THURSDAY 31ST May 2018

Sale of Nigerian Crude Oil Threatened by Discount Pricing, US Shale Oil Boost Iran seeks OPEC support against US sanctions Ejiofor Alike with agency reports The influx of United States’ shale oil into refineries in northwest Europe and the

Mediterranean, coupled with the adoption of discount pricing by some oil-producing countries to trade with buyers in east and western Europe have hurt demand

for Nigeria’s sweet crude in the international market. This is coming as Iran’s oil minister, Bijan Zanganeh has asked the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries

(OPEC) to support his country against what he called “illegal, unilateral and extraterritorial sanctions” referring to the United States sanctions on Iran after the United States

pulled out of a nuclear deal with Tehran. Reuters reported that while Angolan cargoes were gradually clearing yesterday, as the state-owned firm, Sonangol

was said to be offering Dalia grade at a discount of $1.30 to dated Brent with only a couple of cargoes remaining from the Continued on page 6

With 8m Registered Workers, Pension Fund Assets Hit N7.9tn… Page 6 Thursday 31 May, 2018 Vol 23. No 8442. Price: N250

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Court Sentences Former Taraba Gov, Jolly Nyame to 14 yrs Imprisonment EFCC detains ex-governor Yero, ex-minister, 2 others Alex Enumah in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna In a major victory for the anticorruption campaign by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, a high court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday handed down a 14 years sentence to former Taraba State Governor, Reverend Jolly Nyame.

Trial judge justice Adebukoola Banjoko delivering judgment on the 11 years old trial said she cannot help but hand down the maximum sentence after finding the defendant guilty of allegations of fraud, criminal breach of trust amongst others. The judge held that the Continued on page 6

Melaye Returns to Senate with Theatrics, Fuels Rumour of Defection

Senate tasks Jega to name corrupt N'Assembly members Invites OAU VC over sex for marks scandal Deji Elumoye in Abuja It was drama galore yesterday when the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Dino Melaye, stirred the Senate on the very first day of his resumption with a special

request at plenary that he should be allowed to sit among PDP Senators. Melaye’s move immediately set tongues wagging and provoking whirlwind rumour that he was perhaps sending a Continued on page 6

S/South Govs Demand 13% Derivation from $1bn ECA Withdrawal for Arms... Page 10

SUPPORTING THE POLICE... L-R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Chairman Dangote Group, Alh. Aliko Dangote; and IG of Police, Ibrahim Idris at the presentation of 150 vehicles donated by Aliko Dangote Foundation to the police in Abuja... yesterday state house

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With 8m Registered Workers, Pension Fund Assets Hit N7.9tn Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Pension Fund Assets under management as at the first quarter (Q1) 2018 stood at N7.943 trillion as against N7.515 trillion In the fourth quarter (Q4) of

2017, the Pension Assets and Membership Data Q1 2018, has revealed. The data, which were obtained from the website of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that the Pension Assets and

Retirement Savings Account (RSA) Membership Data Q1 2018 reflected that 7,975,976 workers are registered under the pension scheme compared to 7,823,911 registered workers in Q4 2017.

Giving details of the pension assets, the NBS stated that FGN Bonds has the highest weight percentage of 48.61 per cent of the total pension fund assets, closely followed by treasury bills with 20.89

percentage weight and domestic ordinary Smshares with 9.25 percentage weight while agency bonds have the least with 0.07 percentage weight. Participants within the age distribution 30-39 years

have the highest percentage composition closely followed by participants within the age bracket of 40-49 years and 50-59 years while participants above 65 years have the least percentage composition.

chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abubakar Gaya Haruna, were on Wednesday detained by the Kaduna zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Others also detained by the commission included the former Secretary to the Kaduna state (SSG) Government during Yero's tenure, Hamza Ishaq and a former minister, Nuhu Somo Wya. The four of them were said to have responded to the commission's directives and had been reporting at the zonal office of the EFCC in the past two months in line with the procedure for investigations. Sources said that the commission decided to detain them yesterday morning as they went to report in order to prepare for their arraignment in court today

(Thursday). “The case is coming up tomorrow (Thursday) so I can confirm to you that the former governor is here with us and he will be arraigned in court with the three others" the EFCC source who pleaded anonymity said. Yero has been under investigation for the role he allegedly played in the disbursement of the N750 million PDP campaign fund before the 2015 general election. The Kaduna zonal spokesman of the EFCC, Kamaludeen Gebi could not be reached at the time of filing this report. The former governor and the other three accused persons were interrogated for hours last week and made to sign some documents as part of the investigative procedure and thereafter were allowed to go home.

He stressed the commitment of Senate leadership towards the fight against corruption. Said he, "we are fully committed to the drive towards eradicating corruption in the system and will continue to do everything towards achieving this aim. Senator Isah Misau had earlier while drawing the attention of the Senate to Jega's allegation canvassed for a stern position to be taken by the Senate on the matter. Expressing concern about the accusation, Misau wondered why Jega failed to disclose the identities of those involved " if actually, he was sure of his facts".

on the growing trend of sexual harassment in higher institutions of learning moved by Senator Biodun Olujimi which was adopted with a resolution to mandate the Senate Committees on Tertiary Institutions, Human Rights and Legal Matters to carry out full investigation of the case of Monica Osagie and the OAU lecturer " in order to ensure that there is transparency and accountability and that satisfactory justice is done to the victim involved and our laws are further strengthened for effectiveness. The Senate also urged House of Representatives to concur with the Senate on Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions (Prohibition) Bill " which has been transmitted to the House as this will provide succour and a window of solace for victims of these kind of atrocities in our higher institutions of learning".

COURT SENTENCES FORMER TARABA GOV, JOLLY NYAME TO 14 YRS IMPRISONMENT judgment is meant to serve as a deterrent to other public office holders who have plans to dip their hands in the public treasury. "The court would be failing in its responsibility if it does otherwise. As regards to the criminal breach of trust, a maximum of 14yrs without the option of fine. "Misappropriation, 2yrs without the option of fine, gratification, 7yrs without the option of fine, obtaining valuable things without consideration, 5yrs without the option of fine. "The sentences, however, are to run concurrently", the court held. In addition, the court ordered that all the forfeited funds be returned to Taraba State government. Justice Banjoko stated that the court was morally outweighed by the fact of the case.

The court held that either Nyame got corrupted while in office or was corrupt from day one going by the way he embezzled the state's funds. According to the judge, Nyame breached the trust reposed on him by the people of Taraba State who had on three separate occasions elected him as the governor of the state. Justice Banjoko stated that the former governor, being a clergyman was suppose to be an epitome of honesty and integrity but chose to betray the confidence reposed in him. The judge noted that Nyame continued to dip his hands into the state's treasury, even when he was aware that he was under the intense searchlight of the anti-graft agency. While holding that the governor had no legal justifications for the crime,

justice Banjoko said, "He behaved like a common thief with unbridled greed", adding that, "the court must impose the maximum sentence to discourage other public office holders". Justice Banjoko found Nyame guilty on a 27count criminal charge and discharged and acquitted him on 14 others. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had in 2007 arraigned Nyame on a 41-count criminal charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of N1. 64bn belonging to the state. He was accused of committing the offences between 1999 and 2007 when he served as governor of Taraba State. In prosecuting the case the EFCC presented various witnesses who alluded to the fact that Mr Nyame approved

the diversion of various funds amounting to over N345m to a company, Saman Global within five weeks in 2005, among other allegations. Though Nyame denied having any link with the said company, the court, however, found him guilty of breach of public trust. According to the judge, the defendant confirmed approving the memo wherein the order for the transfer of the funds were made, adding that the actions of the perpetrators under the watch of the Governor can be likened to the story of Alibaba and the 40 thieves. The court had in March this year dismissed a no-case submission filed by Nyame and ordered him to enter his defence. In a related development, the former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Ramalan Yero and the erstwhile state

MELAYE RETURNS TO SENATE WITH THEATRICS, FUELS RUMOUR OF DEFECTION signal as to his next direction, given that he is an ally of the Senate President; both of them are equally key players in the defunct nPDP that is currently keeping its options open in its discussions with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with the likely option of decamping to the Action Democratic Party (ADP). Melaye who came to the Senate Chambers at about 10.55 a.m limping with a walking stick and donning a neck brace had been away from plenary since last month to answer to criminal charges against him in his home state, spoke under Order 14 of the Senate Rules to request that he be allowed to henceforth sit at the section reserved for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senators. His words: "I don't feel comfortable sitting where I am now and if you don't mind Mr. Senate President I will want to request that I be allowed henceforth to sit beside ranking Senator David Mark. I will be more relaxed and comfortable there than where I am sitting now". Melaye's request charged the atmosphere in the Senate

Chambers with senators speaking for and against the proposal. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio in supporting Melaye's request cited Order 43 and Section 45 of the Constitution of Nigeria, saying he should be free to move and sit anywhere he likes within the Senate Chambers. Akpabio for effect emphasised that Melaye and other Senators like him "are free to join us on this side anytime they wish to come as we are ready to provide best sitting positions for them as we are Senators of the Federal Republic and not along party lines. Rising to oppose Melaye's request, Senate Leader Ahmad Lawan and Chief Whip Olusola Adeyeye, quoting Constitutional Order 65 Section 2b warned that a bad precedence should not be set by institutionalising chaos if Melaye's request is granted. They advised Melaye to feel free to sit on any of the seats reserved for APC Senators "including those reserved for principal officers of the

Senate". Summing up the contributions, Senate President Bukola Saraki, said there is the need to consider Melaye's comfort and his state of mind with his return to the Senate. He said based on this "we will accommodate Melaye's request and will make his seat comfortable through the Chief Whip and Senate management". At this point, Melaye moved to the back of the PDP Senators’ wing at the Chambers and sat beside Senator Ben Murray-Bruce who warmly received him.

Name Corrupt N’Assembly Members The Senate yesterday formally reacted to corruption allegations levelled against some members of the National Assembly by former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, saying he should be bold enough to reveal the identities of the said lawmakers. Jega had at a public lecture held in Abuja on Monday to commemorate Democracy

Day accused some National Assembly Committee Chairmen of demanding bribes from government agencies and parastatals before passing their budgets Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who spoke at plenary in reaction to Order 43 raised by Senator Isah Misau over Jega's accusations wondered why Jega failed to mention names "if actually, he was sure of his facts. Saraki who said he was present at the occasion where Jega made the allegations stated that such a statement was highly embarrassing. According to him, the former INEC Chairman should bring the evidence to prove his bribery allegations. "He should be specific and not make a blanket statement by mentioning names of those who told him that some National Assembly members give bribe and the affected law makers so that appropriate sanction can be taken. "We are not trying to cover up for any lawmaker. If he has the proof he should just come up with it and wait for our action on it If not, the matter should be laid to rest".

Invites OAU VC Over Sex for Marks Scandal Also yesterday, the Senate resolved to invite the authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife to appear before it to explain steps taken so far by the institution on the sex for marks allegation levelled against Prof. Richard Akindele by a post graduate student, Monica Osagie. This followed a motion

SALE OF NIGERIAN CRUDE OIL THREATENED BY DISCOUNT PRICING, US SHALE OIL BOOST June programme and about half the July programme sold. However, unfavourable arbitrages have affected demand for Nigeria’s light sweet crudes, particularly from traditional buyers such as Indian refineries that have started to snap up U.S., shale oil instead. India’s Reliance Industries, which owns the world’s biggest refining complex, reportedly imported 1.26 million bpd of West African grade in April, down 3.8 per cent from March and down 10.7 per cent from a year ago. The force majeure on exports of about 250,000 barrels per day Bonny Light crude has remained

in place following the leak on Trans Forcados Pipeline, while repairs are ongoing on the Trans Ramos pipeline, which also feeds crude to the Forcados terminal. Oil traders were quoted as saying that a handful of cargoes remained from Nigeria’s June loading programme as Nigerian grade struggled to find buyers. According to the traders, with stiff competition for buyers in Europe and Asia from both Mediterranean and US grades, Nigerian crudes have felt the pinch badly in the past few weeks. In a related development, Iran’s oil minister has asked OPEC to support his country

against what he called “illegal, unilateral and extraterritorial sanctions.� US President Donald Trump earlier this month abandoned a nuclear deal with Iran and announced the “highest level� of sanctions against the OPEC member. Iran is the third-largest oil producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries after Saudi Arabia and Iraq. “I would like to... seek OPEC’s support in accordance with Article 2 of the OPEC Statute, which emphasises safeguarding the interests of member countries individually and collectively,� Iranian Oil Minister Bijan

Zanganeh said in a letter seen by Reuters. The letter was addressed to the United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail alMazrouei, who holds OPEC presidency in 2018. In another development, crude oil prices rebounded sharply yesterday supported by a report that Saudi Arabia, other OPEC states and nonOPEC allies aim to stick to a global pact on cutting oil supplies until the end of 2018. The producers are ready to make gradual adjustments to offset any supply shortage, a Gulf source familiar with Saudi thinking said. The oil producers participating in the output

reduction deal are satisfied with the result of their agreement, which was due to end at the end of 2018, the Gulf source told Reuters. United States crude ended the session at $1.48, or 2.2 per cent, higher at $68.21. The contract fell about $5.50 a barrel, or 7.6 per cent, over the last five trading sessions. Global benchmark, Brent rose $1.94, or 2.6 per cent, to $77.33 a barrel, after trading as low as $74.81 earlier. Brent crude has dropped by as much as $5 a barrel this week from a 3½-year high of $80.50 a barrel on May 17, after reports that OPEC and Russia may increase supply at a June meeting.

TOP GAINERS CONSOLHALLMARK FCMB FLOURMILLS FIDSON DANGFLOUR TOP LOSERS IKEJHOTEL AGLEVENTIS GSK

NGN NGN % 0.02 0.34 6.2 0.10 2.10 5.0 1.50 31.60 4.9 0.29 6.24 4.8 0.40 8.95 4.6 NGN NGN % 0.19 2.51 7.0 0.04 0.55 6.7 1.00 19.20 1.00 LAFARGE 1.90 36.60 4.9 INTERBREW 2.55 49.25 4.9 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,540 Volume: 342.047 million shares Value: N4.739 billion Deals: 5,057 As at yesterday 30/05/18 See details on Page 41

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FG Intensifies Ebola Screening at Lagos Airport Chinedu Eze The federal government has intensified efforts to ensure that Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) is not retransmitted into the country and therefore has activated all procedures to prevent infected travellers from gaining access to any of the nation’s airports. To ensure that this objective is achieved, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Port Health, a department under the Ministry of Health have increased surveillance on the screening of passengers for the deadly communicable disease. Officials of FAAN at the airport explained that all passengers coming in from West Africa and other countries around the world are constantly screened by the thermal screening machines deployed to the D and E wings of arrivals at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos even without the knowledge of the passengers. The Airport Regional Manager, South-west, Mrs. Victoria Shin-Aba in an interview with aviation journalists yesterday said that apart from the thermal screening machines, the agency also had public health emergency programme put in place for that purpose by the management. She insisted that the facility was equipped and was up to the recommended standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and World Health Organisation (WHO). Shin-Aba, however, disclosed that rather than the infrared method, which was a physical screening procedure used in the past, the government had moved up to adopt the thermal screening method, which automatically has erased the physical screening exercise and thereby reducing contacts with passengers. She explained that with this development, arriving passengers would be unaware of their screening by its officials deployed to the two arrival points. She also disclosed that despite the seeming complacency on Ebola screening virus in most countries of the world after the 2014 sordid experience, FAAN did not relax the screening at the airport, but adopted a more sophisticated method

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen yesterday, identified delays experienced in the trial of court cases as a form of discouragement to investors in the country. Onnoghen, who stated this at a seminar for judges on Construction Law said, the judiciary in addressing the situation directed courts in the country to embrace the ADR which has the capacity of reducing cases in the courts as well as restoring the peoples' confidence in the judiciary. The seminar, which is the first to be organized for judges and relevant stakeholders in the construction sector, was aimed at equipping judges with relevant skills and development in construction law, that would enhance their capacity in handling related cases. "My Lords, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen, it goes without saying that a justice system which is riddled with delays in the adjudication of cases will be unattractive to investors. "It is also instructive to note that,

NEWS

NEWS Mixed Reactions Greet IPOB’s Sit-At-

Home Directive in South-east Mixed reactions yesterday trailed the directive of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to residents of the South-east and South-south geopolitical zones to sit at home. Page 10

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earlier threatened Mixed reactions to blacklist activities were yesterday anyone seen on the road. trailed the in full swing. Most directive of Aba was a shadow parents kept Indigenous the make pupils who could not People of Biafra their of it to school (IPOB) to were called as all the market placesitself wards at home children/ they observed personally by residents of not witness did depriving thereby was their that the coast South-east business activities. both and South-southe come to school teachers to clear. Meanwhile, The private schools public and as there was geopolitical famous Onitsha proved With their zones to sit th no holiday. Ariaria academic their normal International home. harrowing a different kettle of at activities. Teachers experience of Mr. Henry Okwu, shunned by Market was who the operation together as markets, fish all In Anambra turned up a trader traders python at Eke banks, Onitsha was State, though “I just Awka market, said: did not open their shopswho not teach as for work could by the dance carried out schools and other public the classroom places were all shut army on Septembe came back business activities. shut down for were completely, s 14, 2017 from my down. empty. children’s r Awka during which The The streets school, lively with businessesremained went However, unlike many remainedstreets of Onitsha to drop them where I also deserted of Aba were edition in the last young men and women banks and markets , schools, receiving deserted, off, as commerci from several calls after transporters al directive of the sit-at-home killed at the residence were the Niger bridgehea normally, without operating their parked their of the IPOB leader, from vehicles where d which teachers, recourse to Nnamdi Kanu, usually was a beehive Umuahia largelyresidents of Umuahia the sit-at-hom at home, bring them.� asking me to it impossibl making it, activities to e. of residents are observed the Nkpor and THISDAY e still parts The situation other which moved commute fromfor people to this situation was different apprehensive of any of the commerci was round the capital however time action that around al city could attract were totally the city to anotherone part of city city of Awka different in the banking yesterday morning locked military bustling with with the response. sector. or to move As at 10a.m., In Ebonyi State, down. confirmed business activities. that while the most of the out of the city. new there was It was observed minimal complian Commercial on a good note,exercise started were generation banks visited On their part, that some banks private ce to the under lock and in Aba sit-at-home schools also shut their banks were and workers with motorists no worker order. key, with gates against apprehensive while in the morning that opened staying away customers, The minimal attending in sight. from the roads later asked fearful of likely to customers. pupils to compliance Frustrated customers was sequel to eruption of return home morning rush during the long Some banks the violence. formed threat avoid to issued even queues danger Apparently closed should violence by the state Governor, in front order was later hours, the gates fearful of gates in the early hours their breakout later David with the hope of their possible outbreak Umahi shunned with in markets opening that of violence, day before they later of the as at press time the day. But obeyed that any trader who for normal they would eventually soon, opened the directive their doors for the city was businesses. open. A source said of businesses when calm with people separatist the group would the staff going about As at 7a.m, when their normal forfeit markets in resumed, but were trying had businesses. the state usually to be Cont’d on open, traders careful to avoid being were still Pg .11 attacked by urchins. left market security stranded as At about 11a.m., officials refused to open the as earlier predicted, banks gate, at it was waiting insisting that area where there Ugwu Orji their chairmanfor orders from concentra is a high to either open tion or not. also along the of banks and Enugu-Onitsha There expresswa was jubilation among however generationy, where a lot of new at 7:50a.m., when the traders branches, banks have their the gate was started to receive opened for customers. business. Roadside traders At the state and shops which were secretariat, previously closed civil servants trickled however opened into the complex at 9a.m., giving for business as they from as early as 8a.m resumed for that the order a full indication work. In Abia State, had flopped. the commercia Security men l were also seen city of Aba was totally moving in convoy, obviously down in observance of shut to ensure that sit-at-home the order. molested into no one was But members of closing shop by differentthe situation was IPOB, who in the capital had of Umuahia city where business

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EDITORIAL Trial of Corruption Cases

to control water ways

bill i

, MAY 31, 2018

It is a known fact that the justice delivery system in Nigeria is weighed down by a combination of factors ranging from overcongested court list, poor attitude of judicial staff to work, inadequate infrastructure, corruption of judicial staff, lack of innovative technology in our court rooms and deployment by lawyers R of technicalities. Page 15

EDITORIAL

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TRIAL OF COR The corruption

and financial crimes

RUPTION C ASES

cases’ commit t is a known fact that the tee has made justice delivery in Nigeria is a good case weighed down system factors ranging by a combinat ion of poor attitude from over-congested court of list, infrastructure, judicial staff to work, inadequa There is no doubt corruption of te of innovative judicial staff, a crisis of credibility that the Nigerian judiciary technology in lack is facing and deployme our court rooms the highest bidder. . Justice is monetised nt by lawyers and so many of technicalities. or less an organisedDelay in the hearing of often to cases is more On bribes to judges, occasions, when they are crime in which and judicial staff not senior the lawyers, offering lawyers handling are the chief cases throw judges have scant regards culprits. Many decorum and anti-graft professional to bring frivolous which prescribe for due process and rules of the courts ethics overboard court applicatio of procedure the judicial process. ns aimed at scuttling the COTRIM speedier administration Only recently, of CO committe Nigeria (SAN) a Senior Advocate e rightly pointedjustice. As is sometimes was convicted made of out, this tampering with by an Ikeja High method of transmissworse by reliance on the course of Court the for out-dated justice. Keen on addressin relying on colonial-s ion of cases from trial g most of these courts to Chief Justice tyle bailiffs in challenges, serve notice of Nigeria, Justice an age of technolog on litigants. November set Walter Onnoghe the y to up n, last graft cases take a panel to ďŹ nd a lasting solution forever to resolve. nder the Administ tion and Financial Last week, the to why ration of Criminal Crimes Cases CorrupAct, 2015 the (COTRIMCO) Justice Monitoring practice of staying submitted its in criminal trials proceedings Judicial Council interim report Committee to the National (NJC). But there to be conducted has been abolished. Trials novel. The committe was nothing are day- by- day ment has to entirely e blamed the be granted, it and delays in corruption shall not be more if adjournBut many lawyers ALL THE STAKEH and ďŹ nancial crimes the illegal practice have been going round than 14 days. THE JUDICIAL OLDERS IN on cases this through of subjecting SECTOR a cross-exa combinat witnesses to AND mination THE ANTI-CO ion factors, but chiey of RRUPTION judges indulging s, some lasting for days unending AGENCIES WILL with the them. poor prosecutio on To stem this THE REPORT FIND n. troubling challenge USEFUL IN Mr. Soji Oye, had in addition , Justice Onnoghe TACKLING THE to the present n MYRIAD OF spokesman of the mencement of effort, during PROBLEMS ASSOCIA the 2017/2018 the said the Justice NJC, of courts to designate legal year, ordered comTED WITH CRIMINA Suleithe heads at least man Galadima L JUSTICE jurisdictions T H I S DAY SYSTEM -led as special courts one court in their various EDITOR DEPUTY EDITORS IJEOMA NWOGWUGW panel identiďŹ ed hearing and U BOLAJI ADEBIYI, the speedily determinsolely for the purpose of MANAGING JOSEPH USHIGIALE absence of counsels cial crime cases. ing corruption DEPUTY MANAGINGDIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO and ďŹ nanirrelevant documen DIRECTOR KAYODE in court, reliance CHAIRMAN of courts to clampFor effectiveness, he also EDITORIAL KOMOLAFE tary evidence, on ordered BOARD OLUSEGUN and non-adhe EDITOR NATION’S down on both multiplicity counsel who ADENIYI CAPITAL IYOBOSA rence to court prosecution and heads indulge in the dispensation UWUGIAREN rules as obstacles of charges defence unethical practice delay tactics of to stall of deploying ers are charged justice. According to COTRIM to speedy Taking all this criminal trials. into considera the charges are to court before proper investigatCO “offendendorse tion, done, and afterward T we the ďŹ ndings H I S DAY N ions to detain such E W S PA P E of the COTRIM wholeheartedly s, expecting the of EDITOR-IN-C the stakehold RS alleged offenders CO’s committe GROUP EXECUTIVE HIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKAL I M I T E D ers in the judicial court investigationsâ€?. till conclusio OBAIGBENA DIRECTORS corruption agencies sector and indeed e. All ENIOLA BELLO, ISRAEL IWEGBU, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, tion agencies In addition, the committe n of their IJEOMA NWOGWUGW will ďŹ nd the the antiDIVISIONAL the myriad of e said lacked DIRECTORS U, EMMANUEL problems associatedreport useful in tackling EFENI prosecute corruptionexperienced and capable prosecuDEPUTY DIVISIONALPETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY system. The OGEDENGBE with criminal DIRECTOR OJOGUN personnel to cases “which committe SNR. ASSOCIATE handling of such justice VICTOR DANBOYI invariably leads training for agencies e’s recommendation ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC cases.â€? DIRECTORS to poor OJEH of CONTROLLER S ABIMBOLA PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED prosecution departmeof government “to have proper TAIWO, UCHENNA ADEYEMO DIRECTOR, competen nts manned PRINTING PRODUCTION DIBIAGWU, NDUKA nel,â€? should by qualiďŹ ed person- t especially be CHUKS ONWUDINJO MOSERI TO SEND EMAIL: taken and Financial ďŹ rst name.surnam Crimes Commiss to heart by the Economic e@thisdayliv e.com given recent ion (EFCC) especially disastrous prosecutio n outings. Letters in response to speciďŹ c readers may TO OUR READERS send such letters publications in THISDAY opinions on topical along with their should be brief local, national (150-200 words) 1000 words). and internatiocontact details to They should and straight be sent to opinion@nal issues providedopinion@thisdaylive.com. to the point. Interested We also thisdaylive.com they are well-written and should alsowelcome comments and along with the not be longer email address than (950ecently Nigeria and phone numbers of the writer. ment to operate and China signed a bilateral a

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CURRENCY

SWAP: ANY F

agreeThe developme three-year currency-sw Rheminbi. trade between nt is aimed at facilitating ap deal. Though divergent both countries, enhanced views have greeted China is Nigeria’s given of the supposed the biggest trading the fact that which took reactions have trade imbalance in favour deal, and irrespective partner. The place saw Governor flowed freely of of the Central on April 27, 2018 in Beijing, event dominating. with commenda China, mixed Emefiele standing Bringing us Bank of Nigeria China tion of the to the and even an for Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Bank of China average Nigerians’major questions on everyinitiative while Dr Yi (PBoC) represented Gang of the Godwin is a good idea analyst The pact was Peoples for the nation’s mind is whether the currency his country. the result of any significant swap both banks. over two years benefits? What economy right now. Does The it bring are the aftermaths local currency transaction is also intended of negotiations between Would Nigeria turn to of the swap? dumping ground liquidity for at providing Experts and Nigerian and other businesses adequate for Chinese goods? analysts both Chinese i d to red that th d hom h d

POLITICS Buhari’s Speech and Reality Checks

EARS?

avoid what will economy’. The be called ‘a major mistake in growing the regulation is CBN must ensure that constant nation’s at oversight and not result in its peak so that the rise in demand a possible depreciatio currency and n of the naira for the Yuan will further widen against of payments in favour of the gaps in trade balance the Chinese China. and balance The National Agency for Food, Control (NAFDAC Drugs Ad i )

POLITICS

The democratic train which took off 19 years ago remains on track T despite many challenges. For this alone, Nigerians deserve to celebrate. On the other hand, it is also a time for sober reflection.This is because nineteen years ago, it is indisputable that life was better. Page 18

T H I S D AY

• THURSDAY,

MAY 31, 2018

Group Politic s Editor Tobi Soniyi Email tobi.so niyi@thisday live.com 0705478626 0 SMS ONLY

Buhari’s Speec h and Reality Checks

Many Niger ians are wond Muhammadu ering Buhari took place whether the glowing achie in Nigeria or he democrat somewhere else, vements reeled out ic off 19 years train which took by President reports Tobi track despite ago remains on Soniyi For this alone, many challenges. to celebrate. Nigerians deserve

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole and dropped the infrared, which she described as manual. “A mock exercise to know how we are ready for the outbreak was carried out about two weeks ago in this terminal and the exercise was successful, which shows that we are ready to tackle the scourge and ensure that passengers with the disease are not allowed into the country through our entry points. “There is an outcry that we are not screening arrival passengers at the airport. This can’t be true because what we do now is thermal screening with a monitor, which screens every passenger that comes in even without their knowledge. Whatever we do here is in accordance with ICAO and WHO standards. However, we don’t isolate any passenger because of the screening.� Also commenting, the acting General Manager, Medical, FAAN, Dr. Kehinde Ayotunde, reiterated that the scanners, which were provided by FAAN were already installed at the two entry points of the international wing of the airport. “FAAN only collaborate and support

port health services in terms of materials the service would need to carry out its duties. All the preventable measures are being taken by FAAN to ensure that we don’t allow anyone with the communicable disease into our country.� Also Mr. Kingsley Eze, a passenger on Kenya Airways who departed from the United Arab Emirates, lauded FAAN for the proactive measures taken to ensure that the disease does not reenter the country through the gateways. He explained that some of the passengers were also screened in UAE, stressing that whatever that could be done to prevent it from penetrating Nigeria should be adopted by the government. Also, John Nnamdi, another passenger on Kenya Airways, said that he was aware the deadly disease broke out in Congo Democratic Republic again some few weeks ago. He said the efforts deployed by the government was good for the country and it further showed the seriousness the government attached to the lives of its citizenry.

