ŵŽƌĞ ůŽŶŐͲƚĞƌŵ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ůŽĂŶƐ ƚŽ ƉŽƚĞŶƟĂů ŚŽŵĞ ŽǁŶĞƌƐ ŝŶ KŐƵŶ ĂŶĚ >ĂŐŽƐ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶƐ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ŝŶ :ƵůLJ ϮϬϭϳ͕ Ă DĞŵŽƌĂŶĚƵŵ ŽĨ hŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ;DŽhͿ ǁĂƐ ƐŝŐŶĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ĐŚŽƐƚŽŶĞ ƚŽ ĮŶĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌ ĂďŽƵƚ ϳϱϬ͕ϬϬϬ ŚŽƵƐŝŶŐ ƵŶŝƚƐ ŽǀĞƌ Ă ϭϬͲLJĞĂƌ ƉĞƌŝŽĚ͘

ZĞĂů ƐƚĂƚĞ /ŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ dƌƵƐƚƐ ;Z /dƐͿ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ZĞŵĂŝŶƐ tĞĂŬ ŝŶ >ŝŶĞ ǁŝƚŚ dƌĞŶĚ dŚĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽĨ ZĞĂů ƐƚĂƚĞ /ŶǀĞƐƚŵĞŶƚ dƌƵƐƚƐ ;Z /dͿ ŝŶ ϮϬϭϳ ǁĂƐ ůĂƌŐĞůLJ ƵŶĚĞƌǁŚĞůŵŝŶŐ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ƚŚƌĞĞ Z /dƐ ůŝƐƚĞĚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ EŝŐĞƌŝĂŶ ^ƚŽĐŬ

džĐŚĂŶŐĞ Ͳ hŶŝŽŶ ,ŽŵĞƐ Z /d ;Eϰϱ͘ϮϬͿ͕ hW Z /d ;EϭϬ͘ϬϬͿ ĂŶĚ ^ŬLJ ^ŚĞůƚĞƌ &ƵŶĚ ;EϭϬϬ͘ϬϬͿ ʹ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ĐŽŵďŝŶĞĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝnjĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ĂďŽƵƚ EϰϬ͘ϬďŶ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŶŽ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ŽǀĞƌ ĞŝŐŚƚ ĐŽŶƐĞĐƵƟǀĞ ƋƵĂƌƚĞƌƐ͘ tŚŝůƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ Ăƚ ƐĞĞŵŝŶŐůLJ ŝŶƐŝŐŶŝĮĐĂŶƚ ůĞǀĞůƐ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ĞīŽƌƚƐ ďLJ ƚŚĞ EŝŐĞƌŝĂŶ ^ƚŽĐŬ džĐŚĂŶŐĞ ƚŽ ƐŚŽƌĞ ƵƉ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ĐŽŶĮĚĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ͕ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ǁŚŝĐŚ ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŶĚĂƚĞ ŐŝǀĞŶ ƚŽ Z /dƐ ŽƉĞƌĂƚŽƌƐ ƚŽ ƐƵďŵŝƚ ƋƵĂƌƚĞƌůLJ ĂŶĚ ĂƵĚŝƚĞĚ ĂŶŶƵĂů ƌĞƉŽƌƚƐ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ĨƌĞƋƵĞŶƚ ƐƵďŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŵĞƚƌŝĐƐ

KƵƚůŽŽŬ͗ 'ŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ ^ƉĞŶĚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƌŝǀĞ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ ϮϬϭϴ͍ dŚĞ &ĞĚĞƌĂů ŐŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ŝƚƐ ƉƌŽƉŽƐĞĚ ϮϬϭϴ ƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƟŽŶ ŝůů ƌĂŵƉĞĚ ƵƉ ŝŶĨƌĂƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĂů ƐƉĞŶĚŝŶŐ ďLJ ĂďŽƵƚ ϭϭ͘ϳй͕ Ă ŵŽǀĞ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĐŽƵůĚ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞůƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ŚŽƵƐŝŶŐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ƉĂƌƟĐŝƉĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ͘ Ɛ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ŝƚƐ ƉůĂŶ ƚŽ ƚĂĐŬůĞ ƚŚĞ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚ ŚŽƵƐŝŶŐ ĚĞĮĐŝƚ͕ ƚŚĞ DŝŶŝƐƚƌLJ ŽĨ WŽǁĞƌ͕ tŽƌŬƐ ĂŶĚ ,ŽƵƐŝŶŐ ŚĂƐ ĞĂƌŵĂƌŬĞĚ Eϯϱ͘ϰďŶ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ EĂƟŽŶĂů ,ŽƵƐŝŶŐ WƌŽŐƌĂŵ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ƐĞƫŶŐ ĂƐŝĚĞ EϭϬϬ͘ϬďŶ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ^ŽĐŝĂů ,ŽƵƐŝŶŐ WƌŽŐƌĂŵ͘ &ŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĐŽǀĞƌLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĞĐŽŶŽŵLJ ĂŶĚ ƐƚĂďŝůŝƚLJ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ &ŽƌĞŝŐŶ džĐŚĂŶŐĞ DĂƌŬĞƚ͕ ŽƵƌ ŶĞĂƌͲƚĞƌŵ ŽƵƚůŽŽŬ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ ŝƐ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ǁŚŝůĞ ĂůƐŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĐĂƵƟŽƵƐůLJ ŽƉƟŵŝƐƟĐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ǀĂĐĂŶĐLJ ƌĂƚĞƐ ŝŶ ŚŝŐŚďƌŽǁ ĂƌĞĂƐ͘

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018

43

44

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018

45

MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

46

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Pope’s Easter Message Urges ‘End to Syria Carnage’ The Pope has called for an end to the “carnage” in Syria during his Easter message from the Vatican,

BBC reported on Sunday.

He also asked God to heal the wounds in South Sudan and the

Kim Jong-un ‘Watches K-pop Stars Perform in North’ North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his wife have watched South Korean K-pop stars perform in Pyongyang, BBC reported South Korea’s culture ministry as saying.

It is the first musical delegation to visit in more than a decade as the two countries on the divided peninsula prepare for a rare summit.

More than 11 acts are in Pyongyang for two shows.

The North sent performers to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea earlier this year.

The exchanges come amid thawing relations between the Koreas after months of tension.

The concert took place on Sunday evening local time at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre, said South Korean media, with another set to follow on Tuesday.

The delegation mixes K-pop, rock and other genres.

Mr Kim is the first North Korean leader ever to attend a performance by an artistic group from the South, said South Korea’s official news agency, Yonhap.

Democratic Republic of Congo, and urged dialogue on the Korean peninsula.

Pope Francis said the power of the Christian message gave hope to the deprived.

This included migrants and refugees who he said were “so often rejected by today’s culture of waste”.

Thousands of people were in St Peter’s Square to hear him speak from the balcony of the basilica.

“Today we implore fruits of peace upon the entire world, beginning with the beloved and long suffering land of Syria whose people are worn down by an apparently endless war,” said the Pope.

“This Easter may the light of

the risen Christ illuminate the consciences of all political and military leaders, so that a swift end may be brought to the carnage in course; that humanitarian law may be respected; and that provisions be made to facilitate access to the aid so urgently needed.”

During the first five years of his reign, Pope Francis has been consistently outspoken in condemning the Syrian conflict.

In 2013, he was credited with leading moral opposition to Western military intervention, according to BBC Vatican correspondent David Willey.

Turning to the wider region, he said on Sunday: “We beseech fruits of reconciliation for the Holy Land, also experiencing in these days the

wounds of ongoing conflict that do not spare the defenceless, for Yemen and for the entire Middle East, so that dialogue and mutual respect may prevail over division and violence.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury also offered a message of peace and hope in his Easter address on Sunday.

Speaking at Canterbury cathedral, Archbishop Justin Welby stressed the importance of maintaining hope - but he also said the church should admit when it made mistakes.

On relations between North and South Korea, the Pope said he hoped talks aiming to ease longstanding tensions on the Korean peninsula would “advance

harmony and peace”.

He added: “May those who are directly responsible act with wisdom and discernment to promote the good of the Korean people and to build relationships of trust within the international community.”

The Pope also expressed hope for an end to violence and division in Ukraine and Venezuela.

The pontiff was speaking in an “Urbi et Orbi” address from the famous central balcony at St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, in front of tens of thousands of the faithful.

The Latin phrase means “to the city [of Rome] and the world” and the special address is employed only a few occasions - at Christmas, at Easter and just after being elected pontiff.

Expelled Russians Arrive Home as Moscow Warns against Travel to UK Russian diplomats expelled from the United States arrived in Moscow on Sunday, with post-Cold War tensions soaring in the wake of a nerve agent attack on a former spy in Britain, AFP reported.

A deepening crisis in ties between Russia and the West over the past weeks has seen the biggest wave of tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions in recent memory.

Another salvo in the spat was fired on Saturday, when Russia warned its nationals to think twice before travelling to Britain, where it said they could be singled out for harassment.

By expelling 60 Russian diplomats, the US joined a score of Britain’s allies in responding to the

poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury on March 4.

Britain has said it is “highly likely” that Russia was responsible for the attack using the Sovietdesigned Novichok nerve agent, while Moscow calls the allegations unsubstantiated anti-Russian propoganda.

Two planes arrived at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport on Sunday, bringing home a total of 171 people -- the 60 diplomats and their families -- from Washington and New York.

Russian television showed passengers disembarking from a government plane while several buses waited to pick them up.

No Gaza Inquiry, Israeli Defence Minister Says Israel’s defence minister rejected on Sunday calls for an inquiry into the killing of 15 Palestinians by the military during a Palestinian demonstration that turned violent on Friday at the Gaza-Israel border, Reuters reported.

Hamas, the dominant Palestinian group in Gaza, said five of the dead were members of its armed wing.

Israel said eight of the 15 belonged

to Hamas, designated a terrorist group by Israel and the West, and two others came from other militant factions.

A tense calm descended on Sunday on the border area, where hundreds of Palestinians, a fraction of the tens of thousands who initially turned out, remained in tent encampments along the fenced 65-km (40-mile) border.

Russia Kemerovo Fire: Aman Tuleyev Quits as Governor The long-serving governor of the Russian region where a shopping mall fire left dozens of people dead has resigned, according to BBC. Aman Tuleyev said stepping aside from governing Kemerovo was “the right, conscious and only true decision” following the disaster.

He announced the move in a video address posted on the regional administration’s website.

Last month’s fire killed more than 60 people, most of them children.

Thousands of people protested in the aftermath of the tragedy over alleged safety failings at the Winter Cherry mall.

Investigators say the fire alarm was broken and exits were blocked - and that security guards, who were supposed to help with any emergency evacuation, were among the first to flee when the fire broke out.

Many children became victims because they were using entertainment facilities at the top of the mall, including a cinema whose doors are said to have been locked.

Investigators are looking at whether the fire could have been started by an electrical short-circuit or arson in the children’s play area.

President Vladimir Putin - who visited Kemerovo in the wake of the fire - blamed “criminal negligence” for the blaze.

Mr Tuleyev - whose niece was reportedly killed in the fire - had been governor of the coal-mining region since 1997.

A former Communist, the 73-year-old has been a well-known figure in the region for three decades, and stood in Russian presidential elections in 1991, 1996 and 2000.

