TUESDAY 7TH AUGUST by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

FG May Begin 2018 Capital Releases This Week Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja About two months after President Muhammadu Buhari assented to the Appropriation Act, the federal government may begin the release of funds for the implementation of the

capital component of the N9.12 trillion 2018 budget this week. The 2018 budget provides N2.01 trillion for debt service, N3.51 trillion for recurrent expenditure and N2.87 trillion for capital expenditure, an

increase over the N2.36 trillion provided for in 2017. Feelers indicate that the monetary committee of the Ministry of Finance, which is saddled with the responsibility of releasing funds to various ministries, departments and

agencies (MDAs), is meeting to take stock and decide on the first tranche of the capital vote to be released this week. A top government official told THISDAY that besides procurement issues, the major cause of the delay in

commencing the release of the capital vote centred on the recurring controversy over the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) vis-à-vis remittances by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into the Federation

Account. Remittances by the NNPC had ignited a major disagreement among the FAAC members, with the 36 states of the federation represented by Continued on page 6

Despite Improved Rainfalls, Power Supply Remains Below 4,000MW … Page 6 Tuesday 7 August, 2018 Vol 23. No 8512. Price: N250

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PDP Fixes N12m as 2019 Presidential Nomination Form Fee Restates APC, presidency plotting to remove Saraki, Ekweremadu by force Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Ahead of the 2019 general election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed N12

million for the expression of interest and nomination forms for its presidential aspirants. The party also accused President Muhammadu

Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of using blackmail to undermine the conduct of 2019 general election, saying they are apparently

afraid of losing the polls. It further restated its claim that the presidency was bent on removing Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy,

Says Akpabio yet to resign

Senator Ike Ekweremadu, by force. According to the approved schedule for sale of forms for the party's primaries obtained

yesterday by THISDAY, expression of interest form for the presidency costs N2 million, while nomination form Continued on page 6

FG May Shutdown Unless National Assembly Reconvenes, Warns Presidency Says passage of supplementary bill crucial to implementation of 2018 budget Legislature’s leadership meets today Deji Elumoye, Omololu Ogunmade, James Emejo in Abuja The presidency yesterday in Abuja warned that the refusal of the National Assembly to reconvene to approve presidential requests before it could result in imminent shutdown of government activities. The presidency's alarm was the fallout of a meeting among Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, behind closed doors in the Presidential Villa. Speaking with journalists at the end of the meeting, Enang

restated calls for the leadership of the National Assembly to reconvene and consider presidential communications, stating that only the reopening of the federal legislature could save the country from imminent shutdown. According to him, the 2018 budget was conceived to be largely financed by foreign loans, pointing out that the exact amount to be borrowed to finance the budget was not clearly stated as stipulated by the extant law. However, he argued that details were contained in the recent requests submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly before it proceeded on vacation, Continued on page 6

US Investors Pledge Full Revitalisation of Nigercem ... Page 8

70 HEARTY CHEERS TO A MEDIA GURU… L-R: Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun 0soba; Publisher, Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Sam Amuka; the celebrant, Mr. Ray Ekpu; his wife, Uyai; and former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, during Ekpu’s 70th birthday colloquium in Lagos... yesterday MUBO PETERS

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T H I S D AY Ë¾ TUESDAY AUGUST 7, 2018

TUESDAY, Ϳ˜ ͺ͸͹΀ ˾ T H I S D AY

PAGE SIX

Despite Improved Rainfalls, Power Supply Remains Below 4,000MW Disco to install 222,728 pre-paid meters

Chineme Okafor in Abuja Power generation in the country has remained below 4,000 megawatts (MW) despite the increase in rainfalls, which boost the water levels at the hydro power stations at this time of the year, THISDAY’s checks have revealed. However, despite the challenges in power generation, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has disclosed that it would flag off the installation of 222,728 pre-paid meters to electricity consumers under its network. THISDAY in Abuja gathered from the power sector’s operational data which the Advisory Power Team in the office of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, uploaded on its website yesterday that even with the sufficient rainfalls, which have filled the dams at the hydro power stations with water, electricity supply has remained hampered by grid line and gas constraints. For instance, the average amount of power supplied

to the grid on August 4, was 3,682MW with about 3,975MW constrained. On that day, the sector could not collect up to N1.908 billion revenue on account of the constraints, which include line and inadequate gas supply. Similarly, 3,612MW was supplied on August 3 while 3,793MW was constrained and the amount of revenue not collected, 1.820 billion. 3,809MW was supplied on August 2; 4,380MW constrained and N2.102 billion lost as unearned revenue. On August 1, 3,921MW was supplied while 3,370MW was constrained and the amount of revenue not collected was 1.618 billion; 3,896MW was supplied on July 31, and 3,571MW constrained while revenue not collected was N1,714 billion. Breaking it further down, the operational report indicated that between July 29 and August 4, the volume of electricity constrained by line challenges were 2,030.2MW; 2,551.7MW; 2,,154.6MW; 1557.1MW;