Onnoghen Decries Delays in Court Cases, Says It's Scaring Away Investors Alex Enumah in Abuja

Two-Minute BrieďŹ ng

where Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism are effectively deployed, same will drastically reduce the volume of cases before our courts. Such a system will encourage investment as investors will be confident that their assets and investments are secured ", he said. The CJN disclosed that as part of efforts at ensuring that the court complies with the directive to deploy the mechanism in resolving conflicts, the ADR will now form part of their quarterly evaluation exercise. He reiterated the charge to all courts to desist from entertaining contracts with arbitration clauses. "I urged the concerned heads of courts to make practice directions that will dissuade litigants who institute actions without first exploring the arbitration clauses in contracts. "Judges should also encourage Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism in cases that are less contentious before them as this aids decongestion of our courts ", Onnoghen stressed.

He said the theme, " Laying the foundation for effective Dispute Resolution in the Nigerian Construction Sector, is apt and significant in the sense that it was tailored towards enlightening and broadening the horizon of participants. He added that the seminar will also imbibe in the judges the requisite skill for the effective disposition of cases. Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Hon Justice Rosaline Bozimo (Rtd), said as a result of the incredible growth the country is undergoing, the construction sector now faces numerous challenges, "Ranging from archaic regulations, demand and supply, disputes in relations to claims for payment, damages due to defects in completed works, and variations in contract sums due to inflation". To address these challenges, Bozimo, stated that, it is important that the judges must continuously update their knowledge on construction law and other regulations governing the sector so as to ensure fairness to disputing parties.

On the other a time for hand, it sober nineteen years reflection. This is is also because life was better. ago, it is indisputa ble that prayer that our In the South-west, there is a tomorrow should yesterday. be better than In sadly remainsthe case of Nigeria, yesterday better than government today. Those in this claim buttoday would want to ipsa loquitur as the legal maxim dispute goes, res (the fact speaks Listening to for itself). churning out President Muhammadu what his governmen Buhari in three years, t has achieved many wonder whether achievements or somewhe actually took place in those re else. Nigeria To be fair, both the president his governme who claimed people who nt has done so much and the achievements said they did not see are right. those As equivocal against the threeas this sounds, when considered administration cardinal points of the Buhari’s namely; security, and the economy, corruption it is easier why people to appreciat are not feeling e numerous achievements. the impact of the Take security chose his wordsfirst. The president carefully when he capacity of the insurgents said: �Today, the leading to has been degraded the of governme re-establishment of authority nt and the including, happily, release of captives 106 Chibok girls, and over and 104 Dapchi 16,000 other the Boko Haram.� persons held by that Boko Haram That is a tactical admission has not been But beyond defeated. Boko Haram, government the Buhari in stopping turned out to be incompet herdsmen from ent Militias and killing farmers. bandits have at will but been killing the to rise to the government has been people unable build ranchesoccasion. It is also unwilling for the rampagin to Rather than g herdsmen . deadly clashes,address the root cause prevaricating. the government was of the failed in his It is disappointing that merely president Democracy convince Nigerians Day broadcast to that these killings Even his assurance will stop. that “we will until all criminal not sors are brought elements and their rest President Muhammad sponto justice,� u Buhari because there sounds being taken are no concrete steps hollow “N-Power Job taken or at to creation Scheme providing In Benue, punish the killers. – is targeted jobs for unemploy Taraba, Plateau, Zamfara states, Kaduna and graduates and has ed young Nigeria.� so far recruited youths while by these killings, which have been The worst 200,000 did problem with these the next batch They are simplypeople remain apprehens hit been selected, figures is that The not tell the verified and of 300,000 have they swept president did not talk whole story. ive. deployed not convinced government As an would soon under the about how across the that this can he be Scheme, illustration if N-Power 36 States fine, Abdulras carpet the scandals over Furthermore, It is therefore, protect them. Job creation which is 20,000 non-gradu and the FCT. for heed Maina MTN not difficulty and the the picture unemployed targeted at providing ‘s ate volunteers to see that have also been selected painted by jobs former grass cutting fraud reinstatement young graduates to kick recruited 200,000 programm broadcast does the involving Secretary and has not depict the president in his Automotiv e in collaboration off the N-Build failed youths , the Babachir Lawal to the Federal Governm the On the econ with the Nati reality on g to tell Nig governm e Desi j i d l

FEATURES Moment of Glory

FEATURES

He walked to the podium amidst encomiums from the jubilant guests whose faces were glowing in happiness. His face was beaming with smiles and his carriage was that of a prince on his coronation. There was something comforting about his demeanour and the way H he spoke... Page 20

THURSDAY, MAY 31,

2018 • T H I

S D AY

Acting Featur es Editor Charle s Ajunwa Email charle s.ajunwa@this daylive.com

Moment of Glory

On May 19, the American University of commencem Nige ent ceremony of the university ria rolled out the drum attended the s to celebrate event, reports and president the 10th ial inaugurati on. Ugo Alio go who

The AUN graduate

Class of 2018

e walked to the podium amidst encomium 10th Commenc jubilant guests s from the University ement Ceremony of Nigeria (AUN), of American were glowing whose faces 2018, next day, Benedict in the class His face was in happiness. of of for their waking up very early humility. HeEgwuchukwu is an epitome beaming 8a.m. classes to prepare is a man who that of a prince smiles and his carriage with success, sacrifice that they are Students’ Award in personifie on his coronation not locked order to ensure and selflessnes was which was something An excited Egwchukw out. “My social s. Egwuchuk s a month . There was is an Accounting major comforting about his demeanou and the way Grade Point u said: “The imagination, life expanded beyond ago. with a Cumulatiwu of my AUN beginning of Average experienc I got to meet ve r craving my voice and the he spoke; the softness a lot of people, for hard work (CGPA) of 3.9. His the struggle to earn e was marked with speakers from my academic he inspired uncommon grace with of his strong parental good and excellence as a musicians people programmes, has a hence,spot in the Dean or grades as well across top I never dream possess any the guests. He seemed which days in AUN, influence. During a given nickname President’s list, and other connectio of coming of himself, weakness. He was in full not to the guiding he provided the his school known as colleague by my colleague n my friends sparks and never allowing ‘bookworm’. light for his control breath and s, Director s introduced me to. the occasion Although, what lay course the emotions to of were theof his intelligence and mates. The would behind the scenes, their if they knew dinner of Afriinvest Oke The Managing Despite beingtake over him. Chidioke, at faith in God have been and award touchstones perspectiv the valedicto the night. “My father rian for the the rough edges in which helped sharpen did not deter me different. However, thate but towards some of the he embarked my second move forward used to tell me to the activities always and never a symbol of upon in the university not only go year, I concluded that end of backwards think mates and success for his family, . He is the universitythrough the universityI would complishe and I always made of going the d everythin sure I ac, but let to course in go through g my age requires He began hisuniversity. students' activities. accomplis me, by engaging speech trying thoughts around to do what h so that in future we don't me “Basically, to weave his we my ought school need first vitality of the to do in our solely age. life I studied very relationships experiences, the was on my academic two years were in My parents have been youthful hard, I made course of study s, everythin he had built my academic mainly for a great influence sure I did g I did and the f t in the f my ac d s and th f 't

BUSINESS Stanbic IBTC Pension Assets Hit N2.53tn

AY 31, 2018

BUSINESSW R A T E S

MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers has said that assets currently under its control have hit N2.53 trillion. This figure represents significant percentage of the total N7.779 trillion pension assets in Nigeria invested in various portfolios. Page 23

REPO 17.17 19.67

A S

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

ORLD A T

23 Group Busines s Email: chika.am Editor ChikaAmanze-Nw achuku anzenwachukwu@ thisdaylive.com 08033294157, 08057161321

M A Y

S & P INDEX

12.67 18.08 18.50

2 5 ,

INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DAY QUARTER-TO-DAY YEAR-TO-DAY

2 0 1 8 EXCHANGE RATE N305.90/1US DOLLAR AS AT LAST FRIDAY

354.63 -0.16% -1.65% 2.50% 7.64%

Quick Takes Osinbajo, Others

for Airtel Touchin Wife of the Vice of Communic President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, g Lives ations, and the Minister who have conďŹ rmedAdebayo Shittu, will they would attendlead high-proďŹ le guests Touching Lives the premiere The premiere, season four. of Airtel which is billed Hotel and Suites, to hold next Sunday at the Chairman Victoria Island, Lagos, is also expectedthe Eko Senator RobertSenate Committee on Science to have Committee on Ajayi BoroďŹƒce and the Deputy and Technology, Chairman, Senate According to Communications, Senator Airtel, the Chairman, Solomon Olamilekan Communications, House Committee . Ujam Chukwuem Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, his deputy, on eka, and Chairman, Commission, Nigerian Communic Hon. Senator, Olabiyi will also grace ations Durojaiye, among many others, Captains of the premiere. industry, heads organisations, philanthropistsof agencies, non-gover are also expected nmental and notable media proprietor to attend. s

Mr Chef Unveils

PRESIDENT IAL VISIT

L-R: Greenlight Manager West Operations Manager for Uber Nigeria, Africa, Uber, O’Yoma Ukueku; Lola Kassim, at the oďŹƒcial

Vice President

visit of the Vice President to of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Stanbic IBTC Uber Greenlight Osinbajo and General Hub in Abuja...rec Pension Asse ently ts Hit N2.53tn Stanbic IBTC ECONO Ebere Nwoji

New Product In a bid to create s Limited, makers more value for its consumers of Mr. Chef seasonings , Sweet Nutrition its brand of seasoning s and cubes and cubes has re-launched The unveiling, into the re-launch its which took place in Lagos Nigerian market. cubes and seasoning recently and consumers s to delight of saw the ďŹ rm its customers The Managing . Venkataraman Director, Sweet Nutrition Limited, Mr. product were in his speech said the materials used Kumar imported and He thanked for the everyone for locally sourced. described the honouring the trade partnersevent as a well-deserved event even as he patronage of as well as the consumer recognition for their their s for favourite their continued powders. seasoning cube and seasoning Venkataraman also stated put in place that mobile where the company kitchens had places towards been would seasonings and creating awareness for be going to strategic the newly cubes. He pointed which were out that Mr. Chef relaunched first unveiled seasonings, before the re-launch into the Nigerian market was done in interest of their order to continue in 2009 serving the and retailers valued consumers, distributo respectively. rs, wholesale rs

MY Pension Managers the commissio has said that n in Uyo, He said about assets currently 12.5percent of Ibom State, announced Akwa which replaces under its control that the fits-all� the “one-sizemulti fund have hit N2.53 the assets are invested trillion. This arrangeme figure represents equity market, adding in the would kickStructure initiative all significant active contributont that puts off among that company is percentage PFAs rs into one ready for the the on July, 1, 2017. of the total N7.779 Kangiwa, said RSA Fund, would resolve multi the trillion pension fund structure initiative main assets in Nigeria the of the multi-fundobjective of the RSA challenge of asset-liabil regulator which ity risk is various portfolios. invested in kick investment structure management off in July. expected to is to resolve faced by the operators. Managing Director the challenge He described asset-liability of the multi Executive Officer and Chief structure He said risk as categorisa fund experienced by management aligning it will do this by of Stanbic IBTC Pension tion of pension funds. pension the age and According Eric Fajemisin, Managers, Mr. ferent funds into four difto him, this profile of RSA holders risk structures who would disclosed be achieved match the four this at a recent using age as to Danbatta for by: better funds, adding aligning the press briefing critical determinant in Lagos recently, risk and returning that contributors factor risk taking. The Executive Business Journal would have According to for expectations of company maintains said the the Vice Chairman, a Lecture contributors; better chance to earn improved him, Commission structure will Nigerian Communic (NCC), Professor returns on 1.6 million Retiremena total of 1 and kick off July better matching of the Business their Stanbic IBTC assets and liabilities; pension in t Savings Journal 10th Umar Garba Danbatta, will ations Account holders proportion investments is ready to play June 7, 2018 as well as Anniversary deliver to their risk at appetites. has so far paid (RSA) and initiative along with the new diversification of pension The lecture Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lecture on Thursday, portfolios, as fund of the regulator. Lagos. with to 37,700 retirees N66.5 billion According minimum PenCom Growth: Exploringthe theme: Infrastruc to him, the differlimits ent on a monthly or quarterly ture and Economic Investment are set for aggregate investment categories of by the Chairman, The Strategic Alliance, basis as required Supervision Personnel the multi-funds in variable s structure by the retirees OpenMedia would be chai income secu Ibrahim K are Fu d 1 Mr f The g G iti d

HEALTH How Religious Homes Sustain

31, 2018

HEALTH & LIF ESTYLE

How Religiou s

Obstetric Fistula "For you to successfully deliver this baby, you will not go to the hospital. I will take you to our prophetess for proper monitoring and prayers, otherwise it may be difficult for you ‘ or your unborn baby to live through this process.� Page 36

Every Tuesd dedicated forays was Faith Clinic at the church. was a time pregnant It women in Ochu fu attend

Fistula clients

praye counselling r and They would sessions. spend the time g out ‘democastin ns’ that cause misca hemorrhag rriages, hypertensioe, pregnancy, n in caesarian session, exces sive labour, still births, maternal death s, and all other ‘evils’ with pregn associated delivery ancy and the worldin this part of after repair

’For you to successfully deliver you will not go to the hospital. this baby, you to our prophetess I will take for proper monitoring and prayers, otherwise it for you or your may be difficult this process.� unborn baby to live through This was the Ifeanyi, 28, advice got from her pregnancy mother during Rita in 2016. her She was fed with informatio pregnancy n on is be guarded a divine occurrence that how exclusively But that decision in a spiritual must way. was the beginningchanged her life forever. It of pain refused to neither register and sorrow as she deliver in any for ante natal of the clinics nor in Ochufu, Ugwuaji in her communit District, y Government Area, Enugu Enugu South Local She believed State. the hospital the spiritual does not force ‘evil machinati to address complicati have After all, her ons’ against pregnant ons or women. her siblings mother gave birth to in a traditiona her became a Christian. l home before and she Every Tuesdays was dedicated Clinic at the for Faith church. It was women in Ochufu a attend prayer time pregnant sessions. They and counselling for safe deliverywould spend the time praying cause miscarriag and casting out ‘demons’ es hemor h that in

INTERNATIONAL US Evangelist to Acquire Fourth Private

36

Acting Featur es Editor Charle s Ajunwa Email: charle s.ajunwa@this daylive.com

Homes Susta in Obstetric Fistula

As Nigeria joine Fistula, Mart d the rest of the world to mark the in the countryins IďŹ jeh examines the 2018 Inter role of religi ous homes in national Day to End Obst spreading the medical cond etric ition

RSDAY, MAY

31, 2018Ëž T

that became of things werethe least of my problems; happening I couldn’t understan to my system a lot that d. I couldn’t how I was understand unable to retain and how they were coming urine and faeces channel.� out from a different Rita said she later realised women who there were had in the church. pregnancy and childbirth other had complicati“Nobody told us some issues thought the ons from the church women initially. I prophetess is very verse Rita has been in her ignorance suffering the consequen this.� ces of then, she has since November 2016, and since search of help. moved from pillar to post in by Engender But the pool effort organised Health recently Awolowo University at the Teaching Hospital Obafemi in Ilesa, Osun Complex State, “I was operated came to the rescue. upon three and since then my body is days ago here, They also educated back me on what to normal. prevent further I must do to occurrence,’’ she said. Lea i

H I S D AY

INTERNATIO NAL

49

email:foreig

ndesk@thisd

US Evangelis Fourth Privat t to Acquire Followers’ Hee Jet, Seeks lp

Jet, Seeks Followers’ Help A United Stated televangelist has asked his followers to help fund his fourth private jet - because Jesus would not be riding a donkey�. Jesse Duplantis said God had told him to buy a Falcoln 7X... Page 49

aylive.com

A United Stated televangelist has asked the poor. his help fund his followers to In jet - because fourth private on a video address posted refuelling costs. Another picture be riding a Jesus would not a his website, Duplanti 68-year-old which aps, donkeyâ€?. Jesse Duplantis evangelist peared in the video showed the said God explained: “You know, had told him I have the preacher standing with owned three three aircraft, different jets 7X for $54m to buy a Falcoln my in above life, and I’ve (ÂŁ41m). He added he used them caption: “It’s not about the was hesitant and just burning posabout the purchase them up sessions, it’s about priorities.â€? for the Lord Duplantis at first, Jesus Christ. but said God justified the “Now, some had told him: people believe request by saying “I didn’t ask that that Jesus it. I asked you to pay for have preachers should not had told people to you to believe “go jets. I the world for it.â€? and preach into that preachersreally believe Gospel the to every ought to go Although preachers on every how we gonnacreature, now available voice, owning private jets do that? is not unusual, every available this particula outlet, to cannot live long enough I r appeal has get this Gospel travel to caused controver by car preached to the world.â€? by train, but or by ship or sy. Twitter users Standing beside an aeroplan I can do it by the request responded to pictures eâ€?. framed In 2015, Duplanti of his current with many with disbelief, fleet, quoting Bible he said that s appeared verses warning the jet another in a video with he bought 12 years against greed and false preacher, Kenneth prophets, or no longer sufficientago was Copeland, in suggesting which Copeland for his ministry because that the money could be better he could described travelling on used to help not fly non-stop, commeaning mercial airlines as being he had to a long tube “in pay “exorbita with a bunch ntâ€? of demons.â€?

Ex-Zambian Mobile Thef President’s Son App t Jail Sentence eals

The son of former President FrederickZambian Force, has filed a Chiluba has appealed notice of after he was appeal in the High which would sentenced Court. He has merit to hard labour eight months’ pendingalso applied for bail cessful appeal. The a sucfor stealing court will make appeal. mobile phone. a a decision “If bail is Friday.  on not granted, Frederick am Chiluba Snr sentence d Chiluba Jr was andgoing to suffer prejudiceI ruled Zambia injustice from 1991 after beingtwo weeks ago a to 2001. He possibili ty as there is dogged was of stealing found guilty the of serving by legations , corruptio n aledge, valued a Samsung S7 the substant ial part leading to of sentence at his before the immunity from prosecuti The Lusaka $843 (ÂŁ626). appeal being lifted Magistra te is heard, on court heard thereby after he left renderin Jr stole the how Chiluba academi g my appeal an office. device from c exercise He was prosecut woman, Brenda a no purpose, and of ed alleged embezzl Chisha, on for â€? he said. Septemb er But ement in 2002 but acquitted trading it 2, 2017 before Cyprianpublic prosecut for drugs after a Phiri objected or six-year trial. notorious slum in a the to applicati in In Zambia’s 2007, he was capital, Lusaka. arguing that on for bail, of fraud convicted there were But Chiluba, by a London no and ordered 32, a retired exceptional circumsta court officer i to H h

SPORTS Don’t Toy with Emotions of 180m Nigerians, Buhari Tasks Eagles President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja, told the Super Eagles to put in their best as they proceed to Russia for 2018World Cup, saying failing to live up to expectation would amount to toying with the feelings and emotions of 180 million Nigerians. Page 55

, 018

53

THURSDAYSP ORTS

WORLD

55 Group Sports Editor Duro Email duro.ik hazuagbe@th Ikhazuagbe isdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

CUP 201 8

President Muhamm adu Buhari farewell visit to the President (4th right front row) ial Villa in Abuja‌y is anked by Vice-pres ident Yemi Osinbajo esterday

Don’t Toy with Em otions of 180m Nig Says all Nige erians, Buhari Tas rians look up to the team ks and Head Coach

Gernot Rohr

and Super Eagles

players and

oďŹƒcials during

the team’s godwin omoigui

Omololu Ogunmad e in Abuja Tasking them President Muhamm to adu Buhari gallantly because nothing play you are not just yesterday in Nigerians more unites going Super Eagles Abuja, told the Buhari than football, tournament. With each for the something that you can game, to best as they to put in their to the told the Eagles that going you must remember use as the your advantage proceed to Russia Mundial as the that you are carrying world for 2018 World “You have the . youngest emotions the passions, on June 14. event kicks-off president, Cup, saying team might imply that support failing to live relative peace they 180 millionand feelings of over blessings of all Nigerians and up to expectation were the most inexperien Expressing stability and would amount will look confidence who Nigerians. Play ced and to toying with but added that it could in football have prevailed in the fair as the up to you for as long the team to perform creditably clean but demonstra the feelings sector. also to their own tournament lasts...This in Russia, advantage if be gallant spirit which te According to 180 million and emotions of opt is Nigeria Dalung said when they him, Nigerians. to make the Nigerians our time. We look up to best use of it. are known for. “Nothing Buhari gave you to group was drawn in “the time in the history it is the first make He of Nigerian Nigerians more unites join us proud. All Nigerians of deathâ€? the Council this charge in look emphasised that Nigerians me in saying ahead of football that the country is than to you, best the World Cup qualifying to the World going Presidential Chamber of the proudup to them to do them and nothing will football of luck. Thank Cup without series, nobody Villa when gladden be and hence, they the people of financial challenge, any received the Super gave the he with you all,â€?you and God any chance Nigeria than saying both Eagles along only have the blessingsdo not acquaint yourself Buhari said. to with their handlers but Super team the Technical In of the by entire citizenry his winning in honourably Minister own speech, the shocked all when they Eagles Rohr and the Adviser, Gernot as well as the officials but also their players have became duly Russia. You of Sports and the first African of the Nigeria best wishes. are the youngest been Football Federation settled. “It team in the Development, Solomon Youths for the World team to qualify tournament Pinnick disclosed the Federal Ministry(NFF) and the is great to be part Dalung, Cup. recalled that which 2018 of Also that NFF since Nigeria speaking, the and Sports Developmof Youth going World Cup. You are you are likely to be means qualified President had a dream to make Nigerian of Nigeria Football for the World the most to represent inexperienced ent. Cup Federation football self-financing beginning Russia but bear Nigeria in that team, a fact in 1994, the country from 2020, and will not had also (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, in mind that qualified subsequently opponents be lost to your other for the tournament five the president for thanked grow football but it is times, saying what he also the threshold integral part in Nigeria as an Nigeria is at described as his massive of the economy for football, recalling support like of history again he came on board that since earnsthe Britain which he said ÂŁ2.4 billion as as Nigeria’s tax from the English The contractor Premier League. handling Enyimba Stadium, their fortress when the Monimichelle Confederations CAF final phase has started the after Cup of the job at the World Cup.resumes Duro Ikhazuagb arena with the the e Enyimba would installation team ever the pitch. of 17, two on to July The picture days after the Also in the the Mundial. Dele The CEO of of World squad Ajiboye, NPFL list are the Monimichelle, Cup final host Ivorian to the WorldNigeria’s likes of Assistant Ebi Egbe, confirmed leading side Russia became Cup in Captain, scorer, Junior Lokosa, Bulgariayesterday Williamsville FC in that his Nigerian crystal clear Ogenyi Onazi, Ahmed THE TEAM based defender workers have Confederations Cup.the CAF yesterday following started the installation GOALKEEPERS: the release and Kenneth Omeruo.Musa and Uche Agbo Stephen Eze Egbe commende of job, while Francis the expatriate The of Standard Uzoho; Daniel d Abia State list a 25-man Super Eagles quartet are the government for s would fly remnant of Liege were the players by the Nigeria Akpeyi; the Stephen the country this its commitme into to see were eve t who Ikechukwu Ez Keshi’ E Footb ll nt Fed w k th ll

Installation Stadium Pitcof Enyimba h Begins

to make them

Rohr Lists 25 Eag les Another chance for injured

proud

for Clash with

Moses Simon

Eagles

England

Lokosa, Ajiboye, two others

dropped

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY MAY 31, 2018

9

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2018Ëž T H I S D AY

10

NEWS

Ă?ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™Ăœ Davidson Iriekpen Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– davidson.iriekpen@thisdaylive.com, 08111813081

Mixed Reactions Greet IPOB’s Sit-At-Home Directive in South-east Our Correspondents

Mixed reactions yesterday trailed the directive of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to residents of the South-east and South-south geopolitical zones to sit at home. In Anambra State, though Onitsha was shut down completely, Awka remained lively with businesses, schools, banks and markets operating normally, without recourse to the sit-at-home. THISDAY which moved round the capital city of Awka yesterday morning confirmed that while the exercise started on a good note, with motorists and workers staying away from the roads during the morning rush hours, the order was later shunned with markets opening for normal businesses. As at 7a.m, when markets in the state usually open, traders were still left stranded as market security officials refused to open the gate, insisting that it was waiting for orders from their chairman to either open or not. There was however jubilation among the traders at 7:50a.m., when the gate was opened for business. Roadside traders and shops which were previously closed however opened for business at 9a.m., giving a full indication that the order had flopped. Security men were also seen moving in convoy, obviously to ensure that no one was molested into closing shop by members of IPOB, who had

earlier threatened to blacklist anyone seen on the road. Most pupils who could not make it to school were called personally by their teachers to come to school as there was no holiday. Mr. Henry Okwu, a trader at Eke Awka market, said: “I just came back from my children’s school, where I went to drop them off, after receiving several calls from their teachers, asking me to bring them.� The situation was however different in the banking sector. As at 10a.m., most of the new generation banks visited were under lock and key, with no worker in sight. Frustrated customers formed long queues in front of their gates with the hope that soon, they would eventually open. A source said the staff had resumed, but were trying to be careful to avoid being attacked by urchins. At about 11a.m., as earlier predicted, banks at Ugwu Orji area where there is a high concentration of banks and also along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, where a lot of new generation banks have their branches, started to receive customers. At the state secretariat, civil servants trickled into the complex from as early as 8a.m as they resumed for work. In Abia State, the commercial city of Aba was totally shut down in observance of the sit-at-home order. But the situation was different in the capital city of Umuahia where business

... Police Thwart BZF’s Plan to Take over Enugu Govt House, Arrest 21 Christopher Isiguzo Ă“Ă˜ Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x; About 21 pro-Biafran activists were yesterday morning arrested by a combined team of security operatives made up of the Department of State Service (DSS), anti-terrorism squad, anti-riot policemen, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in front of Enugu State Government House. The activists who were identified as members of the Biafra Zionists Federation, (BZF), led by their selfacclaimed President, Benjamin Onwuka, were arrested as they made attempt to take over Enugu Government House. The group had stormed the Government House as early as seven am with Biafran flags. THISDAY checks that the group had earlier vowed to be at the Government House on May 30 for the purpose of declaration of Biafra Republic. It was gathered that upon their arrival at the Government House gate, they were rounded up by security operatives. While Onwuka and about twenty other members of the group were arrested, others

reportedly took to their heels. The Deputy Leader of the group, Ambrose Ugwu, who confirmed the arrest, said the South-east governors would be held responsible for whatever happened to their members. “Peace loving zionists were today treated like common criminals by the police, who were doing the bidding of South-east governors. They beat our members, including our commander, like criminals. “What happened today is very condemnable. We hold South-east governors responsible. There is a collaborating among the five of them to crush Biafra agitators. “But we are not going to be cowed. We are giving them ultimatum to release them immediately. Failure to do so, they will have the United States and other of our international allies to contend with,� Ugwu boasted. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ebere Amaraizu said he was working on an official statement and will soon make it available to the media.

activities were in full swing. Aba was a shadow of itself as all the market places did not witness business activities. The famous Ariaria International Market was shunned by traders who did not open their shops for business activities. The streets of Aba were also deserted as commercial transporters parked their vehicles at home, making it impossible for people to commute from one part of the city to another or to move out of the city. Commercial banks in Aba also shut their gates against customers, fearful of likely eruption of violence. Apparently fearful of possible outbreak of violence,

parents kept their children/ wards at home thereby depriving both public and private schools their normal academic activities. Teachers who turned up for work could not teach as the classrooms were empty. However, unlike in the last edition of the sit-at-home directive where residents of Umuahia largely observed it, the situation was different this time around with the city bustling with business activities. On their part, banks were apprehensive while attending to customers. Some banks even closed their gates in the early hours of the day before they later opened their doors for businesses when

they observed that the coast was clear. With their harrowing experience of the operation python dance carried out by the army on September 14, 2017 during which many young men and women were killed at the residence of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Umuahia residents are still apprehensive of any action that could attract military response. It was observed that some private schools that opened in the morning later asked pupils to return home to avoid danger should violence breakout later in the day. But as at press time the city was calm with people going about their normal businesses.