About 80,000 pilgrims listened to his Urbi et Orbi address in St Peter’s Square VATICAN VIA AFP

Last Eastern Ghouta Rebels Poised to Surrender – Syrian State Media The group in control of the last rebel bastion near Damascus appeared on Sunday to have agreed a deal for its fighters to make peace with the government or quit the eastern Ghouta enclave, Reuters reported Syrian state media as saying on Sunday.

Jaish al Islam, most of whose members are drawn from the area, has been defending the city of Douma against a months-long onslaught by government forces.

If confirmed, its surrender or departure for rebel-held areas in

northwest Syria would herald an end to large-scale conflict in the enclave.

State television and Syrian newspapers said information indicated that, under the deal, the group would hand over heavy and mid-sized weapons and acknowledge the restoration of state sovereignty over Douma.

A Hezbollah run-media unit said on Sunday an agreement had been reached after several days of negotiations to spare bloodshed in Douma.

The unit of the powerful Lebanese Shi’ite militia that has been fighting with the Syrian army said among the terms of the deal was setting up a Syrian government-approved local council to run the city’s affairs after rebels withdraw.

It also said a Russian-led committee with representatives from Turkey, Iran and Russia, the three guarantors of the Astana peace talks who set up “de-escalation” zones across Syria, would be responsible for

handing over prisoners of war jailed by the rebels.

Jaish al Islam had no immediate comment on the reports but responded to earlier claims by the Syrian government that it was negotiating a deal to stay and not to pull out of the city.

The government lost control of Douma, the largest urban centre in the eastern suburbs of Damascus in insurgent hands, in the early phase of Syria’s civil war, now in its eighth year.

Mali Jihadist Faces War Crimes at International Criminal Court The International Criminal Court in the Hague has taken into custody a man wanted for war crimes in Mali, after the authorities there handed him over, BBC reported on Sunday.

Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud headed the Islamic police in Timbuktu when it was under the control of jihadist militants five years ago.

He is accused of victimising women and girls by approving their forced marriages to Islamist

fighters.

He is also alleged to have helped destroy ancient mausoleums in Timbuktu.

The arrest warrant for Mr Al Hassan listed crimes against humanity including “torture, rape and sexual slavery; persecution of the inhabitants of Timbuktu on religious and gender grounds; and other inhumane acts”.

The only other man tried by the ICC over Mali’s conflict admitted destroying cultural

sites in Timbuktu at a landmark trial in 2016.

Ahmad al-Faqi al-Mahdi pleaded guilty to destroying nine mausoleums and a mosque, in the first case of cultural desecration heard by the ICC. It was the first time a suspected Islamist militant had stood trial at the war crimes court, and the first time a suspect had pleaded guilty.

Prosecutors said Mahdi was a member of Ansar Dine, an Islamist group that occupied Timbuktu for

months.

He was jailed for nine years, after declaring he was “really sorry” for his actions and asking for forgiveness. In 2017 ICC judges found him liable for nearly €3m (£2.6m; $3,6m) in damages.

There is a chance he could now testify as a witness against Mr Hassan, Reuters news agency reports.

Mr Hassan’s initial court appearance is scheduled for next week but he will not be required to enter a plea.

MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

47

NEWSEXTRA

Fayemi Declares for Ekiti Governorship Race Says Fayose can’t stop him

Victor Ogunje inAdoEkiti The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, at the weekend declared interest in the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former governor who was in the saddle between 2010 and 2014, said the APC would deploy all logistics that would make the party win the poll.

He said the state Governor, Ayodele Fayose’s judicial panel which indicted him of alleged corrupt practices was not enough to stop him from contesting, adding that “at the appropriate time, I will be stopped if not eligible to contest, but not Fayose’s white paper will stop me.”

With his declaration, Fayemi is now the 36th aspirant on the platform of the APC. Speaking with journalists in Isan Ekiti, his country home, yesterday, Fayemi said he had learned a great lesson from his disastrous defeat in June 21, 2014, while seeking reelection, saying this experience and what he did in Ondo State would

be of great benefit to him in the election.

Fayemi said he decided to tarry a while so that he won’t breach the Electoral Act and Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) laid down rules, saying he would formally notify his party at the state secretariat of the party anytime from April 14.

He said he was never a coward and not afraid to declare openly of his intention to recontest despite opposition by some people, adding that he is running based on his track records and not out of power seeking venture.

The former governor said: “Yes, I will run for the governorship of our state. As a leader of the party, I am going to follow the due process as laid down by our party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

This include formal notification of the leadership of the party, presentation of letter of intent at the state secretariat and a public declaration.

“I am running based on track records which you can’t controvert. We will lay it bare for people to see. My government did social security

for the elderly, renovated all schools, we established peace corps, youth in commercial agriculture, youth volunteer scheme, paid bursary and scholarship, established traffic management agency, constructed roads among others.

“But sad enough, this government has ruined everything. I am contesting because of the pains I see on the faces of my people.

“The present government is allowing poverty to move free among our people, I could see that pains and bitterness and this I am coming to correct.”

Fayemi said he was aware of various speculations about whether he would run for the governorship or not.

He, however said, with the last week release of guidelines and time table for the July

election, the right time for him to make a formal declaration and join the race has come.

“The state government controversial Whitepaper can’t not stop him from contesting the governorship election, as designed by the People Democratice Party (PDP) government.

INEC has scheduled April 15 for the commencement of electioneering process for the July election,” he said.

Earlier, the minister had addressed a mammoth crowd of party leaders from all the 177 wards of the state at the APC leaders’ meeting held in Ishan Ekiti, where he urged them to be united in the battle to unseat the incumbent PDP-led government.

The state Chairman of the party, Chief Jide Awe; Deputy Chairman, Mrs. Kemi Olaleye and state Secretary, Paul Omotosho, led other state, local government and ward executives as well as elders of the party to the quarterly meeting.

Saying that the huge number of aspirants jostling for the APC ticket was a good development for the party, Fayemi urged all aspirants and their supporters to pursue their ambitions in a very decent manner, emphasising their credentials and plans to lift the state from its present state.

He said it was obvious the PDP-led government in Ekiti State was bereft of ideas and does not have anything good to offer the citizens of the state, stressing that the July 14 election would be an opportunity to halt the brigandage and maladministration going on

in the state.

Apparently referring to his formal presentation of letter of intent, Fayemi had told the cheering crowd of his plan in the coming weeks to visit the party secretariat to commence the process.

“I will come to the party secretariat in Ado-Ekiti and do the needful.

He said while the new APC government in the state would restore all the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created by his administration, and which was cancelled by the PDP government.

“Our people clamoured for the creation of these LCDAs and they were created for them. But the PDP cancelled all of them. I can assure you all that the new APC government would restore your LCDAs because that is what the people want,” he said.

Police Speak on Alleged Plot to Kill Whistle Blower The Zone 5 headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force, Benin City, has debunked any plot to eliminate one Ovie Osiebe-Franklin, an alleged whistle blower, and one other Anodeh Brave.

This was contained in a statement released by Emeka Iheanacho, Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Benin City yesterday.

Iheanacho said the alleged whistle blower was a suspect in a case of alleged false information investigated by the FCIID, Abuja.

He said debunking the alleged elimination plot was imperative following a publication by an online medium on March 28.

Iheanacho added that the said-publication had allegedly reported that the Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police (AIG), Zone 5 headquarters, Benin City, Rasheed Akintunde, was plotting to eliminate the whistle blower.

Akintunde was also alleged to be plotting to kill Anode Brave, a member of Delta State Polytechnic Governing Council, Otefe-Oghara.

He said the AIG was committed to professionalism and intelligenceled policing.

“The AIG, Zone 5 headquarters, Benin City AIG Rasheed Akintunde, wishes to reaffirm his commitment to professionalism and intelligenceled policing.

“He also wishes to reaffirm his respect for fundamental human rights and observance of rule of law in the discharge of his duties at all time.

“It would be recalled that sometime in 2014, the school authority terrminated Ovie Osiebe-Franklin appointment as an academic staff of the Delta

State Polytechnic.

“He was alleged to be involved in acts of corruption, extortion of students, sexual harassment of female students and examination malpractice.

“Since the termination of the suspect’s appointment by the governing council, he has been on vengeance mission against the authorities of Delta State Polytechnic Otefe-Oghara,” the statement said.

Iheanacho further said in 2014, Mr. Osiebe-Franklin wrote a petition to the Inspector- General of Police (IG) against the Rector and other members of the governing council including Anodeh Brave.

There, he alleged misappropriation of the institution’s fund, he said.

“At the end of the investigation, a Legal Adviser from the Commissioner of Police Legal Department, Abuja, directed that the said Ovie Osiebe-Franklin (suspect ) should be arrested and charged to court for false information.”

He, however, said on Febriuary 20, 2018, another petition was written to the AIG, Zone 5 Headquarters, by Anodeh Brave.

Iheanacho said it was against the supposed whistle blower over allegations of corruption and extortion, impersonation of EFCC officials, assassination of character and threat to lives.

The spokesperson said based on the petition which was presently being investigated at the zonal command, the supposed whistle blower had continued to evade police arrest.

He stated that every effort made to arrest and prosecute the suspect had failed.

READY TO TRY SECOND ROUND

Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, addressing a crowd of party faithful at the quarterly meeting of leaders of the party drawn from the 16 local governments in Ishan, Ekiti State....weekend

Buhari’s Position on APC’s Tenure Elongation Has Given Us Bearing, Says North-east NationalVice Chair Daji Sani in Yola The National Vice Chairman, North East of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a member of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), Salisu Mustapha, has said President Muhamadu Buhari’s position on tenure elongation for the party executives has given the it a bearing.

He said the president’s position has not changed party’s leadership for now, saying that the current members of NEC are still in full control of the party affairs until June 2018 when their tenure would officially expire.

Mustapha further explained that the president has shown that he is a democrat and his position on the tenure elongation has put to rest the disagreement in the APÇ on

the issue.

Mustapha who made the remarks yesterday during an interactive session with newsmen in Yola, Adamawa State, noted that the APC is not a party where one person stays at home and dictates what should be done in the party.

“We are opened to new ideas and ideas are meant to be challenged in order to improve the party and forge a stronger future for the party.

The president’s statement has not changed anything within the party structure from the national to state level especially as to who is running the party right now.

“The tenure of this current executives is due to end in June, which means they are still in charge of the party affairs.

“However, the party has already set up a committee to look into the president’s

comments with the view of finding the best solution to move the party forward.”

Mustapha emphasised that the statement by the president does not affect those at the helm of the party’s affairs nationwide unless the committee comes up with a decision which might be either for an elective congress or a decision to retain this current executives.

“I assure, whatever is the decision, everyone within the party will welcome it.

“But nothing has really changed concerning the leadership of the party from ward to the nation level.”

Responding to why the NEC’s tenure was extended, he said: “The two NEC meetings of the party in which one endorses the motion to reappoint this current NEC, state executives and ward

executives to run the party’s affairs for one more year and that decision was reached due to the fact that we considered that we will be having series of party elections within 10 months.

“We will have ward, local governments, state governments congresses, we will also be having zonal and national conventions and we will also be having primaries for state assembly, governorship, National Assembly and national convention, which are tedious.