2551.7MW; 1,964.5MW; and 2,126.5MW respectively. Constraints from gas supply for the period were reported to be 1,520MW; 1,559MW; 1,419MW; 1,813MW; 1,828MW; 1,828MW; and 1,848.2MW respectively. Also, the hydro power stations have recorded zero water management challenges in the first days of August. They however could not generate 240MW and 160MW on July 29 and 30 on account of water management constraints. According to experts, power supply in Nigeria has usually improved during the months when rainfalls are high. This was further supported by the 2018 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which earlier stated that annual rainfall forecast for 2018 would range between 400 millimeter (mm) and 3,100mm over the country, and that this would impact positively on the amount of water available for agriculture and power production. The underperformances of

the power sector also followed the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola’s, insistence on Friday in Calabar that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration had been making steady progress in electricity generation and distribution. Fashola, who spoke at the Cross River State capital during the ministry’s retreat for top directors, heads of units and chief executives of its agencies and parastatals, said although, there was still more to be done, the ministry had moved the power generation forward from where it was three years ago. Meanwhile, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has disclosed it would flag off installation of 222,728 pre-paid meters to electricity consumers under its network. It explained in a statement from its Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Oyebode Fadipe, in Abuja that the 222,728 meters were valued at about N10 billion, adding that the installation was the second

phase of its mass metering programme. According to the statement, AEDC had in the first phase of its mass metering project installed about 150,000 meters to its customers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger States. It added that its aggressive deployment of meters was part of its determination to achieve 100 per cent metering of its customers to engender public confidence in its billing process. The installation, it explained, would complement the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme initiated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to accelerate the metering of all electricity consumers across the country. The statement further stated that AEDC would implement the second phase in partnership with the Meron Consortium, a group which comprises of meter manufacturers, financiers, installers, as well as advisory services firms. The AEDC and Meron

reportedly agreed to work together in May, on the deployment of the 222,728 pre-paid meters. AEDC’s Managing Director, Mr. Ernest Mupwaya, said in the statement that the mass metering would give its customers some confidence in the Disco’s operations. “For customers, metering gives them the assurance of fair, transparent and accurate billing and also serves as a useful tool for them to manage their consumption and costs, Mupwaya said, adding,“To AEDC, metering equips us with intelligent data to ascertain areas of energy/ revenue leakages which will strengthen our commercial vigilance activities to plug such leakages and improve our revenue collection.” The statement also quoted the Group Managing Director of The Meron Consortium, Mr. Emmanuel Ndubuisi, to have assured the AEDC of timely delivery and installation of the meters, in line with the terms of the contract.

Mahmud Yakubu. President Buhari had on July 17 written to the two chambers of the National Assembly, seeking the approval of a budget totalling N242 billion for the purpose of 2019 general election, while also seeking the virement of some projects already inserted into the 2018 budget. According to the president’s letter, which came into the legislature barely a week to the scheduled annual recess, the National Assembly was being requested to approve the virement of the sum of N164 billion from the 2018 budget. The president indicated that the total sum of N228 billion should be deducted from the N578 billion projects introduced into the budget by the National Assembly, which the presidency claimed were inserted into the 2018 budget by the National Assembly.

Apparently yielding to the clamour from the executive arm of government, the leadership

of the National Assembly will meet today to deliberate on the possibility of reconvening to deliberate on the N242 billion budget proposal presented before it in July by President Muhammadu Buhari to finance the 2019 elections. The meeting billed for 12 noon in Senate Room 301, sources told THISDAY, would be presided over by the Chairman of the National Assembly and Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, in attendance. The meeting is also expected to be attended by all the principal officers of both the Senate and the House of Representatives including Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yusuf; the Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who in the last few days is said to be planning to defect to the ruling APC; and Chairmen of INEC Committees in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The meeting of the National Assembly leadership would be followed by another meeting by 1p.m. between the National Assembly leadership and the management team of INEC led by its Chairman, Prof.

budget was released at the end of August, although the budget was signed by the then acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on June 12. Buhari signed this year's budget on June 19, amid lamentations that the National Assembly removed close to N600 billion provided for some critical projects. Analysts have continued to express doubt over the ability of the government to implement the capital

Moody’s Investors Services Limited, one of the leading global rating agencies, had also pointed out that the capital expenditure portion of the fiscal plan is unrealisable. There are also fears around the expansionary impact of the 2018 budget, coming at a time when election spending has almost commenced.