Meanwhile, Onitsha proved a different kettle of fish all together as markets, banks, schools and other public places were all shut down. The streets of Onitsha remained deserted, from the Niger bridgehead which usually was a beehive of activities to Nkpor and other parts of the commercial city were totally locked down. In Ebonyi State, there was minimal compliance to the sit-at-home order. The minimal compliance was sequel to the threat issued by the state Governor, David Umahi that any trader who obeyed the directive of the separatist group would forfeit

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DIPLOMATIC VISIT

Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sean Hoy (left), and Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, during the envoy’s courtesy visit to the bank.... recently

South-south Governors Demand 13% Derivation from $1bn ECA Withdrawal Reject executive bill to control waterways Ernest Chinwo Ă“Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂž Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂž Governors from the South-south region have demanded that the federal government pay them 13 per cent derivation for the $1billion withdrawn from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) to fight insurgency in the country. The governors, under the aegis of the South-south Governors’ Forum, took the decision in an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt yesterday. In a communiquĂŠ read by the forum’s Chairman and Governor of Bayelsa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, after the meeting, the governors also expressed their opposition to the Executive Bill forwarded to the National Assembly, wherein the federal government seeks to control the management of waterways. “The forum condemns the bills and calls on the federal government to embark on further consultations on the

bill in order to get the buy-in of Nigerians,� the governors advised. The forum expressed the support of the governors for the clamour for restructuring, fiscal federalism, devolution of powers from the centre to the federating units. “The governors said for Nigeria to be stable, peaceful and prosperous, it should be restructured. They vowed to work with like minds to make it a reality. There have been growing agitation in the region for the federal government to also withdraw funds from the ECA to fight environmental problems in the South-south, and also opposition to the water way bill which the people believe is another way to get grazing reserves in the region. Seriake said: “We took the collective view that with respect to the federal government’s effort to withdraw $1billion for national security, our position

in this zone is in line with the constitutional provision on derivation. “While we have no objection to the federal government spending money on security, including security of this zone, we believe the constitutional provision on 13 per cent derivation be applied and fully respected. “We will communicate that to the appropriate authorities so that whatever amount that is withdrawn from the ECA being proceed of crude oil sale is subject to the 13 per cent principle enshrined in the constitution. “We also agreed that the bill currently making rounds in the National Assembly which we understand is an executive bill on management of water resources. We are of the view that the provisions of the bill are offensive and obnoxious. “We disagree with the centralised control of water resources as we are already

dealing with the problem associated with over centralisation of our country and we have agreed that the bill should be immediately withdrawn by the federal government and further consultations be made on that. “Everyone is aware of the ongoing clamour for devolution and a return to essential founding principle of this great country. And we in our meeting resolved as we have been speaking over sometime that we associate fully with the clamour for restructuring, for the clamour for true federalism and for the clamour for devolution of powers that are so concentrated at the centre to the federating units and we have agreed to support ongoing moves in that direction by working with like-minded Nigerians who mean well for the country so that we can all have a stable and prosperous and peaceful nation,� they said.

THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2018˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Saraki: We Didn’t Discuss My Trial at nPDP, APC Meeting Baraje warns against blasphemy

Gboyega Akinsanmi ÓØ ËÑÙÝ ËØÎ Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday said his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for false assets declaration did not come up at the meeting between the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo last Monday. Saraki’s assertion was corroborated by the Chairman of nPDP and now a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, who said there was never a time the nPDP bloc requested for the stoppage of the senate president’s trial at the CCT during their meeting with Osinbajo. The senate president in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, issued yesterday, said he was not interested in any settlement of the case outside the judicial process contrary to a report published by a national daily. The nPDP leadership had last Monday held a meeting with the vice president in their efforts to address the grievances put forward to the APC national leadership and presidency so as to bring peace and stability to the party. Consequently, a national daily reported that the issues discussed at the Monday’s meeting “are Saraki’s trial before the CCT, exclusion of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, in Bauchi and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso from the APC ward and local government congresses in Kano State. Other issues discussed at the meeting, according to the report, included alleged persecution of nPDP members by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Inspector-General of Police (IG),

Mr. Ibrahim Idris. But in a statement yesterday, Saraki claimed that his trial at the CCT never came up at the meeting between nPDP and the vice president contrary to the report, which he said, lacked some level of authenticity. Currently at the Supreme Court and the CCT, Saraki said his trial “is never part of the discussions over the grievances of the nPDP leaders. All those who attended the meeting with the vice president can attest to this.” The senate president added that the issues being discussed between the nPDP and the APC leaderships “are beyond personal matters.” Consequently, Saraki said he would want it known that he “is not interested in any settlement of the asset declaration case outside the judicial process. “He is confident that the court will give him justice and he will be exonerated of all charges as can be seen by the verdicts of the CCT and the Court of Appeal. In fact, he maintains his earlier position that the trial was politically and maliciously motivated.” He also expressed concern that all interested parties in the prosecution should allow the judiciary “to freely and fairly decide on the issues before it. I believe in the rule of law, independence of the judiciary and ability of the court to adjudicate on all matters.” Saraki had claimed that he had consistently exhibited a strong belief that nobody should compromise national interest with personal issues. According to him, this has guided his actions, conduct and utterances in the performance of his official duties in the last three years, despite the persistent persecution and intimidation directed at him. He, therefore, urged Nigerians “to ignore the speculations

MIXED REACTIONS GREET IPOB’S SIT-ATHME DIRECTIVE his or her shop to the state government. However, there were skeletal services at major transport companies in the state, as passengers were sent back home. Two companies, Onitsha South Mass Transit and Peace Mass Transit closed operations to Onitsha, Aba and Port Harcourt. A driver with Onitsha South Motors said that the company closed the designated routes for fear of attack on the way. Meanwhile, other segments visited by THISDAY including Abakpa main market, Motor spare parts, Rice mill had full business activities without any hitches. Joint security operatives were also seen patrolling the capital city to ensure no victimisation of people for non-compliance. In Enugu State, a partial compliance was observed with the sit-at-home order.

contained in the report. There is no reason for him to depart from his avowed principle that the nation is greater than any individual, including himself.” The senate president said he would have ignored the report as he had done in the cases of other speculative ones concerning the on-going discussions between the nPDP and the APC published by the national daily. But Saraki said he had to clarify his position because the report might be perceived “to have some level of authenticity since the report mentioned an issue concerning him and the

meeting the group held with the vice president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.” He emphasised that “there was no mention of anybody’s case talkless of the Senate President, Saraki, at the said meeting.” According to him, “I want to warn that if this is the way we want to handle the issue by creating bad blood against our group, through the media, it will not augur well for them.” He therefore warned that blasphemy and arrant lies cannot resolve the matter at hand. Baraje added: “I want to also disclose that at the last meeting,

the vice president requested and appealed to us that we should all keep our mouth shut until we reach the final stuck, that’s why we are not talking to the press. “If the newspaper concerned do not stop this blasphemy, this issue will be very difficult to solve and the group or myself as a person is ready to take any news media to court for blasphemy.” Baraje also described as untrue an online publication which claimed that he is occupying a juicy position at

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TOTAL COMPLIANCE

The ever-busy Niger Bridge completely deserted during the sit-at-home protest ordered by the Indigenous People of Biafra...yesterday

Soyinka, Others Drum Support for True Democracy at Ajibade’s 60th Birthday Colloquium Yinka Olatunbosun

Though banks and other commercial centres continued with their business activities, it was evident that major roads and streets within the metropolis were literally deserted as vehicular movements were skeletal. Also, the popular Ogbette market was opened for business, as most shops and markets stalls within the market were under lock and key. The state secretariat was also without the usual beehive of activities as most workers stayed away from their duty posts. The presence of security operatives was also noticed at strategic points even as air force helicopters continued to patrol the state aerozone apparently to checkmate activities of the IPOB members who might take advantage of the situation in town to cause mayhem.

newspaper is associated both in ownership and viewpoint with a section of the APC leadership.” Meanwhile, Baraje in a statement issued in Ilorin, Kwara State capital yesterday, and made available to journalists however, described as ‘blasphemy’ a newspaper and online report that part of the requests of his group was the stoppage of the ongoing trial of Saraki at the CCT. Describing the reports as a flagrant lie, total blasphemy and far from the truth, the nPDP chieftain disclosed that “nothing of that nature was part of the issues raised or discussed at the

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and other advocates of democracy in Nigeria have called on journalists to emulate the virtues of Kunle Ajibade who courageously fought against the oppressive military rule through his insightful investigative reports. Soyinka made this call while delivering his opening remarks at the colloquium in honour of Ajibade at 60 which was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos. The colloquium which was part of the series of activities organised by friends of Ajibade, had the theme: ‘A Brighter Future for Nigeria and how to get there’. He observed that Ajibade’s career as an investigative journalist was “an eye-opener” which nullified the belief that some people in Nigeria are untouchable. With reference to Ajibade’s report on a former Inspector General of Police (IG)

that led to the police chief’s removal from office, Soyinka highlighted the varying deeds of Ajibade that should be remembered. Chaired by a politician, veteran journalist and elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Osoba, the talk sessions featured prominent human rights activities such as Femi Falana, Ayo Obe, Ayisha Osori among others. The talk session was preceded by a poetry reading by Obari Gomba and an eulogy by the poet, Odia Ofeimun. In his submission, Falana urged the government to enact a law to make military training essential for all Nigerian citizens. This call was made in reaction to the incessant killings that had been reported in some parts of the country. Falana also voiced his concern on the structure of the Nigerian police and how the system has incapacitated the state governments in the control of the Nigerian police. He blamed the structure for

the cycle of impunity around criminal activities that had existed in military days and now in democratic rule. “In a country where there is impunity, killings will continue,” he said. Former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and presidential aspirant, Kingsley Moghalu, lamented over the critical state of Nigeria’s economy, the culture of recycling political class and national discord. In the same vein, a human rights lawyer and former House of Representative candidate for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayisha Osori, called for the democratisation of Nigeria’s political parties. According to him, “Politics in Nigeria is an industry with stakeholders. It is an industry that does not want new members. We must challenge the old myth that politics is a dirty game. We must change the narratives. Politics should be a place for the best of us and not the worst of us.”

The pro-democracy activist and lawyer, Ayo Obe, urged Nigerians to seek social inclusion and shun bribery and corruption. A senior advocate, Lai Babatunde, revealed to the audience that Ajibade was jailed for a story he did not write but he would not divulge the identity of the writer. Other colleagues of the celebrant recounted some details of their practice as journalists during the military rule and the constant fear of threat to life. Babafemi Ojudu recalled some extreme measures taken to authenticate facts and the consequences. “13 of us were in detention in different parts of the country,” he recounted. The Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, congratulated Ajibade, and urged all of them not to be despair over the state of the country, concluding that the sacrifices made by the likes of Ajibade are in vain.

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY MAY 31, 2018

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COMMENT

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

SO LONG A SILENCE

There is silence on many fronts over Africa’s intelligence operatives, argues Okello Oculi

S

o long a silence inside the carcass of the Commonwealth was broken - in my view - by British spooks pulling off a fairy tale marriage for one of their royals.

The script was a thrill. Find a lass with so intense a charisma and passion for connecting with distressed and disadvantaged persons that she echoes Mother Diana to a promising young man who was once traumatised in his teenage days by her death. By way of revenge on the snobbishness of those who pushed Diana to her tragic defiance of their rituals and drab mores, throw at them a descendant of victims of British growth into slavery-soaked imperial stature. Her name would be Meghan. My thoughts went back to the exploits of the Oxford group of undergraduates who figured out that if the Soviet Union was defeated in the World War 11, the Yankees would strut and stomp over Europe, Woodrow Wilson’s Secretary of State had said that Monroe Doctrine considered ‘’its own interest’’: it had no higher or more generous motive in its declaration’’. Kim Philby and his young Communist team at Oxford University chose the alternative of a Cold War dominated by two barbarians. MI 5’s creative engineering of History gave billions around the world something to cheer and weep about from Westminster Palace grounds to slums in India and Rio. The genius that lurks in the shadows of operatives of intelligence services deserves more sunlight falling on their leaves. The British have a rich library of them. A case similar to that of the Oxford heroes or villains – depending on one’s political leanings – is that of Cambridge Analytica. It would appear one lesson leant from the 2008 financial crisis and the social opposition it provoked against big banks and corporations. In the United States, university students took to streets and attacked financial institutions. Their critical review of the American economy and politics sounded shockingly similar to voices of Communism. Their focus on factories exported to China by companies who were making huge profits from exploiting its well-educated and highly disciplined hundreds of millions of workers had left millions of Americans wallowing in poverty. It was cheaper to manufacture merchandise in China and export them to American consumers than to produce them in Detroit or Los Angeles. People were being driven out of houses because they could no longer afford to pay mortgage fees. Many people in states with cold winters moved to sleep in warm tropical forests in Florida and elsewhere in the South. Many could no longer pay for their children to get college education, and some were lining up for free bowls of soup as their only meal of the day. Youths began to follow socialist rhetoric of Senator Barney Saunders.

MEGHAN AND HARRY HAVE BEEN INVENTED AS CARPENTERS AND MECHANICS FOR FIXING DAMAGES

Corporate America had protected their selfish interests by fanning fears among ordinary Americans about the Soviet Union taking away their hamburgers and popcorn with communist doctrines. With the fall of communist regimes across Eastern Europe, it would be paradoxical if socialism triumphed in the United States of America. That scent of blood would have tickled noses and ears of intelligence officers. It was telling that the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) contributed to the defeat of Hillary Clinton, a candidate of big business. Brilliant computer wizards at Cambridge Analytica were unlikely to be unknown to American, British and Russian intelligence officers. Their offer of tools for ‘Brain Farming’ - or planting emotions and preferred reactions to information into brains - of over 80 million people whose personality profiles they can harvest from the Internet - was likely to be attractive to customers from both conservative and socialist camps. For the CIA, it was vital to send appeals against ‘’globalisation’’ and its pauperisation of millions of Americans with calls for ‘’America First’’. Russia’s KGB wanted to hit back at claims by the Americans that they had recruited Mikhail Gorbachev, by planting an American president who would roll back globalisation and its anti-people bites. Candidate Hillary Clinton was a mortal enemy of Russia’s interests on the Mediterranean Sea and the Arab Middle East. In Russia former super-spies had muscled their way into power in Russia. Vladimir Putin and his former warriors of the Soviet Union felt terribly humiliated when hungry wolves from NATO Europe and North America went on a looting spree and humiliation of Russia. It is plausible to assume that the old spooks dusted their eyes and demanded a plan of action for winning a presidential election in the United States. At a time when President Donald Trump is spitting into faces of his secret service operatives, it is instructive to speculate about the role of Britain’s spooks in orchestrating a thriller for reviving a Commonwealth after the British Council has closed its libraries to those longing for knowledge. Claims of building ‘’Soft Power’’ through the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme became wasting money on parasitism. Meghan and Harry have been invented as carpenters and mechanics for fixing damages. There is, however, silences on many fronts over Africa’s intelligence operatives notably: promoting knowledge of African affairs by writing books; their budgets including support university researcher on African Diaspora from Australia to Brazil, promoting the law that the security of every African country is a Union of African States. Africa’s novelists and film makers are hearing their sounds of silence.

DEMOCRACY UNDER PROBE Victor C. Ariole writes that it is not yet celebration time for democracy on the continent The most important economic resource is trust in the future, and this resource is constantly threatened by thieves and charlatans. (Yuval Noah Harari, 2015:329)

A

ny political system that cannot ensure the future is not worth keeping; not to talk of celebrating. If Nigerians have to die stupid death every day in the name of weak governance then democracy is not meant for the African. My father always says that if ever humans will ever go extinct it will be by their stupidity not because death is hunting them. The Europeans whether in America, Australia, Eurasia understand that very well and it reflects on the type of democracy they adopt to keep eye on ensuring that the future is not made to lose the trust so much required to continue the march to greater humanism. It has always been the marriage of intellect and emotion and any group found to be clustering on such basis had always claimed majority and not necessarily the herds’ type of majority. Democracy has gone beyond the rambling of rote process of the government of the people by the people. Even at that, the people are defined differently as the emotional set up obliges. A tag must be put on a given group to either exclude them or include them on what or who is counted as people. Before 1947, when universal suffrage was not yet put into emotional necessity, women and non-tax payers, so-called slaves inclusive, were not part of the defined people for political emancipation. When they started demonstrating that they could help in

ensuring better future they were given rights of participation. Note that it was because the resource that they represented was getting invaded by thieves and charlatans that a responsive government reacted. It is not that kind of physical stealing of votes in Africa or the kind of veiling both humans and animals and dragging them to the polling booths to simulate vote casting and claiming majority won the election. People in question must indeed be seen as deserving the emancipation process. Three types of rebranded democracy seem to be creeping into the democratic culture even when they are mindful of their either Islamic or Christian penchants laicity or no laicity. That is also ensuring that the future is not left to the vagaries of human stupidity like my father says. Recently, Malaysia with its known Islamic dominance elected a prime minister to the greatest surprise of their own collective intellect, someone they once castigated and forced to step aside. That is also rethinking of what makes the emotional majority that could ensure the future. France, known as the eldest daughter of the Roman Catholic religion has been struggling to keep the future safe with its care of love or romantic embedded cohabitation process of governance. USA, the leader of free world, to their own greatest surprise know that freedom is what the governance process and who appropriate best the emotional content that ensures the future remains the accepted grund’norme to control and manipulate the constitution. Indeed their two party system ensures that and here is where Ibrahim Babangida must be extolled for insisting on two party system for a consistent human-

istic nature that must be guided against unbridled crave for misguided alternative. If Donald Trump has not come to the scene United States could have drifted to unbridled liberalism or ultra-liberalism; and that is also a state that makes the future headed to Sodom and Gomorrah. What people failed to recollect was that Junior Bush consulted Jacques Chirac before going to Iran war on the grounds that it is the bible injunction to stop an impending danger to their collective tomorrow in a display of ultra-conservatism which had a stop-gap in Obama. Democracy is a metaphor for economic resource governance that ensures trust of the future for the benefit of those who are emotionally sustained by the balancing waves of capitalism. You either abide by it or dissociate yourself from it as seen only by the Cubans for now. Russia and China have deviated and the world still sees them as socialist countries. Nigerian northern elite still believe in feudalism, a stage both Russians and Chinese battled with in the past to get to their current stage of another variant of democracy just as the current Arabian princes are struggling to reform theirs so as to ensure that thieves and charlatans do not threaten the trust they have in the future. It will surprise you to know that most of the humans in the capitalist field of the Arabian space are not part of the “people� that decide the governance process of the space and it is definitely a type of enabled foreign and princely engineered democracy, not the type of any kind of people by the people. Close to them is the Jewish type of democracy in which no capitalist oriented party wins election and the Jews still remain

the most cerebrally endowed, with the best managed space on earth and world known money hunters outside Israel of this world as well as the thorn in the flesh of their region. What a crazy world the Americans would exclaim. In all, the Africans still remain in the middle of nowhere with Nigeria leading to nowhere for now. Democracy has no place for celebration in Africa till Nigeria leads in understanding that the only salvation of the Africans is understanding how to reconstruct the unfolding process of democracy to suit its own environment by creating its own brand of development process that makes governance the process of engendering economic resource that makes the future safe and less threatened by thieves who plunder for foreign interests and charlatans who misguide the populace and the majority poor to believe that they are enjoying democracy for its end sake as against constantly creating trust in the future. Nigerians’ future is linked to the entire future of Africa which paradoxically found sacrifice in the over 10 million seed humans (not acknowledged as people for democratic process initially) taken away in slavery to anachronistically move humanity forward and upon whom the current stage of democracy is found under probe. In deed human beings do not need the type of African democracy described as hands tied at the polling booths or the type of herds’ vote in which human development index still remains below herd development index. Ariole is Professor of French and francophone studies at University of Lagos

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2018

EDITORIAL TRIAL OF CORRUPTION CASES The corruption and financial crimes cases’ committee has made a good case

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t is a known fact that the justice delivery system in Nigeria is weighed down by a combination of factors ranging from over-congested court list, poor attitude of judicial staff to work, inadequate infrastructure, corruption of judicial staff, lack of innovative technology in our court rooms and deployment by lawyers of technicalities. On so many occasions, when they are not offering bribes to judges, senior lawyers handling anti-graft cases throw decorum and professional ethics overboard to bring frivolous court applications aimed at scuttling the judicial process. Only recently, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) was convicted by an Ikeja High Court for tampering with the course of justice. Keen on addressing most of these challenges, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, last November set up a panel to find a lasting solution to why graft cases take forever to resolve. Last week, the Corruption and Financial Crimes Cases Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO) submitted its interim report to the National Judicial Council (NJC). But there was nothing entirely novel. The committee blamed the delays in corruption and financial crimes cases ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS IN on a combination of THE JUDICIAL SECTOR AND factors, but chiefly on THE ANTI-CORRUPTION poor prosecution. AGENCIES WILL FIND Mr. Soji Oye, THE REPORT USEFUL IN spokesman of the NJC, TACKLING THE MYRIAD OF said the Justice SuleiPROBLEMS ASSOCIATED man Galadima-led WITH CRIMINAL JUSTICE panel identified the SYSTEM absence of counsels in court, reliance on irrelevant documentary evidence, multiplicity of charges and non-adherence to court rules as obstacles to speedy dispensation of justice. According to COTRIMCO “offenders are charged to court before proper investigations of the charges are done, and afterwards, expecting the court to detain such alleged offenders till conclusion of their investigations”. In addition, the committee said prosecution agencies lacked experienced and capable personnel to prosecute corruption cases “which invariably leads to poor handling of such cases.”

Letters to the Editor

There is no doubt that the Nigerian judiciary is facing a crisis of credibility. Justice is monetised and often to the highest bidder. Delay in the hearing of cases is more or less an organised crime in which the lawyers, judges and judicial staff are the chief culprits. Many of the courts have scant regards for due process and rules of procedure which prescribe speedier administration of justice. As the COTRIMCO committee rightly pointed out, this is sometimes made worse by reliance on the out-dated method of transmission of cases from trial courts to relying on colonial-style bailiffs in an age of technology to serve notice on litigants.

U T H I S DAY EDITOR IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU DEPUTY EDITORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, JOSEPH USHIGIALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

nder the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 the practice of staying proceedings in criminal trials has been abolished. Trials are to be conducted day- by- day and if adjournment has to be granted, it shall not be more than 14 days. But many lawyers have been going round this through the illegal practice of subjecting witnesses to unending cross-examinations, some lasting for days with the judges indulging them. To stem this troubling challenge, Justice Onnoghen had in addition to the present effort, during the commencement of the 2017/2018 legal year, ordered the heads of courts to designate at least one court in their various jurisdictions as special courts solely for the purpose of hearing and speedily determining corruption and financial crime cases. For effectiveness, he also ordered heads of courts to clamp down on both prosecution and defence counsel who indulge in the unethical practice of deploying delay tactics to stall criminal trials. Taking all this into consideration, we wholeheartedly endorse the findings of the COTRIMCO’s committee. All the stakeholders in the judicial sector and indeed the anticorruption agencies will find the report useful in tackling the myriad of problems associated with criminal justice system. The committee’s recommendation of proper training for agencies of government “to have competent prosecution departments manned by qualified personnel,” should especially be taken to heart by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) especially given recent disastrous prosecution outings.

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

NIGERIA-CHINA CURRENCY SWAP: ANY FEARS?

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ecently Nigeria and China signed a bilateral agreement to operate a three-year currency-swap deal. The development is aimed at facilitating enhanced trade between both countries, given the fact that China is Nigeria’s biggest trading partner. The event which took place on April 27, 2018 in Beijing, China saw Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Godwin Emefiele standing for Nigeria while Dr Yi Gang of the Peoples Bank of China (PBoC) represented his country. The pact was the result of over two years of negotiations between both banks. The transaction is also intended at providing adequate local currency liquidity for Nigerian and Chinese industrialists and other businesses to reduce their difficulties in the search for a third currency. With the deal, Nigeria became the fourth country in Africa (after Ghana, South Africa and Zimbabwe) to sign on to Yuan for its trading and financial market transactions. The deal could not have come at a better time than now with the country’s exit from recession, impressive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through the establishment of the Importers and Exporters (I&E) window, resulting in steady reserves accretion. A currency swap is a process whereby two countries elect to denominate aspects of their mutual trade on a direct exchange between their respective national currencies, instead of a third-party value standard that is extraneous to them, which in the present global system is the US dollar. Under the currency swap arrangement, trade between Nigeria and China will be denominated in a direct exchange between the Naira and China’s currency, the

Rheminbi. Though divergent views have greeted the deal, and irrespective of the supposed trade imbalance in favour of China, mixed reactions have flowed freely with commendation of the initiative dominating. Bringing us to the major questions on every analyst and even an average Nigerians’ mind is whether the currency swap is a good idea for the nation’s economy right now. Does it bring any significant benefits? What are the aftermaths of the swap? Would Nigeria turn to dumping ground for Chinese goods? Experts and analysts both home and abroad have chorused that the development will lead to the reduction in the strain on Nigeria’s foreign reserves denominated in dollars, as it is set to take an important place in global trade and boost mutually beneficial business transactions between the two countries and Asian countries interested in trading or investing in Nigeria. The agreement will assist the two countries in managing their reserves, especially Nigeria by reducing the exposure of foreign reserves to the volatility risk of a single currency, the dollar. Nigeria will gain from the technical know-how and ingenuity of the Chinese in information technology, not to mention other benefits yet to be unveiled by the two countries. Furthermore, the deal will help in smoothening the bilateral trade relationship between Nigeria and China, as China is believed to be Nigeria’s largest trading ally. And more importantly and most crucial is China’s acceptance to swap its currency with Nigeria’s naira, an expression of confidence in the Nigerian economy, which is a good signal that Nigeria is back in business. However, some major notes of caution should be taken to

avoid what will be called ‘a major mistake in growing the nation’s economy’. The CBN must ensure that constant oversight and regulation is at its peak so that the rise in demand for the Yuan will not result in a possible depreciation of the naira against the Chinese currency and further widen the gaps in trade balance and balance of payments in favour of China. The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), should be alert and vigilant to ensure that the currency swap deal and its possible attendant surge in imports does not turn the country into a dumping ground for inferior/substandard Chinese products. The existing trade deal between Nigeria and China must be revisited and retooled at this moment to strengthen control and sanction mechanism against irregular and sub-standard exports from China targeting the Nigerian market. The recent statement coming from the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele that the 41 banned items are not included in the deal is a welcome development. The surge in Chinese imports if unchecked, especially given the history of appetite of Nigerians for imported goods, would negate the federal government’s import substitution agenda, stifle domestic production and place local industries in a pitiable and vulnerable condition with attendant effects that would defeat government’s efforts at job creation. Against this backdrop, the government’s agencies and indeed the Nigeria Customs Service should rise up to its billing in order to guard the nation against unbridled influx of goods. Rahma Oladosu, Wuye District, Abuja

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POLITICS

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

Buhari’s Speech and Reality Checks Many Nigerians are wondering whether the glowing achievements reeled out by President Muhammadu Buhari took place in Nigeria or somewhere else, reports Tobi Soniyi

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he democratic train which took off 19 years ago remains on track despite many challenges. For this alone, Nigerians deserve to celebrate. On the other hand, it is also a time for sober reflection. This is because nineteen years ago, it is indisputable that life was better. In the South-west, there is a prayer that our tomorrow should be better than yesterday. In the case of Nigeria, yesterday sadly remains better than today. Those in government today would want to dispute this claim but as the legal maxim goes, res ipsa loquitur (the fact speaks for itself). Listening to President Muhammadu Buhari churning out what his government has achieved in three years, many wonder whether those achievements actually took place in Nigeria or somewhere else. To be fair, both the president who claimed his government has done so much and the people who said they did not see those achievements are right. As equivocal as this sounds, when considered against the three cardinal points of the Buhari’s administration namely; security, corruption and the economy, it is easier to appreciate why people are not feeling the impact of the numerous achievements. Take security first. The president carefully chose his words when he said: ”Today, the capacity of the insurgents has been degraded leading to the re-establishment of authority of government and the release of captives including, happily, 106 Chibok and 104 Dapchi girls, and over 16,000 other persons held by the Boko Haram.” That is a tactical admission that Boko Haram has not been defeated. But beyond Boko Haram, the Buhari government turned out to be incompetent in stopping herdsmen from killing farmers. Militias and bandits have been killing people at will but the government has been unable to rise to the occasion. It is also unwilling to build ranches for the rampaging herdsmen. Rather than address the root cause of the deadly clashes, the government was merely prevaricating. It is disappointing that president failed in his Democracy Day broadcast to convince Nigerians that these killings will stop. Even his assurance that “we will not rest until all criminal elements and their sponsors are brought to justice,” sounds hollow because there are no concrete steps taken or being taken to punish the killers. In Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Kaduna and Zamfara states, which have been worst hit by these killings, people remain apprehensive. They are simply not convinced that this government can protect them. It is therefore, not difficulty to see that the picture painted by the president in his broadcast does not depict the reality on ground. On the economy, it is difficult to fault the claim made by the president in his broadcast. The only point of disagreement, however, will be on the impact those economic policies had on the people. Take for instance what government claims to achieved in its social investment programmes. The president said: “Home Grown School Feeding Programme – About 8.2 million pupils are currently being fed from 24 States of the Federation with over 75,000 catering staff engaged under the programme. b. The Conditional Cash Transfer has so far recorded over 297,000 caregivers and being trained by 2,495 Community Facilitators in 21 states. Less privileged Nigerians are now being paid N5,000 monthly stipend in 9 pilot States of Bauchi, Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Osun and Oyo. Eventually the scheme will cover all the 36 states of the federation including the FCT. Under the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme – About 264,269 loans had been disbursed to 4,822 societies in the 36 States and FCT, while another 370,635 are awaiting release of funds.