So it was agreed that we should reappoint this present NEC to continue running the party’s affairs.

“It was in the second NEC that the president raised the observation that the decision is contrary to the constitution of the country and that of the party based on the advise from the legal department.”

48

MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

EASTER MESSAGES...

EASTER MESSAGES...

Jonathan, Osinbajo, Dogara, Task Christians on Unity, Sacrifice Our Correspondents

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yussuf Lasun, have urged Nigerians to show love and tolerance for each other, especially for those God has seen fit to put in positions of influence.

In his Easter message yesterday, Jonathan advised leaders to imbibe the qualities of Jesus Christ whose resurrection we celebrate.

He added that even though Christ was heavily reviled and criticised, He never retaliated and even prayed for those who reviled Him. The former president said: “On this Easter Sunday, I urge all Nigerians to show love and tolerance for each other, especially for those God has seen fit to put in positions of influence.

“Leaders should imbibe the qualities of our Lord and Saviour, whose resurrection we celebrate. Even though He was heavily reviled and criticised, He never retaliated and even prayed for those who reviled Him. “Nigerians are not animal. Together, we are perhaps some of the most decent, Godly and accommodating people on God’s earth. We must never forget that. He is risen and Nigeria will also rise.”

Also, Osinbajo said as the world marked the death and resurrection of Jesus yesterday, Nigeria was equally on the path of resurrection and progress.

Osinbajo who made the remark while answering questions from journalists after the Easter service at the Aso Rock Chapel, said the resurrection of Jesus Christ implied that the country was moving out of its present challenges to a path of greater hope and peace. ‘’The resurrection of Jesus Christ is also a strong and powerful message to the nation. ‘’The message is that our nation is on the path of resurrection, it’s on the path of progress, it’s on the path of elevation. ‘’We are moving out from all our challenges and we are going to a place of greater hope, peace and prosperity and abundance for all of us,” he said.

On his part, Dogara tasked Christians to embrace peace, unity and sacrifice as they mark Easter in commemoration of the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He urged Christians to emulate the selfless sacrifice which Jesus made for mankind.

In a press statement to mark the event, he asked Nigerians to show unity, love and sacrifice for the unity and development of the country.

Dogara said: “As we celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of calvary for the redemption of our souls, I urge you all to draw lessons from the selfless service of Christ.

“It is important that such love that Jesus Christ had for mankind to lay down his life for us is what we must show to one another, irrespective of tribe, status or religion.

“It is by so doing that Nigeria can grow in peace and attain only meaningful progress.”

Also, Lasun enjoined Nigerians to embrace the spirit behind Easter celebration.

Tambuwal Urges Nigerians to Stand up forVulnerable, Downtrodden

Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged Nigerians to use the Easter period to stand up for all those who have found themselves in vulnerable situations in the country and other parts of the world.

This was contained in a message to commemorate this year’s Easter period issued in Sokoto yesterday by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam.

The governor said all members of the society should make sacrifices that would advance the cause of the vulnerable and the downtrodden.

“Easter is a period of divine. We should spread that love around by praying, and standing up to victims of circumstance that have found themselves in vulnerable situations within us and elsewhere.

“We can do this by working closely with charity organisations to give them hope, courage and the will to be strong.

“Doing this will make Nigeria and the world a better place to live in,” the statement read.

Tambuwal to this end, congratulated Nigerians, especially those of Christian faith for the Easter celebration.

He restated the commitment of his administration to implementing policies and programmes that would positively impact on the lives of the people.

Love One Another, Obi Tells Nigerians

Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has described Easter celebration as an opportunity for the government and the people to exhibit love and commitment to nation building.

In his Easter message, Obi said besides celebrating the death and resurrection of Christ, that Easter encapsulated the highest exemplification of love and sacrifice for the good of others.

While urging Christians to use the occasion of Easter celebration to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ for the salvation of mankind, the former governor said that it was a time for sharing and remembering the less privileged among the people as Christ remembered us always.

“I have always maintained that religious celebrations have deeper significance mostly bothering on love. Though people now attach Epicurean angle to all celebrations, but the fact of their origin and very conception, such as Easter, show they truly beckon on us to show

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), with a baby and fun seekers who thronged the JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja for the Easter celebration....yesterday love and treat one another with becoming kindness.”

Obi prayed for the deepening of the commitment toward the governed by the government so that Nigeria will in no distant time record improvements commensurate with its human and natural resources .

He said this Easter particularly offers Nigerians the opportunity to think about their country and realise that the progress of the country was dependent on Nigerians working together in the spirit of love rather than building, encouraging and nurturing the culture of hate and retrogression.

Okowa Urges Christians to Live Righteous Life

As Christians all over the world celebrate Easter, Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said the celebration can only be complete when the people live righteous life The governor who spoke at the 86th birthday celebration of Deaconess Esther Eruemulor at Church of God Mission, Agbor yesterday stated that Easter would be beneficial when there is true repentance.

“We should remember what this season represents, we are all sinners and with the realisation that our sins have been taken away, let us give our life totally to God, be obedient to God’s commandments and His teaching,” the governor who was accompanied to the service by his wife, Edith said.

He emphasised, “a wonderful Easter celebration can only be when you have given your life to God, by His (Jesus Christ) rising, we have all being lifted to the glory of God.” The governor congratulated Deaconess Eruemulor, observing that she was a great mobiliser as a politician and wonderful mother, adding, “the greatest thing that God has done for the family is that Mama knew God and grew to become a Deaconess in the Church.”

He also thanked her children for celebrating their mother.

Bishop Mathew Iregbenye, of Church of God Mission, Benin City, had in a sermon, said the Angels did not remove the stone for Jesus to rise, but such was done for people to go in and confirm that He has risen.

“Jesus appeared to His disciples when everywhere was locked, all men die but, only Jesus Christ resurrected, God has come to redeem us, He gave us a place to rejoice, man left it and He came back again to give us life; except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God,” he stated.

Also yesterday, Okowa was at Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state where he attended the 90th birthday of Raphael Ezeoba, father of Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba (rtd), who was the 20th Chief of Naval Staff.

Okowa, his Edo State counterpart, Mr Godwin Obaseki, former Governor James Ibori, Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, among other personalities attended the chieftaincy title of Mrs Josephine Kachikwu, Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission at Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha North local government area of the state.

She was conferred with Ochiligwe of Onicha-Ugbo and Ezinne of Oligbo Kingdom.

Akeredolu Preaches Peace, Progress

Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State yesterday assured Nigerians that they would soon overcome whatever challenges confronting them.

Akeredolu gave the assurance during the 2018 Easter service at the Chapel of Grace, Government House in Akure, Ondo State.

The governor, who tasked the Christian community to have hope

that Nigeria would be great again, urged them to rededicate themselves to the service of their fatherland.

He described Easter as a period of sober reflection on the significance of the death of Jesus Christ and his great sacrifice to give humanity the hope of eternal life.

According to him, the exemplary life of Jesus Christ is a great lesson that must be emulated by all.

He advised Christians to continue to be tolerant of one another, show and promote love, as well as be advocates of peaceful coexistence.

In his sermon with theme: ‘The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: A Demonstration of divine love,” Lawrence Ekundayo said the resurrection of Jesus Christ was the greatest Christian doctrine that could be preached.

He said without resurrection, there would be no church, and every human being would have had to pass through depression.

“Depression is the first of the three major lessons of resurrection.

Even Jesus went through depression.

“Our joy is that depression is not the end of life because the resurrection of Jesus demonstrates that no matter how bad a situation is, God has the capacity to change it for the better,” he said.

Ekundayo said that grief, as the second lesson, was not the end of every Christian, and nobody could translate beyond grief without Jesus Christ.

He also said the third lesson of resurrection proved that God had forgiven humanity of their sins, and without resurrection, reconciliation became impossible.

“Forgiveness is restricted and limited to Jesus. The only way to be forgiven our sins is through Christ; and for those not willing to receive Jesus, reconciliation does not extend to them.

“The major and highest message of resurrection is love. Resurrection is a demonstration of love and it shows that love is stronger than hatred,” he said.

Offer Prayers for Sustenance of Peace, Kwara Speaker Charges Christians

As Christians the world over celebrate Easter, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Ali Ahmad, has charged Christians in the country to use the period of Easter celebration to offer prayers for the sustenance of peace and harmonious relationship between the religious and ethnic groups in the country.

The Speaker in his Easter message to Christians issued in Ilorin yesterday by his Special Assistant on Media, Shuaib Abdulkadir, also enjoined them to internalise the lessons learnt during the Lent period by ensuring it impacted on their daily lives.

Ahmad who noted that the fasting period has not only purified their bodies and souls but also improved them mentally and spiritually encouraged them to do away with activities that could further draw them back to sin against God. He said it was imperative they imbibe the teachings by striving to always emulate the virtues as well as various qualities with which Jesus Christ stood for.

According to Biblical injunctions, “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day.”

According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

“It is therefore sacrosanct to ensure that Christ did not die in vain by upholding the tenets of Christianity and continue to serve as examples to the world”, he added.

The Speaker, however admonished Nigerians against utterances that could jeopardise the existing peace and harmony in the country.

MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

49

NEWSEXTRA

Lagos to Challenge Court Order Suspending Consumption Tax Law Appoints Lawal Pedro to lead its legal team

Gboyega Akinsanmi The Lagos State Government has rejected an injunction by a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi which temporarily restrained it from enforcing the provisions of the 2017 Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant (Fiscalisation) Regulations 2017.

Consequently, the state government has equally appointed the immediate past Solicitor General of the state, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), to lead its legal team to challenge the order suspending the fiscalisation regulation until the suit is concluded.

A legal source disclosed the plan

Varsity Students Give Ondo Govt Ultimatum on Resumption James Sowole in Akure Students of the Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) yesterday gave the state government a seven-day ultimatum within which to facilitate arrangement for resumption of the institution.

The students’ ultimatum was contained in a statement signed by the officers of the institution’s Students Union led by the president, Ijanusi Olawale, the Secretary, Adekunle Ayo- Lawrence and the Public Relations Officer, Adelowo Samson.

According to the students, if the government failed to do the needful at the end of the ultimatum, which starts counting from today (April 2) the government should be ready to face the wrath of the entire students.

The students lamented that they had been staying at home for more than 80 days doing nothing.

“It is quite pathetic and sardonic that the government has been quite undisturbed by this disheartening predicament.

“The government has been so unperturbed by the fact that we are wallowing and wasting away at home.

“We have wasted a whole semester at home doing nothing.

The hope of our 500 Level Law students going to Law School is now hanging in the wind.

“We are made to go through all this unpalatable rigours all because

of the unfortunate indecisiveness of the government.

“We have been silent enough. We will not allow the administration of the government to toy with our future. We have been pushed to the wall, and it is now highly sacrosanct, germane and imperative to take our destiny into our hands.

“On this note, we are strongly giving out a seven working-day ultimatum to the government and also to the governing council of AAUA, to facilitate all necessary things to bring about the resumption of AAUA. “This ultimatum count down shall kick-start on Monday, April 2, 2018.

“Failure of the government and the governing council to do the needful will draw the wrath of the Nigerian students as we will be left with no choice than to take the centre stage,” the students stated.

In demonstration of their seriousness, the students said they had sent copies of their positions to all necessary stakeholders including the state Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and necessary security agencies in the state.