FG MAY SHUTDOWN UNLESS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RECONVENES, WARNS PRESIDENCY adding that the approval was necessary now to enable the government put the machinery in place to secure such loans. He said: "We are still appealing to the National Assembly to reconvene. You remember that we passed the budget with understanding that the greater amount of it would be gotten by foreign loans. "Although this was approved that there would be loans, the amount to be gotten was not approved. The Fiscal Responsibility Act requires that the president should specifically state the amount the government wants to get from foreign loans and present it before the National Assembly. "That letter has been presented to the National Assembly and the National Assembly has to pass that amount before the money could be obtained from foreign financing institutions. This is what we are asking and if it didn't happen in the next few months, we may have a complete government shutdown. "What we are receiving from the Federation Accounts as the federal government share of the capital component is not enough to sustain even the 15 or 20 per cent of the budget. So, there may be a complete government shutdown and I know that Nigerians are not

going to like it. That is why we are still appealing." On who is in control of the majority in the Senate, whether it is the All Progressives Congress (APC) or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Enang echoed Lawan that more senators had defected from the PDP to APC, adding that the Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, would join the league of senators who had defected from PDP to APC in recent times. "Now the leader of the Senate has said that they are 53, but I want to assure him that the APC has harvested more people from the PDP and other political parties. The head of the PDP in the Senate is formally joining the APC family and that will be in a big ceremony on Wednesday, August 8 in Akwa Ibom State. "So, the head of the PDP who holds all the documents of the PDP, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, is coming over with a great team and other minorities will join the APC family and we are good and strong," Enang added. Also speaking, Lawan appealed to the presiding officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly to reconvene the chambers immediately to pass the supplementary budget for the 2019 general election as

well as the president's virement request. He said failing to pass the requests could hamper the preparation for both the elections as well as the smooth running of the government. Lawan who alleged that the failure to reconvene the legislative institution to approve the president's requests could lead to sabotage, added that such approvals were also necessary for the provision of infrastructure for citizens' need. Lawan said: "You know that the budget for 2018 the capital aspect will be largely funded by foreign facilities, loans. Now we need to approve that. We also need to approve other important and essential requests especially that of INEC and other security agencies for our security to be improved. "It is, therefore, very essential that we reconvene immediately to look into those issues because our government is almost stalled and I believe that if we are able to pass the supplementary budget and virement request from Mr. President, this will enable our administration to provide the various infrastructure that we have planned to provide for Nigerians and also all the other aspects of national development. "To do otherwise will lead to sabotage this administration;

will lead to sabotage democracy itself because if we cannot provide the essentials for Nigerians, if we cannot provide funds for INEC to plan for the 2019 elections, what do we call ourselves? "Certainly, in the case of INEC for example, INEC could pick some items on the shelves but there are so many important and essential items that INEC will have to place order that could take about two to three months. "So, it is very imperative that we do the needful, we should convene the National Assembly immediately and as legislators, as representatives of Nigerians, we will do what is best in the national interest." He challenged the PDP to publish the number of its senators, insisting that the APC remains in control of the majority in the Senate with 53. Asked to confirm the allegation that APC senators were plotting to force their way into the parliament to execute their hidden plot, Lawan denied it, saying the information was strange to him.

Legislature’s Leadership Meets Today, to Parley INEC Chairman

FG MAY BEGIN 2018 CAPITAL RELEASES THIS WEEK their commissioners for finance refusing to share May and June allocations until issues around an acceptable template by the NNPC were resolved. With the controversy, May and June allocations were only disbursed among the three tiers of government only about two weeks ago. The FAAC stalemate created some fiscal challenges at the federal and state levels as they could not pay workers' salary.

To resolve the recurring controversy over NNPC remittances, the president, last week, approved the creation of a new template for NNPC remittances. According to our source, the FAAC stalemate contributed to the delay in the release of the first tranche of the 2018 capital vote. She noted that without the three tiers of government sharing the May and June allocations, it would have

been near impossible for the monetary committee of the finance ministry to meet and decide on what to release as the initial tranche of the capital budget. The source disclosed with the FAAC issue resolved, the first tranche of the capital vote would be released this week, barring any hitch. However, even without the FAAC controversy, the first tranche N336 billion of the capital vote for the 2017

Continued on page 8

TOP GAINERS CONSOHALLMARK NIGERINSURE UNIONDAC SUNUASSURE WAPCO TOP LOSERS component of the 2018 Budget IKEJAHOTEL with election around the ALEX corner and about four months BETAGLASS to the end of the year.