President Muhammadu Buhari

“N-Power Job creation Scheme – is targeted at providing jobs for unemployed young graduates and has so far recruited 200,000 youths while the next batch of 300,000 have been selected, verified and would soon be deployed across the 36 States and the FCT. Furthermore, 20,000 non-graduate volunteers have also been selected to kick off the N-Build programme in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council and the Council of Registered Builders of

To be fair, both the president who claimed his government has done so much and the people who said they did not see those achievements are right

Nigeria.” The problem with these figures is that they did not tell the whole story. As an illustration if N-Power Job creation Scheme, which is targeted at providing jobs for unemployed young graduates and has recruited 200,000 youths , the government failed to tell Nigerians the number of youths eligible for the scheme. It is like a father who has five children and is able to provide for only of the five children. Can he claim to have taken care of his children? The level of joblessness is so high and renders the government’s intervention too infinitesimal to make any meaningful impact. That is why it is difficult to find beneficiaries of these programmes in various states. It does not mean that they do not exist. Each state has not less than 200,000 eligible youths . How many of these beneficiaries come from each state? Breaking it down on states by states will convince the government that it has not yet done enough. On corruption, the president’s speech is remarkable for what it did not say. Buhari said: “The second primary object of this Administration is to fight corruption headlong. Like I have always said, if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will destroy the country. Three years into this Administration, Nigerians and the international community have begun to applaud our policies and determination to fight corruption. We are more than ever before determined to win this war, however hard the road is. I therefore appeal to all wellmeaning Nigerians to continue to support us in this fight.”

The president did not talk about how he swept under the carpet the scandals over MTN fine, Abdulrasheed Maina ‘s reinstatement and the grass cutting fraud involving the former Secretary to the Federal Government, Babachir Lawal just to mention a few. While the president is quick to arrest members of the opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, he is quick to look the other side when his friends are involved in corruption. This explains why Nigerians have refused to embrace the president’s war against corruption. Another statement from the president’s broadcast which deserves mention is where he said: “My dear country men and women, as we all celebrate our democratic experience, let us resolve to avoid hatred and intolerance; we can only achieve our objectives in an atmosphere of harmony and peaceful co-existence.” The president has allowed those who make peaceful co-existence difficult to walk free without holding them accountable. His inability to bring justice for victims and relatives of people killed by herdsmen and bandits means that peaceful co-existence will remain elusive. It also means that those doing the killings remained emboldened. They are more likely to continue. In conclusion, the president will have to do more to develop the country. If a government claims to have done certain kilometres of roads, those who drive on that roads will testify to that fact. By then, the president’s achievements will speak for themselves. He will not need to labour so much to convince Nigerians.

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PERSPECTIVE

Babalola: Time to Return to the Basics Founder of Afe Babalola University, Chief Afe Babalola insists that it will take restructuring to address the ills holding back Africa’s most populous nation

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congratulate every Nigerian on the occasion of yet another ‘Democracy Day’, a day set aside to celebrate the return to civil rule after decades under military rule. As is customary, there will be parades across all the states and at the Federal Capital Territory to mark this special day, speeches upon speeches will be made and much effort will also be made to analyse and celebrate the ‘gains’ made since the return to democratic rule. However, while I share in the joy of the day, I am yet forced to recall a statement which I made in 2011 on the occasion of the celebration of the nation’s 51st independence anniversary. At that time I stated as follows: …it surely cannot be denied that what is required at this time of our National life is indeed deep and sober reflections on the part of those saddled with the administration of the affairs of the country, on the social, political and economic fortunes of our country. The occasion of the 51st anniversary to my mind should be used not to celebrate whatever gains it is felt Nigeria has achieved in the period between 1960 and today but rather should be devoted to a reflection on what could have, but was unfortunately not achieved. As Abraham Lincoln stated, a towering genius does not celebrate the ordinary. Such a person disdains paths already beaten by others. He seeks areas of endeavour yet unexplored and conquers them. The focus should be on what have we missed or got wrong as a Nation? I consider the above to be relevant today, more than it ever was seven years ago. Perhaps a little history will bring this into proper perspective. Prior to 1884, there was no Nigeria. A large area of land measuring 356,669 square miles which is bigger than England and Germany put together and now known as Nigeria was the unilateral creation of Europeans at Berlin conference without the consent or knowledge or approval of the 370 ethnic groups inhabiting the area. The inhabitants which include Yorubas, Hausas, Igbos etc were amalgamated as a country. The major objective in bringing them together was to allow for a more viable commercial enterprise and not because of any need to build a nation. This arrangement was bound to bring and indeed brought about problems of integration and forging of a true national identity. In 1948, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who later became the prime minister during the first republic stated as follows: “Since 1914 the British Government has been trying to make Nigeria into one country, but the Nigerian people themselves are historically different in their backgrounds, in their religious beliefs and customs and do not show themselves any sign of willingness to unite…” In 1960, after about 10 years of deliberation at Lancaster House in London by Nigerian leaders including Zik, Sadauna and Awolowo agreed on a loose Federal constitution which would permit the different nations to develop at their own rate. In fashioning the independence constitution they were very much aware of the diversity of the ethnicities that make up the country. They recognised the strengths and weaknesses of the regions. Yet amidst all these they saw diversity not as disadvantage but more as a blessing to the new nations. The notion of Unity in diversity was born. The national anthem itself took note of the diversity, part of which reads: “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand”. First Republic The first republic, 1960 - 1966 witnessed rapid development in all areas raising that a nation Nigeria would metamorphosed from the state. Each region benefited from its resources at its own pace. While the West had the cocoa plantations, the East was buoyant with palm oil production while the North had its groundnut pyramids. Each region was complementary of each other in an atmosphere of healthy rivalry.

Unfortunately, as at December 31, 2017 the gains of the past appear to have been eroded. The foreign debt has increased to USD$18,913,000,000

While significant gains have been made in the fight against the Boko haram insurgency, numerous lives are still lost to attacks made by the insurgents. Our roads are unsafe day and night with attacks by armed robbers and kidnappers. On the economic front, many businesses have collapsed owing to the high cost of doing business and lack of capital. As a result, politics has become the only lucrative business with Nigerian politicians earnings being the highest anywhere in the world. The gap between the rich and poor has widened and continues to widen. There is poverty in the land. Salaries are in arrears, Pensions and gratuities are not paid. Judgment debts remained unpaid for decades, contractors dues remained unpaid. Begging at wedding, funeral and birthday parties, churches and mosques have become the order of the day. Were the expectations of May 29 1999 realised? I presume you answer is in the negative.

Chief Afe Babalola, SAN

With the income that came in, the governments at the Federal and Regional levels were able to provide amenities necessary to improve the lives of the citizenry. Efforts were also made to improve upon those already put in place by the past colonial administrations. Public schools and Hospitals were well funded and equipped. The roads were maintained. It was a time of bliss. Unfortunately it did not last. Military Era However, in 1966 the military carried out a bloody coup and scrapped the constitution and imposed military government which lasted for 33 years. The military regime witnessed removal of judges from Supreme Court down to the high court without trial or notice, devaluation of naira, reduction of allocation to education, arrest of human rights lawyers, imprisonment of innocent Nigerians, migration of academics to overseas, increase in external debt arbitrary arrest and abuse of power etc. In 1999, following agitations from Nigerians and several failed promises of a return to democratic rule, the military finally organised general elections in which President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, was voted in as president. The election result was challenged by Chief

A government that claimed it was coming to fight corruption must avoid looted funds – APC has not been able to do that

Olu Falae of the AD and some others. I had the privileged of leading over 30 lawyers in defending the President in 1999 and later in 2003. The reported decisions of the Courts in those matters, at the last count were about fifteen in number. I was also present at Eagle square on the 29th of May 1999 when the military handed over power. That indeed was a historic day marked with joy and jubilation throughout the country. High Expectations Hopes and expectations were high. The first task of President Obasanjo was to go round the world to beg for forgiveness of our huge external debt He succeeded. He increased the allocation to education even though he could not reach the threshold of 26% of the budgetary allocation advocated by UNESCO. He addressed the issue of agriculture and propagated the philosophy of Nigerians to prefer locally made goods to imported goods. He did a lot for the judiciary, transportation by road and railway, education and agriculture and telecommunications sector. Unfortunately, as at December 31, 2017 the gains of the past appear to have been eroded. The foreign debt has increased to USD$18,913,000,000. Budgetary allocations to education went down to 7% while the allocation to maintenance of political structures such as the National Assembly increased astronomically. Owing to lack of adequate funding of security agencies, insecurity has become the order of the day as safety of lives and properties have been threatened more than what we had ever known. Hundreds have been slaughtered by yet to be identified persons in Benue, Nassarawa, Kaduna and some other states of the federation. Our universities are now local universities with local teachers providing local certificates for local consumption. President Buhari was quoted recently to have said that; “Nigerian graduates are worthless”. The statement is correct when applied to most of the public universities.

Way Out Education is the catalyst for overcoming ignorance, poverty and raising standard of living in the country. No reasonable person would prefer a return to military rule. A civilian government whether bad or good is preferable to military government as the opportunity exists, in a democratic setting, for the populace to have a say, through the ballot, in the choice of who governs them. Therefore, I expect that all Nigerians must be interested in a democratic government which is beneficial to the people. To make this a reality, there is a need for the concerted effort of all, the governors and the governed alike, in addressing many of the factors which are holding us back as a nation. One such factor, which I have identified time and time again, is the huge cost of running our present political structure. I have questioned whether we can afford the current set up of 36 states, the majority of which rely only on allocation from the federal purse to survive? Why do we appear so comfortable with a system in which the executive and legislative set-up at the federal level is replicated across all the 36 states with a retinue of commissioners, special assistants, assistant special assistants, aides etc? I have questioned whether we need two tiers of the national assembly, when a huge percentage of the annual budget goes to the maintenance of the national legislature thereby depriving other crucial areas such as education, health and transportation of much needed funding. Can we not borrow a leaf from Senegal which recognised the wastage inherent in the two-tier legislative system and abolished it? Is it not possible to have legislators serve on part time basis rather than full time? These and many more are issues which call for urgent attention and until they are addresses by means of a National Conference with a mandate to explore means of restructuring the country, I will continue to call for sombre celebrations at occasions like this, just as I did seven years ago.

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FEATURES

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

Moment of Glory On May 19, the American University of Nigeria rolled out the drums to celebrate the 10th commencement ceremony of the university and presidential inauguration. Ugo Aliogo who attended the event, reports

The AUN graduate Class of 2018

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e walked to the podium amidst encomiums from the jubilant guests whose faces were glowing in happiness. His face was beaming with smiles and his carriage was that of a prince on his coronation. There was something comforting about his demeanour and the way he spoke; the softness of his voice and the uncommon grace with which he inspired the guests. He seemed not to possess any weakness. He was in full control of himself, never allowing the emotions of the occasion to take over him. Despite being the valedictorian for the

I studied very hard, I made sure I didn't go over again on what I learnt during studies and it helped a lot during my preparations for examinations. I did countless revisions throughout the semester and involved myself on other students' activities and this helped me in my expressive language, social interaction, leadership skills, emotional intelligence and analytics. I am very grateful I am a graduate of this institution]

10th Commencement Ceremony of American University of Nigeria (AUN), in the class of 2018, Benedict Egwuchukwu is an epitome of humility. He is a man who personifies success, sacrifice and selflessness. Egwuchukwu is an Accounting major with a Cumulative Grade Point of Average (CGPA) of 3.9. His craving for hard work and excellence has a strong parental influence. During his school days in AUN, he provided the sparks and the guiding light for his course mates. The breath of his intelligence and faith in God were the touchstones which helped sharpen the rough edges in some of the activities he embarked upon in the university. He is a symbol of success for his family, course mates and the university. He began his speech trying to weave his thoughts around school life experiences, the vitality of the relationships he had built in the course of study and the future ahead. The aura of confidence with which he spoke showed a man cut out for the future. Egwuchukwu seem baked in a type of incandescent light. He went through memory lane to remind those he left behind that to attain success in their academics, there be enormous investment in hard work and perseverance in the face of difficulties. He began his academic journey in August 2014, an experience he recalled vividly like the back of his hand. Egwuchukwu explained that schooling in the citadel of learning had different experiences for them; some had the joy of an education system they believed would foster their dreams and bring them to reality, another had the sorrow of returning to school much tougher, while others had the joy of leaving high school, “regardless of our purpose, we found ourselves in the same environment bound by the same rules and regulations.” He enjoined those he left behind that regardless of whatever prior information they have had about the school the journey was not easy for the Class of 2018, stating that they had countless sleepless nights trying to submit their assignments, reading up for the

next day, waking up very early to prepare for their 8a.m. classes in order to ensure that they are not locked out. An excited Egwchukwu said: “The beginning of my AUN experience was marked with the struggle to earn good grades as well as a spot in the Dean or President’s list, hence, a given nickname by my colleagues, known as ‘bookworm’. Although, if they knew what lay behind the scenes, their perspective would have been different. However, that did not deter me but towards the end of my second year, I concluded that I would not only go through the university, but let the university go through me, by engaging in students' activities. “Basically, my first two years were solely on my academics, everything I did was mainly for my academics, ignoring all forms of distractions. I studied very hard, I made sure I didn't go over again on what I learnt during studies and it helped a lot during my preparations for examinations. I did countless revisions throughout the semester and involved myself on other students' activities and this helped me in my expressive language, social interaction, leadership skills, emotional intelligence and analytics. I am very grateful I am a graduate of this institution. “The academic training received from this institution is wonderful. The instructors are very cooperative and always ready to listen to you. The school also offers you more opportunities to do more than academics, and it's helpful because today, people are not just looking for those that are smart alone, but those that can interact and offer communication skills and express their ideas. This institution is extraordinary and they have the necessary tools to empower and create future Nigerian leaders. “I never dreamt or believed of being the student of the institution. I just do my normal study criteria and academic activities with other students and I was surprised when I received the email that I am one of the candidates that was nominated for Best

Students’ Award which was a month ago. “My social life expanded beyond my imagination, I got to meet a lot of people, speakers from my academic programmes, top musicians people I never dream of coming across and other connection my friends and colleagues introduced me to. The Managing Director of Afriinvest Oke Chidioke, at the dinner and award night. “My father used to tell me to always move forward and never think of going backwards and I always made sure I accomplished everything my age requires me to accomplish so that in future we don't need to do what we ought to do in our youthful age. My parents have been a great influence in my academics and they always monitor my social life as well. “As a student, the first thing to know is yourself, knowing yourself will enable you to know what you can do and what you can't do, and things that cause distractions in your life. The next is discipline, learn to discipline yourself. Lack of discipline might hinder someone's growth in life. You have to leave the boundaries that are blocking you away from your goals. “You also need to seek help because most people today always intend staying within themselves which I believe is lack of courage or shyness and no one is an island of knowledge and people are learning everyday and it is very important to ask for other people’s help whenever we have challenges.” When the fourth inaugurated President of AUN, Dr. Dawn Dekle, came unto the podium, there was a resounding applause from the crowd to welcome a woman who they believed would be able to translate her ideas and principles in the successful governance of the university. Prior to being appointed the President of AUN in July 2017, she had served as the President of Orkhon University in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, which was the first university to open after Mongolia transitioned from communism in 1992. Dekle has built a solid track record as an academic, international educator and administrator.

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FEATURES Dekle has a very quiet and unassuming personality. She is amiable and humble. One of her efforts has been centred on achieving community sustainability. The focus of the initiative is to promote huge recycling campaign on campus known as ‘efficiency campaign’. The campaign provides the students the opportunity to find out which residency hall uses the less electricity, less air conditioner and water in a very resourceful way, then that hall wins a price. She stated that they would not only pursue sustainability, but sustainable communities, adding that she envisions the university becoming a larger part of the active Northeastern Nigeria corridor. She explained that her vision for the university is based on the belief that accessibility to the benefits of education supports a dynamic and prosperous society. “Today, I invite you to consider what will be your contribution to this colourful tapestry. Each of you has an important role to play in this colourful tapestry, this AUN alliance. Together, we will transform this vision into a plan.” Dekle charged the graduating students to see their graduation as their golden ticket to change the world, stating that being a person of value is more important than a person of achievement, therefore she advised the students to be exemplary role models who would positively impact others. The AUN President told the students that they are the generation that can close the gap between dreaming and doing, stating that their civilisations courses at the university have taught them that there are moments in history where civilisations redefine themselves. According to her, “Graduates, we are here today to celebrate your achievements with your teachers, families, and friends, and to welcome you into our Alumni College. Today is the beginning of your moment. Graduation is the beginning, not the end. Graduation is your golden ticket to change the world. I want you to make your dreams at least one size too big and grow into them. “Today you are turning the page by graduating, but turning the page is not the same thing as writing the next chapter, which is what you must do. Your future is in good hands -your own. There will be times when your heart talks to you. These will be your moments of truth and when your heart speaks, you must take good notes. Being a person of value is more important than being a person of achievement; please remember that while many people can figure costs, far fewer people can measure values. I urge you, don’t simply become something, but be someone, and that someone should be your character and deepest values played out in your daily actions. We have an unprecedented opportunity to make a difference and as President of AUN, I charge you to take up this challenge. This is your turn to write the next chapter, to add your voice to the narrative, in solving the pressing matters of this time.” The university graduated 21 students

L-R: Founder, Atiku Abubakar congratulates Valedictorian Benedict Egwuchukwu, President of AUN, Dawn Dekle shares joy with Class Speaker Ashley Gekpe, at AUN's 10th Commencement...recently

AUN Founder, Atiku Abubakar flanked by the Best Graduating Student, Benedict Egwuchukwu (left) and Class Speaker, Ashley Gekpe, at AUN's 10th Commencement

Graduates, we are here today to celebrate your achievements with your teachers, families, and friends, and to welcome you into our Alumni College. Today is the beginning of your moment. Graduation is the beginning, not the end. Graduation is your golden ticket to change the world. I want you to make your dreams at least one size too big and grow into them

in the Master of Science category, one in the Post Graduate Diploma and 136 in the Undergraduate category. The valedictorian and best graduating student of the Class of 2018 was Mr. Benedict Egwuchukwu, an Accounting major with a Cumulative Grade Points (CGPA) of 3.9, while the Speaker of class of 2018, Ms. Ashley Gekpe, was a Petroleum Chemistry major. The AUN’s Founder, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who shared his thoughts on the grand legacy, stated that the university is his most fulfilling investment, “not just because it provides jobs like my other endeavours, but more importantly because its graduates are change agents needed for transforming the country to the benefit of all.” The AUN founder noted his investment in AUN has generated dividends in terms of raising men and women who are problem solvers, adding that education is the master key that would unlock the vast potentials in Nigeria and set Africa’s largest economy and most populous country on the path to full socio-economic development. He said to unlock the vast potential in the economy; there must be the right mix of adequate funding of the education sector and a curriculum that promotes entrepreneurship among undergraduates, as is the practice at

the university. The former Vice-President noted that with the diminishing role of crude oil as the mainstay of the national economy, it has become expedient for Nigeria to focus on the development of its most important resources, human capital, which he said was far much more sustainable than oil or any other resource. According to him, “It is becoming evident by the day that the future of Nigeria lies not in the bowels of the earth, but in what is in the head of our people, that is the human capital.” He noted that there is a nexus between education, development, and security, as an enlightened, multi-ethnic society would be more tolerant leading to social cohesion and harmony. “An educated citizenry will be less prone to being willing tools in the hands of divisive elements who exploit existing fault lines. Consequently, we will have fewer crises that are inimical to national unity and stability,” he said. In his remarks, the Managing Director of Flutterwave, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, charged the AUN Class of 2018 to prepare themselves to play critical roles in the continued survival of the continent.

Aboyeji, who was also the Commencement Speaker at the 2018 commence service, said, “as some of the best-educated young people in this country, you are now not only responsible for yourself, but also for the fate of our human species.” Aboyeji charged the graduating students that the training they have received from the university would help them in playing critical roles in the economy and also prepare them for the challenge of nation building. He called for more innovation, creativity, selflessness and hard work, leveraging of the best technology, thinking, training and talent to build the future, adding that individual answers to the following questions would help each graduand arrive at meaningful projects. According to him, “Take out time to figure out what truly matters to you and passionately working for it, is your first step to taking responsibility for our future. We have to build for the future intentionally. We cannot build things so that we can make money or please people. We have to think long and hard about the future and dedicate ourselves to building institutions that will stand the test of time. The future is our responsibility. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance. It lies in our hands.”

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

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Quick Takes Osinbajo, Others for Airtel Touching Lives

Wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, and the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, will lead high-profile guests who have confirmed they would attend the premiere of Airtel Touching Lives season four. The premiere, which is billed to hold next Sunday at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, is also expected to have the Chairman Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice and the Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Communications, Senator Solomon Olamilekan. According to Airtel, the Chairman, House Committee on Communications, Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, his deputy, Hon. Ujam Chukwuemeka, and Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Senator, Olabiyi Durojaiye, among many others, will also grace the premiere. Captains of industry, heads of agencies, non-governmental organisations, philanthropists and notable media proprietors are also expected to attend.

Mr Chef Unveils New Products

PRESIDENTIAL VISIT

L-R: Greenlight Operations Manager for Uber Nigeria, O’Yoma Ukueku; Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and General Manager West Africa, Uber, Lola Kassim, at the official visit of the Vice President to Uber Greenlight Hub in Abuja...recently

Stanbic IBTC Pension Assets Hit N2.53tn Ebere Nwoji Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers has said that assets currently under its control have hit N2.53 trillion. This figure represents significant percentage of the total N7.779 trillion pension assets in Nigeria invested in various portfolios. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Mr. Eric Fajemisin, who disclosed this at a recent press briefing in Lagos recently, said the company maintains a total of 1.6 million Retirement Savings Account holders (RSA) and has so far paid N66.5 billion to 37,700 retirees on a monthly or quarterly basis as required by the retirees.

ECONOMY He said about 12.5percent of the assets are invested in the equity market, adding that the company is ready for the multi fund structure initiative of the regulator which is expected to kick off in July. He described the multi fund structure as categorisation of pension funds into four different structures using age as critical determinant factor for risk taking. According to him, the structure will kick off July 1 and Stanbic IBTC is ready to play along with the new initiative of the regulator. PenCom Investment Supervision Personnel, Mr. Ibrahim Kangiwa, had at a recent seminar organised by

the commission in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, announced that the multi fund Structure initiative would kick off among PFAs on July, 1, 2017. Kangiwa, said the main objective of the RSA multi-fund investment structure is to resolve the challenge of asset-liability risk management experienced by pension funds. According to him, this would be achieved by: better aligning the risk and returning expectations of contributors; better matching of pension assets and liabilities; as well as diversification of pension fund portfolios, as minimum limits are set for aggregate investments in variable income securities for each fund. Fajemisin, noted that RSA Multi-Fund Investment structure,

which replaces the “one-sizefits-all” arrangement that puts all active contributors into one RSA Fund, would resolve the challenge of asset-liability risk management faced by the operators. He said it will do this by aligning the age and risk profile of RSA holders to match the four funds, adding that contributors would have a better chance to earn improved returns on their investments in proportion to their risk appetites. According to him, the different categories of the multi-funds structure are Fund 1, Fund 2, Fund 3 and Fund 4. Fund 1 is targeted at people of 49 years Continued on page 24

FG Pledges Enabling Policies for SMEs to Thrive Emma Okonji Worried about the high rate at which small and medium enterprises (SMEs) particularly start-ups, collapse in Nigeria despite mentorships, the federal government has pledged to design policies that will create enabling environment for small businesses to grow and be sustained. Special Assistant to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Ife Adebayo, who dropped the hint during an interview with THISDAY in Lagos recently, said SMEs remained the bedrock for technology advancement in the country, but decried the rate at which start-up businesses

ICT spring up and collapse, despite mentorships from various investors. He however said the federal government had shown a great deal of interest in technology development in the country as exhibited by Osinbajo through the inauguration of various ICT projects across the country, adding that government would continue to formulate policies that would sustain SME businesses in the country. Giving reasons why SMEs and entrepreneurs fail, Adebayo said: “There are so many raisons why entrepreneurs fail, in spite of mentorships, which cut across lack of adequate finance, basic

skills to sustain businesses among others. Government is however making it possible for entrepreneurs to succeed in business, by putting in place, measures that will ensure easy ways of registering their businesses online and creating the enabling environment for them to do business with ease. “Government is putting in place policies that will ensure that the propensity of Nigerian businesses to fail will be greatly reduced.” According to him, “We have wealth of experienced people in Nigeria that SMEs and entrepreneurs could look up to for mentorship and the opportunities are there. So mentorship is important to

support businesses from collapsing.” Highlighting the federal government’s interventions to grow technology across Nigeria, Adebayo said: “The present government has shown so much commitment in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) development across the country and this can be clearly seen in the passion that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has for technology development among Nigerian youths and start-ups. The Vice President has continually taken the message of the President on technology development to the people of Nigeria. The government Continued on page 24

In a bid to create more value for its consumers, Sweet Nutrition Limited, makers of Mr. Chef seasonings and cubes has re-launched its brand of seasonings and cubes into the Nigerian market. The unveiling, which took place in Lagos recently saw the firm re-launch its cubes and seasonings to delight of its customers and consumers. The Managing Director, Sweet Nutrition Limited, Mr. Kumar Venkataraman in his speech said the materials used for the product were imported and locally sourced. He thanked everyone for honouring the event even as he described the event as a well-deserved recognition for their trade partners as well as the consumers for their continued patronage of their favourite seasoning cube and seasoning powders. Venkataraman also stated that mobile kitchens had been put in place where the company would be going to strategic places towards creating awareness for the newly relaunched seasonings and cubes. He pointed out that Mr. Chef seasonings, which were first unveiled into the Nigerian market in 2009 before the re-launch was done in order to continue serving the interest of their valued consumers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers respectively.

Danbatta for Business Journal Lecture

The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, will deliver the Business Journal 10th Anniversary Lecture on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The lecture with the theme: Infrastructure and Economic Growth: Exploring The Strategic Alliance, would be chaired by the Chairman, OpenMedia Group, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe. The guest speakers include Professor Akpan Ekpo, DirectorGeneral, West African Institute for Financial & Economic Management (WAIFEM); Mr. Tope Smart, Group Managing Director/CEO, NEM Insurance Plc ; Dr. Obadiah Mailafia, Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Engr. Chidi Izuwah, Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC). Commenting on the anniversary, the Publisher/CEO of Business Journal, Prince Cookey, said: “Indeed, the first 10 years comes once in the life of an individual or organisation. For us at Business Journal, clocking a decade in the challenging media scene in Nigeria is quite a feat. It is a feat driven by passion for what we do; the innate quality of our people and the drive to deliver greater value to our various stakeholders as well as create better future for the organisation. We owe a lot of gratitude to numerous individuals and organisations across various sectors of the economy for supporting us these past 10 years in a difficult business in a difficult and unfriendly business environment.”

“Lagos government will upscale all functional ICT centres in the state to the status of ICT hub, beginning with Yaba Technology Innovation Centre” Lagos Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Hakeem Popoola Fahm

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BUSINESSWORLD STANBIC IBTC PENSION ASSETS HIT N2.53TN and below who in the quest for higher returns are willing to take more risks. Fund 2 is aimed at people who, are aged 49 years and below but are still working but are satisfied with moderate returns and levels of risks. Fund 3 targets people 50 years and above but still working and have very low risk appetite. In Fund 4 are retirees who have the lowest risk profile of all categories. Speaking on the micropension scheme, Fajemisin said it would help in deepening asset accumulation in the country, and provide the crucial capital required for investment in critical sectors of the economy. As an initiative designed to cover an estimated 70 percent of Nigeria’s working population is in the informal sector, the scheme offers enormous benefits to the society and ensure improved standard of living for the elderly, guarantees the safety of funds and may provide access to other incentives, such as mortgage facilities and health insurance, regardless of challenges associated with its seamless implementation. FG PLEDGES ENABLING POLICIES FOR SMES TO THRIVE had said that it is interested in developing the country technologically and it has always shown that in different fora where ICT projects were commissioned in the country. “Government has made funding for SMEs through the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Central Bank of Nigeria has funds for SMEs development and a great chunk of those funds have been released under appropriate supervision.” In the area of policy, infrastructure and access to finance, I will gladly say that this government has lived up to the expectations of the people, Adebayo added. Commending Facebook and Google for their initiatives in assisting government in developing the ICT sector, Adebayo said the recent launch of NG-Hub in Yaba, Lagos by Facebook and the recent launch of Google Impact Challenge (GIC) initiative designed to empower Nigerians with ICT skills development, remained exciting and encouraging.