The students had been at home since the end of the 2016/2017 academic session mainly over the decision of the government to increase school fees.

The government had said increase in tuition of the institution was inevitable in view of the reality on ground.

Catholic Bishop Criticises Buhari forVisiting Lagos During Christian Celebration David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has said those who advised President Muhammadu Buhari to embark on a two-day state visit to Lagos State did him a lot of disservice.

Ezeokafor said choosing Maundy Thursday and Good Friday to visit Lagos showed disrespect for Christians.

He insisted that Christianity and Islam are two dominant religions in Nigeria, and should be accorded same level of respect, just as he expressed optimism that President Buhari would not have made the trip if Lagos were a Muslim celebration.

The Bishop who spoke St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka while delivering his Easter message said: “Government of Nigeria should always apply the principle of equity and fairness in its approach to issues of national concern.

“President Buhari’s two-day visit to Lagos State to inaugurate

a bus-stop on Christians’ most important days was a huge slap on Nigerian Christians.

“Those who advised the president to embark on such trip on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday respectively, advised him wrongly. The said trip could have been undertaken after the Easter celebration or any other time.”

He said Christianity and Islam were the two major religions in Nigeria and should be accorded equal respect and recognition by the powers-that-be, not giving preferential treatment to one at the detriment of the other.

Bishop Ezeokafor noted that the Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday were days Christians concentrated on what they believed gave them salvation, even as he described Easter as the greatest feast in the Christendom.

He however admonished President Buhari to treat every section of the country equally irrespective of religious sentiments.

at a session with select journalists recently, lamenting that the order was an affront to a Supreme Court decision that validated the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law, 2009 In a ruling he delivered penultimate week, Justice Rilwan Aikawa had suspended the fiscalisation regulation until the substantive suit filed by the Association of the Registered Trustees Hotel Owners and Managers Association of Lagos was determined.

The judge equally suspended the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law Cap H8, Laws of Lagos State 2015 while restraining the state government from enforcing or implementing it in some parts of the the state.

But at a session with journalists recently, the legal officer said the state government “is aware of an ex-parte injunction granted by the Federal High Court Lagos on March 21 in respect of the new regulations the state government issued pursuant to the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law.” Specifically, the court noted

that the lower court delivered the injunction without taking congisance of the decision of the apex court that validated the legality of the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law in 2013.

He added that it was unfortunate that former Attorney-General of the state, Mr. Olasupo Shasore (SAN), could take up a legal battle against a legislation that the state House of Assembly validly enacted under his supervision.

He lamented that the ex-parte order was obtained by Shasore, a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice under whose supervision the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Tax Law, 2009 was enacted.

He said Shasore “was theAttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice when the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption bill was passed into Law by the Lagos State House of Assembly and its inclusion in the laws of the State was done while Shasore was the Chairman of the Law Reform Commission.”

After its passage, the Lagos

State House of Assembly had also approved a regulation, Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption (fiscalisation) Regulations, 2017 “to ensure that all consumption Taxes charged

by Hotel and Restaurant owners on citizens are duly captured and remitted to the state government.

He explained that the fiscalisation regulation was initiated essentially “to ensure transparency and accountability in the collection of consumption tax in Lagos State.

The regulation does not in any way increase the burden of hotel owners.

“The state government will challenge the interim orders obtained by misrepresentation of fact and pursue the substantive suit until its dismissal. Since 2009 when the law was enacted, there had been compliance by hotel and restaurant owners.”

He noted that the hotel and restaurant owners kicked against the regulation because the state government had resolve “to ensure transparency and accountability in collection of consumption tax that led to the institution of the

frivolous suit.”

Already, he said, the state government had put its legal team together “to challenge the injunction of the federal high court. Pedro, former Solicitor General of Lagos State, has been engaged to lead the legal team to contest the suit.

In an e-mail he sent to journalists, Shasore said the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law was enacted by the Lagos State House of Assembly and came into force on June 22, 2009, when he was the Attorney General of Lagos State.

He explained that he “is a counsel and not plaintiff in the present suit predicated on the recent decision of the Supreme Court in Attorney General of Lagos State v Eko Hotels Limited and Anor.

Shasore said the apex court held that the VAT Act, an Act of the National Assembly “has covered the field on the issue of Sales Tax and other such taxes in Nigeria including the consumption tax that the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law sought to introduce.

ACCOUNT OF STEWARDSHIP

L-R: Member representing Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Onyemachi Joan Mrakpor, Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; his wife, Edith; and the Chairman of the occasion and former Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, during a reception in honour of Mrakpor by the people of Ubulu-Uku kingdom..... weekend.

Angry Constituents Assault Federal Lawmaker in Taraba Wole Ayodele in Jalingo A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Garba Hamman Julde, representing Bali-Gassol federal constituency of Taraba State narrowly escaped being lynched at the weekend by his constituents at Bali, the constituency headquarters.

The incident, which occurred at Central Primary School in Bali where Garbage organised an event to distribute 11 motorcycles and a vehicle to the ward executives and local government chairman of APC in Bali, saw the lawmaker pested with stones, satchets of pure water and other dangerous objects.

It took the timely intervention of security operatives who were on ground to prevent the incident from degenerating as the lawmaker had to be whisked away after sustaining minor bruises.

Citing failed representation and abandonment of his constituency for more than two years, the enraged constituents, who chanted war songs as they pressed forward to get hold of the lawmaker, vowed to do everything possible to ensure he is not re-elected in the forthcoming election.

Trouble started after Garba ended his speech on the rostrum and was making way to present keys of the motorcycles to the beneficiaries when the youths started chanting in Hausa ‘ba mu so’ ‘ba mu so’.

With the atmosphere already charged, the youths started hauling stones, sand and pure water satchets at him even as they made attempts to lay their hands on him before policemen quickly formed a ring around him and whisked him away from the podium.

Speaking with THISDAY on the incident, Musa Sandirde, one of the constituents who witnessed the assault on the lawmaker, said the people were disenchanted with the lawmaker abandoning them for over two years and have resolved to ensure he does not return to the National Assembly come 2019.

Also speaking, one of the local government party executives, Ibrahim Daka said Garba had been missing for over two years only for him to surface to distribute motorcycles and a car to the ward and local government executives of the party.

According to him, “He has completely abandoned the people that sent him to Abuja. For more than two years, he went missing, only for him to show up this weekend to say he was presenting 11 motorcycles and one car to ward and local government party chairmen.

“He did that because election is here and they are the people who will serve as delegates to elect party flag bearers again. But the people he abandoned turned against him and showed their anger. How can you abandon the people and come here to give bicycles to a few people?

We are not happy with him and we made our position clear to him,” he added.

Meanwhile, THISDAY gathered that a planned distribution of some items at Mutum Biyu, headquarters of Gassol Local Government has been put on hold to prevent a repeat of the Bali incident.

All efforts to speak with Garba or his legislative aides proved abortive as journalists were denied access to him and he refused to respond to calls on his mobile phones.

MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

50

NEWSEXTRA

IBB Urges Youths to Take over Leadership of the Country Laleye Dipo in Minna Former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has for the first time come out to corroborate the statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Kassim Afegbua, which pitted him with the police high command in the country.

Babangida in Minna yesterday evening insisted that a new generation of political leaders should take over from the present crop of politicians holding sway in the country.

The old generation of politicians, Babangida said, have overstayed in the corridors of power and should pave the way for the younger ones to steer the ship of the state aright.

He spoke when he received the leadership of a new political movement, New Nigeria, led by

Mr. Moses Siloko Siasia at his Hilltop residence in Minna, the Niger State capital.

According to a report, the former military president said he and other like-minds proposed as far as back as 1989 the possibility of handing over the country’s leadership to younger people who had the passion and zeal to propel it on the path of development and growth but the older generation was recalcitrant then.

He added that history had shown that “a nation’s development fulcrum progresses better in the hands of younger generation,” which he said: “Is more adventurous and full of fresh ideas.”

Giving the example of former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), who ruled

the country at 31, Babangida said: “Gowon did well in keeping the country together and developing its infrastructure some of which are visible till date. Some of us assumed leadership at a very young age “The older generation must give way for the new one. We have become analogue but this is a digital age; so the young people should be supported to use their digital knowledge to move the country forward.”

The former military president said he was fascinated when the

Not-Too-Young-to-Rule Bill was presented on the floor of the House of Representatives and had followed the ensuing debate since then, adding that “some of us believed in that aspiration and would support its realisation.”

Babangida did not however say President Muhammadu Buhari Should contest the 2019 election or not.

The leader of the delegation and Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate in the last governorship election in Bayelsa

State, said the group was in Minna to consult and seek the blessing of the former leader for a new Nigeria and a new ideology ahead of 2019.

Siasia noted that the youths had decided to take their destinies in their hands because the old generation had failed the country.

“The meeting was fruitful and impactful. We are elated that the former military president is supporting us.

By today, we are moving to Otta to consult with former

President Olusegun Obasanjo after which we will pay similar visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd), for their support,” he said.

He said the group would be fielding candidates for various positions including that of the president in the 2019 elections on a different political platform even as he urged youths across all divides to join the struggle for the birth of a new Nigeria of their dream.

We Have Capacity to Protect Military Installations, Says Air Force Chief Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The days of unchecked attacks on military locations might have ended going by the words of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

Speaking during the Easter luncheon organised yesterday for airmen and officers of the Nigerian Air Force in the North-east theatre of operation, the CAS said the capacity of the air force to sniff out threat on military installations from afar has greatly improved.

The CAS, who was represented at the luncheon by the Air Task Force Commander Operation Lafiya Dole: Air Vice Marshal Idi Lubo, said the air force would continue to assist the counter-insurgency operation

in the North-east and see to it that the war is won.

He said: “We are ready to take out criminals that want to attack our (military) locations. I can tell you no one can escape our eagle eyes, our technology and the effectiveness of our men.” He said the war on terrorism is still on and needs the commitment of everyone in the Theatre to win, urging all military officers to be vigilant and not rest on their oasis.

He urged Christians to embrace the spirit of sacrifice that the Easter season denote, he said: “Easter is a time Christian reflects on the sacrifice God pays in given himself as a sacrifice to safe humankind.”

He said the military should know that by calling, they are expected to pay sacrifice for the continued existence of their nation.

Obaseki Lauds Oba of Benin’s Salary Support for Libya Returnees Calls on philanthropists, business moguls to emulate gesture Edo State Governo, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the magnanimity of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewaure II, for placing some returnees from Libya on salary, noting that the gesture was a landmark effort in rehabilitating the returnees.

The governor, in a statement, said the gesture shows Oba Ewuare II’s commitment to seeing that the youths, who have returned home from treacherous sojourn overseas, are catered for and protected from the vagaries of idleness.

According to the governor, “I commend the Oba’s support for the returnees. This has shown that the Oba is not just committed to ensuring that our youths break loose from the grip of human trafficking, but that those who survived the hellish experience in Libya are catered for and do not have any reasons whatsoever to go back to their vomit.”

Noting that the Oba Ewaure II’s gesture came at a time the returnees need to be assured that they were not left in the lurch, Obaseki said: “This gesture came at the right

time and will further complement the state government’s efforts to rehabilitate the returnees and reintegrate them into society. We are delighted and appreciate the Oba’s support since the onset of the recent campaign to stem the tide of illegal migration and human trafficking.”