NGN NGN 0.03 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.33 0.36 0.02 0.24 2.50 30.50 NGN 0.31 2.82 0.90 8.30 7.80 78.00 UCAPITAL 0.28 2.80 NSLTECH 0.03 033 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦ 1,560.00 Volume: 182.291 million shares Value: N2.033 billion Deals: 3,203 As at yesterday 06/08/18 See details on Page 31

% 10.0 10.0 9.09 9.09 8.93 % 9.90 9.78 9.09 8.33 8.33

T H I S D AY Ë¾ TUESDAY AUGUST 7, 2018

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NEWS

US Investors Pledge Full Revitalisation of Nigercem Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki A team of foreign investors from the United States of America yesterday promised that they would support both the core investor and Chief Executive Officer of Ibeto Nigeria Limited, Chief Cletus Ibeto, and the Ebonyi State Government to ensure the revitalisation of the moribund premier cement company, NIGERCEM, located in Nkalagu, Ishielu Local Government Area of the state. The team in collaboration with Ibeto Nigeria Limited yesterday embarked on an assessment visit to the premises as part of the rigorous process of actualising the listing of Ibeto in the US. Addressing a cross section of stakeholders who thronged the company premises comprising National and State Assembly members, State Executive Council members, traditional rulers, opinion

leaders, community leaders, youth organisations, among others, the Chief Executive of Ibeto Nigeria Limited, Ibeto, said the delegation were on self-assessment tour of the company. Ibeto said prior to the visit that another team of Chinese contractors were in the state three weeks ago to finalise arrangements on the revitalisation of the cement factory. He said, "I am standing before you with a team of American financiers who are here on an assessment visit to the cement company, they are here to see for themselves what is here at NIGERCEM Cement Company. "The team will help in realisation of the dream of Ibeto Group together with the Ebonyi State Government in actualizing the revitalization of the company". He said very soon, production work would

commence in the company with the production of 6,000 metric tonnes of cement per day. He said the Chinese team, which earlier visited the state would work on design and ensure that the 2015 Contract Agreement signed by Ibeto Group Limited and the host community Nkalagu is executed to the letter. The chief executive reiterated that at the end of the assessment visit by the foreign financiers, every modality on the revitalisation of the company would take effect. The leader of the American foreign investors, Mrs. Amanda Wester, said the team would do everything possible to support both the core investor Ibeto Nigeria Limited and the Ebonyi State Government to ensure the revitalisation of the company. Governor David Umahi commended the foreign investors and the company for

their commitment in ensuring that the company commences production. He said, "We extol Ibeto Nigeria Limited the core investor in NIGERCEM in their commitment to establish a new 6,000 tonnes per day dry process cement plant, 45 megawatt capacity power plant in this first phase of the project at Nkalagu. "I wish to welcome specially our core investors and Dream team from the US (Financiers) to Ebonyi State" in their determination to revive Nkalagu cement and commence production in no distant time." The governor noted that the state government had enacted a law called Investors Protection Act, that would ensure that the government offers an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) that insulates the investor from government interference and any change of administration.

FG MAY SHUTDOWN UNLESS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RECONVENES, WARNS PRESIDENCY

Two-Minute Brieﬁng NEWS FG: Defectors Won’t Escape Prosecution

NEWS FG: Defec rs Won’t Esca Prosecutioto pe n

TUESDAY 7,

Email Ejiofor.

The federal government has stated that the gale of defections in the country’s party politics would not shield any corrupt politician from investigation and prosecution. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave the assurance ...Page 10

Group News

Alike@thisday

2018 ˾ T H I

Editor Ejiofo

S D AY

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live.com, 08066 06626

Says Adeosun’s

Ugo Aliogo with

agency report

alleged certifi cate scandal still under who had looted

investigation

economy from the country’s The federal He said being prosecuted stated that the government has “Nigerians . for “political some defected gale of defections assured should be Mohammed in the country’s calculation rest personal that said Kwara, and state reasons.’’ his cabinet, would not shieldparty politics persons are the fact that some and that of Saraki He also took moving any corrupt party politician from a swipe at the is the epicentre of the which case was Mohammed said the to another from one Senate President, still under “The appropria does not prosecution. investigation and mean that Dr. Bukola remained solidly behinddefection, He said the investigation. have Saraki, te agencies the APC agencies spoken prosecution,”they will escape seen saying: “I have never and Buhari. appropria The Minister he said. were still investigatinte are investigatinand they say they in history, Mohammed and Culture, of Information “Nobody g. The only thing of parliament where a leader President g we can also said the allegation against the will Alhaji Lai investigati will announce escape defection Mohammed, do is to finance minister and Buhari’s integrity on “By saying wait. should be allowed of 15 members the remains intact, when he paidgave the assurance on the groundand prosecution his to do their jobs. from allegation in spite party. should resign that the minister that he or she the Abuja officean official visit to has moved or be sacked of certificate of the Adeosun was forgery have against Adeosun. Newspaper. of The Authority shown thatto APC. We have are“The proper thing is, if alleged to investigation is still ongoingwhile forged you with a former loyal also not be feasible may to Respondin your governor Mohammed party, you Service Corps a National Youth g to and a member put stumbling in our clime has also explained party that the allegation of our defection,” blocks on such from the editorial a question certificate. (NYSC) exemption because of the level that was convicted. of false accusations. of the paper on management he added. forgery against of certificate will never terminate We “Until when “How many still keeping why Buhari was proven, anybody’s an allegation Finance, Mrs the Minister of prosecution times the is accused minister in his on the ground have they Kemi Adeosun you still under investigati me of embezzlem of is decamping. president to do not expect the ent? act. on by the appropriate “However agencies. executive to , it is not for the Cont’d on page Fielding questions 39 from the judiciary,” do the work of the members of he explained of the paper,the editorial board The minister, the defection, the minister said many of the however, said even defections to the All Progressive ruling witnessed were being s Congress (APC) on would not immune the allegationnot premised of escaping politicians justice.