NEWS

How Upperlink Changed the Face of Payment System with PayChoice Emma Okonji Upperlink, one of the 11 licensed Payment Service Solution Providers (PSSPs), has developed a local payment software solution that is currently revolutionising the financial payment system. The solution has attracted the attention of the Central Bank Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its stakeholders. The local payment solution known as PayChoice, is a selfservice payment and collection infrastructure gateway that offers payment and collection efficiency. Developed in August 2016, the solution became commercially viable in January 2017, allowing corporate organisations and government agencies with multiple accounts in different banks, to identify all such accounts and operate them on a single platform that is provided by PayChoice. It offers solution for instant payment of salaries and financial remunerations for vendors, merchants and contractors. Based on its unique operational module, PayChoice recently won the CBN Electronic Payments Incentive Scheme (EPIS) Efficiency Awards, topping other 10 licensed PSSPs. Upperlink won the innovation award for efficiency by beating competing brands in the Cashless Driver: Payment Solutions Service Provider (PSSP) category to the coveted accolade last weekend. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Upperlink, Mr. Segun Akano, explained that the locally developed

software has helped state governments with multiple accounts scattered across several banks in their states that were hitherto unknown to the state governments, to detect such hidden accounts, thus helping state governments to recover lost funds and to block further financial leakages. Akano who spoke with journalists in Lagos said by leveraging on the integration to the National Switch and the company’s vast experience in deploying bespoke software

solutions, the firm has created a payment and collection platform which allows “for easy, fast and safe payments of bills, vendor and bulk payments.” He explained that the company’s platform offers customers the advantages to deliver fast and efficient payment, as it has successfully been integrated into the Nigerian Central Switch operated by the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) in the country, which gives customers the ability to route payments via

their preferred channels “PayChoice stands out from the rest as we have carefully studied the market by interacting with key stakeholders and users to develop a user-customer centric product. Unlike other platforms, we have created a robust, yet user-friendly application which solves all payment problems. “We have streamlined our on-boarding process to ensure that due diligence and integrations are concluded within a week. We have easy to-use

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that allows third party systems to connect easily”, Akano said. Explaining how the payment platform has suddenly risen to stardom, Akano said the market remained huge but that, “our unique selling point is simplicity, efficiency of payments and a feel-at-home-customer service. Besides, we have a zero tolerance for payment failure. We have high level of security and are compliant to the regulatory payment standard”.

CONGRATULATIONS

Idonesit Ekpanya of Glory Technology Ltd, Uyo; Mrs. Ute Huschert; Chairman/CEO of Thompson and Grace Investment Limited, Lagos, Dr. Isaac Thompson Amos; Artist, Film maker and producer of the “Future World” film, Mr. Wilfred Ukpong; President of German Film Producers Association, Mr. Wolfgant Jo Huschert; Vice Chairman, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mr. Udom Inoyo; and Executive Director, Thompson and Grace Investment Ltd, Mr. Otobong Amos, at the formal presentation of Golden Film Award in the “EcoTourism” category in the International Tourisms Borse-Berlin’s Golden City-Gate Film Festival, in Germany to Ukpong, at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja… recently

Baker Hughes Partners TREXM on Crude Oil Metering Ejiofor Alike Baker Hughes, a GE company, in partnership with a local firm, TREXM Oil and Gas Services, has unveiled the latest innovative metering solution in the Nigerian market to help players in the oil and gas sector cut costs, reduce risk, and increase their operating efficiency. The new cutting-edge solution new Sentinel LCT8, was unveiled in Lagos at a technology seminar on custody transfer metering in Nigeria, hosted by the US Consulate’s Commercial Desk in conjunction with BHGE and TREXM Oil & Gas Services. Speaking at the event, the

Commercial Counsellor, US Mission to Nigeria, Brent Omdahl, said the seminar was designed as a platform for interaction between oil and gas operators and regulatory bodies, as well as to introduce the latest trends in liquid custody transfer metering in the Nigerian market. He disclosed that BHGE, working in conjunction with TREXM, has satisfied all the custody transfer metering requirements as set by the main regulatory body in the Nigerian oil industry, culminating in the acquisition of an official approval for ultrasonic flow metering to be used for the said purpose.

Also speaking at the seminar, the Chief Executive Officer, Sub Saharan Africa, Baker Hughes, a GE company (BHGE), Mr. Ado Oseragbaje said the launch of the product was a continuation of the company’s efforts to aid the growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, stressing that the new Sentinel LCT8 will help tackle some of the challenges currently being experienced by operators, including high cost of maintenance of pipelines. Oseragbaje commended US Embassy Commercial Desk for partnering with BHGE to organise the conference which provides an opportunity for oil and gas operators and regulatory bodies in the sector

to interface. In his remark, the Chief Executive Officer of TREXM Nigeria, Bolu Bolutife Odusanya argued that in pipeline flow metering applications, miscalculations or false alarms cost money. “The right technology, like the Sentinel LCT8 can reduce the uncertainty inherent in flow measurement. It gives pipeline operators confidence in their process measurement and the insight they need to avoid problems when revenue, the environment, or reputations are at stake,” Odusanya said. The Sentinel LCT8, the latest addition to the high-accuracy line of ultrasonic flow meters

from BHGE, delivers custody transfer-level measurement, even in the unstable conditions typical of pipelines. With eight measurement paths, it gives operators better visibility into activities in their pipelines, helping them make informed decisions and minimize risks. Unlike older mechanical technologies like the turbine and positive displacement that are subject to wear and Coriolis meters that have pipe size limitations, ultrasonic advantages include no drifting or required periodic calibration, no pressure drop, no restriction in the pipe, no moving parts and no filters or strainers to wear out.

Accenture Commits $200m to Education, ICT Skills Training Emma Okonji 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 (Cap Mkt)

Accenture is committing more than $200 million over the next three years to help equip disadvantaged people with job skills for the digital age. The initiative, according to the company, is to support its vision to improve the way the world works and lives. Announcing the initiative, Accenture’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pierre Nanterme, said: “As a technology leader, we have an obligation to apply new scalable technology solutions to help solve complex societal challenges.

“Our investments will continue to empower Accenture to produce socially minded partnerships and programs that will have a profound impact on the lives of millions of people throughout the world, now and for the future.” Accenture’s commitment will help support Skills to Succeed, Tech4Good, Accenture Development Partnerships and related Accenture initiatives, he said, adding that the company’s Skills to Succeed initiative advances employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, leveraging digital innovation to help close

employment gaps at scale. Together with a network of nonprofits and other ecosystem partners, Accenture has since 2010 equipped more than 2.2 million people with the skills to get a job or build a business, with a goal of equipping a total of more than three million people by 2020, Nanterme said. In South Africa, Skills to Succeed has already equipped thousands of people with job skills since 2015, with the vast majority of them gaining employment in digital, software development and business process services. One Skills to Succeed programme

in the country is CE3 in rural KwaZulu-Natal, which serves as a catalyst for local economic development. The programme strengthens existing businesses, creates employment opportunities and builds new businesses through, among other things, the provision of clean, affordable electricity. Accenture Development Partnerships works across government, business and civil society, applying business and technology solutions to build capacity and strengthen programs for development organisations around the globe, including Nigeria,

where several initiatives have been carried out. Accenture collaborated with a consortium of nonprofit partners and corporations in 2013 to create Emplea+, an online program that helps marginalised individuals develop technical, digital and soft skills needed for employment. “The opportunity to improve lives requires collaboration across business, government and non-governmental organizations,” Nanterme said, adding that as leaders weigh new technologies and applications, all hands must be on deck to make them work.

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E-BUSINESS

Matters Arising from EU’s Data Protection Law Implementation of the European Union’s General Data Protection Law, which took effect from May 25, could have far-reaching implications for non-compliance that must be addressed, writes Emma Okonji The much talked about European Union (EU)’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) law, finally took effect from last week, precisely May 25, 2018, with broad reaching implications for non-compliance. Although the GDPR law is a new EU privacy regulation law that is designed for EU member countries, which Nigeria is not part of, the law is binding on all organisations, government agencies and private businesses globally, that offer goods and services to people in the EU or that collect and analyse data linked to EU residents. The GDPR law is therefore binding on Nigerians and Nigerian businesses that offer any type of goods and services to EU member countries. The regulation, known as GDPR sets a new bar for privacy rights, security and compliance.

“According to the official document released by EU on GDPR, titled ‘Unlocking the EU General Data Protection Regulation,’ the GDPR law comes with many benefits and importance. First it provides a very widerange policy that will impact almost every organisation that is based in the EU, as well as every organisation that does business in the EU, even if based outside the EU member countries. Also, the EU legislators felt that organisations do no longer take their data protection responsibilities seriously enough, and so the GDPR dramatically increases the maximum penalties for non compliance to as mush as €20 million (N8.5billion) or 4 per cent of global turnover and these numbers are specifically designed to attract C-Suite attention.”

Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu It contains many requirements about collecting, storing, and using personal information to identify and secure personal data, accommodate new transparency requirements, detect and report personal data breaches. Nigerian businesses will therefore need to build the new requirements of the law into their own businesses, as well as play key role in helping customers handle all the complexities introduced by the GDPR. Failure to comply with the GDPR law will attract huge financial penalty as much as €20 million (N8.5 billion) or 4 per cent of company’s global turnover. About EU’s GDPR law The GDPR law is the EU’s new data protection law that replaces the Data Protection Directive, which has been in effect since 1995. While the GDPR preserves many of the principles established in the Directive, it is a much more ambitious law, as it gives individuals greater control over their personal data and imposes many new obligations on organisations that collect, handle or analyse personal data. The GDPR law also gives national regulators new powers to impose significant fines on organisations that breach the law. The GDPR law, which took effect from May 25, 2018, became a law in April 2016, when it was first published. But given the significant changes that some organisations will need to make to align with the regulation, a two-year transition period was added, hence the implementation date was extended to May 25, 2018. The importance According to the official document released by EU on GDPR, titled ‘Unlocking the EU General Data Protection Regulation,’ the GDPR law comes with many benefits and importance. First it provides a very wide-range policy that will impact almost every organisation that is based in the EU, as well as every organisation that does business in the EU, even if based outside the EU member countries. Also, the EU legislators felt that organisations do no longer take their data protection responsibilities seriously enough, and so the GDPR dramatically increases the maximum penalties for non compliance to as much as €20 million (N8.5billion) or four per cent of global turnover and these numbers are specifically designed to attract C-Suite attention. Another benefit, according to the document, is that the GDPR law raises the bar for full compliance significantly. It requires greater openness and transparency and imposes tighter limits on the use of personal data and gives

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu individuals more powerful rights to enforce against organistions. GDPR requirements The GDPR law imposes a wide range of requirements on organisations that collect or process personal data, including a requirement to comply with six key principles. According to the EU GDPR document, one of the six key principles included transparency, fairness and lawfulness by organisations in the course of handling and analysing personal data. Organisations need to be clear with individuals about how they are using personal data. Another principle is built around limiting the processing of personal data to specified, explicit and legitimate purposes, such that organisations will not be able to re-use or disclose personal data for purposes that are not compatible with the purpose for which the data was originally collected. The third key principle is about minimising the collection and storage of personal data to that which is adequate and relevant for the intended purpose. The fourth key principle, according to the document, has to do with ensuring the accuracy of personal data and enabling it to be erased or rectified, while the fifth principle is centered around limiting the storage of personal data and ensure that organisations retain personal data only for as long as necessary to achieve the purposes for which the data was collected, while the sixth principle is about ensuring security, integrity and confidentiality of personal data. It is expected of organisations to take steps to keep personal data secure, through technical and organisational security measures. Implications for non-compliance Implications for non-compliance of the EU data protection law, will not only attract huge fines to the tune of N8.5 billion, but will also cut off such organisations from doing business with any EU member country, thus limiting the scope of business of such defaulting organisation. In addition, the GDPR empowers consumers and organisations acting on their behalf, to institute civil litigation against organisations that breach the GDPR law. Complaint strategy Experts in GDPR law compliance have come up with strategies on how organisations in Nigeria can comply easily with the EU’s data protection law, and remain competitive in global businesses within and outside of the EU member countries. Some of the strategies include awareness creation,

training, making organisations GDPR ready, engagement and building of expertise skills on data laws, among others. Microsoft for instance, has taken steps of commitment to become GDPR compliant across its cloud services in order to support its customers and partners in their transition to GDPR compliance The leading software giant has therefore advised businesses in Nigeria, both small and large corporates that are aiming to expand their businesses beyond the shores of the country, with a desire to achieve global best practice in business, to immediately key into the GDPR law, which seeks to protect personal identifiable data across organisations. Lead Commercial Attorney, Microsoft Middle East and Africa (MEA) Emerging Markets, John Edokpolor, said: “Companies are increasingly embracing the cloud, with unprecedented ability to capture and store massive amounts of data, which calls for an updated governance framework for data protection policy in this new age.” According to him, in achieving compliance, businesses must address three things: people, processes, and preparedness. Information security consultant and Chief Executive Officer, Petrovice Resources, Adesanya Ahmed, noted that compliance with GDPR would protect Nigerian organisations from not being sanctioned in global trade. He assured Nigerian businesses of easy technology tolls that will help achieve compliance. Co-founder and Co-CEO, Vimmi, Eitan Koter, said: “Privacy and security are of utmost importance to Vimmi and we strive to ensure that our technical and organisational measures in place respect your data protection rights.” This Privacy Policy describes how we manage, process and store personal data submitted in the context of providing our services, he added. He further explained that the principal purpose of collecting personal data is to offer individuals a safe, optimum, efficient and personalised experience. He said personal data collected was used to inform consumers about Vimmi services, notify customers of major service or website updates, in response to customer service tickets, to address copyright infringement, defamation, or authorized use-related issues, to communicate to customers when they wish to learn more about Vimmi, its products and services. Now that the GDPR law implementation has commenced globally, organisations in Nigeria will need experts to guide them through the compliance process.

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Gore-Coty: Uber is Committed to African Markets The vice president overseeing Europe, Middle East and Africa for Uber, Pierre-Dimitri GoreCoty, was on a visit to Lagos for two days during which he spoke with Emma Okonji about the company and the new technology innovation it is bringing to African markets. Excerpts: and sharing of ideas and experiences between drivers and Uber staff. We understand that not all drivers can interact via emails, so the Uber Greenlight Hubs make it easier for them to interact and share their experiences and challenges in the course of doing their business as Uber drivers.

What is the commitment of Uber to the Nigerian market since the launch of Uber in Nigeria some years ago? We are very committed to the Nigerian market, including the entire African markets where we operate and the reason is that we see huge potential on the continent, based on its massive population of people living on the continent. Nigeria is a huge market for Uber and because each market has its own challenges, we are in Nigeria to address some of those challenges. Uber provides economic opportunities to address unemployment in Nigeria, through the engagement of Uber drivers across the cities where we operate in Nigeria. In Nigeria, the population of cities is growing very fast and this is also creating congestion on the city roads and Uber has the solution to address road congestion in cities. With Uber and emerging technologies, we can really make a difference in Nigeria. How true is the allegation that Uber is developing the European markets more than the African markets? This is a unique question that gives me the opportunity to share one of my main messages for the African markets. Uber is fully committed to the African markets just the same way it focusses on the European and US markets. There was a time when some investors were expressing their views that Uber should refocus efforts on Europe and the US, which created a number of question marks how important is the African market to Uber. But I can assure Africans and Nigerians that Uber is committed to the African markets, just the same way it is committed to other markets outside Africa. We are extremely excited about the opportunities in the African markets, and we want to double our operations across the African markets. Your competitors in the Nigerian market are doing everything possible to get a bigger percentage of the market share. What is Uber’s strategy to remain the market leader? Competition is something that we genuinely celebrate because it makes us to be more innovative to boost our customers’ experience and our drivers’ experience. So fundamentally, we welcome competition. However, we have various strategies to help us maintain our leadership position in every market that we operate. We are the only global player that has the same app that could work in different countries of the world, and this is something that a lot of consumers who travel around the world value a lot. Again, we invest the most in technology and we have several thousands of engineers that are working very hard to ensure that our drivers and riders get the best of Uber experience. We are keen about safety of our riders and drivers and we have continued to put technology in place that guarantees their safety both day and night. Our app allows riders to see the drivers, get the drives details and also be able to share their trips with their friends so that their friends could have idea of whatever location they are at any given time. We also have 24/7 support for our riders and drivers. All these make us different from our competitors and have made us remain top player in our line of business. Your line of business is largely driven by technology and technology is evolving. Today we have Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) driving various sectors of economies, do you have plans to introduce these emerging technologies in your business? Yes, technology is evolving and there are many things we can do with emerging technologies like AI and IoT to further drive our business model. For example, we are trying to solve a

Has the Uber Greenlight Hub initiative been experimented in other regions, or is Nigeria the first country to implement it? We have tried it out in other countries and it worked perfectly well just as it is working in the Nigerian market. But we have since discovered that the Nigerian market and other West African markets, have the strongest differentiator among the places we have introduced it. How will you describe the growth of Uber business in Nigeria? In terms of growth, I can say that the Uber business is having tremendous growth in Nigeria in terms of registered riders who use our app to ride on Uber on a daily basis. Again, there are opportunities for growth in the Nigerian market, considering its population. I think we have just scratched the surface of business in Nigeria because the opportunities for growth are enormous.

Gore-Coty particular challenge by bringing Uber magic to the mass market, through the introduction of mass ride, where we can bring more people to ride on a single trip, especially people traveling in the same direction and at the same time. Few years ago, we launched the service in the US and we are trying to extend that service to other parts of the world. The service uses AI and special algorithm to match riders traveling in the same direction and at the same time. Beyond our transportation business, we are also using technology to offer food delivery service to our customers and this unique service is called ‘Uber Eat’ and it is becoming very successful, since it was first experimented. You are knowledgeable in coding as a way of using technology to develop yourself. How has your experience in coding impacted on the kind of transportation business that you currently manage in Europe, Middle East and Africa? Yes, I have good knowledge in coding but I must admit that I am not coding in my day-to-day job, but be that as it may, it is very clear that software and technology are beginning to touch every aspect of our daily lives, including the most traditional businesses that we do. And I think it is important for the young generation to learn coding because the knowledge of coding can be applied to enhance job efficiency in various sectors. What are your plans for training and retraining the Uber local teams that are driving the Uber business in Nigeria? We invest in training and retraining of our staff, not just in Nigeria alone, but in every country where we have presence. As a company, we invest a lot in the development of our team members and we have a lot of programmes designed to develop our local staff. For example, we have had partnership programme with Business Schools in the US, to train our employees online and this is an initiative that has been very successful in the US and we have such initiative in various markets were we operate. We have

also developed local contents for drivers in specific regions of our operations to assist the drivers perform optimally and we are also planning to release new apps for drivers that will help them navigate effortlessly around their various markets. The feedback we got from the meeting we had with Uber drivers in Nigeria during my visit, would be imputed into the new apps we are developing for drivers in the Nigerian market, to help them perform better. We plan to increase safety measures in Lagos, based on the feedback we got from our drivers in Nigeria. Your line of business is powered by broadband, but we have a bit of challenge in Nigeria about broadband connectivity, which obviously pose challenge to riders when they try to make online request using the Uber app. Is there plan to make your upcoming apps very light for easy connectivity? The broadband connectivity challenge in most market where we operate is well known to us at Uber and we are looking at doing a number of things to address that. The idea of developing lighter apps is something we are already considering for the Indian market and we can extend that to the Nigerian market and the West African markets as well. Apart from using mobile phones to make request for Uber ride, we are also looking at deploying public phone boots in Africa that riders could use to initiate request. We are working hard to ensure that Uber addresses some of the connectivity challenges in most markets globally. What is the motive behind the establishment of the Uber Greenlight Hubs in Nigeria and what does it seek to address? As Uber, we are big believers of the power of physical interactions and we felt that in order to serve our drivers better, we need that kind of physical contact between Uber and its drivers in ways that are more direct than the use of emails for communication, hence we created the Uber Greenlight Hubs in different locations around the cities where we operate in Nigeria. It is a centre for interaction

What is the current number of active ridders that use the uber app on a daily basis in Nigeria? We currently have 130,000 people that use Uber to move around in a daily basis, with about 9,000 active drivers on a regular basis in Nigeria and 70 per cent of the driver number actually use the income they generate to meet family needs. Government policies could make or mar businesses. What kind of government policy do you expect from the Nigerian government? One of the things we have enjoyed as a business in most of the countries we operate, is about continuity in governance and regulation. We need regulatory policies that will drive business growth because we are in long term business and we are working with policy makers in different regions where we operate to figure out the best policies that will be beneficial to both the government and the business operating companies. There is a trend where local taxis in some countries of the world like South Africa and Dubai feel threatened about the presence of Uber and they are doing everything to frustrate the Uber business in those regions, but this is not the case with Nigeria at the moment. What measures are you putting in place to avert such ugly situation from rearing its ugly head in Nigeria? The fear of local taxis in some regions that Uber is taking away jobs from them is not necessary because Uber is providing mobility in areas where mobility was pretty difficult. It is our belief that what we are doing complements the operations of the local taxis and should not be seen as a threat to their business. In Nigeria, the transport market is open to all and we do not envisage any form of monopoly or threat to business. In Nigeria, people see Uber as a company that has transformed the transport industry, using technology to better the lives of riders and drivers. Tell us about the Uber incident response team and what it seeks to address? The Uber incident response team helps to address the challenges that riders and drivers experience during any trip. The team is handling all forms of safety for riders and drivers. They have dedicated lines that drivers and riders can contact to get instant response in case of any challenge during a trip.

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Children as Marketing Channels Raheem Akingbolu writes on the 2018 Chidren’s Day celebration in Nigeria and how various brands leveraged on it to connect with consumers Children and mothers have been identified in marketing as the greatest influencers. In many homes, this group of people dictates what the family will buy and the station to watch on television. No wonder, many brand managers, especially those that produce household goods want to catch them. Recent findings have revealed that Generation Z, a group of consumers that were born from 1996 onwards and Generation Alpha, born from 2010 onwards, make up the audience that is currently grabbing the attention of marketers everywhere. Of course, technology has always been front and center for these two generations. With 73% of Generation Z having access to subscription video on demand services and over 90% of them owning a smartphone, this younger generation is unlike any other. In today’s day and age, it’s not uncommon to see a toddler operating a smartphone. In fact, 55% of pre-schoolers use tablets on a regular basis and 16% own their own tablet. Children generally only start using smartphones in their teens but today, 41% of pre to early teens already use one. According to a recent study, children between the ages of 5 and 15 now spend at least 15 hours online every week, which is 1 hour and 18 minutes more than they used to but how are they spending their time online exactly? Surprisingly, it has been discovered that social media is not at the top of that list. 73% of children between 5 and 15 use YouTube more than any other online platform. Some even indicated that they would rather watch videos and shows on YouTube than watch TV. By 2020, experts have predicted that this generation will make up 40% of all consumers, which means that brands really need to start paying attention to what makes them tick. 2018 children’s day in focus For a good few years now, Millennial has been the word on the lips of many marketers but brands may soon have to shift their focus to a younger, more diverse audience that is growing at a rapid pace, Generation Z and Alpha. Born with smartphones, tablets, and technology at their fingertips, these young consumers are the ones to watch. This was demonstrated by many Nigeria companies this year as each of them strived to outdo the other in reaching out to Nigerian children. In an interview with THISDAY during this year children’s day at Ikeja Shopping Mall, the Chief Executive Officer of Idea House, Mr. Kehinde Salami said brand owners in Nigeria have embraced experiential marketing because of the conviction that this generation does not respond to advertising in the same way that older generations do. ‘’The use of ad blockers is almost a given, which means that marketers need to think of more creative, impactful ways to not only reach this audience but grab their attention too, hence the need for engagement as we are currently seeing in the market. ‘’Influencer marketing is on the rise for brands wanting to engage with young children and their families. YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter are home to a vast array of content creators who reach millions of children under the age of 13. And many brands are taking it even one step further by adding teenage influencers, or “kidfluencers,” to their marketing strategies,” he said. According to PwC’s Kids Digital Advertising Report 2017, the under-13 digital media market is currently seeing 25 percent year-on-year growth. Kids are an important demographic for marketers not only because of their impact on their parents’ buying decisions, but also as future adult consumers. Emirate Airline Under what was described as the Celebration ofEmirates’ Little Travelers, handlers of Emirate Airlineshave begun to celebrate Nigerian children annually by kitting them like pilot and air hostesses. At this year’s edition, the management of the Airline didn’t only take time to reel out the unique selling point of the brand; they

Regional Manager, West Africa at Emirates, Afzal Parambil (middle), in a group photograph with some of the Emirates’ Little Travelers during the children’s day celebration organised by the company in Lagos also entertain the children and took them to Silverbird Cenema to watch educative and entertaining children focused movies. Speaking on the significance of the day, the Regional Manager, West Africa at Emirates, Afzal Parambil, said the company thought of no better way to celebrate the special little travellers in the airline’s lives, than by bringing the joy of movies to life. ‘’Whether they are flying with family or alone, we ensure that

Influencer marketing is on the rise for brands wanting to engage with young children and their families. YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter are home to a vast array of content creators who reach millions of children under the age of 13. And many brands are taking it even one step further by adding teenage influencers, or “kidfluencers,” to their marketing strategies

Emirates’ Little Travelers have a memorable time flying with us, so that the journey is as enjoyable as your destination. “Always a great hit with children and families is our award-winning ice Digital Widescreen which has over 3,000 channels including 50 Disney Classic movies, a dedicated Marvel channels which with movies like Ant Man, Marvel’s The Avengers and Iron Man. Additionally, we have 90 dedicated kids TV channels and around 100 video games for children. With specifically-dedicated channels for children on all flights, both youngsters and their parents can enjoy every minute of travel onboard. So, in the spirit of celebrating children – we hope you enjoy Sherlock Gnomes to mark the start of summer and commemorate our in-flight experience for children,” he stated. Speaking further on the operation of the airlines, he disclosed that Emirates flies 14 times a week from Lagos to Dubai (2 flights per day) and 4 times a week from Abuja to Dubai. He also added that babies and toddlers on all routes can enjoy toiletry kits with wet wipes, cream, bib, teething ring and tissue pack. Other offerings are; child-friendly liners for the bassinet, baby food, formula, feeding bottles and diapers Peak Milk and Chocolate Cup FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, makers of Peak Chocolate Full Cream Milk Powder and Peak 456 Growing Up Milk also used the opportunity to unveil a 10-foot high chocolate cup, which was said to be Nigeria’s largest, in celebration of Children’s Day and ahead of the World Milk Day on June 1. The unveiling which took place at JJT Park in Lagos in partnership with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria was claimed to attract more than 2,000 children, parents and guardians. Speaking at the event, Brand Manager of Peak Chocolate Full Cream Milk Powder, Gloria Jacobs, stated that the essence of unveiling the giant chocolate cup was to re-emphasise the importance of nutrition whilst creating excitement among the children. “With this year’s event, we wanted to show something spectacular and never-been-done feat to Nigerian children and particularly impress on them the importance of good nutrition by taking Peak Chocolate and Peak 456 daily for optimal growth and brain development because both contain adequate vitamins and essential

nutrients” Jacobs said. Also speaking at the event, Akon Imoh, Senior Brand Manager, Peak 456 Growing Up Milk explained that to demonstrate the versatility of milk in everyday foods, the children were encouraged to prepare daily recipes with Peak 456 and Peak Chocolate as a follow up to their Peak masterclass. The children then produced pancakes, chocolate cakes and doughnuts, and banana smoothies to the amazement of their parents. There was also a masterclass for mums to highlight the nutritional benefits of adding milk to their children’s daily foods. Rounding off, Marketing Manager, Peak Maureen Ifada, reiterated that the Peak brand is synonymous with quality and high standards, and so always goes a step further in providing the best nutrition required for daily living. “Children are very important to us at FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria and it is very essential to cultivate them young, especially at this stage of their growth when they need high quality nutrition for optimal brain growth, strong body development, sharp minds and a healthy lifestyle,” she said. Conoil’s approach As a company that is passionate about Nigeria, Conoil, one of the leading nation’s complete energy providers, also used the occasion to advise teachers, parents, governments, nongovernmental organisations and all well-meaning Nigerians on the need for vigilance and urgent action to stem the growing negative influence on the children. In its goodwill message to the Nigerian child to commemorate Children’s Day celebrations, the company entreated parents, leaders and every adult to lead by example by imbibing hard work, diligence, discipline, honesty, prudence, selflessness and patriotism. It also called on parents to strive at all times to nurture, educate, mentor and pride their children to be the best in whatever endeavor they find themselves. The statement counseled the private sector to partner with government at all levels to guarantee better living conditions for the Nigerian child by providing access to quality and affordable education, effective transportation system, good healthcare and other basic necessities so that they can grow, flourish and keep our nation strong.