The governor said much as the Oba of Benin is to be commended for the gesture, it was imperative to use the opportunity to call on philanthropists, wealthy Edo businessmen and others to support the campaign by also providing such palliative measure in rehabilitating the returnees.

“We, at this juncture, want to call on our illustrious sons and daughters to join in this campaign and help our brothers and sisters as they settle back into society. The Oba’s gesture is a clarion call to all.

Much as the state government is committing resources to make this happen, we are certain that this cause could do with more hands.

This will help build structures and institutions to stem the tide of the menace and restore our ethos and pride as a people,” Obaseki said.

EASTER MASS

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (third left); Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus Onaga (middle); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Festus Uzor (right); Monsignor Obiora Ike (second left) and other priests during the Easter Mass at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu.....yesterday

No Alternative to Buhari in 2019, Forum Tells Northern Elders A pro-democracy group, the Northern Alternative Forum (NAF), has advised Northern elders searching for a credible presidential candidate from the region ahead of the 2019 general polls, to kill the idea because there is no better candidate than President Muhammadu Buhari for now.

The group, which gave the advice against the backdrop of recent moves by the elders and stakeholders in the North to get a consensus presidential candidate from the zone other than Buhari, said the quest may turn to wild a goose chase.

The elders who converged in Abuja penultimate Saturday had said President Buhari and late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, both from the North, were not chosen by Northerners but were rather foisted on the North and

the country in general by some political forces.

But speaking at a press conference yesterday in Abuja. the National Chairman of NAF, Mallam Gidado Ibrahim, said the search for a credible candidate other than President Buhari might turnout to be a wild goose chase, as no politician from the region has shown strong political will to change the economic and social fortunes of the country.

According to him, “After reviewing the outcome of the meeting held recently by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and other interest groups in the North, we in the NAF have come to the conclusion that shopping for a credible presidential candidate other than President Buhari will only come to a dead end.

“Apart from acceptability and credibility, neither the ruling APC

nor the opposition PDP can boast of a political figure with the willpower to govern Nigeria with its current complexities. The search in PDP is quite herculean for them and in the APC the case is not different.

We urge our very respected elders to thread with caution so as not to return the country to wrongs hands like what we saw in the 16 years of PDP misrule”.

Ibrahim also urged Nigerians to be wary of political propagandists in the opposition camp who are bent on taking the country back to the era of massive looting by “attempting to destroy the goodwill President Buhari enjoys among the Nigerian populace” in order to install another corrupt regime.

He further noted that the era of siphoning funds meant for arms purchase was over, even as he noted that the oil sector under the current

administration has been purged of corrupt elements who squandered the country’s fortunes on frivolities.

“Those who think they can sabotage the Buhari administration through malicious allegations shall soon take their own tea with salt. It is very disappointing and disturbing to see people with bad records in leadership taking Nigerians for a ride. Sadly for them, their campaign of calumny against the President has failed woefully because Nigerians can read between the lines”.

Endorsing Buhari for a second term, the northern group said about 15 prodemocracy groups in the country have formed an alliance with it and that it has engaged the services of two ICT professionals from Germany and Switzerland to execute the 2019 campaign for the Buhari/Osinbajo reelection bid.”

Legislature Urged to Consult Experts Before Making Laws James Sowole in Akure The Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) has asked the National Assembly to always engage and consult its members in order to render expert services on public sponsored bills or amendment that border on specialised area.

The association said “this is important to save time, resources and healthy relations amongst the professions.”

The APBN National President, Dr. Omede Idris, stated this at a press conference at the end of a 2-day Presidential Retreat in Akure,

the Ondo State capital.

At the event with the theme: “Repositioning the APBN: Strategies for Collaboration of Professional Bodies,” the association lauded the Federal Government for the recent constitution of boards, councils and commissions.

The president added that professionalism and collaboration are key and indeed fundamental to success in business, governance, convergence of knowledge and broad-based professional development built on partnership, competence and skills in various areas.

Omede, who however lamented

non-constitution of professional regulatory bodies particularly in health sector, called on President Buhari to reconstitute councils and Boards of all professional bodies especially in the health sector including Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, (MDCN), Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, (PCN) and Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria, (MLCN) amongst others.

He urged government at various levels to avail professionals across all disciplines the opportunity for policy direction and implementation, adding that the APBN membership of 30 professional associations,

presently cuts across virtually all sectors of the economy such as finance, health, infrastructure, administration, management, science, technology and law. ”Nigeria economic diversification should focus on domestic production, export and mineral resources, Agriculture and other sources of revenue generation.

“The government attention and achievement in agriculture should be sustained, while there should be a renewed, progressive and proactive interest by the Federal Government in the Ajaokuta Steel Company, in Kogi State”, Omede said.

51

MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Presidency: Amnesty to Boko Haram will Save Resources, Lives Don’t use Niger-Delta oil money to grant foreigners amnesty, says Ann Kio-Briggs

The presidency has said granting amnesty to the Boko Haram insurgents will make them drop their arms and embrace peace which will in turn stop bloodshed and save resources for the country.

It also explained that President Muhammadu Buhari has remained silent over his second term ambition because his focus was to deliver good governance to the country.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in an interview in Abuja, said President Buhari’s achievements would give him victory in 2019 if he decides to contest.

Shehu also told some retired army generals that had ruled the country in the past who had advised him to drop second term ambition to summon the courage and contest against the president, stressing that President Buhari would defeat all of them.

On the assertion that President Buhari was shielding herdsmen

from prosecution and even begging them to accept amnesty, he argued that if the terrorists should embrace amnesty, it would stop the killings in the polity.

He said: “Well, I hope you also realise that the social media has brought a lot of good things to the world and it has also brought a lot of problems not only in Nigeria but everywhere in the world.

“Nations of the world are talking about regulations and control, this is happening in Germany in the United Kingdom even the United States you see that a lot these technology companies are been fined for infringements that they cause.

“The thing is that there is a tendency to see things from a negative point of view when your point of view is shaped and colored by the social media.

“It’s always been heard that the default position of the social media itself is to be negative, so people have turned out to ignore grand reality and project images that are very

negative.

“Otherwise I wonder , this is an administration that has done so extremely well and to a president who has sworn to an oath to defend the constitution and protect every life and property, it is very unfair and uncharitable to say that he will shield anybody, and in any case, the president controls only one layer of authority, what are the governors doing, is the social media also saying that the governors are protecting the herdsmen from the law, are they saying the local government are also protecting them?

“You see it has to take everyone at various levels of authority to shield somebody from the law in those circumstances, and the president himself, his passion is for the country, this is a president whose passion is not even for the office, even when everyone is asking him to go for a second term he is keeping quiet because his focus remains the nation and the problem

of the country.

“Whoever is peddling these rumours that Boko Haram is being granted amnesty and so on I would ask them who doesn’t want to make peace with the enemy? In any case as it is proverbially said all wars end up in the boardroom.

You can defeat people technically in the field but at the end you must come to the conference room to resolve all issues.

“So if Boko Baram would lay down their arms and stop fighting and stop preaching that negative ideology, the country should be able to embrace them, welcome all of them so that they continue to live normal lives and be useful to the nation. What that means is that we will be saving cost, saving lives that are being lost through bombing, killing of service personnel and we will be saving money that we are using to procure weapons so that such money can go into services and infrastructure and welfare of

the citizens of this country. It is a win -win situation.”

However, an environmental rights activist and Convener of Niger-Delta Self-Determination Movement (NDSDM), MadamAnn Kio-Briggs, has opposed amnesty for Boko Haram, saying that doing so would amount to the government admitting that Nigeria has failed and it is incapable of saving Nigerians from torrorists and foreign invaders.

Noting that the government had repeatedly described Boko Haram insurgents and killer herdsmen as foreigners, she wondered why the government would turn around to grant such people amnesty.

She warned that such amnesty should not be funded with oil resources of the Niger Delta.

Her words: ”Boko Haram has owned up to being a terrorist group.

It has declared its support and affiliation to the ISIS, a renowned world terrorist organisation. If the government wants to grant

amnesty to a terrorist group, I think this country is finished. It means kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminals can be granted amnesty.

“This government wants Nigerians to believe that Boko Haram will embrace amnesty. I hope they don’t want to use Niger Delta oil money for the amnesty programme. Government has told us repeatedly that Boko Haram are foreigners. By wanting to grant amnesty to Boko Haram, the government has admitted that Nigeria has failed and it has no capacity to protect Nigerians.

We have killer herdsmen all over the place. Foreigners have invaded Nigeria and the best the government can do is to grant them amnesty. That is why we in the Niger Delta want referendum.

Restructuring would have been good but since the core North does not want restructuring, we want referendum.”

Buhari Won’t Have Bandwagon Effect in 2019, Says Bello Onyebuchi Ezigbo inAbuja A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Adamawa State, Hon. Emma Bello, has said victory in the 2019 elections will be based on the popularity of individual contestants and not the usual bandwagon effect as experienced in 2015.

Against the background of intrigues and controversies surrounding the move by the National Assembly to reorder the sequence of elections, Bello said such postulations that President Muhammadu Buhari’s incumbency factor will affect other outcome of elections is no longer valid.

Speaking in an interview with journalists in Abuja at the weekend, Bello said the coming of President Buhari in 2015 was a blessing in disguise, adding that Nigerians have now been able to assess him and will be a in position to appropriate their votes correctly in 2019.

“The coming of Buhari in 2015 was a blessing in disguise to appropriating the votes correctly in 2019. People have realised that voting everybody on one platform was a big mistake. That is why the new campaign is that your character should save you. If your character is to save you, then it means people will appropriate their votes to individuals. They are no longer going for ‘sak’. They were doing sak in the last one, there will be no ‘sak’ in this particular one,” he said.

The legislator who until a forthnight ago was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said: “It is no longer going to be ‘sak’. It will be a question of who you are. If this person is performing, let’s vote him back. If this person is a liar, let’s vote him out.”

The governorship aspirant also gave an insight on why he is seeking the position, saying Admawa State was in dire need of a visionary leaders who can translate its vast economic

and human potential to advantage to provide for the wellbeing of the ordinary people.

He said his interest is to uplift the standard of living of the poor and less-privileged people in the state who incidentally are in the majority.

“If I become the governor of the state, which, by the grace of God, I will be, I will ask all Adamawa indigenes that are unemployed to come back home. Those hardworking young men who are doing okada in Lagos, I will give them jobs. I will create jobs and I will take them. Our total population is 3.7 million of which 35.2 per cent are already above the age of 35 to 70.

“Secondly, I am not a candidate for minority groups. I’m not a candidate for the oppressed groups.

I’m a candidate for the Talakawa.

I am the candidate for the poor people of Adamawa State either minorities or majorities. In every segment of the society, we find people who are under-privileged by circumstances of birth, creed or religion. I am their candidate.

My liberation for the people of Adamawa State is not about their tribe or creed. But it is about humanity.

“I feel that is the only way can apply my ideas and business innovations to governments, I will be able to salvage the situation. I can create wealth for the state which will take care of many issues. It will take care of infrastructure, education, health system and unemployment.