Five Suicide Failed Attac Bombers Die in k on Maidugur i

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri was attacked bombers got by the suicide Five suicide injured. bombers A statement yesterday lost their lives an unsuccess in spokesman of the by the National cause havoc ful attempt to Emergency Management in Maidugu the Borno State ri, Agency (NEMA), North-eas The explosion capital. Zonal s, however, Ibrahim,office, AbdulKadirt made many town to haveresidents of the incident. confirmed the as the sound sleepless night The short resonated all that: statement read around the “Multiple explosions Though it troubled town. rocked there was was learnt that in the outskirts of Maidugur i no other death Kaleri area from the multiple at 9:53p.m explosions on Sunday. other than “Casualty the five suicide attackers who figure yesterday’s for bomb three residentslost their lives, five suicide bombersblast was of Kaleri, an outskirts of and three National Leader, All other persons Maiduguri, Progressives which the incident.” were injured in Ibom State Governor, Congress (APC), Senator

YOU ARE WELC OME ON BOAR D Asiwaju Bola Godswill

NNPC, Bank Finance Dea s Sign $3bn ls

Akpabio, who

Tinubu (right), in audience paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja...yeswith Senate Minority Leader terday and former Akwa

Osinbajo Mo urns

Ugo Aliogo banks and Omololu Ogunmad new oil The Managing e in Abuja Director of the development worth and gas on a picnic Nigerian National despite the degradatio$3 billion Acting around the Petroleum where the incident river Corporation President n in 2016 (NNPC), Dr. and 2017. This demonstr occurred. people in their prime. Osinbajo last Yemi A statement Maikanti the phase in While praying night ates was Baru, yesterday by the acting saddened by said he president’s spokesma restated that God console the potentialsour industry and drowning the tragic Laolu n, Mr. deceased,the families of to we can unlock. signed third the corporation Akande, of nine National “We also executed Osinbajo cond the extended hi said Osinbajo with deals with i party financing a d a n b l Youth Service C l d l

Nine Corps Members that God will families and comfort their loved ones, that we would and

EDITORIAL The LegisLaTive Presiding Officers

A lthough there are procedures forr removing the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Repre- sentatives as well as Speakers in the 36 States Houses of Assembly, we have in the past 19 years witnessed several impeachments that neither conformed with the rules set by the members themselves nor with h the provisions ... Page 15