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Gas Production and Utilisation in Nigeria: Problems and Prospects For domestic natural gas utilisation to increase significantly, the International Oil Companies (IOC’s) will have to meet their domestic gas supply obligation (DGSO) targets. The Nigerian Gas Master Plan (GMP) stipulated a revised transitional pricing structure for gas to power projects in 2010, and ultimately a price of $2.50 per MMBTU was set in 2014 for contracts that are supplied under the DGSO scheme. The price by 2010 was $1.99 per MMBTU. The GMP also imposed penalties for non-compliance with the DGSO which includes: payment for volumes not supplied, or a penalty price of $3.50/Mscf, whichever is higher; and disqualification from supply of gas to any export projects. However, the relevant government agencies have not been able to successfully impose the penalties. Non-compliants claim that they are unable to fulfill their obligations due to inadequate gas infrastructure constraints, and sub-optimal pricing for gas deliveries, plus other constraints. Driving private – sector led activities The economics of natural gas development and utilization are driven by the high cost of gas production/transport facilities, and the need for economies of scale. Therefore, to drive an increase in private-sector led activities, government have to execute at the least, the gas infrastructure blueprint as contained in the GMP. An initial phase of about 2,500km of gas pipeline infrastructure was planned to be completed by the end of 2018. This target, when achieved, will boost investor’s confidence in natural gas market in the country. To achieved this target, the plan to expand the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) from 1.1 Bscf/day to 2.2 Bscf/day need to be executed. The Trans Nigeria Pipeline Project (TNPP) has to be completed. TNPP aims to connect the gas pipeline systems in Nigeria to create an inter-connected system that will provide flexibility and better management of gas supplies. The framework of this system is an integration of the three gas pipeline systems: Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) system with a flow capacity of 2.0 Bscf/day, the Calabar-AjeokutaAbuja system with flow capacity of 3.0 Bscf/ day, and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano system. Furthermore, the anchor gas processing facilities need to be completed, particularly the Gas Revolution Industrial Park (GRIP) at Ogidigben in Delta State, and the Deep Sea Port to be located at Gbaramatu. The GRIP was planned to warehouse a petrochemical plant, a fertilizer plant, an Independent Power Plant (IPP) and a Central Processing Facility (CPF). These projects will have to be completed in order to achieve the three strategic themes of the gas revolution agenda launched in 2011. The three strategic themes are: Gas to power, Gas-based industrialisation, Gas for high value export (LNG & regional Pipelines). The gas revolution agenda, however, failed to capture other important themes such as: Gas to Liquids (GTL) for conversion to light synthetic and sulphur-free petroleum products, Gas to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for industrial use and for transportation and, Propane extraction from dry natural gas for transportation. When LPG is used to fuel internal combustion engines, it is referred to as Autogas or Autopropane. Propane is the third most widely used motor fuel in the world, after petrol and diesel. According to 2013 estimates, there about 25 million vehicles fuelled by propane gas worldwide Incentivising Gas Producers Gas producers (mainly the IOCs) would prefer a gas market based on international prices for gas. The issue of appropriate pricing for gas for domestic utilisation has been at the core of their inability to meet their DGSO targets. Consequently, the IOCs are more interested in providing gas for the LNG export market. For instance, the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company Ltd (NLNG) sale of LPG to the domestic market is based on the international benchmark price for LPG. Consequently, domestic gas development, supplies and transportation infrastructure will have to be dependent on our domestic oil and gas companies as reliance

Gas Plant on the IOCs will continue to fail this country. Increasing Investments in the Gas Value Chain As previously stated, government has to take the lead to actualise the gas infrastructure blue-print, which will become the artery for future private sector-based investments. Secondly, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) contains a draft National Gas (Fiscal reform) Bill and a draft Downstream Gas Bill. These draft bills together are supposed to provide the framework for further gas sector development. Non-passage of these bills introduces a high level of uncertainty to potential investors, as they cannot commit to investments whose parameters and assumptions could be altered by a conflicting new or in-coming regulation. Monetising Gas Flares Nigerian government is committed to ending routine gas flaring and unlocking the country’s gas potential. The Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (GGFR) has provided an exclusive

Gas producers (mainly the IOCs) would prefer a gas market based on international prices for gas. The issue of appropriate pricing for gas for domestic utilisation has been at the core of their inability to meet their DGSO targets. Consequently, the IOCs are more interested in providing gas for the LNG export market

opportunity for “Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative” by accepting to finance pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for monetization of flare gas at oil production sites. This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for Nigeria to meet its commitment to end gas flaring. In recent years, Nigeria, which was the second largest gas flaring nation in the world, is now ranked the seventh. This is due to increased domestic gas consumption, particularly gas to power projects. New technologies now exist for gas processing to CNG, mini-LNG, mini-GTL and power generation for the monetisation of gas. Consequently, the Nigerian government has launched a “Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme” (NGFCP), through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The aim of the programme is to provide a commercial approach for the elimination of routine gas flares by 2020. The strategy is to achieve social, environmental and economic impacts in the Niger Delta region by mobilising private sector capital towards ‘gas flare capture’ projects. The programme has already identified about 140 flare points that together flare above 1 Bscf/d. If those flared gas are captured; they could provide about 500,000 MT of Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Of these 140 flare points, 65% are onshore. 20 of the 91 onshore flare sites are large enough to sustain a 50MW gas turbine. It is expected that about $3.5bn would be invested in the NGFCP, which could remove about 20 million tons of CO2 emissions per year, generate 2.5GW of electricity, provide 600,000 MT of LPG per year, and create more than 300, 000 jobs. The programme would likely reduce the incidence of vandalism of oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta, by improving the quality of life and by extension standards of living. Effectiveness of the implementation of the GMP The GMP comprised of three themes: • Gas pricing policy, • the DGSO, and • the gas infrastructure blueprint. The implementation of the GMP has been largely unsuccessful. The ultimate price of $2.5/ MMBTU has not motivated the gas suppliers. The IOCs prefer a more market-led approach. As a result, they have fallen short of their DGSO targets. The Gas Infrastructures are at different levels of development. Moreover, progress on gas

pipeline infrastructure is still agonizingly slow. Soot Problem in Port Harcourt and Environs The soot issue has been as a result of a combination of gas flaring, pollution from industries (PH refineries, Indorama Petrochemicals, Notore Fertilizer company, etc), bush burning, and the destruction of illegal refineries. To reduce the soot problem arising from illegal refineries, government has provided renewed efforts based on incentives for establishment of private-public sector based modular refineries in the Niger Delta region. The aim is to discourage illegal refining, and encourage the culprits to invest in modular refineries. Soot resulting from heavy processing industries in PH area and bush burning can be contained by the State Government, by imposing pollution fines on the polluting culprits. After all, the polluter pays’ principle is universal and should apply to these cases. Thoughts on Current & Future Gas Projects in Nigeria As said previously, bulk of the gas pipeline projects have either stalled or are progressing at a very slow pace. The gas central processing projects have similarly stalled. Recently, the (NNPC) signed EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contracts to develop a 614 km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) trans-Nigeria gas pipeline project. The first lot of 200km has been awarded. The name of the bid winners for the second lot of 193 km is yet to be announced at the time of writing. The third lot would be 220 km. However, the AKK is expected to connect with the OB3 gas pipeline project (which is yet uncompleted). The AKK project, when completed, will be the largest gas pipeline in Nigeria, and is expected to improve connectivity between the eastern, western and northern regions of Nigeria. There are inherent opportunities for Nigeria if the government could speed up the various gas pipeline projects as well as the planned central gas processing facilities. - Opinion contributed by: Professor Chijioke Nwaozuzu: Former British Chevening Scholar, Former PTDF PhD Scholar, Deputy-Director (Emerald Energy Institute), University of Port-Harcourt

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Rafsanjani: A Violent Society Cannot Achieve the SDGs The executive director of the Civil Society LegislativeAdvocacy Centre (CISLAC), a not-for-profit organization, Mr. Auwal Musa Ibrahim (Rafsanjani) shared useful insights on development issues with Funke Olaode on the sidelines of the recent Spring Meetings of the World Bank / International Monetary Fund, held in Washington DC, USA

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resource in Nigeria. Every country in the world relies on human capacities as potential for turning the economy into a positive development. Unfortunately, the leaders have not paid attention to providing qualitative education for children. Therefore, it is very worrisome that even our national budget is not meeting up with the required budgetary allocation for education system. The budgetary allocation in terms of healthcare system is also not being provided. The meeting we had at the UN Commission on the Status of Women in March clearly came up with some recommendations on how government can deal with these issues and we believe they (government) can do a lot to ensure that they demonstrate great political will in enacting new legislation, enforcing existing laws on culprit caught in imposing early marriage on under age.

ISCLAC has been operating in Nigeria for the past 13 years, what influenced your decision to open an international office in New York last September?

CISLAC has been advocating in Nigeria nay Africa in the last 13 years before it was officially launched in New York last year September. We also launched Sustainable Development Goal 16, while the Nigeria Permanent Representative to the US, Prof. Bade as well as UN officials were present at the CISLAC Global in US, which means it is registered and established. We are about to get a work station office here in Washington DC. The aim is to bridge the gap between the Missions, the Diaspora and the NGOs. The Diaspora have been contributing significantly to the economy without any influence on political participation. The launch of CISLAC United States office coincided with the 72nd UN General Assembly in 2017 and the International Day for Peace. This happens to be a critical period in our national and regional lives as Nigerians and Africans. We are well aware of the religious, socio-cultural, political and ethnic turbulence threatening to tear apart the fabrics of the society we live in. For this purpose, it has become imperative that as civil society organisations, we take up the mantle of our constitutional mandate to steer the tide of peaceful and just society. As CSOs our key mandate to our communities is to pursue and advocate peaceful, inclusiveness and corruption free society that will in turn translate to the sustainable development that we seek. What is SDG 16 all about? SDG 16 which seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, focuses also has an anticorruption agenda. More specifically it has targets 16.4, which is on illicit financial and arms flows, target 16.5 on reducing bribery and other forms of corruption and target 16.10 on access to information. The very idea of sharing a shadow report at this juncture is to key into the current effort of the Nigerian government in advancing the fight against corruption. We are very much aware of the harmful of effects of corruption as it relegates development efforts to the background, plunging countries into under-development. A society free of corruption is healthy, wealthy, well-respected and well-developed. Since your international move, what effort has your organisation made to intervene on aforementioned issues? On March 14 this year we were in New York for the United Nations Commission on the Status

Rafsanjani of Women (UNCSW) to examine legislative intervention regarding early marriage, health situation, education and irregular migration as it affects women. Our aim as a CSO is to ensure that we make concrete recommendations to African countries, to ensure that women particularly rural women are giving necessary attention in terms of health care system, lack of education, force labour and force marriage, which is a daily occurrence. We came up with some recommendations for both government in Nigeria and Africa. We have noted that many women have been subjected to undue stress due to early marriage as some of them are forced out of school which increases the number of out-of-school children. This causes psychological devastation. CISLAC organised this sideline meeting at the United Nations to advocate to the Nigerian government and African governments to improve on the policies and legislations that will stop early marriage. Ahead of 2019 elections, arms proliferation in the country is a cause for concern. What can be done to avoid needless electoral violence? Civil society groups including CISLAC have been working to ensure that we reduce political violence in Nigeria because the level of violence in terms of herdsmen versus farmers, communal,

religion and even electoral violence going on cannot help us realise the Sustainable Development Goals. We need the actors involved such as politicians to stop using energy of young people for their own selfish interest. Early April, CISLAC and other organisations had a meeting with Centre for Democracy and West Africa Peace Organisation. In that meeting former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega came and gave a warning that we need to do everything possible to de-escalate violence otherwise we won’t be able to have a free and fair election. Unless government take drastic action violence will characterise 2019 elections and it is very clear the matter of herdsmen and famers is promoting more dissatisfaction. Government must come out to ensure that they promote peace and stability because it is their responsibility to protect every Nigerian. Nigeria has the highest number of out of school children in the whole world. How can it be addressed now that you are close to UNICEF and other international agencies? It is a very disturbing issue because the rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria is alarming and that shows you that our political class is not focusing on harnessing productive human

We have an existing law on child rights; unfortunately it has not been complied by all states especially in Northern Nigeria. So it is important that government should remove all barriers that make young girls not to go to school, including cost associated with school attendance such as uniform, transportation fee etc. I am sure government intervention in these critical areas will help to reduce the number of out-of-school children. The almajiri system in the north is very alarming and disturbing. A lot of these kids are dying on the streets and motor parks because they have been abandoned by their parents and this can be a problem for the society because they face uncertainty. What impact is the CISLAC US office expected to have on the fight against illicit financial flows, corruption and arms proliferation which are part of SDG 16? Well, CISLAC decided to expand its presence in the United States and later United Kingdom because of many cases regarding illicit financial flow and asset recovery. We realise that advocacy to stop illicit financial flow and return of assets stolen by unpatriotic leaders in Nigeria and Africa in US and United Kingdom is very poor. So that is why CISLAC felt it is necessary to take advocacy to these countries to ensure that we work together with local organisations abroad to ensure that asset and illicit financial flow, which have been one of the major challenges that we have, that make development impossible for us in Nigeria, is actually addressed so that money stolen, properties acquired with illegal pubic funds are returned and put to good use for the benefit of Nigerians and other Africans in case of other African nations faced with such. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

RANDOM THOTS Corruption Vote Who wants to be a governor? From all indications, that position is one of the most powerful and lucrative jobs in Nigeria; and two major factors are responsible for this: access to huge unaccountable security votes and immunity from prosecution while in office. The same security vote benefit, analysts say, extends to top federal government officials, ministers, top legislators, religious and traditional leaders. A new report by Transparency International Defence and Security (TIDS) and

the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has revealed that not less than $670 million is spent on security votes in Nigeria every year. The report, titled ‘Camouflaged Cash’, which was launched in Abuja recently, noted that the $670m was more than the annual budget of the Nigerian army, which was allocated N139.8 billion in the 2017 budget. Experts say security votes are funds disbursed to cover unforeseen security needs in the country, which are often

transacted in cash and are usually at the discretion of public officials, without being subject to independent audit. The security votes considered for the TIDS report were from the federal and some state governments. According to the Director of TIDS, Katherine Dixon, instead of addressing its many urgent threats, the ever-increasing use of security votes is providing corrupt officials with an easy-to-use and entirely hidden slush fund. In a country that is already in campaign mode

ahead of the 2019 general elections, the security vote provides the ideal political war-chest. Although the source of the security vote is not specified, removing such a huge sum annually from whatever till will surely have its side effects on the citizenry. The irony of it all is that the security vote has not helped to ensure security or reduce insecurity in Nigeria. Instead, it has only helped to breed corruption in high places...sad reality -Abimbola Akosile

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT/ISSUESINBOX

An e-voting machine; solution to vote-rigging in Nigeria?

Can e-Voting Protect Citizens’ Mandate? Although the issue of electronic voting has not been fully adopted, some analysts believe its deployment would minimise electoral rigging and fraud in the coming 2019 general election. To you, can the new e-voting system help protect the average citizen’s mandate to elect credible leaders who will help improve Nigeria’s development process? Abimbola Akosile * That is what it is supposed to be but not in Nigeria where, when elections are held, everybody is a winner. We were told of the last local government elections held in States that used e-voting that you could vote 100 times at different times on the same machine without detection. Citizens’ mandate can be protected only when selfishness, dishonesty, greed, religion and ethnicity are removed from our daily lives. - Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna * No. Challenges of e-voting outweigh its benefits. Accessibility, cost effectiveness, security and confidentiality, eco friendliness, membership, appeal to younger members, fast accurate results e.t.c are vital gains. But access to the internet, computers, data, electricity issues, legal issues, learning curve or anxiety, programing experience and understanding of election process, designated voter support or ease of logging in e.t.c are critical challenges with e-voting we cannot ignore. - Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos * The use of e-voting in elections remains contentious. Countries such as Netherlands and Germany have stopped using it after it was shown to be unreliable. However, other countries like Brazil and India are using evoting. E-voting system can help to protect the average Nigerian citizen’s mandate to elect credible leaders. It can help remove fears, and help effective monitoring and evaluation. - Mr. Michael Adedotun Oke, Founder Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

THE FEEDBACK Yes, it can:

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No, it can't:

1

Others:

5

Total no of respondents:

15

Male:

13

Female:

2

Highest location:

Abuja (5)

give credibility to the chosen and calm the loser, thereby reducing cost of litigation and electoral violence which have characterised our electoral atmosphere. - Mr. Mark Ushie, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja * Yes, e-Voting will readily protect citizens’ mandate. It will surely avert any possible forms of manipulation, recklessness, financial fraud and inducement, thuggery, ballot box snatching, bad roads, no vehicles and fuel, diversion of electoral materials, announcing wrong figures, logistics complexities, poor geographical terrains, insecurity etc. Generators must be available against any power failures. Advanced climes already enjoy huge dividends of e-voting, why not Nigeria? - Mr. Apeji Onesi. Lagos State

* Well, e-voting will help if it is well-handled by experts who know how to operate the machines. It will help to check rigging. - Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State

* Electronic voting can protect citizens’ mandate if there is sincerity of purpose. The challenge is the tendency to commit electoral fraud among some politicians, INEC officials and electorate. So, as we embrace e-voting the authority should ensure that the system is fool-proof in order to minimise abuse. - Mr. Austine Nwanya, solid minerals consultant, Abuja

* E-voting sounds better and it can protect citizens’ mandate if it’s done with sincerity. Like in the developed world, e-voting gained prominence because a vote cast is a vote sure. With this technology, if a candidate emerges, it will represent the voice of the people and

* Where there’s a will, there’s a way. In any computerised system, what you put in is what you get out. If under-aged people have already been registered then the damage would still be done. However if the e-voting can be fully implemented, then certainly irregularities

would be greatly reduced. Will they fully implement it, is the question? - Mr. Buga Dunj Jos, Plateau State * Sadly, the rules of the game are violated, e.g. late arrival of election materials, snatching of materials, not identifying fingerprints by e-machines, giving room for multiple voting, disallowing temporary voters card - voting, not announcing results at some polling units. ATM card be made to have both National ID, voters cards, agricultural/fertilisers card in one card to save cost. - Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna State * E-Voting retains citizen’s mandate and gives power to the right leader. This is what we need, as long as there is no manipulation whatsoever. - Ms. Nkeiruka Abanna, Lagos State * As is obtainable in older democracies, evoting will help protect citizen’s mandate. Before implementing it, citizens should be sensitised on how important it is to exercise their franchise, as voter’s apathy will not augur well for us in 2019 general election. - Mr. Paul Jideofor, Dept of Languages, FCT COE, Zuba, Abuja * I believe that it would go to a long extent to remove problem of rigging because politicians can’t influence voters who they can’t see and no physical ballot boxes to steal. - Mr. Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem,OgwashiUkwu,Delta State * Yes, e-voting would help protect citizens’ mandate. It is the right way to go in this era of technological advancement. It will help solve the worst corruption in the world: electoral corruption and ensure electoral integrity in our dear country. Once we get our electoral system right, credible people will be elected and the expected dividends of democracy will be enjoyed by the Nigerian people. God bless Nigeria. - Mr. Odey Ochicha, Leadership Specialist, Abuja * Ideally, e-voting should help protect citizen’s mandate. But the issues of capacity building

on the use of the modern voting machines, cash for votes and voters’ apathy present real challenges to an improved democratic process. It would be counter-productive to adopt the e-voting machines for 2019 and then witness massive rigging of votes. - Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State * I believe that e-voting can help in protecting our mandates but to some extent because most of the cyber we use now in Nigeria are either not working well or obsolete. Over 70 per cent of the votes are cast by our illiterate population who live in the remote parts of this country with phobia for modernisation. They might decide not to come out and vote. INEC should do enlightenment campaign for the e-voting to work successfully. - Mr. Nduanya Egbuna, Political Scientist, Enugu

Next week: Has Can Internal Security be Improved? During his Democracy Day broadcast, PMB paid particular attention to the issue of security and also assured Nigerians on public safety and freedom of movement. However, some analysts believe the insecurity issue is yet to be resolved, with daily loss of lives and property. To you, how can internal security be improved in Nigeria, to spur development? Please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (May 31 & Monday, June 4) to abimbolayi@yahoo. com, greatbimbo@gmail.com, AND abimbola.akosile@thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/or 08188361766 and/or 08114495306. Collated responses will be published on Thursday, June 7

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

How Religious Homes Sustain Obstetric Fistula As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the 2018 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, Martins Ifijeh examines the role of religious homes in spreading the medical condition in the country Every Tuesdays was dedicated for Faith Clinic at the church. It was a time pregnant women in Ochufu attend prayer and counselling sessions. They would spend the time casting out ‘demons’ that cause miscarriages, hemorrhage, hypertension in pregnancy, caesarian session, excessive labour, still births, maternal deaths, and all other ‘evils’ associated with pregnancy and delivery in this part of the world

Fistula clients after repair

‘

’For you to successfully deliver this baby, you will not go to the hospital. I will take you to our prophetess for proper monitoring and prayers, otherwise it may be difficult for you or your unborn baby to live through this process.” This was the advice Rita Ifeanyi, 28, got from her mother during her pregnancy in 2016. She was fed with information on how pregnancy is a divine occurrence that must be guarded exclusively in a spiritual way. But that decision changed her life forever. It was the beginning of pain and sorrow as she refused to neither register for ante natal nor deliver in any of the clinics in her community in Ochufu, Ugwuaji District, Enugu South Local Government Area, Enugu State. She believed the hospital does not have the spiritual force to address complications or ‘evil machinations’ against pregnant women. After all, her mother gave birth to her and her siblings in a traditional home before she became a Christian. Every Tuesdays was dedicated for Faith Clinic at the church. It was a time pregnant women in Ochufu attend prayer and counselling sessions. They would spend the time praying for safe delivery and casting out ‘demons’ that cause miscarriages, hemorrhage, hypertension in pregnancy, caesarian session, excessive labour, still births, maternal deaths, and all other ‘evils’ associated with pregnancy and delivery in this part of the world. At other times, the prophetess, who is fondly called anannenke otutu umuaka, would give every woman ‘anointing oil’ and ‘holy water’ to drink, while she massages their tommies and waist; an act she considers a spiritual exercise to wade off evil forces and prepare the baby for the earthly journey ahead. For the prophetess, going to hospitals for ante natal and deliveries meant the women had lost faith in God because the expertise of doctors and nurses were limited in her view. God is the chief physician, she would say. And everyone who listens to her believed her … except those who have been dealt a terrible and sometimes irreversible blow by her doctrines that have seen many women lose their lives and that of their newborn to ignorance. Rita unfortunately fell into this category.

that became the least of my problems; a lot of things were happening to my system that I couldn’t understand. I couldn’t understand how I was unable to retain urine and faeces and how they were coming out from a different channel.” Rita said she later realised there were other women who had pregnancy and childbirth issues in the church. “Nobody told us some women had complications from the church initially. I thought the prophetess is very verse in this.” Rita has been suffering the consequences of her ignorance since November 2016, and since then, she has moved from pillar to post in search of help. But the pool effort organised by Engender Health recently at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex in Ilesa, Osun State, came to the rescue. “I was operated upon three days ago here, and since then my body is back to normal. They also educated me on what I must do to prevent further occurrence,’’ she said.

A fistula client awaiting repair

She didn’t only refuse to attend ante natal to monitor her progress, when it was time for delivery, she was rushed to the church, and as usual, the prophetess performed some of her rituals for the baby to come forth seamlessly. But she was wrong. Days passed and the baby refused to come out. While Rita was reeling in pain, church members, who were around, continued to pray for her safe delivery. It did not occur to them that the prolonged labour could be prevented or addressed immediately, if she was taken to the hospital. “I didn’t know what was happening to me, but I knew I was losing it. I knew something was terribly wrong, and I may not be able to deliver this child. But at that point, I was too weak to make decisions. My mother and other women who were there said I passed out several times,” says Rita while speaking with

THISDAY during a pool effort by Engender Health’s Fistula Care Plus Project in Ilesa, Osun State, to rescue Nigerian women from obstetric fistula, which is chiefly caused by prolonged labour. Seeking remedy after the damage It took the prophetess three days before she realised the case was beyond her. When Rita was eventually transferred to the hospital, the damage had been done. She was operated upon and the dead child was evacuated. A week later, Rita realised she was passing out both urine and faeces from her vagina. “These periods were the most traumatic of my life. I never thought I would come out of it alive. The child was going to be called Chioma if she was a girl or Ebube if he was a boy. My husband’s eldest brother’s son is named Ebube. I needed same name for my son. But

Learning the hard way The case of Rita was not any different from that of Lucas Oluwaseyi, a 27 years old woman. She had gone to an unnamed church in Ondo State when her pregnancy was due for delivery. But with prolonged labour, the church abandoned her to her faith when they tried unsuccessfully to push out the baby. ”After losing several days at the church, I picked up courage and went to the hospital where I registered for ante natal, but the hospital refused to attend to me because, according to them, I went to a religious home first before coming there. They said it was obvious I was going to have complications after the delivery, hence there was no point admitting me in the first case. “I don’t know how it was arranged, I realised I was taken in an ambulance from that hospital to another hospital- Mother and Child Hospital, Ondo. So in all, it took me five days of labour before I was finally operated upon. Unfortunately, I lost the baby due to the prolonged labour. This was how I developed fistula on March 21, 2016,” Oluwaseyi noted. She said when she eventually went back to the hospital where she did the operation, they tried repairing the damage but it didn’t work. She recalled that the hospital where she had

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HEALTH the unsuccessful fistula surgery had in 2017 referred her to the Fistula Centre in Ilesa during a pool effort, but for fear of undergoing another surgical procedure, she stayed back and rather suffered in silence. “This year again, they now called me, that they are going to do the surgery and I was very happy. That was how I came. I advise fellow women to go to hospitals to register for ante natal, go for checkups and deliver in a hospital facility.” Mission to wipe out mother and son Another person who has learnt in a hard way is Irene Isa, a 22-year-old girl from Cross River State, whose obstetric fistula was caused by a combination of ignorance on her part and a touch of quackery by a traditionalist who is notorious for performing surgeries on his ‘patients’. Irene, all through her pregnancy did not access ante natal care at any point. By the time she was ready to deliver, she was taken to the herbalist in Ukwango who, according to her, gave her all sorts of concoction so she could have her child with ease. “But everything he gave me never worked. That was how I laboured for three days in his house without success. I was reeling in pain, but no one told me hospital would be able to help me out. It got to a time I was no longer feeling the movement of my baby. It was obvious he was dead, but delivering the body out still remained a problem,” she narrated. While Nigerians are advised to use health facilities during pregnancies and deliveries, in places where TBAs and religious ‘clinics’ are encouraged, they are often advised to refer their patients to health facilities if prolonged labour or other complications are observed. But like a man on a mission to totally wipe out a mother and son, the herbalist decided to put Irene under his knife. He cut her open and removed the dead baby boy. Unfortunately, he severed some of her organs, while the area of cut began to breed infection. “After he cut me open, my pain intensified. It wasn’t healing, but rather I began to feel a more intense pain than the surgery. The stitch he put on me all fell off, and I could see my bladder, womb, intestine and other organs. I began to fear for my life.” She said by the third day, the herbalist hurriedly packed his belongings from the house and ran way. It was at that point Irene knew the real damage he had done to her. She was taken back home by her mother and husband with the hope of a miracle. At that point, leaking urine uncontrollably was the least of her problem. She was deteriorating, while the odour from her stomach was likened to the stench of a dead goat. “Luckily for me, we heard about the pool effort being done at the fistula centre in Ogoja General Hospital. That was how we came here, and they told me they would not only work on the fistula, but do other procedures to correct what the quack ‘doctor’ had done during the ‘surgery’ he did on me. The Head of Nursing, General Hospital, Ogoja, Mr. Paul Njagu told THISDAY that when a finger or a tool was passed from Irene’s vagina, a mere look at the stomach could reveal the finger or the tool because of the way the stomach was open. But like others before her, Irene was surgically operated on, the wound dressed, while the obstetric fistula was also repaired by the Engender Health team of fistula surgeons earlier this January. “I was operated on yesterday. Since then the uncontrolled urination has stop while the wound in my stomach had been dressed and stitched. I no longer feel pain as I used to. Now I am very sure I will live again,” Irene added. The grim picture Rita, Oluwaseyi and Irene are just few among the hundreds of thousands of Nigerian women who do not access hospitals for ante natal and delivery. But while some have been lucky to scale through pregnancy and child bearing process without complications or mortality, many Nigerian families are continually thrown into pain, sorrow and tears because skilled birth attendants and hospital facilities are not patronised for pregnancy, delivery and post delivery phases. Every year, at least, 12,000 new cases of obstetric fistula are added to the pile of the already 200,000 women living with the condition in Nigeria. Majority of the cases are caused by prolonged labour, which can be 100 per cent prevented.

Iyeme (2nd left) and members of the fistula surgical team at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex in Ilesa, Osun State

Fistula client undergoing repair

On specifics, a report by medscape.com showed that of 377 obstetric fistula cases in Ibadan, at least 369 were caused by obstructed labour. This study shows that while obstetric fistula is not common in developed countries, among the cases seen, only few are caused by obstructed labour. Fistula is one of the most devastating injuries of child birth. It occurs mainly as a result of prolonged obstructed labour, without timely medical intervention – such as a caesarean section. The sustained pressure of the baby’s head on the mother’s pelvic bone causes damage of soft tissues creating a hole – or fistula – between the vagina and the bladder and/or rectum. This means that, the wall of the birth canal gets compressed by the baby’s head during an obstructed labour. The pressure causes blood to stop flowing, and the tissue dies. The vagina then leaks urine and/or faeces. The result is continuous leaking of urine and feaces. When this occurs, a woman has no control of this phenomenon and if not assisted may suffer isolation, social

stigma, neglect and humiliation. Churches should face deliverance while hospitals face deliveries The Engender Health Nigeria Country Project Manager for the USAID-funded Fistula Care Plus (FC+) project, Chief Iyeme Efem, described the condition as one of the most devastating consequences of neglected childbearing process. He said while it is important Nigerians take their spiritual lives seriously, they should be conscious of the fact that deliveries are meant to be taken in hospitals for safer outcomes. Efem said: “When I see a woman who goes to the church to deliver her baby, I asked the woman if it was a spirit that she was giving birth to. If it was a spirit, you go to the church and they will do deliverance but if it is a baby, then you can go to the hospital for delivery. We should begin to differentiate between these two things.” For Efem, there must be a separation of labour. “Let the churches do deliverance (spiritual) and let the hospitals do the delivery (medical).”