“If you can take care of these major problems in any state in Nigeria, you have solved 80 per cent of that state’s problems. It means that it will be a place every Nigerian will like to go, settle and live his or her life.

“So, with this few words, this is the reason I want to be governor for the time being. That is why I think when Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) finally blows the whistle, I will declare,” he said.

KEEPING CULTURE ALIVE

L-R: Representative of Lagos State Governor and Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule; Commissioner for Tourism Arts and Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I; and former Minister of State for Defence, Sen.ator Musilu Obanikoro, during the 2018 Lagos Boat Regatta at the Lagoon Waterfront, Ikoyi, Lagos....yesterday

Looters List: Metuh Threatens to Go to Court Former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has said he has directed his lawyers to review the implications of including his name in federal government’s list of looters.

Metuh in a statement issued at the weekend in Abuja, said he had also asked his lawyer to take appropriate steps for redress.

The former National Publicity Secretary of PDP, said he was reacting to the recent release of names of ‘looters’ by the All Progressives Congress (APC) led-federal government through the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

Metuh said that by the publication, the federal government had breached Nigeria’s Constitution by seeking to burden him with two criminal trials on the same charge, “one before Justice Okon Abang and the other before the media.

“In response to the scandalous publication, I wish to state as follows: “Since my arrest on January 5,

2016 and subsequent arraignment, I have refrained from publicly discussing my persecution and travails by the government.

“This is because as a lawyer, trained in the finest traditions of the Bar, I know that it is wrong to discuss a matter that is subjudice.

“However the present action of the government leaves me no option than to defend my name and integrity.

“I have therefore decided to avail the public of the true state of the contrived case against me.

“The charge against me is that I received the sum of N400 million from the Office of the National Security Adviser to carry out duties assigned to me as the then spokesman of the PDP by then President.

Metuh added that the major crux of the prosecution argument was that he ought to have known that the money was a part of an alleged and yet to be proven unlawful activity of Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd), former NSA to President Jonathan.

He said the charge was brought regardless of the fact that neither Jonathan, who directed the release of the funds, nor Dasuki, who effected the release had ever been interrogated nor even interviewed in this regard.

He added that as a matter of fact, officers of the office of NSA had testified in court that the payment made to him followed all due process usually observed in the establishment.

“It is of interest to note that the prosecution has not alleged any collusion on my part other than the suggestion that I ‘ought to have known’ of an alleged unlawful activity.

“Also the alleged illegality of the funds has neither been established in law nor in fact.

“I have NEVER held a government office and/or position and could not therefore have had any access to government funds.”

Metuh said that in view of the “weakness of the case against” him, the APC led Federal Government

resorted to all kinds of tactics to dehumanise and intimidate him.

He said the party had done everything humanly possible to ensure complete persecution starting from bringing him to court in handcuffs.

He added that he was also paraded as the capture of Nigeria’s most wanted to media trials and “constant interference with my case. I have been reliably informed that the federal government has ordered a conviction at all cost to ensure that the PDP is tainted before the elections.

“The government’s determination to achieve this objective is clearly highlighted by the refusal to allow me attend to my deteriorating health notwithstanding several expert medical opinion on the matter.”

He condemned the going to the media to name him as a looter without cross-checking the definition and dictionary meaning of the word.

52

MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Atiku Tasks Youths on Mentorship Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who is eyeing the

presidency in 2019, has stressed the need for the youths to be

Oyo Issues Ultimatum to Outdoor Advertising Defaulters The Oyo State Government yesterday issued a two-week ultimatum to individuals, corporate organisations, religious bodies, schools, petrol stations, Outdoor Advertising Practitioners and other users of the signage and outdoor medium in general who are indebted to the Oyo State Signage and Advertising Agency (OYSAA) to settle all outstanding payments running into millions of naira, saying that such defaulters’ structures shall be removed and confiscated.

The state government also said without approval by OYSAA, no individual or corporate bodies should embark on display or erection of any signage structures, noting that there must be proper consultation and approval given by the agency before any action relating to outdoor advertisement is carried out.

The Director General, OYSAA, Pastor Yinka Adepoju, at a ministerial press briefing held at the film Theatre, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Ibadan reminded political aspirants who may be interested in promoting or publicising themselves in the forthcoming local government election and the general election in 2019 to respect and follow the guidelines of the agency which compelled them to seek approval and pay for whatever structures they intend to use during their electioneering campaigns as failure

to do so will attract appropriate sanctions.

Pastor Adepoju, who was with the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun, stated that the agency observed with dismay the indiscriminate way posters and banners are being deployed on fence walls, highway-roundabouts, public buildings, monuments and city landmarks by individuals, corporate organisations, Outdoor Practitioners, politicians amongst others, urging that those involved should stop forthwith as violators will henceforth be severely dealt with.

He appealed to practitioners and owners of abandoned structures to as a matter of urgency visit their sites and ensure such billboards are well maintained and properly tagged, explaining that unprofessional display on sites and neglect by owners have constituted a nuisance and eyesore on state roads.

Pastor Adepoju disclosed that OYSAA has put plans together under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project to give interested corporate organisations, institutions, professional bodies, advertisers and others who may be interested in “Exclusive Rights” to brand public places like parks and gardens, markets, garages, stadia, bus shelters and advert based street directional signs, saying that this is in line with the urban renewal

properly mentored before venturing into politics.

He spoke as a special guest of honour at a symposium tagged: ‘The Man Atiku’ organised by Turaki Youth Ambassadors (TURAYA) at the weekend in Abuja.

The vice president from 1999 to 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), identified poor quality of education as one of the factors affecting youths’ participation in high quality politics in Nigeria.

The presidential aspirant who defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to his former PDP again, was represented by the Chairman, All Atiku, Support Group, Mr Oladimeji Fabiyi, at the symposium with the topic “Politics qua politic: Atiku Abubakar, the Youths and the Nigerian state.’’

Abubakar said in developed countries, young people who had the potential of being politicians were identified in schools and exposed to political activities along their academic programmes.

“By the time they graduate from school they have mastered the political terrains of their countries. They also try to empower themselves before going full blast into politics.’’

Abubakar, however, said in Nigeria, a large chunk of youths get involved in politics by accident, adding that they ventured into politics because politics was seen as a quick way to make money.

He said that a lot of them crashed in and crashed out of politics because they failed to achieve their targets within a short period.

“I have come to realise that the damage that poor quality of

education has done to Nigerian youths.

“This is a matter that has to be addressed to raise high number of intellectually sound youths to play high quality politics.

“They also need exposure and financial empowerment in their quest to wrestle power from the older generation who have mastered the game over time.

“Remember, the older generation of Nigerian politicians ventured into politics when they were young and since politics is addictive it is not usually easy to quit.

“The reality is that young persons must work hard and should device superior arguments and strategies to send the older generation into retirement and to

achieve their political targets,’’ Abubakar said.

He noted that a lot of mentorship is required in the country’s clime to come out of smoky political terrain.

“I did mine with the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua just as am impacting my knowledge, skills and experience on young persons I come across.’’

He advised Nigerian youths interested in politics to subject themselves to mentorship.

Earlier, the president TURAYA, Mr Ayo Akinrimisi, said that Abubakar has paid his dues to be the next president of Nigeria, saying he has empowered many Nigerian youths.

He pledged that TURAYA formed in 2003 would work with over 500 support groups now working and other available groups to elect Abubakar in 2019.

Bickering, Power Tussle Stall Examinations into Niger Civil Service Laleye Dipo in Minna Serious infighting and power tussle between the Chairman and permanent commissioners in the Niger State Civil Service Commission have stalled the planned examination into the civil service.

Not less than 3,567 applicants that applied for various positions in the civil service were to commence writing the examination on April 3, 2018 before it was put on hold It was learnt that personal ethnic and pecuniary interests were responsible for the squabble but what the combatants made the public to understand was that they never agreed on the days and mode for the examination.

The examination according to information posted on the state website and facebook page was to be Computer Based Tests (CBT) but some commissioners said there was never a time they agreed on the CBT. The commissioners accused the Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Shehu Galadima, of unilaterally taking the decision.

Mohammed Adams Erena who is Permanent Commissioner and spokesman for the remaining commissioners, said in reaction to the CBT: “The electronic test to be purportedly conducted by Federal University of Technology Minna was unknown to us.

“When I heard the rumours about the CBT test, I confronted

the chairman and explained to him the position of other members but he told me point blank that the exercise must go on whether we like it or not.”

Erena said the four members kicked against their chairman because “he refused to take their opinion into consideration among which was that the computer based test which will not serve the interest of candidates in Niger.”

Another member of the commission Hajia Asmau Usman corroborating their spokesman said the CBT would not serve the interest of applicants from her zone because of the rural nature of the area.

She also argued that it would cost each applicant close to N20,000 to travel to and fro Minna for the examination.

The Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Shehu Yussuf Galadima, disputed the claim of the commissioners but “ we will go home and resolve our differences.” Another cause of the infighting was the alleged release of N43m to the Commission for the prosecution of the project which the permanent commissioners claimed they were not aware of.

The infighting had leaked to the state house of assembly through a petition and the house summoned the principal actors in order to find a way out.

However to allow peace to reign the legislature had directed the suspension of the CBT.

ON -THE-SPOT TOUR

L-R: Board Chairman, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor; Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Suleiman Abdulkareem; and acting Chief Medical Director, UITH, Prof. Mikhail Buhari, when the management board of the hospital visited the university in Ilorin...weekend

Chivita Co-sponsors World Speech Day in Lagos As part of its consumer engagement and brand building efforts, Chi Limited through its range of innovative, high quality, refreshing Chivita Juices recently co-sponsored this year’s edition of World Speech day Lagos.

In partnership with organisers of the World Speech Day Lagos, Chivita Juices was the exclusive beverage partner to provide unrivalled refreshment to participants as they unleashed their potentials through the power of speech.

Perfect for refreshment and focused on delighting as well as satisfying consumers, Chivita Juices like Chivita 100 per cent, Chivita Active, Chi Exotic, Happy Hour by Chivita and Chi Ice Tea are the number one choice for consumers because they aren’t just great tasting drinks, but a daily source of refreshment, nourishment and rejuvenation for health conscious consumers who desire utmost satisfaction from their beverages.

From basking in the very

essence of nature in Chivita 100 per cent fruit juice, to indulging in the pleasurable taste of Chi Exotic Nectar, enjoying the refreshing goodness of nature of Chi Ice Tea, experiencing delight in the fruity burst of natural refreshment in Happy Hour by Chivita and discovering an active, healthy, energetic lifestyle in Chivita Active, participants at this year’s edition of World Speech Day Lagos expressed satisfaction at the refreshing and delicious beverages from the range of Chivita Juices that brought a lot of excitement to the event.

With 35 speakers delivering persuasive speeches that addressed local and global challenges, whilst proffering innovative solutions, this year’s World Speech Day Lagos was about tapping into the truly original and inspirational and then making those voices heard.

Speaking at the event, Licensee of World Speech Day Lagos, Florence Atunwa Olumodimu, thanked the management of Chi Limited for partnering as the exclusive drinks

partner to refresh participants at the World Speech day Lagos “It is heartwarming to see company like Chi Limited which is driven by the power of innovation, identify with us and offer quality refreshment to participants at the World Speech Day Lagos event.