EDITORIAL 1

THE LEGISL

ATIVE PRES IDING OFFI CERS to follow due process

Legislators should strive

lthough there are procedur es for removing the Senate Presiden the Speaker t and of the House of Representatives as well 36 States Houses as Speakers in the have in the past of Assembly, we several impeach 19 years witnessed ments members themselv conformed with the that neither rules set es nor with the Constitution. provisions of by the the 1999 Resuming from Kano State House a two-month recess last week, the of Assembl replaced him with a former y removed its speaker and also replaced speaker by a former deputy while his deputy was the Speaker speaker. A week of the Plateau earlier, State been similarly removed in what House of Assembly had musical chairs. This year alone, has become a game of ers and deputy speakers have no fewer than 10 speakthem without lost their jobs, due most of More often thanprocess. not, at the bottom ments saga is of the impeachthe cynical attempt lature by the executive. Unfortun to control the legisately, the immedia te THE IMMED consequence IATE of CONSEQUENC interminable this bickering in the legislativ THE BICKER E OF e ING houses is its LEGISLATIVE IN THE toll quality of debateon the IS ITS TOLL HOUSES and legislation for ON T H I S DAY good QUALITY OF THE EDITOR governance DEBATE DEPUTY EDITORBOLAJI ADEBIYI in our DAVIDSON AND LEGISL MANAGING IRIEKPEN ATION FOR country, aside the fact DEPUTY MANAGINGDIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO GOOD GOVER that the people DIRECTOR KAYODE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL KOMOLAFE are BOARD OLUSEGUN EDITOR NATION’S OUR COUNT NANCE IN denied quality and ADENIYI CAPITAL IYOBOSA efRY MANAGING UWUGIAREN fective represen EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE tation. excuse and sometim With very at both the federal es for pecuniary reasons, little legislators level and in the T H I S DAY about impeach N E W S PA P states have no EDITOR-IN-C ing ERS qualms worrisome aspect their presiding ofﬁcers. GROUP EXECUTIVE HIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKAL I M I T E D OBAIGBENA DIRECTORS But the more is the ENIOLA ISRAEL disruptiv IWEGBU, IJEOMA executive and BELLO, KAYODE e interference KOMOLAFE, NWOGWUG that is why we DIVISIONAL of the WU, EMMANUEL DIRECTORS the leadershi implore the presidenc BOLAJI ADEBIYI, EFENI p of the All Progress ANTHONY OGEDENGB PETER IWEGBU, y and DEPUTY DIVISIONAL to allow the E National Assembl ives Congress (APC) DIRECTOR OJOGUN SNR. ASSOCIATE preside over VICTOR DANBOYI y members to ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC their affairs in decide who DIRECTORS OJEH CONTROLLE the wake of RS ABIMBOLA PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED recent defection TAIWO, UCHENNA ADEYEMO DIRECTOR, s DIBIAGWU, PRINTING PRODUCTIO NDUKA TO SEND EMAIL:

Letters to the Editor

adness and joy? interlacing silver That’s the whole essence of ding-dong; of lining amidst dark cloud; this life: of uproarious laughter of bitter-swee tion; of bubbling t life and morbid and sorrowful lamentaand surplus; melancholy of scorching heat and freezing ; of famine of grinding poverty harmattan; depression; of good and bad! and stinking wealth; of ecstasy Wisdom, created That’s how the and Almighty in this world so Infinit P His Di i th t h

POLITICS It’s Raining Crises in APC

nder the prevailin made its position g situation, the APC has tolerate a memberclear that it would not of the oppositio at the Senate, asking Dr Bukola n presiding as Senate Presiden Saraki to quit bases its argumen t. But the premise on which the party t is faulty against the preceden the backgrou t it nd of Speaker of the set four years ago. At that period, then House of Represen Sokoto State Governor, Aminu tatives and current members from Tambuwal, the He kept his seat then ruling PDP to the led many opposition. required numberbecause the party could not muster the understandable to remove him. While it is presiding ofﬁcer that the APC would want therefore the in resort to extra-jud the Senate, we urge the seat of party not to icial means in It is notewort the process. the speakers hy that neither the senate (at president nor powers of their federal and the states) have of the legislativ own. They remain “executiv absolute e their peers; in branch by virtue of being e heads” other elected by That also presuppo words, they are ﬁrst among ses that they colleagues at are at the mercyequals. all times and of their in we therefore have no problemall circumstances. While Senate who may want Saraki with APC members in the crossed over to vacate his to the seat, having agencies to achieve PDP, any attempt to use well for our democraa predetermined end the security will not augur cy.

N CHUKS ONWUDINJO MOSERI ﬁrst name.surnam e@thisdayliv e.com

Letters in response to speciﬁc 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. Intereste We also thisdaylive.com they are well-written and should alsowelcome comments andd along with the not be longer email address than (950and phone numbers of the writer.

UNILORIN’S

from the ruling party to the oppositio cratic Party (PDP). n Peoples DemoBehind most disposition of of the impeachments is the overbear the ing or in the states executive either at the federal with the sole legislative arm aim of emascula level of ting the control without government in a bid to assume total is more prevalenany form of accountability. Although this the federal level. t in the states, we have also seen that at During Presiden tenure between 1999 and 2007, t Olusegun Obasanjo’s Assembly recorded for instance, the National as the third most a high turnover of presiding officers revolving door, powerful office in the land producing in presidents. its wake a total became a of five senate

WEEK OF SADN

ESS AND JOY

darling of sundry national education on account of regulatory agencies, its its stable academiczero tolerance for cultism probably and other anti-social research outputs, calendar, its being the vices, bastion of several its reputation academic excellence, as campus patented citadel of industrial of harmony, centre three SANs of (as co d

and progressive Unilorin Chapter Universities of the Academic (ASUU) Staff Union between destructive during the heady days of of intensi and l

POLITICS

As the Nigerian political equation continues to tilt towards the bizarre and the unpredictable, the situation is already changing bookmakers’ permutations.The fluid state of affairs emerged from m the recent defection of federal lawmakers... Page 16 A

T H I S D AY

TRENDI

• TUESDAY,

AUGUS Group Politic s Editor NSEO BONG OKON Email nseob -E ong.okoneko ng@thisdayl iv 08114495 324 SMS