How obstructed labour causes obstetric fistula According to World Health Organisation (WHO), during normal labour, the bladder is displaced upwards in the abdomen so the anterior vaginal wall, bladder base, and urethra are compressed between the fetal head and the posterior pubis. WHO says if this occurs for a short period of time, tissue damage does not occur. But if prolonged obstructed labour occurs, the intervening soft tissues become ischemic. This area then undergoes pressure necrosis, and within three to 10 days postpartum, the tissues slough off, causing obstetric fistula. While the narrative shows that many women come down with obstetric fistula in Nigeria due to prolonged labour chiefly caused by lack of proper and correct ante natal sessions, lack of delivery in hospitals and lack of supervision of skilled birth attendants, experts have shown that Nigeria can address this scourge if all childbearing women use healthcare facilities under the supervision of skilled health workers, and patronise ante natal sessions during pregnancy.

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NEWS

UNICEF: Mobilsing Political Will, Resources to End Child Violence Rebecca Ejifoma As Nigeria joined the world for the push to end violence against children by 2030 in line with Sustainable Development Goal, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged Nigerians to make child protection their responsibility, as it promises to mobilise political will in its commitment to end the scourge. UNICEF made the call on World Children’s Day on May 27, with the theme, ‘Creating Safe Spaces for Children: Our Collective Responsibility’. This is to remind the world that child protection against violence is everyone’s responsibility. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), violence against children includes all forms of abuse against people under 18 years old. They are: physical, emotional, sexual and psychological abuse. Just this year, countless number of children were abused in Nigeria. Among them are six years old, whose two teachers allegedly defiled; and an in-law, who defiled his four nieces aged 11, 10, eight and four years olds and a six years old neighbour in Lagos State. While the two teachers of Peaklane Schools Akute in Ogun State, Messrs Anyawu and Leke, were said to have defiled the six years old in the rest room in March this year, Michael Chukwuemeka

Chukem was arrested in May for continuously defiling the five girls. THISDAY, who spoke with parents of the victims after the court hearing, gathered that the teachers will appear at Ifo Magistrate Court on June 6 this year, while Chukem will be arraigned again before the Tinubu Magistrate Court on Wednesday May 30 this year. “Both the proprietress and her teachers have been insulting us. As much as I need justice, I just feel bad about the way my husband and I have been continuously humiliated and made like the perpetrators rather than victims,” mother of the pupil, Mrs. Afolabi, told THISDAY. Therefore, to end such violence UNICEF Deputy Representatives, Mr. Isiye Ndombi, said Nigeria was the first country in the West African sub-region and the 9th country in the world to conduct the Violence against Children survey in 2014. “The survey provided the first nationally representative data on the prevalence of sexual, physical, and emotional violence among children in Nigeria.” He, however, described violence against children as pervasive. “Violations occur in the home, school, work place and online. The perpetrators often are the very

people children are expected to trust: parents, caregivers and other family members, friends, teachers and intimate partners.” According to the Deputy Representative, the findings – released at the end of 2015 – highlighted that millions of Nigerian children are suffering violence every year and most are suffering in silence. Following the sordid increase, Ndombi estimated that six out of 10 children would suffer some form of emotional, physical or sexual violence before they attain age 18. He emphasised that many of them encounter violence over and over. Sadly, he said that despite the number, less than five

per cent of the children that seek help, receive support. “This was clear call for the government at all levels to act to end violence against children.” He added: “The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development convened an inter-agency Technical Working Group on Violence against Children (VAC) comprising representatives from all the key ministries as well as civil society and faith-based organisations, to develop a robust response plan to the findings of the survey. “In September 2015, the President, Muhammadu Buhari, launched a Year of Action to end violence against children. He renewed his commitment

in October 2016 by launching a long-term campaign in line with SDG to End Violence against Children by 2030.” Now, while expressing that nine states have rolled out this programme, Ndombi said: “We at UNICEF see potential for other states to follow. We are also seeing a promising increase in the number of children that have received support after having reported violations against them.” Following this, UNICEF assured Nigeria that it remained firmly committed to ending violence against children in Nigeria. “We are determined to mobilise political will and resources to tackle all forms of violence against children wherever it happens.”

He added: “Currently, we are re-analysing the 2014 VACS findings to gain an even deeper understanding of the drivers of violence against children. “We are, also, supporting our government partners to launch our National Plan of Action to End VAC by 2030 alongside a national Social Norms Change Strategy, and supporting the government to track and monitor reported cases.” Notwithstanding, he commended Nigeria for demonstrating clear commitment to end violence against children – “Nigeria’s commitment provides an excellent opportunity to speak up on behalf of all the vulnerable children in the country.”

Nutritionist Commends Chivita’s ‘No-added Sugar’Commitment Martins Ifijeh The National Publicity Secretary of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Mr. Olusola Malomo, has commended the juice making standards of Chivita 100 per cent fruit juice, the flagship brand of Chi Limited, and its commitment to ‘no-added sugar’ process, describing it as a healthy substitute for raw fruits. He said 100 per cent fruit juice is made from the flesh of fresh fruit or from whole fruit, depending on the type used. “It is not permitted to add sugar, sweeteners, preservatives, flavouring or colourings to fruit juices. Chivita 100 per cent complies with these requirements as articulated by its production and packaging process.” Malomo, who led discussion at a media session held in Lagos on recently, said 100 per cent fruit juice has same nutritional value with natural fruits and could help in detoxifying the body system while aiding weight loss when taken before breakfast. He stated that regular consumption of 100 per cent fruit juice could also address modern health challenges caused by fewer minerals/vitamins/antioxidants, processed foods, excess sugar, excess fat/ cholesterol, improper chemical combination and excess animal fat. The nutritionist further said: “It is often difficult to say which between raw fruit and fruit juice gives more nutrients to the body. Although eating

whole fruit is considered to be the best way of attaining the full benefits of fruits, fruit juice is an easy and healthy option. Of course, if the juice contains 100 per cent fruit without preservatives and additives, it has same nutritional value with natural fruit.” “With a busy lifestyle, our eating habits have become packed with preservatives and processed foods that are not only devoid of essential nutrients but can also cause some harm to the body. 100 per cent fruit juice helps to correct the harm caused by these new eating habits; boost the immune system and keep the body in perfect health.” On his part, the Managing Director, Chi Limited, Deepanjay Roy, said Chivita, as a brand, is concerned about the misconceptions on juice consumption, which are capable of creating needless barrier to enjoying the many nutritional benefits of 100 per cent juice. “As a leading juice brand, we at Chivita are therefore not unmindful of the responsibility to create a platform for enlightened discourse on benefits of fruit and juice drinks and how it contributes to health and well-being of our nation. To do this, we hope to support the sharing of unbiased but balanced information on sugar intake and fruit juice by experts such as scientists, nutritionists and dietician. We will also create a sustainable dialogue on the truth and science of fruit juice and the natural sugar it contains.”

L-R: Administrative Manager, Ruzu Herbal Products and Services Ltd (RHPS), Mr. Olajide Ige; Managing Director/CEO, RHPS, Dr. Robert Onyemaechi Uzu; Legal l Adviser/ Company Secretary, RHPS, Dr. Christian Akpotowho; and Brand Expert, RHPS, Mr. Desmond Esorougwu, at the media presentation on Ruzu herbal products and growth of the company in Lagos recently ETOP UKUTT

Menstrual Hygiene Day: 300m Women Menstruate Daily Globally, Says WaterAid Kuni Tyessi in Abuja In commemoration of the 2018 Menstrual Hygiene Day, an International non-governmental organisation, WaterAid, has revealed that not less than 300 million women around the globe observe their monthly period daily. WaterAid Country Representative, Dr. Chichi Okoye, who revealed this in Abuja during the 2018 Menstrual Hygiene Day, with the theme ‘No More Limits’, said a lot of challenges women face today is tied to menstruation and informed that the lingering situation that comes from it still persists. Okoye said the misconception has a huge implication on girls’ education and many schools have no toilets and the girls end up not going to school for days and which she said could lead to dropping out of school in extreme cases. She said: “300 million women menstruate daily around the world. Menstrual hygiene is a human right issue amounting to Sustainable Development Goal-6. Due to the taboo that surrounds menstruation in most com-

munities, most girls don’t get informed. They grow up thinking something is wrong with them. Schools and communities must support girls. “A lot of challenges women face today is tied to menstruation and the lingering situation that comes with it still persists. We are calling on people all over the world to put a stop to it as it has several implications on girls’ education. To make matters worse, many schools have no toilets.” In his speech to commemorate the day, PLAN representative, Mr. Tunde Aremu, called for a review of the educational curriculum to include more education and information for girls concerning their menstrual cycle and added that for its effectiveness, boys must also be educated to know and understand that what happens in the lives of girls is biological and normal. He added that teachers must also be well equipped to break the myth of menstrual cycle and the shame that comes with it. He added that even religious and traditional leaders have a role to play in the lives of their congregation and communities and putting at bay

the falsehood that is tied to menstrual hygiene. “It should be seen as a health issue and not a taboo and the mental well-being of the female child is very

important. There is the need to create more education and male folk including religious and traditional leaders must be carried along in the enlightenment crusade.”

Gombe Records 70 Snake Bites, Calls for Vigilance Martins Ifijeh The Snake Bite Treatment Centre in Kaltungo, Gombe State, has alerted people in state particularly farmers, to be vigilant, as the hospital was recording increased cases of snake bites. The Officer in Charge of the Centre, Dr. Abubakar Balla, who made this known in Kaltungo recently, said at least 70 snake bite patients were on admission in the hospital. Balla said that the hospital admitted nine to 10 persons daily since the onset of the rains unlike during the dry season when two or three people were treated daily. “We discharge people daily and admit new ones; the situ-

ation is bad, and people need to take precaution because prevention is better than cure. “Those going to farm should wear boots, hand gloves and hold sticks,” he said. Balla said that the facility had sufficient drugs supplied by the Presidential Committee on North-East Initiative (PCNI) and the Gombe State Government. He, therefore, advised snake bite victims to go to hospital immediately in order to save their lives. “When a victim’s condition is critical, definitely he or she will require blood transfusion which is not advisable. Endeavor to come on time, the treatment is free of charge,” he said.

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BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Naira Appreciates as CBN Sustains FX Intervention Obinna Chima The naira appreciated to N362 to a dollar yesterday, stronger than the N366 to a dollar it was as at the close of business on Monday. This is just as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) once more intervened in the foreign exchange (FX) market with the sum of $210 million. The Bank offered the sum of $100 million to authorised dealers in the wholesale segment of the market while interests in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

segment received the sum of $55 million. Also, the sum of $55 million was apportioned to invisibles such as tuition fees, medical payments and Basic Travel Allowance (BTA). Confirming the figures, the CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, said the Bank’s continued intervention forex market is to ensure the availability of foreign exchange to genuine customers. He urged the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to continue

to comply with the Bank’s directive to sell forex over the counter to customers with legitimate needs so as to sustain the confidence in the foreign exchange market. The CBN recently ordered banks not to deny genuine travelers Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) and Business Travel Allowance (BTA) as there are enough dollar supplies to meet the demand. This was followed by the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele leading Bank Examiners to conduct on-the-spot assessment of FX sales in banks on Monday.

Unity Bank Trains Students on Financial Literacy Peter Uzoho In commemoration of the 2018 Children’s Day that was marked recently, Unity Bank Plc used the occasion to offer practical knowledge of banking to students of King’s College Lagos. The exercise was to enable the students understand financial management. The event took place at the bank’s head office in Lagos, where the students were led on a tour of some of the departments to see how banks work. They also had a talk session that focused on cyber-bullying, the challenge of drug abuse. Speaking to journalists, Tomi Somefun, said the bank takes it as a responsibility to identify with children who are future

leaders, stressing that teaching them money and how it works at such tender age was paramount. Somefun who was represented at the programme by the Executive Director, South Bank, Unity Bank, Mr. Temisan Tuedor, noted that catching them young was not by saying but by practice. “It’s what you teach now that they will take into the future. So, it’s very key we teach them financial literacy at this time because that is the way for the development of this country. So financial literacy is very paramount,� Somefun said. She explained that it was also important the bank use the platform to talk to the students about cyberbullying and drug abuse -two issues she noted

were threatening the society presently, and how to guard themselves against being victims. “I also talked to them briefly on the need for them to value their selfesteem. Because it’s obvious that nobody can make you inferior without your consent. “So, the kids must know that at this young age, that you cannot be bullied, that you must stick your ground; you must know what you want from life. And it’s very important that we teach all these things,� she added. Commenting on their experience at the event, the school’s Captain, Master Omohwovo Uyota, described it as wonderful and interesting, saying “today they have made us proud.�

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS Broad Money (M2)

24,303,049.86

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,912,604.10

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,668,378.21

---- Demand Deposits

9,244,225.90

-- Quasi Money

13,390,445.76

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

15,619,134.18

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

8,683,915.68

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

Firm Fetes Customers Kehinde Lawal Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Esther Ehoche In order to bridge the gap between performance, reliability and customer satisfaction in electrical power supply and control systems, Deep Sea Electronics in partnership with Hakman Engineeringrecently organised a two-day forum where they also unveiled the latest innovations in the energy sector. Speaking at the workshop in Lagos, the Technical Support Manager of Deep Sea, Tony Manton, said that the forum was to enable the company meet with its customers, through the support of itsmajor distributor, Hakman Engineering.

He said the move was also to build new business and establish new partnership. Also, the Managing Director, Hakman Engineering, Mr. Oladele Jagun, stated that his company has been in Nigeria for 17 years and remains a major distributor of Deep Sea Electronics products in the country and West Africa. He pointed out that his firm basically provide solutions to the power industries across West Africa. He added: “Everyone is our customer. We service customers from the oil and gas industries and our products are used by almost all the generator companies in Nigeria. “They are used everywhere because of its liability, ease of

use, flexibility and compatibility. “To be a participant of this workshop, the first thing is to be an electrical engineer and a person who work with control systems.� Speaking on the objectives of the firm, the Business Development Manager, Hakman Engineering, Ayodeji Adeniyi, noted that the country presently is faced with a lot of challenges, saying his firm offerssolution that minimise operational expenses. “We are optimistic that the Nigeria power industry will improve, and we will make ourselves available to ensure that the necessary knowledge and technical know -how is available for optimum utilisation,� he said.

Zimbabwe Becomes AFC’s 19th Member State Zimbabwe has become the 19th member state of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC). Referencing infrastructure development as being amongst the top of his agenda, President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared Zimbabwe “open for business.� As such, a statement disclosed that theAFC has already begun the process of exploring, alongside the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ), opportunities for investment. Commenting on the development, the President and CEO, AFC, Mr. Andrew Alli said: “We are pleased to welcome Zimbabwe as a member state

of AFC. We view the ongoing political and economic renaissance positively and hope that we can contribute effectively to the revitalisation of infrastructure within the country.� Also, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Patrick Chinamasa noted that AFC’s business model had proven that the African continent can effectively mobilise infrastructure financing by itself. “We enjoin other African States to join the Corporation, promulgating home-grown solutions to our infrastructure challenges�. The Minister of Foreign Affairs

of Zimbabwe, Dr. Sibusiso Moyo also said: “It is refreshing to see an African focused financing institution like AFC. We look forward to AFC leading the infrastructure and industrial renaissance of Zimbabwe in particular, and Africa in general�. The IDBZ has a national mandate to champion infrastructure development in Zimbabwe in the key sectors of energy, transport, housing, ICT, water and sanitation. Zimbabwe’s membership in the AFC is expected to significantly enhance the Bank’s resource mobilisation efforts towards funding the country’s huge infrastructure needs.

(MILLION NAIRA)

MARCH 2018

26,267,136.53

---- Credit to Government (Net)

3,823,345.45

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

5,433,209.43

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

-1,609,863.98

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

22,443,791.08

--Other Assets Net

-17,583,220.85

Reserve Money (Base Money)

6,746,646.49

--Currency in Circulation

1,668,378.21

--Banks Reserves

4,357,551.58 Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT TUESDAY MAY 29, 2018

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $72.91 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $73.37 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

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MARKET NEWS

NSE Capitalisation Falls to N13.9tn as Bellwether Stocks Lose Further Goddy Egene The Nigerian equities market sank deeper yesterday with the capitalisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) falling to a new low of N13.984 trillion as bellwether stocks continued to tank. Also, the year-to-date (YTD) growth of the market contracted further to 0.9 per cent, indicating that another bearish trading sessions would push the market to a YTD

decline. Bears have dominated the market for the past three consecutive weeks as foreign investors, who always dictate the pace, are said to be exiting emerging and frontier markets. Although most of the stocks are trading at attractive valuations, domestic investors are not taking advantage of the cheap prices. The bear run continued yesterday making bellwethers such as Dangpote Cement Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Zenith

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Bank Plc, Nigerian Breweries to close lower and dragging NSE indicators to new lows. Specifically, the NSE capitalisation fell from N14.137 trillion to close at N13.984 trillion, while NSE All-Share Index fell by 1.08 per cent to close lower at 38,606.41 from 39,028.51. A total of 25 stocks depreciated, dominated by highly capitalised counters, while 23 stocks advanced led mostly by low-priced counters. Ikeja Hotel Plc led the price losers

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

as investors locked in gains from it recent rally following the lifting of suspension on trading of the stock by the NSE last week. The high demand that welcomed the lifting of the suspension after 18 months boosted the stock by over 45 per cent. However, profit taking has set in, giving the stock a haircut of 7.0 per cent to close at N2.51 yesterday. A.G Leventis Nigeria Plc trailed as the second highest price loser, shedding 6.7 per

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

cent, while Glaxosmithkline Consumers Nigeria Plc, Lafarge Africa Plc and International Breweries Plc dipped by 4.9 per cent apiece. Sterling Bank Plc, Japaul Oil and Gas Plc went down by 4.5 per cent each, just as Nigerian Breweries Plc lost 4.3 per cent among others. On the positive side, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc led the bulls with 6.2 per cent, trailed by FCMB Group Plc with a gain of 5.0 per cent. Flour Mills of

O F

Nigeria Plc chalked up 4.9 per cent, while Fidson Healthcare Plc closed 4.8 per cent higher. Other top price gainers included: Dangote Flour Mills Plc (4.6 per cent); Learn Africa Plc (4.5 per cent), Skye Bank Plc (4.4 per cent); Wema Bank Plc (4.2 per cent) and WAPIC Insurance Plc (4.1 per cent). However, activity level strengthened as volume and value traded rose by 53.9 per cent and 188.5 per cent to 342.0 million shares and N4.7 billion.

2 5 / 0 5 / 2 0 1 8 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

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ADVERTORIAL

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MARKET NEWS

SEC Intervenes in Partnership Investment’s Plan to Repay Investors Goddy Egene The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed Partnership Investment Company Plc and its subsidiaries to submit documents containing the plan to repay investors who lost their investments in the capital market through the companies. SEC had last September cancelled the registration of the Partnership Investment Limited and Partnership Securities Limited and banned their principal officers/ actors from participating in

the capital market following infractions committed by the firms and their officers. Particularly the companies were said to have sold the shares of former Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), Mr. Arnold Ekpe, worth N1.24 billion and misappropriated the proceeds. The companies also introduced a product called Partnership Securities Deposit Account (PSDA), which involved investors keeping their securities with them for a return annually. However, many investors lost their

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

investments in the process. As a result of these, the apex capital market regulator banned the Managing Director of Partnership Investment Company Plc and Partnership Securities Limited, Mr. Victor Ogiemwonyi for life from holding directorship positions in any public company quoted in Nigeria for his unprofessional conduct in the Nigerian capital market. Similarly, the chairman of the companies, Mr. Henry Omoragbon was suspended for a period of five years from engaging in capital market activities in the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 28May-2018, unless otherwise stated.

Nigerian capital market. The companies were also directed to ensure that affected investors are restituted. However, SEC in a statement on its website yesterday, SEC said its attention had been drawn to an electronic message being circulated to investors captioned: “Re Partnership Investment Company Plc. Restructuring and Reorganisation: A Plan to Pay All Creditors/Customers.” SEC explained that the electronic message indicated a proposal to investors who lost monies to Partnership

Investment Company Plc and its subsidiaries, especially Partnership Securities Limited to sign up to participate in a repayment plan with two options. According the commission, option A which is three years’ repayment plan, includes taking a cash payment or accepting equity in a company to be registered and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange or option B which involves the investors accepting payment of only 50 per cent of their investment payable within 12 months. “Please be further informed

that the conduct of the Partnership Investment Company and its subsidiaries on restructuring is very suspicious and appears to be an attempt to scuttle the directives of the Administrative Proceedings Committee (APC).In view of the above, the general public is hereby warned to be wary of the proposal and hereby direct Partnership Investment Company Plc and its subsidiaries to submit their repayment plan officially to the commission for the protection of affected,” SEC said.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors. Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return. NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 186.96 188.36 5.39% Nigeria International Debt Fund 244.71 246.14 6.08% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.83 0.84 1.30% ACAP Income Funds 0.66 0.66 9.17% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.35% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.07 19.64 4.35% ARM Discovery Fund 404.99 417.20 4.09% ARM Ethical Fund 28.80 29.67 5.43% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.53% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 156.82 157.90 3.37% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.05% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.51% Paramount Equity Fund 12.03 12.34 8.50% Women's Investment Fund 104.02 106.68 3.37% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.63% CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.14% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.14 1.17 8.96% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.12 1.15 7.99% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Heritage Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 1.37 1.39 4.90% Legacy Debt Fund 3.04 3.04 5.43% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.42% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 101.78 102.72 1.79% INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.05% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.19 2.22 3.98% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.56% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 119.39 119.76 3.81%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.19 1.21 3.56% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,068.97 1,068.97 6.03% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.34 1.36 12.45% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.79 11.86 6.85% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.80% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 125.31 127.53 -2.69% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.58 1.58 6.42% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,395.20 2,415.06 6.78% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 185.40 185.40 5.07% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.07 1.08 6.44% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 235.32 235.37 6.85% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 185.00 186.95 3.26% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.69% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,131.27 10,270.39 4.78% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.09 1.09 3.12% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.34 1.35 0.12% United Capital Bond Fund 1.66 1.66 5.76% United Capital Equity Fund 0.95 0.97 3.38% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.79% United Capital Eurobond Fund 106.06 106.06 3.07% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.14 1.14 4.45% ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 13.20 13.39 5.29% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.77 13.93 4.47% Zenith Income Fund 20.22 20.22 6.84% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.17%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 135.41 51.22

1.01% 2.23% 0.77%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.55 150.32 114.00

12.65 153.46 116.09

3.52% 5.22% 4.33%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.79 9.35 18.00 20.06 146.04

4.83 9.43 18.10 20.26 148.04

1.07% -2.30% 2.77% 2.00% 6.66%

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

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INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

US Evangelist to Acquire Fourth Private Jet, Seeks Followers’ Help A United Stated televangelist has asked his followers to help fund his fourth private jet - because Jesus would not be riding a donkey”. Jesse Duplantis said God had told him to buy a Falcoln 7X for $54m (£41m). He added he was hesitant about the purchase at first, but said God had told him: “I didn’t ask you to pay for it. I asked you to believe for it.” Although preachers owning private jets is not unusual, this particular appeal has caused controversy. Twitter users responded to the request with disbelief, with many quoting Bible verses warning against greed and false prophets, or suggesting that the money could be better used to help

the poor. In a video address posted on his website, Duplantis, a 68-year-old evangelist explained: “You know, I have owned three different jets in my life, and I’ve used them and just burning them up for the Lord Jesus Christ. “Now, some people believe that preachers should not have jets. I really believe that preachers ought to go on every available voice, every available outlet, to get this Gospel preached to the world.” Standing beside framed pictures of his current fleet, he said that the jet he bought 12 years ago was no longer sufficient for his ministry because he could not fly non-stop, meaning he had to pay “exorbitant”

refuelling costs. Another picture which appeared in the video showed the preacher standing with the three aircraft, above the caption: “It’s not about possessions, it’s about priorities.” Duplantis justified the request by saying that Jesus had told people to “go into the world and preach the Gospel to every creature, now how we gonna do that? I cannot live long enough to travel by car or by ship or by train, but I can do it by an aeroplane”. In 2015, Duplantis appeared in a video with another preacher, Kenneth Copeland, in which Copeland described travelling on commercial airlines as being “in a long tube with a bunch of demons.”

Ex-Zambian President’s Son Appeals Mobile Theft Jail Sentence The son of former Zambian President Frederick Chiluba has appealed after he was sentenced to eight months’ hard labour for stealing a mobile phone. Frederick Chiluba Jr was sentenced two weeks ago after being found guilty of stealing a Samsung S7 edge, valued at $843 (£626). The Lusaka Magistrate court heard how Chiluba Jr stole the device from a woman, Brenda Chisha, on September 2, 2017 before trading it for drugs in a notorious slum in Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. But Chiluba, 32, a retired officer in the Zambia Air

Force, has filed a notice of appeal in the High Court. He has also applied for bail pending appeal. “If bail is not granted, I am going to suffer prejudice and injustice as there is a possibility of serving the substantial part of the sentence before the appeal is heard, thereby rendering my appeal an academic exercise and of no purpose,” he said. But public prosecutor Cyprian Phiri objected to the application for bail, arguing that there were no exceptional circumstances. He said he prosecution had not seen any ground

which would merit a successful appeal. The court will make a decision on Friday. Chiluba Snr ruled Zambia from 1991 to 2001. He was dogged by corruption allegations, leading to his immunity from prosecution being lifted after he left office. He was prosecuted for alleged embezzlement in 2002 but acquitted after a six-year trial. In 2007, he was convicted of fraud by a London court and ordered to repay $58m (£36m) in embezzled funds, but the ruling was never enforced in Zambia.

Ukraine Staged Fake Murder of Journalist Ukraine staged the murder of a Russian dissident journalist in Kiev on Tuesday in what it said was a sting operation to foil a Russian assassination plot. Arkady Babchenko sent shock waves around the world when he arrived at a news conference on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after he was reported dead. The head of Ukraine’s security services, Vasyl Hrytsak, said the elaborate sting was set up to catch hitmen paid by Russian forces. Police said they had made one arrest. Babchenko’s wife said that she had found him at the entrance to their apartment block with bullet wounds in his back, and he was reported to have died in an ambulance on the way to hospital. There were gasps and applause as the journalist entered the room for the press conference on Wednesday. He thanked the Ukrainian security services for saving

his life and said he had no choice but to take part. “I did my job. I’m still alive. I have buried many friends and colleagues many times and I know the sickening feeling,” he added. I am sorry you had to experience it. But there was no other way.” Babchenko said he was informed a month ago about an alleged Russian plot to kill him. He said he was in constant contact with Ukrainian security services over the course of the past month, adding that he thought they had been planning the operation for up to two months. Hrytsak said the operation began after Ukrainian security services were informed about a plot to kill Babchenko. He said Russian security forces had recruited a Ukrainian citizen to find hitmen within Ukraine. He said the citizen approached several acquaintances, including war veterans, offering $30,000

(£22,600) for the contract killing, one of whom revealed the plot to the security services. They then informed Babchenko, apparently determining that the only way to reveal the plotters was to stage a fake hit. It was not clear if Babchenko’s wife Olechka was aware that his death had been faked. He apologised to her at the press conference. “Olechka, I am terribly sorry. But there were no other options”. Hrytsak said it was the Ukrainian who tried to find a hitman who was detained by police. Russia’s foreign ministry condemned the staged assassination, calling it “obviously yet another anti-Russian provocation”. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said the country“will offer protection to Babchenko. It is unlikely that Moscow will calm down. I have given an order to provide Arkady and his family with protection.”

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Court Annuls Rivers APC Congresses Congresses that produced our exco not before any court, says Ojukaye Ernest Chinwo ÓØ ÙÜÞ ËÜÍÙßÜÞ A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has declared the ward, local government and the state congresses of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held on May 19, 20 and 21 respectively null and void. Some aggrieved members of the APC loyal to Senator Magnus Abe had approached the court for succour on the allegation that they were shut out of the ward congress of the party in the state on May 5 and sought an injunction restraining the party from going on with the congresses until their grievances were addressed. At the resumed sitting of the court on May 11 when the court was to rule on the issue of injunction, youths suspected to be members of the party, with the assistance of the police, invaded and sealed the gates of the state High Court complex in a bid to stop the court from sitting. However, when the court was re-opened later that day, the presiding judge, Justice Chiwendu Nwogu, issued an interlocutory injunction restraining the party from using the outcome of the congress on May 5 to hold the local government congress of the party on the May 12 and adjourned till May 29. But the party went on with the local government congresses on May 12, insisting that it has not received any court order stopping it from going on with the exercise and that no injunction could stop the congresses as it was a process that had long begun.