Through this, Chi Limited inspires excellence by celebrating the simple power of a speech to encourage new ideas and change lives” she stated According to Chi Limited’s Managing Director, Deepanjan Roy, by leveraging innovation and excellence, Chivita Juices have maintained market leadership in their respective categories and is proud to partner with the World Speech day Lagos as the exclusive beverage partner.

Driven by a passion and commitment to excellence, CHI Limited is one of the most admired companies in the domain of Food & Beverages in Nigeria. While it prides itself in offering products that are themselves benchmarks in their respective categories of juice,

dairy based beverages and snacks, each CHI offering is admired for its highest quality, nutrition & health standards. Today, CHI Limited is the undisputed market leader in juices, fruit drinks, yogurts and value added dairy beverages in Nigeria. The company attained this status by consistently delivering innovative products that have become household names in Nigeria.

In the fruit juice category, mega brands like Chivita 100 per cent, Chivita Active, Chi Exotic, Happy Hour by Chivita, Chi Ice Tea and Capri-Sonne occupy leading positions in their respective segments. Chi Limited also takes great pride in its range of dairy products, such as Hollandia Yoghurt, Hollandia Evaporated Milk, Hollandia UHT Milk, Hollandia ChocoMalt to name a few and its range of snack foods like Chi Superbite Premium Beef Sausage Roll, Beefie Beef Roll, Beefie Meat Pie and Chi Classic Cake.

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2018

53

MONDAYSPORTS

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

WORLD CUP 2018

Gudjohnsen: Iceland Going to Russia with 8,000 Fans Says Group D with Nigeria tough, confident of qualification to knock out stage Duro Ikhazuagbe Former Iceland, Chelsea and Barcelona striker, Eidur Gudjohnsen, has revealed that when the Super Eagles line up to take on the European nation at the World Cup 2018, over 8,000 of their travelling fans from home will be in the stand drumming support for them.

Nigeria is scheduled to play her second Group D game against Iceland at the 45,000-capacity Volgograd Arena in Volgograd on Friday, June 22, 2018.

While the bickering amongst the factions of the Nigerian football supporters is yet to abate, Gudjohnsen confirmed yesterday that the 8,000 Iceland fans have already secured their tickets from FIFA. Speaking at the opening of FIFA Football Park in Rostovon-Don, one of the host cities of Russia 2018, the former Chelsea star admitted that the Group pairing involving his country Iceland, Nigeria, Croatia and Argentina was

going to be a tough one for the two qualifiers for the knock out stage to emerge.

“We have a tough group, but we’re quietly confident,” observed Gudjohnsen whose country was one of the surprise semi finalists of the 2016 European Championship hosted by France.

“The most important thing for the Iceland team is that they return home after the World Cup with their heads held high, no matter what the result is. We have a tough group, but we’re quietly confident,” added Gudjohnsen as he kicked the official match ball of Russia 2018 around at the just opened Fan Park in Rostov-on-Don. He expressed his happiness at been selected to be the guest star for the opening ceremony of the centre expected to cater for fans without tickets to the main arena but can still follow up matches live on giant screens at the Fan Park “I’m happy to be at this Football Park, which will also be the FIFA Fan Fest venue

Okoku’s Foundation Donates 20,000 Books to Delta State Schools The Greater Tomorrow Children’s Foundation (GTCF) has donated 20,000 textbooks to 40 schools in Delta State.

At a colourful and well attended ceremony held last week in Kwale, the GTCF, a charity-based body, founded

by AFCON 1984 silver-medal winner, Paul Okoku, was able to actualise the donation through its partnership with Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, representing Ndokwa and Ukwani at the House of Representatives.

IIn what will go down as one of the landmark humanitarian efforts to have happened to school kids in Delta State this year, textbooks shipped into the country from the United States of America, were given to cheery pupils and students, who gleefully rejoiced over the free donations

by GTCF.

The books, comprising Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry and story books were presented to the schools by the foundation.

The benefiting schools were selected from three local government areas, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West and Kwale, accounting for equal representation in the sharing process.

Speaking during the event, graced by about 300 persons and former Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, ex-Green Eagles stars, Henry Nwosu, Tajudeen Disu, Baba Otu and Edema Fuludu, all of whom added colour and spiced up the occasion, Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai expressed his delight in being able to put smiles on the faces of school kids, through the free provision of important textbooks required for thorough academic impartation.

during the World Cup. As we can see, a lot of people are having fun here today (Sunday) and even more will enjoy it during the tournament. I’m sure that Icelandic fans, who will come here to support the team, will feel the same,” he noted with

excitement.

With 74 days left until the start of the biggest football event on the planet, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Football Park continue its journey through Russia, giving an early taste of the tournament to fans in each of the host cities.

After the opening ceremony in Sochi last weekend with Portuguese FIFA Legend Nono Gomes part of the show, the opening of the Rostov-on-Don centre yesterday has added to the excitement being created for the biggest football event on the planet.

Nigeria is scheduled to open her Russia 2018 show with the game against Croatia on June 16 in Kaliningrad.

The third and last Group D game is against Argentina on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at the 68,000-capacity Saint Petersburg Stadium.

The Iceland football team supporters in their famous Viking Clap which will be visible from the stand when they face off with Super Eagles of Nigeria on 22nd June at the Volgograd Stadium, Russia.

ENIC League Getting Bigger, Better, Says Uduh Tennis enthusiasts have been promised a bigger and better packaged East of the Niger Inter-Club (ENIC) Tennis League next year as it attracts more quality players.

The President of ENIC, Chief Kingsley Uduh, said the philosophy behind the regional league is attracting more interest among lovers of the games and corporate organisations.

According to him, the quality of the games and glamorous organisation of the recentlyconcluded 19th edition of the ENIC League in Calabar was indicative of a greater future for the event.

“Every edition of the ENIC league has been a wonderful experience. It assumes greater dimension every year. What used to be a one-day event is now a three-day exciting

tennis fiesta.

“We have made massive progress in ENIC and I would like to say it has been so far so good. Everyone is happy to come together for these days and bond. We have ten states in the East of the Niger that are involved in ENIC and you know what that means in terms of unity and economic activities.

“It is worthy of note that the event has helped in building friendship and business network amongst participants across the member clubs in the South- East and South-South regions of the country over the years, said Uduh.

According to him, the league has offered participating clubs a platform to bond in friendship which is only peculiar to the game of tennis.

The 2018 edition of the

tournament kicked-off with four teams, Standard Tennis Development Club (STDC) Owerri, Orlu Recreation Club, Onitsha Sports Club and Calabar Sports Club. STDC Owerri and Orlu Recreational Club qualified for the finals.

Mr Uduh commended Cutix Plc for sustaining its commitment to the development of the project for 19 years.

“Cutix Plc has been sponsoring this league for over 18 years and we owe the company so much appreciation.

We are happy that other sponsors have joined the fray including Tetralog and Eco Bank.

“The founder of ENIC, Chief Austin Agbaje has been very supportive. I am very happy with the success of this year’s league in which Orlu Recreation

Club emerged champions after winning three of the five games of two singles, two doubles and one veteran fixture.

The Chief Executive Officer of Cutix Plc, Mr. Ifeanyi Uzodike, who was represented at the event by the General Manager of the company, Mr. Nwosu Chima, noted that the company had been involved in the sponsorship of ENIC for 19 years and was happy with the improvement year after year.

He said he was encouraged to see other corporate sponsors coming in to be part of the success story of ENIC. He talked about the junior league which will be coming up in the month of September this year and said that Cutix as a company believes in the development of sports in Nigeria.

The Technical Committee set up by the Edo State Athletics Association for the sixth IAAF Silver Label Okpekpe international 10km Road Race and the man who facilitated the setting up of the committee, Brown Ebewele have inspected the IAAF/AIMS measured Okpekpe race course ahead of the May 12, 2018 race in Okpekpe, near Auchi.

Spokesman for the race, Dare Esan revealed that the committee and the Route and Participation Coordinator for the race, Ebewele undertook the inspection of the course with a view to putting finishing

touches to all the technical needs that will ensure a successful race.

“Organising a race is a complex operation, and will almost certainly take up more of your time than you anticipate. This is why the technical committee is working round the clock to ensure all the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted. They will have to recruit more hands and break the job down into component parts, each with its own team leader and/or director and working staff. For example there will be people in charge of the start and the finish

who will be saddled with the responsibility of setting up the area including toilets, baggage handling, refreshments, crowd control barriers, timing system and a few other things.

“There will also be people in charge of the course, the route marshals who will be responsible for the signage, water and medical stations as well as those who will handle the entries and issue race numbers and instructions.

There are also the starter, timekeepers, recorders and the race referee. You can see it is really a complex operation,” said Esan

The elevation of the race to a first ever silver label road race in West Africa has made it imperative that we leave no room for errors,” he further said.

Meanwhile, organisers of the race have secured accommodation for Nigerian elite athletes wishing to participate in the competition. ‘’The practice all over the world has always been to accommodate only invited elite athletes for the race but this time organisers feel there is the need to accommodate as many as possible a day before the race,” said esan.

Pipul TV Targets Revolution of Nationwide League, Says Bayorh Okpekpe 2018 Technical Committee Inspects Race Course The Chairman of the Alpha Group, Dubai, a major stakeholder in Pipul TV, Sheikh Mohamed Bayorh, has said the Pay TV company partnership in Nationwide League One is to provide the channel to herald football talents from the grassroots in Nigeria through the influence of television.

Sheikh Bayorh’s Alpha Group is a holding conglomerate based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates which is co-chaired by a member of the Dubai Royal Family and major partners of Pipul TV. Bayorh, during a brief visit to the secretariat of the league

body in Abuja last week said the media attention had always been on football supers stars but Pipul TV’s partnership with the NLO would focus on the unheralded talents from the grassroots with a view to showcasing them to the world through its platform.

“Everyone knows that the development of football starts at the grassroots level and our focus is to give voice to the unheard. We want to offer platforms to those unknown young footballers and nurture their skills at the various clubs in the nationwide league.”

Bayorh said

MON ˜ Ͱ˜ ͰͮͯͶ ˾ T H I S D AY

54

MONDAYSPORTS

Lennox Lewis Defends Anthony Joshua’s Style against Parker Former undisputed world boxing heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis has praised Anthony Joshua for the manner he overcame Joseph Parker in their unification bout in Cardiff on Saturday night.

For the first time ever, Joshua failed to knock out an opponent, instead defeating Parker via aunanimous decision of 118-110, 118-110, 119-109.

The win means he has added Parker’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) title to his International Boxing Federation (IBF), International Boxing Organisation (IBO) and World Boxing Association (WBA) titles.

British-Nigerian Joshua, 28, has now gone 21 fights without defeat while it was Parker’s first professional loss after 25 fights.

Reacting to the outcome of the fight, Briton Lewis who was the last

heavyweight boxer to hold the undisputed title, hailed Joshua for keeping things simple.

“I thought AJ fought a great fight,” Lewis tweeted.

“I know fans want blood but sometimes it’s just not there. AJ kept proper distance to keep Parker at end of jab but out of range of Parker’s jab.

“Parker’s hands were faster than I thought but his game plan was too one dimensional.

“Good big one beats a good little one!”

And on the possibility of a Joshua, Deontay Wilder fight, Lewis added: “The dynamics of a Joshua, Wilder fight will be quite different for both fighters who are used to punching down on shorter fighters.