It’s Raining CrG N E W S Nseobong Oko ises in APC n-Ekong, Segu have shaken n James and the

All Progressiv es Congress to Shola Oyeyipo write that its very found torrential crises ation

of all shap

APC supporters

...rain of crises

Lawmakers Give Condition for Reconvening Meanwhile, a group of lawmakers in the lower chamber under the auspices of the Parliamentary Democrats Group (PDG) yesterday vowed that the call for reconvening of the National Assembly would not be heeded if the intention is to change the leadership of

both chambers. The group, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Hon. Timothy Golu, said although their leaders were meeting to consider the appeal from the presidency, the Senate and the House might consider the request only if there are assurances that no attempt would be made to impeach either the Senate president or the speaker and their deputies.

Golu said, "Our leaders are meeting to brief us on the appeal by the presidency for us to reconvene. There must be assurance that no illegality will be attempted to be done against any of our leaders. "We are worried by the statements from some antiSaraki senators like Adamu Abdullahi and Ali Ndume to the fact that the Senate president must be changed."

According to him, "Talks are ongoing and as long as there is no threat to our democratic peace, we can reconvene to attend to issues. "We want peace and stability for our democracy to grow and produce more good fruits and if among ourselves we are found guilty of any form of sabotage for personal reasons, then we are not fair to the people.”

PDP FIXES N12M AS 2019 PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION FORM FEE goes for N10 million. Forms for gubernatorial election is to cost N6 million, while senatorial aspirants will spend N3.5 million. In the same vein, the party said the forms for the House of Representatives and the state House of Assembly will go for N2.5 million and N600,000 respectively. According to the INEC's timetable for party primaries for the presidential, governorship, federal and state elections would begin on August 18 to end on October 7, 2018, while that of the FCT Area Council Elections will commence on September 4 to end on October 27, 2018.

PDP Restates APC, Presidency Plotting to Remove Saraki, Ekweremadu by Force Also yesterday, the PDP accused President Buhari and the APC of using blackmail to undermine the conduct of next year's general election, saying they are apparently afraid of losing the 2019 elections. The main opposition party challenged Buhari and his party to urgently respond to various allegations of corruption and underhand deals, including the alleged diversion of a whopping N9 trillion in crude “shady’’ deals. The party also challenged Buhari to tell Nigerians why he has failed to deal with officials of his administration who have been fingered in corrupt acts. Addressing a press conference

in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said from every indication it had become clear that the APC and the president were only playing to the gallery and trying to blackmail the National Assembly over its failure to provide funds to enable the INEC to organise the 2019 elections as scheduled. Speaking on the issue of INEC’s supplementary budget, the PDP’s spokesman said the president was only out to blackmail the National Assembly and to merely subject the 2019 elections to unnecessary controversy. PDP asked, "How can they predicate funds meant for election on the proposal for constituencies projects? How can the Buhari presidency seat back and declare that the money meant for 2019 general election would be based on an amendment of appropriation bill that is submitted? "That is why I say that people like Senator Ita Enang, who has spent his life in the National Assembly, has the responsibility to advice the executives on what to do. They are just out to blackmail the National Assembly by saying they should come back from their recess. "The president has gone on 10 days recess; can anybody force him back? The National Assembly has only gone for their annual recess and it is within their right to choose when to come back." On the claims by the APC that the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and PDP

Minority Leader in the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has accepted to join its fold, Ologbondiyan said that the senator was yet to resign. He said that PDP would be giving credence to the rumour mills of APC, adding that the party had not received notification from Akpabio regarding his defection. "The PDP is not aware of the said defection of any of our member in Akwa Ibom State; because we have not been notified," he said. Speaking on the alleged move to forcefully reopen the Senate, especially the recent call by Senator Enang for the senators to reconvene, Ologbondiyan said, "What Enang had done is just a mere wish. He does not have the power to order or call for the reopening of the Senate. He is just expressing his personal wishes. "As a matter of fact, Senator Enang has been the Chairman Senate Rules and Business Committee, both in the House and in the Senate. Will he listen to anybody from outside the chamber to come and dictate to the presiding officers? "We must not allow those who have no respect for laws to take charge of our lives because what they are plotting to do have a huge capacity to create anarchy for the nation. "It is unfortunate that people who have experience in legislative practices and procedures, when they get to the executive arm, instead of telling the executives the limit of their powers they pretend to know it all, and by so doing