However, the national leadership of the APC, on May 18, announced the cancellation of the ward and local government congresses conducted in the state on the earlier dates. In a memo signed by the National Chairman of the party, John Odigie-Oyegun, the party directed that the ward, local government and state congresses of the party in the state should hold on May 19, 20 and 21 respectively. Following the directive of the national leadership of the party, the state APC held the congresses in which Hon. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree was elected through consensus as the new Chairman of the party in the state. Members of the party loyal to Senator Magnus Abe boycotted all the congresses. At the resumed sitting of the court yesterday, counsel for the aggrieved members of APC, Henry Bello, told the court that he had been duly served the motion on notice, adding that there was nothing to show that the person who served him was not counsel for the party. But Tuduru Edeh, who told the court that he has the mandate of the APC to represent them in court, insisted that Chieme Chiweikpe, who has been standing for the political party, had no authority to represent the party, having been suspended from office as legal adviser of the party since last year. Edeh also told the court that the defence had not been served and that appeal has been entered on the matter, urging the court to step down the matter till the appeal is heard. After listening to the

arguments, presiding judge, Justice Nwogu, said there was no evidence to prove that appeal has been entered, adding that even the court registrar could not also confirm the development. Nwogu in his ruling, stated that the cancellation of the result of the APC congress held in the state on May 5 and 12, and rescheduling the same congresses for May 19, 20 and was to make the matter academic. He ruled that it was wrong for the APC to go against the order of the court, noting that the political party had earlier attempted to lock the gate of the court in order to stifle justice. The judge stated that the attitude of the APC holding the same congresses barred by the court on a later date was contempt, stressing that it was targeted at arm-twisting the judiciary. Nwogu described the congresses of the APC in the state in the face of the order as an act of disobedience,

noting that the conducts of Tuduru Edeh, who had come to take over the matter, was unprofessional. He said he was satisfied with the reports of the court which showed that all the parties in the matter had been duly served, noting that no record could prove that the matter has been entered for appeal. Nwogu also said the order of the court meant that the parties should maintain status quo and not to renew dates or events, adding that the attitude of APC amounts to contempt. “The order was made to maintain status quo and not to renew dates or the events. The attempt of cancelling the earlier congress and holding same on later date is to frustrate this suit and make the matter an academic exercise. It is a way to declare the judiciary moribund. I hereby, annul the congresses of the APC held on the 19th, 20th and 21st. I declare it as null and void and also stop them from holding

any other congress in the state pending the outcome of the suit,” Nwogu held. He stated that the ruling was to restore the status-quo of the parties in the suit and adjourned till June 26 for hearing of the originating summons. But in its reaction, the state chapter of the APC, insisted that the congresses that produced the new executive of the party was not before any court. The newly-elected Chairman, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, insisted that the APC ward, local government and state congresses that took place on May 19, 20 and 21 respectively which saw to his emergence as the state Chairman were not a subject of any court action. “The reported annulment must be connected to the matter relating to the disputed May 5 and 12 ward and local government APC congresses of which our lawyers have actively been pursuing. As far as we

are concerned, we were not served any fresh cause of action against the May 19, 20 and 21 congresses. It is unthinkable and unimaginable because no such linkage exists,” he stated. He said it was absurd for anyone to talk about the new set of congresses even when the party’s counsel had filed a notice of preliminary objection against the jurisdiction of the court and the notice of appeal to that effect brought to the notice of the court over the May 5 and 12 congresses that the national leadership of APC eventually cancelled. “We believe that the court knows that it is its duty to determine the matter of preliminary objections and other motions filed by APC counsels before it can question subsequent congresses or actions of the party. At this moment, there is no court action and/or order on the State Exco or all those that emerged at different levels of the party on May 19, 20 and 21 congresses,” he said.

Benue Assembly Outlaws Same Sex Marriage The Benue House of Assembly yesterday passed a bill to prohibit marriage contract between persons of same sex in the state. Cited as Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Law, 2018, the bill was passed at plenary after a clause by clause consideration by the Committee of the whole presided by the Speaker, Mr Terkimbi Ikyange. Same sex marriage or sexual relationship is already outlawed in Nigeria. A federal law passed in 2014 punishes the crime with 14 years in jail. According to the Benue State bill, “a marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex shall not be solemnised in a church,

mosque or any other place of worship in Benue’’. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), bill also prohibited the registration or recognition of gay clubs, societies and organisations, their sustenance, procession and meeting as well as public show of same sex amorous relationship directly or indirectly. It stipulated that any person who entered into a same sex marriage contract or civil union commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of 14 years imprisonment. Speaking after the third reading of the bill, the Speaker said same sex union was alien to the culture and tradition of the State and has to be prohibited.

MEETING FOR REGIONAL INTEREST

L-R: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel; Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bayela State, Hon. Seriake Dickson; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; and Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, after the meeting of the South-South Governors’ Forum at the Government House, Port-Harcourt....yesterday

PDP: Former Jonathan’s Minister, Turaki Declares for Presidency Appoints Boni Haruna DG Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË Former Minister of Special Duties in the previous administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has declared his intention to contest for the presidency on the platform of the party. Turaki, who was minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan, said at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja yesterday that his ambition was borne out of his concern with the situation of things in the country. The former minister also used the opportunity to unveil his campaign team with former governor of Adamawa State, Mr. Boni Haruna as Director General, and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Steve

Oruh, as Deputy Director General, South. About seven PDP chieftains, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have so far expressed interest to contest for the PDP presidential ticket. Turaki said he had consulted most leaders of the country, including former President Jonathan, before making his declaration, and got their blessings. On the chances of other PDP presidential aspirants, Turaki said everyone of them are eminently qualified for the position, adding, “PDP can bring up 100 people that can do 1,000 times better than what APC is doing.” He said he did not see the number of PDP presidential aspirants as a challenge to the party or to his aspiration. According to Turaki, integrity

and good track record will be among his assets, adding that he is not afraid of persecution, since he had no corruption baggage. The former minister said he was not scared of arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), disclosing that immediately he left office in 2015, he was investigated by anti-corruption agency but nothing was found on him. “We feel that we have what it takes to unify Nigerians. We need a winning team that can provide level playing ground and opportunities irrespective of where you come from,” he declared. “I went to sit down with everyone of them. We have spoken and we’ve understood each other. We have a serious national problem that Nigeria has come to see PDP as

saviour of this country. “If therefore, Nigerians have said that PDP is the only vehicle that will rescue them from this situation, then we the gladiators must be able to subject our interest to the larger interest of Nigerians. Anybody who gets this ticket, we have the understanding, all of us will join hands and support him,” he said. He said he is aware that his posters were being pasted by supporters all over the country. He said the fact that his posters were being pasted by Nigerians across the country even without prompting is a clear sign of the general acceptance of his aspiration. According to him, the outcome of series of consultations has also given him confidence to proceed to seek the PDP ticket.

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Strike: Court Orders FG, JOHESU Back to Negotiation table The National Industrial Court in Abuja has said it has taken over the negotiations between

the federal government and the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) in its Alternative

FG Lauds Dangote for Presenting 150 Patrol Cars to Police In an unprecedented show of philanthropy, the Aliko Dangote Foundation yesterday in Abuja, donated 150 fully kitted operational cars worth several hundreds of naira to the Nigeria Police Force. The donation, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, said was the single biggest donation ever by a private sector operator to the police. Speaking during the formal handover of the cars at an event attended by the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, ministers, state governors as well as the entire police hierarchy, Chairman of the Foundation, Aliko Dangote explained that the gesture was informed by the fact that security is essential to economic development.” Depending on how well the vehicles are maintained, Dangote promised that his foundation might consider donating another batch of vehicles Meanwhile federal government, through Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo lauded the Dangote Foundation for the rare gesture and expressed the federal government’s appreciation to Dangote for his untiring support to the government, adding that the donation of cars patrol cars to the NPF will help the Force at combating crimes across the country. Osinbajo said Dangote is a rare entrepreneur who has done so much to grow the economy of Nigeria. He said the government needs people like Aliko to join hands with it to grow the economy and also provide jobs to the Youth. There have been a lot of talks on private-public partnership, but as we can see Alhaji Dangote is walking the talk. government’s role, according to him, is to provide the enabling environment while the private sector should take advantage of the opportunities that abounds in the country to grow and develop the economy. “The donation of 150 cars to

the NPF is laudable and we thank Aliko Dangote Foundation for this rare gesture, that is characteristic of the person of Aliko Dangote. He has shown over the years to be an entrepreneur with a difference, a man that gives willingly to the poor” Describing the donation as the single largest donation of cars by any private individual in the country, Osinbajo urged other Nigerians to join hands with the federal government to effectively secure the country as well as develop the economy. The IG, Idris, expressed the appreciation of the Police Force to the Aliko Dangote Foundation, with a promise that the cars will be well utilized for the purpose for which they were donated. He urged Nigerians to go about their business lawfully, noting that The Police Force is now well equipped more than ever before to fight crime across the country. He assured that the Police Force will not disappoint Nigerians in the provision of adequate security across the country. Dangote in his speech said the donation was aimed at strengthening the Nigeria Police and Said he: “We are gathered here today to mark the formal handover of a total number of 150 GAC saloon cars to the Nigeria Police Force in order to help boost their operational efficiency. I am told that today marks the single biggest number of operational vehicles ever donated to the law enforcement agency by a private organisation. “Considering the challenges government faces in meeting the entire needs of the populace for necessities like health, education and security, various Public Private Partnerships (PPP) initiatives have been developed. These are partnerships where the private sector collaborates with the public sector to provide services.

SARAKI: WE DIDN’T DISCUSS MY TRIAL AT nPDP, APC MEETING a parastatal, declaring that he does not occupy any position in any board under the present administration. He said: “I have been existing and living in accordance with my own legal means for the past three years and I’m not complaining. “The complaint we are raising is that all the issues we raised when we left PDP are now resurfacing, particularly lack of respect for the rule of law, and that there is total anarchy; that the government does things as it likes against anybody which was happening in PDP when we left.” Baraje explained that the group was not fighting for its members or for the selfish interest of some individuals among them but rather for

members of the public, warning people against turning their agitation to a personal fight but that of the Nigerian masses. He stressed: “For the avoidance of doubt, our group is fighting for good governance and we are against anarchy and arrogance. We are also concerned about the poor state of our economy where an average Nigerian is hungry and government seems to be doing nothing and we are also fighting against insecurity where lives and property of Nigerians are in jeopardy.” He therefore said: “But if a section of the media is trying to make it (our struggle) personal and want to see it as if we are fighting for our own sake, it will not augur well for the peace of the APC.”

Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre. The ruling of the court was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by Dr Casmir Ifeanyi, National Publicity Secretary, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), yesterday in Abuja. According to Ifeanyi, the court in its ruling ordered the union and government to nominate their representatives in the ADR process within 24 hours. “The agreement reached at the ADR centre will be

registered in the court as judgment binding on both parties. “JOHESU is to initiate the process of allowing normalcy to return to hospitals within three days,” the spokesman said. The court had earlier on May 17 ordered the aggrieved members of JOHESU to suspend the protracted strike and resume duties across the nation within 24 hours. The President of the court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, gave the order after listening to the submissions of Mr. Okere Nnamdi, in an ex-parte motion

filed by a non-governmental organisation. The NGO, Incorporated Trustees of Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International, in the motion prayed the court to direct the workers to resume work and go back to negotiation table. In his ruling, Adejumo ordered the Ministers of Health and Labour, among other respondents, to immediately set up a committee to address issues raised by labour. The judge ordered that the parties should arrive at an acceptable and amicable

solution in the interest of Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the industrial action. Mr. Josiah Biobelemoye, National Chairman of JOHESU, on May 28 in a statement assured that the union would soon resolve the strike sequel to the intervention of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki. JOHESU embarked on the strike on April 17, to press home its demands for improved healthcare facilities, upward adjustment of CONHESS salary scale, and employment of additional health professionals, among others.

YOU NEED TO REDOUBLE YOUR EFFORT

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (right), in handshake with Plateau State Governor, Hon. Simon Lalong, during a courtesy visit to the governor by former Head of State on the continuation of abandoned projects in Jos....yesterday

Fayemi Resigns from Buhari’s Cabinet, Hands over to His Deputy Kasim Sumaina ÓØ ÌßÔË The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday formally resigned from President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet as the Minister of Mines and Steel Development. Fayemi, while handing over to the Minister of State, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Abubakar Bawa Bwari, in Abuja, noted that Bwari, though is stepping into the shoes in acting capacity and hopefully in permanent basis, added that it is only logical instead of bringing a new minister. The minister, who resigned his position to pursue his governorship ambition in the forthcoming Ekiti State gubernatorial election, suggested that “it will be better not to bring in someone who will not know the job as much as my colleague who has

worked closely with me.” Fayemi, during his valedictory speech, revealed that his resignation letter to Buhari was approved May 30, 2018, to allow him focus on the election. According to him, “Leaving Buhari’s cabinet and the ministry was with mix feelings and overwhelmed by emotions, including support from the Minister of State, Bwari.” Fayemi, while highlighting achievements recorded in the sector since he was appointed minister, said the sector has improved its performance and contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the economy, which has tripled the ministry’s contribution to the federation account to about N2 billion in 2016 up from N700 million in 2015. He noted that the sector also recorded a seven per cent increase in GDP in 2016, in spite of the country being in a recession. Fayemi

added that “the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics also recently affirmed that revenue from exports in the mining sector grew by 592 per cent between 2016 and 2017.” Addressing illegal mining and community challenges, he explained: “We at the ministry have delivered on the objective of building a collaborative sector security framework by working extensively with state governments and relevant ministries to formalise and manage our artisanal miners, while also working with defence and security agencies to curb the actions of illegal mining in the country. “Under the ‘MinDiver ’ programme, we have commenced the modalities for capacity building in community-based organisations and other community representatives, helping them participate in key decisions in mining operations and processes.

“We are also providing guidance on suitable benefit sharing mechanisms (e.g. foundations, trusts and funds) and their applicability in different mining operations at all levels of engagement on behalf of mining communities.” Fayemi, while addressing the issue of lead poison, stated: “Lead poison is not what we are ignoring, and as a matter of fact, one of the things we are doing, is that we are trying on how best we can minimise the use of mercury by promoting the use of borite for mining to safeguard the life of host communities.” Responding, the acting Minister, Bwari, noted that “it won’t be easy for us that have to run the ministry. “I learnt a lot from him as colleagues on the job, as well as brothers a n d f r i e n d s . I f t h e re ’ s a n o t h e r o p p o r t u n i t y, I will want to work with h i m a g a i n . ”

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THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

WORLD CUP 2018

President Muhammadu Buhari (4th right front row) is flanked by Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo and Head Coach Gernot Rohr and Super Eagles players and officials during the team’s farewell visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja…yesterday godwin omoigui

Don’t Toy with Emotions of 180m Nigerians, Buhari Tasks Eagles Says all Nigerians look up to the team to make them proud Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja, told the Super Eagles to put in their best as they proceed to Russia for 2018 World Cup, saying failing to live up to expectation would amount to toying with the feelings and emotions of 180 million Nigerians. Buhari gave this charge in the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa when he received the Super Eagles along with their handlers as well as the officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

Tasking them to play gallantly because nothing unites Nigerians more than football, Buhari told the Eagles that going to the Mundial as the youngest team might imply that they were the most inexperienced but added that it could also be to their own advantage if they opt to make the best use of it. He emphasised that Nigerians look up to them to do them proud and hence, they do not only have the blessings of the entire citizenry but also their best wishes. “It is great to be part of the 2018 World Cup. You are going to represent Nigeria in Russia but bear in mind that

Installation of Enyimba Stadium Pitch Begins The contractor handling Enyimba Stadium, Monimichelle has started the final phase of the job at the arena with the installation of the pitch. The CEO of Monimichelle, Ebi Egbe, confirmed yesterday that his Nigerian workers have started the installation job, while the expatriates would fly into the country this weekend from Italy. “As we speak, we have moved to site to start installation of the geo-tech pitch. We have cleared the consignment from Onne Port and ready to get the job completed,” Ebi Egbe said. He said it is his desire is to see Enyimba return to

their fortress when the CAF Confederations Cup resumes after the World Cup. Enyimba would on July 17, two days after the World Cup final host Ivorian side Williamsville FC in the CAF Confederations Cup. Egbe commended Abia State government for its commitment to see the project realised. “Gov Ikpeazu is keen to see Enyimba back home and we would on our part do our best to see that the job is completed in a matter of weeks,” Egbe said. Monimichelle has been getting accolades over the job it did at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

you are not just going for the tournament. With each game, you must remember that you are carrying the passions, emotions and feelings of over 180 million Nigerians. Play fair and clean but demonstrate gallant spirit which Nigerians are known for. “Nothing unites Nigerians more than football and nothing will gladden the people of Nigeria than to acquaint yourself honourably by winning in Russia. You are the youngest team in the tournament which means you are likely to be the most inexperienced team, a fact that will not be lost to your opponents but it is also

something that you can use to your advantage. “You have the support and blessings of all Nigerians who will look up to you for as long as the tournament lasts...This is our time. We look up to you to make us proud. All Nigerians join me in saying to you, best of luck. Thank you and God be with you all,” Buhari said. In his own speech, the Minister of Sports and Youths Development, Solomon Dalung, recalled that since Nigeria qualified for the World Cup in 1994, the country had also qualified for the tournament five other times, saying Nigeria is at the threshold of history again

as the world event kicks-off on June 14. Expressing confidence in the team to perform creditably in Russia, Dalung said when Nigeria was drawn in “the group of death” ahead of the World Cup qualifying series, nobody gave the team any chance but Super Eagles shocked all when they became the first African team to qualify for the World Cup. Also speaking, the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, thanked the president for what he described as his massive support for football, recalling that since he came on board as Nigeria’s

president, relative peace and stability have prevailed in the football sector. According to him, it is the first time in the history of Nigerian football that the country is going to the World Cup without any financial challenge, saying both the Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr and the players have been duly settled. Pinnick disclosed that NFF had a dream to make Nigerian football self-financing beginning from 2020, and subsequently grow football in Nigeria as an integral part of the economy like the Britain which he said earns £2.4 billion as tax from the English Premier League.

Rohr Lists 25 Eagles for Clash with England Another chance for injured Moses Simon Lokosa, Ajiboye, two others dropped Duro Ikhazuagbe The picture of Nigeria’s squad to the World Cup in Russia became crystal clear yesterday following the release of a 25-man Super Eagles list by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Expectedly, the list was dominated by the usual suspects who have established their presence in the team since Franco-German Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr took charge of the senior Nigerian football team in 2016. Captain John Mikel Obi is leading the squad which is arguably Nigeria’s youngest

team ever to the Mundial. Also in the list are the likes of Assistant Captain, Ogenyi Onazi, Ahmed Musa and Kenneth Omeruo. The quartet are the remnant of the Stephen Keshi’s Eagles to the last World Cup in Brazil four years ago. Chelsea wing back, Victor Moses who did not feature in the tune-up game with DR Congo last Monday in Port Harcourt is to link up with the squad in London today for another warm-up game against the Three Lions of England at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening. Plateau United’ goalkeeper

Dele Ajiboye, NPFL leading scorer, Junior Lokosa, Bulgariabased defender Stephen Eze and Uche Agbo of Standard Liege were the players who were eventually dropped from the trip to England to end their World Cup aspiration. Meanwhile, Super Eagles who flew out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja yesterday afternoon are to train at the Wembley Stadium (venue of Saturday’s clash with England’s Three Lions) between 5pm-6pm on Friday, after a pre-match press conference scheduled for the Stadium’s conference room at 4.15pm.

THE TEAM

GOALKEEPERS: Francis Uzoho; Daniel Akpeyi; Ikechukwu Ezenwa DEFENDERS: Abdullahi Shehu; Olaoluwa Aina; Tyronne Ebuehi; William Ekong; Leon Balogun; Chidozie Awaziem; Elderson Echiejile; Kenneth Omeruo; Bryan Idowu MIDFIELDERS: Wilfred Ndidi; Mikel John Obi; Ogenyi Onazi; John Ogu; Mikel Agu; Oghenekaro Etebo; Joel Obi FORWARDS: Odion Ighalo; Simeon Nwankwo; Alex Iwobi; Ahmed Musa; Kelechi Iheanacho. Moses Simon; Victor Moses.

Saraki:These Eagles Are Role Models, Best-organised Ever Offers team $50,000 gift and ‘special package’ for every un-replied goal scored at Russia 2018 President of the Senate of the Federal Republic, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Tuesday night described the present crop of Super Eagles as the best-organised ever, as he bade them farewell to the 21st FIFA World Cup finals in Russia. At a brief but gorgeous

event inside the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria’s number three man and leading football enthusiast and financier also described the John Mikel Obi-led group as compelling role models, doing their job quietly on the pitch and accepting the rewards as and when such

come without holding the nation to ransom. “I have been following the performances and general behaviour of this squad. I must confess that I am very impressed. We no longer have schisms and different camps in the same camp, and you sacrifice a lot for the country

without demanding so much before you go to battle. “From the captain, Mikel Obi to the newest member of the squad, I assure you of the love of the entire country and the well-wishes of every Nigerian as you go to the FIFA World Cup and in fact, in all your endeavours.”

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick lauded Saraki for his proven love for, and support and encouragement of the three –time African champions during the FIFA World Cup qualifying race and even before.

Pinnick then announced Dr. Saraki’s gift of $50,000 to the team ahead of Saturday’s friendly with England’s Three Lions at Wembley Stadium in London, and yet-to-berevealed ‘special package’ for the entire team “for every unreplied goal” scored at the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Thursday, May 31, 2018

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Price: N250

MISSILE Adamu Fika to Nigerians “We should do away with this expensive and corrupt presidential system, which lacks genuine checks and balances. It has proven to be unsuitable for our country; it was never the wish of Nigerians but was imposed on them by the military. We should revisit the parliamentary system which was based on the 1963 constitution, with necessary amendments” – Former Head of Service, Alhaji Adamu Fika, calling for a change in the system of government in Nigeria.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Of Lawmakers and Bribe-takers F

rom the judgement of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos which orders President Muhammadu Buhari to “urgently instruct security and anti-corruption agencies to forward to him reports of their investigations into allegations of padding and stealing of some N481 billion from the 2016 budget by some principal officers of the National Assembly” to damaging allegations by both former Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, the spotlight is now on our federal lawmakers who are being perceived as no more than cheap bribe-takers. The situation is not helped by the widespread knowledge that the National Assembly has become the watering hole of high-maintenance ex-governors, semi-literate political contractors, wanted international criminal suspects and some yesterday’s men who are now in desperate need of economic empowerment. Yet, in a situation where lawmakers behave like gangsters, executive bodies like ministries and agencies will begin to see their assignments in transactional terms as oversight becomes a ritual of appeasement of the greed of committee members and the budgeting process, which ordinarily should be a serious assignment, degenerates into an annual bazaar. The whole controversy started with Okonjo-Iweala’s latest book titled, ‘Fighting corruption is dangerous: The story behind the headlines’, where she revealed how the National Assembly was given an additional vote of N17 billion to secure the passage of the 2015 appropriation bill. “In the case of the N17 billion, the book does not talk of bribe. It indicates that lawmakers increased the budget by N17 billion and we had to accept that to move on; hence, the term ‘price to pay’. The reason for discussing what happened is that this approach needs to change” Okonjo-Iweala clarified, in response to sensational newspaper headlines that did not accurately reflect what she wrote in the book that I have also read. While the public was still digesting that furore, Jega added fuel to the fire by accusing National Assembly members of engaging in corrupt practices in their oversight responsibility. More striking is the fact that he made the accusation in the presence of the entire leadership of the three arms of government in Nigeria: President Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki, House Speaker, Yakubu Dogara and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen. Members of the National Assembly, according to Jega, “engage in bribe taking when they pursue committee works and oversight… Some chairmen of the committees in the National Assembly have become notorious on this issue of demanding bribes with impunity. I have passed through the university system. I have heard so many stories of many vice-chancellors about the horror that they go through on question of budget and so-called oversight assignments.” Taken together, the Federal High Court decision and the revelations by both Okonjo-Iweala and Jega speak to the lack of transparency and accountability

Jega in the budgeting process. But if we point fingers only in the direction of the National Assembly members, we will be missing the point and would never get any solution to a problem that has festered for years. Both the executive and the legislature are guilty when it comes to promoting private interests in budgets since they all insert and locate projects in their various communities or that of their spouses, friends or political benefactors. First, let us deal with Okonjo-Iweala’s allegation. I recall that in July 2012, the then Finance Minister had a similar confrontation with the lawmakers over the budget for that year. Co-incidentally, it was Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (then in his capacity as House Minority Leader) who also responded by accusing Okonjo-Iweala of double standards. “N6 billion was allocated for water projects. N1.3 Billion of the N6 billion was for the Finance Minister’s village, another N1.5 billion for the president’s place and N3 billion for the rest of the country. Yet she (Okonjo-Iweala) is not elected but you say those elected should not bring development through the budget to their areas” said Gbajabiamila in July 2012 while defending the National Assembly. Indeed, the indiscriminate siting of projects based on questionable criteria is one of the biggest forms of corruption in the country aside the fact that it is responsible for the waste with which the national landscape is strewn and this is not restricted to the federal government. It is in fact worse in the states where many of the universities are located in the villages of the governors who initiated them. At the federal level, the location of projects also has more to do with where powerful politicians and civil servants hail from than the requirements of national priority and value for money. Now to Jega’s accusation: Demanding gratifications from heads of federal government agencies, for which a serving minister of education was once removed and tried, has for long been a recurrent allegation in the National Assembly. Yet, not a single lawmaker has been made to

suffer any consequence. That actually is the problem because while the National Assembly is ever quick to suspend members who level accusations that they consider unsavoury to their collective integrity, they never punish those whose conduct also bring shame on the institution. Rather, in almost all the instances, they would do everything to protect such members. Two cases bear out this contrasting posture. In 2005, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Haruna Yerima, publicly accused many of his colleagues of demanding (and receiving) bribes from ministers and heads of government agencies as well as corporate bodies. “Whoever tells you there is no corruption in the House is in fact corrupt. Ministers and heads of parastatals are often asked to bring money by some honourable members so that their budgets can be passed. Most of us are contractors. Most of us come here to make money. Most of our debates are beer parlour debates. No research. We argue like ordinary people on the streets. Our debate is shallow” said Yerima. As to be expected, Yerima was suspended despite explaining that he did not mean to impugn the integrity of the whole House but rather to expose some individuals who were giving the legislature a bad name. In contrast to the manner in which Yerima was dealt with by his colleagues, the April 2012 public altercation between Hon Herman Hembe, then chair of the House committee on Capital Markets and Other Institutions and Ms Arunma Oteh, the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) Director General at the time, provided a different outcome. This followed the decision by the House committee to hold a public hearing “to identify the manifest causes of the markets’ near collapse with a view to finding lasting solutions.” Although the session began with members expressing genuine concerns over the manner in which private investors were being short-changed by the banks and the fact that some companies actually came on the stock exchange for a brief period, garnered considerable funds from investors and then disappeared, the hearing turned ugly when Hembe decided to attack the person of Oteh: “You stayed in a hotel for eight months and spent over N30 million. In one day you spent N85, 000 on food at the hotel. These are the things we should look at to see how you will regulate a market that is collapsing...” Unprepared for such an attack, Otteh tried to deflect the question but when she came back the next day, she turned the table on her accuser: “Mr. Chairman, I question your credibility to preside over this probe. On 20th October last year (2011), you were given a cheque to travel to the Dominican Republic to attend a conference. Can you tell Nigerians that you returned the money when you did not travel? In asking the SEC to contribute N39 million for this public hearing, don’t you think that you are undermining your capacity to carry out your duties? You also requested that we should provide at least N5million; that was a day before this public hearing

started...” In dealing with the Hembe issue on this page in March 2012, I wrote: “It should be clear to the National Assembly that the incestuous relationship between their committees and the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on which they have oversight responsibilities cannot continue. It is an open secret that many of our law makers are the leading contractors in some of these MDAs where they deploy their oversight powers as a weapon of blackmail and intimidation.” For sure, there are many honest members in the National Assembly just as it is to be expected that in a gathering of such large number, there would be all sorts of characters. But we should also not gloss over the allegation by Jega. The brazen manner in which some lawmakers demand bribes from agencies of government in the course of budget defence cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. The challenge is that because there are no sanctions for bad behaviour, these notorious members (most of who are known to their colleagues) are never checked and thus continue to give the legislature a bad name. Meanwhile, I sympathise with the National Assembly because their situation is also peculiar. Their entire budget, as big as it may seem, is not even up to what a chief executive of just one agency under the federal ministry of Transport controls and is but a tiny fraction of what the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) can play with in an environment where politics is dictated by patronage. Yet, their constituents expect them to build hospitals, erect schools and foot personal expenses, including the wedding ceremonies of their children. But while they deal with these existential challenges, it is also important for them to understand their critical role and why public attention is always on them. The principle of separation of powers which defines the strength of our model of democracy demands a very strong and resourceful legislature. It also requires that legislators be above board, enlightened even, in the pursuit of their self-interest. In addition to carrying out routine oversight functions, the legislature is closer to the judiciary in that it is supposed to ensure that the executive maintains order in accordance with the laws it makes. Given the foregoing, the various allegations of outright extortion, bribery and dubious financial racketeering by our legislators since 1999 have deepened the general negative perception of Nigeria in the eyes of the world. Even at home, the garish ostentation is not helped by the cultic secrecy around their actual emoluments. The public image of the National Assembly is therefore that of a conclave of glorified pick pockets and greedy hustlers. That then explains why there is an increasingly widespread view that what Nigeria needs is a part time legislature or a drastic reduction in the number of the lawmakers. That is a growing vote of no confidence that should worry the National Assembly members.

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