“It will be interesting to see how each adjusts.”

American Wilder holds the World Boxing Council (WBC) world title.

Two- World Champion, Anthony Joshua, delivers a punch at his opponent Joseph Parker in the unification bout on Saturday night in Cardiff, Wales

PREMIERSHIP Miami Open: Sloane Stephens Beats Ostapenko to Dele Alli Outshines Victor Moses as Chelsea Falls at Stamford Bridge Win First Title after US Open Conte absolves the Nigerian forward from any blame US Open champion Sloane Stephens beat Latvian Jelena Ostapenko 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 to win her first Miami Open title.

American Stephens looked tense at the start and there were eight breaks of serve in the first set before the home favourite prevailed in the tie-break.

The 25-year-old world number 12 relied heavily on her defence before putting her foot on the gas in the second set.

World number five Ostapenko, 20, was left to rue an unforced error count of 48 which cost her a first win in Miami.

It was the first meeting between the pair, both Grand Slam winners in the past 12 months, and their nerves showed in the opening exchanges as the first four games went against serve.

Stephens had beaten three former Grand Slam champions - Garbine Muguruza, Angelique Kerber and Victoria Azarenka - to make the final, but she struggled initially against an aggressive Ostapenko.

Stephens hit just three

Sloane Stephens

winners in the first set, relying on 29 unforced errors from the Latvian to scrape through the tie-break.

French Open champion Ostapenko had not dropped a set all tournament until that point, and immediately broke the American in the second set.

Florida native Stephens showed her improved speed as she continued to return Ostapenko’s hits, before finally coming alive in attack at 3-1 with a deft drop-shot and a brilliant cross-court winner as the finish line came into sight.

The American ramped up the tempo and swept through the final games to win in one hour 31 minutes.

Having lost eight matches in a row following her US Open triumph, Stephens has now responded to that slump with a sixth WTA title that will move her into the world top 10 for the first time when the rankings are released on Monday.

“There were pre-match jitters but once I won the first set, I was able to settle,” she said. “I have wanted to be in the top 10 for so long. It’s very exciting.”

Dele Alli, England international whose father is Nigerian, scored twice as Tottenham Hotspur gunned down London rivals Chelsea and Victor Moses, whose mistake brought the visitors back into this derby.

Chelsea lost 3-1 at Stamford Bridge to city rivals Spurs since 1990 to further dent their hopes of playing Champions League football next season.

They are now eight points adrift of Spurs with seven games to play.

Victor Moses cross from the right was headed home by Alvaro Morata for Chelsea to go in front after half an hour.

But the Nigeria star then failed to clear the danger back in Chelsea defence for Spurs to profit and draw level on half time.

Alli then scored in the 62nd and 66th minutes to put the game beyond Chelsea, who subbed Victor Moses in the 81st minute.

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte

has insisted that Victor Moses cannot be blamed for Tottenham Hotspur’s equaliser late in the first half of their 3-1 Premier League defeat.

After providing the cross which was converted by Alvaro Morata which put Chelsea 1-0 up, Moses lost

possession close to his 18-yard box which Christian Eriksen capitalised on and fired in a stunning long-range shot to make it 1-1.

Two more goals from Dele Alli in the second half saw Spurs secure their first league win against Chelsea

at Stamford Bridge since 1990.

Reacting to Moses’ mistake, Conte posited that every Chelsea player must take responsibility.

“I was a footballer, it can happen where you lose the ball,” Conte said in his postmatch interview

Dele Ali scored two of the three goals in 3-1 win against Chelsea last night at Stamford Bridge

Future Champions Emerge as Chioma Ajunwa Athletics Competition Ends in Abia Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia It was a harvest of budding talents as the maiden edition of Chioma Ajunwa athletics competition for secondary schools in Abia state ended with the twinkling stars exuding prospects of shinning out very brightly in a matter of few years of grooming.

No fewer than 34 schools competed in the three-day event with the student-athletes showcasing their talents in both track and field events, including 100, 200, 400 metres sprints, 4x100 and 4x400 relays as well as long jump and triple jump.

The competition was a starting block for the revival of school sports in Abia with teenagers between the ages of 11 and 16 really gave out their best as they vied for honours and prospects of burning the

tracks at international athletic competitions with the attendant fame and wealth.

President of Chioma Ajunwa Foundation, ACP Chioma Ajunwa expressed satisfaction at the success recorded in the athletics competition, which was targeted at enhancing grassroots youth sports development.

The Olympic gold medalist said that she was encouraged to sustain the hunt for budding student athletes in Abia, adding that by partnering her foundation, the state governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has created the enabling environment for the discovery of athletes.

She said that the enthusiasm shown by student-athletes and the number of potential international athletes discovered at the competition has justified her decision to come and hunt for talents in Abia “the hub

of talents”.

“I am so proud of you because from now I can see future Olympic champions,” Ajunwa said, adding, “Height and weight don’t matter but the quality in you”.

Ajunwa who promised to expose the discovered budding athletes to training opportunities and scholarships in order to hone in their athletic skills, seriously warned them against engaging in drugs in order not to end up ruining their future.

In his remarks at the closing ceremony the state commissioner for sports, Dr Martins Okoji said that the successful conclusion of the sports competition has become a milestone in the development of sports in Abia.

He said that Governor Ikpeazu had further

demonstrated his love for youths in Abia to develop their talents hence he had mandated the sports ministry to liaise with the Chioma Ajunwa Foundation to organise the athletics competition for Abia secondary schools.

The sports commissioner assured that the state government would henceforth start monitoring the development of the discovered student-athletes, adding that they would participate in the forthcoming Abia Sports festival and the national Sports fiesta slated for Ilorin.

Medals were presented to the champions in various events with the Immaculate Conception Seminary, Ahiaeke Ndume Umuahia coming out overall champion winning gold in 100m dash, 4x100 and 4x400 relays for boys.

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY APRIL 2, 2018

55

Monday April 2, 2018

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE Presidency to Danjuma “What country would survive if its citizens rise against the country’s organised, trained and equipped army� – A presidential aide, Garba Shehu throwing darts at General Theophilus Danjuma for calling on Tarabans to defend themselves in the face of the military’s partisanship in the farmers/herders crises which has lead to several deaths

BENMURRAYBRUCE MAKING COMMON SENSE

ben.murraybruce@thisdaylive.com

Let’s Not Be Too Quick to Condemn Danjuma

T

he comments made by Lt. General TY Danjuma at the maiden convocation of the Taraba State University on March 24, 2018, were weighty. Very weighty.

I have just read the responses from the federal government to Danjuma’s statements and I cannot say the same.

We are not addressing the issues raised by Danjuma preferring only to address what we see as a threat to the status quo and it is most unfortunate.

When Danjuma said: “The armed forces are not neutral. They collude with the armed bandits to kill people, kill Nigerians,� there should have been a pause to find out the reason he said so and not a knee-jerk response to label him an alarmist or an anarchist.

It was also not too long ago that former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida made similar public statements. These are not men given to careless talk.

Amongst the trio of Obasanjo, Danjuma and Babangida are perhaps three of the most constantly recurring decimals in Nigeria since the Civil War. If they speak, we as a nation ought to give more than heed to what they say.

A week to Danjuma’s outburst, Amnesty International said pretty much the same thing. On Monday, March 19, 2018, it published a report stating that “Amnesty International gathered testimonies from multiple credible sources showing that the Nigerian army and police received multiple calls of up to four hours before the raid on Dapchi, but did not take effective measures to stop the abduction or rescue the girls after they were taken

by Boko Haram fighters.� Those are very strong words from a body that has no political interest in Nigeria.

The million dollar question is: why have they reached the same conclusions as Danjuma?

This allegation is something that the military authorities have to take an in-depth look into and not just issue a statement condemning people who raise such red flags.

It is plain to see that Nigeria is completely divided along ethnic and religious lines including and perhaps especially the once monolithic North.

Comments by top officials of the present administration have not helped matters either.

After the January killings in the Middle Belt, the Defence Minister, Mansur Dan-Ali publicly came out to blame one of the sides and absolve the other. Speaking to State House correspondents on January 26, 2018, Mr. Dan Ali said: “If those routes are blocked, what do you expect will happen? These people are Nigerians. It is just like one going to block the shoreline, does that make sense to you? These are the remote causes of the crisis. But the immediate cause is the grazing law.

These people are Nigerians and we must

Obasanjo

Babangida

Danjuma

learn to live together with one another.

Communities and other people must learn how to accept foreigners within their enclave. Finish!�

On the surface, those in the frontline states of the Middle Belt can easily construe that statement as partisan speak and the minister should never have spoken along those lines. It is almost justifying the deaths by saying that the killings happened because grazing routes are blocked.

Perhaps these are the statements that provoked the intervention of Danjuma. If I had been present, I would have rebuked my Defence Minister for making such a statement and asked him to issue a

clarification.

Being a leader involves anticipating the consequence of both your statements and those of your appointees. Before he became president, Muhammadu Buhari had expressed similar sentiments as Danjuma when he felt certain people were not being treated right in the Nigerian project and if my memory serves me correctly, he was not treated by the authorities as Danjuma is being treated today.

The has been global outrage over the civilian deaths in the Eastern Ghouta region of Syria but if you quantify the number of deaths in Nigeria’s middle belt region just this year alone, it rivals

the deaths in Syria, yet we are a nation that is not in a state of war.

My counsel to the Buhari administration is to see Danjuma’s intervention as a wake-up call and not an indictment. The nation is dancing very dangerously on a precipice and if it is not pulled back, the consequences, as Danjuma rightly said, could make Somalia a child’s play.

Nobody in his right mind will call for self-defence when the state is living up to its responsibilities. But in a situation where hundreds of Nigerians have been killed from Zamfara to Kaduna, to Plateau, to Benue, to Adamawa, to Taraba and no one has been arrested, tried or even identified as a culprit, it will be very hard to tell people to fold their hands and do nothing while their lives and means of livelihood are at stake.

The results from the 2015 elections saw that the president won convincingly in Benue State. However, when the president visited Benue on March 12, 2015, the state capital was like a ghost town. None of those who voted for him came out to welcome him. The streets were empty.

Why was that so?

The answer to that question should be instructive to the president and more so in view of the recent comments from Danjuma. At the end of the day, the buck stops at his table and no one else. History beckons.

Is he going to be the Nigerian president that demystifies an icon like Danjuma, who once was his benefactor, or is he going to be the Nigerian leader that listens when stakeholders speak? Listen and make amends.

One thing is certain, Danjuma was not the first to speak up and it is unlikely that he will be the last.

The answer to that question should be instructive to the president and more so in view of the recent comments from Danjuma. At the end of the day, the buck stops at his table and no one else. History beckons. Is he going to be the Nigerian president that demystiďŹ es an icon like Danjuma, who once was his benefactor, or is he going to be the Nigerian leader that listens when stakeholders speak? Listen and make amends.

One thing is certain, Danjuma was not the ďŹ rst to speak up and it is unlikely that he will be the last.

r#FO .VSSBZ #SVDF JT UIF 4FOBUPS SFQSFTFOUJOH #BZFMTB FBTU

Printed and Published in Lagos by Leaders & Company Limited . Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com