they mislead the executives. That is exactly what Enang is doing." According to Ologbondiyan, “There are set rules; section 12 of the Senate Standing Rules puts the opening of the Senate within purview of responsibility of the President of the Senate and the operational word there is may; That is if the Senate President is convinced to reopen the Senate." While criticising the Buhari-led administration's anti-corruption posturing, the PDP's spokesman said the government has become complicit in encouraging acts of corruption and not taken adequate steps to deal with officials involved in corruption. He alleged that the presidency and the APC are offering lawmakers from both chambers inducement of the sum of $1 million each with the aim of impeaching Saraki and Ekweremadu. "The PDP has been informed that one of the heads of the security agencies is the arrow head of the Buhari presidency’s agents charged to coordinate this heinous design, which has the unlimited capacity to throw our nation into anarchy and ultimately destroy our hardearned democracy,’’ PDP alleged, adding, “If President Buhari and his presidency are not corrupt; if the APC is not a party of corruption, the PDP challenges them to address Nigerians on their complicit in the exposed acts of humongous corruption thriving in the high places under their watch.’’ Continued on page 43

everywhere

s the Nigerian equation continues political the Senate or of the House to tilt as towards the of Represen the case maybe, bizarre and tatives, majority unpredictable, the of a dissolutio otherwise than the situation of the by reason already changing is of Represen n of the Senate Feelers from members of the House.” or the House tatives; or (b) the Saraki camp permutations. bookmakers’ which stand-off the Senate of affairs emerged When the House he was a member The fluid state of To them, President will not quit indicate that National between the Presidenc from dissolution of federal Assembly, Informatio his position. y and the defecting to lawmakers, the recent defection of that House; first sits after any Lai Mohamm another party from largely from Progressives or (c) If removed one of the ways ed regretted n Minister, Alhaji Congress (APC) is not have the All the office by a resolutio a Senate President his position. Peoples Democrat the outcome n of the Senate House of Represent a National to the opposition could lose So thei “We Assembl ic P t ( or ti b l l

FEATURES Code for Ethical Journalism on

Migration For most journalists, reporting issues of migration and irregular migration is a delicate line that involves, first, empathy, and then utmost professionalism. Page 18

BUSINESS Discos Fault FG’s Rural Electrification

FEATURES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7,

Code for Eth ical

2018 • T H I

AY Group Feature s Editor: Chieme Email chiemel ie.ezeobi@thisd lie Ezeobi aylive.com 07010510430

Journalism on Migration

Journalists conve of ethical journ rged on Benin City recen tly to alism on repor report tage of migra brainstorm on the code of conduct and tion issues. Adib guidi e Emenyonu or most journalist and Chinecherng principles issues of migration s, reporting em Ojiako and irregular migration is a delicate line involves,

that first, empathy, utmost profession and then alism. To to ensure a try sense of balance professionalism in the reporting and issues, especially of migration irregular migration International Organisation the United Nations for Migration , the (IOM), (UN) body regular and saddled with irregular migration recently organised worldwide, a media workshop City, the Edo in Benin State capital. Established in 1951, IOM intergovernmental as organisation the leading of migration in the field , which works closely governmental, non-governmentalintergovernmental with partners, engaged and media and other the brainstorming stakeholders in a three-day session. Workshop The workshop was organised with the European in Union and thecollaboration Government. Netherlands EU-IOM JointThe workshop was funded by the and Reintegrat Initiative for Migrant Protection regular and ion which facilitates orderly, responsible migration safe, through the governanc developm e development-focuse ent of rights-bas The participant s at the IOM d policies and ed and on protection workshop on processes irregular migration The EU-IOM and sustainable reintegrat EU Emergenc Joint Initiative, funded ion. and has beeny Trust Fund for Africa, by the covers with 26 Africanset up in close cooperati countries, 13 on in West and of which are Central The workshop Africa. started with remarks and welcome Jorge Galindo, overview of the workshop Nigeria and Public Information Officer, by afterwards, IOM on IOM in Nigeria a brief presentati on was Attah, Communi done by Ikechukw u The first sessioncations Assistant IOM and Reintegra for the day was on Nigeria. Return (EUTF-IOM), tion Programme Presentati which was anchored on Uhimwen, Senior Project Assistant,by Aigbeze office, IOM Benin sub Nigeria. Afterwards, a presentat awareness raising ion on IOM key activities anchored by Adaora Okoli, in Nigeria was Assistant, IOM Communications Nigeria, while terms was Key Migration handled by Regional Public Florence Kim, IOM Information and Central Officer for West overview on Africa. She went on to take an Farinloye irregular migration and the Mediterra : West and journalists in a bus while and photograp nean before power Africa on visit to EU of videos Reintegrati issues related hs in journalism and emerging their return, on programme the session on site in Benin and blogging to social media, citizen journalism sengers Campaig migrants as (1) was handled Mes- before Media Developm was reviewed n overview and activities by a post evaluation by Burpee ent Specialist Julia Burpee, handled certificate was wrap was cond whil P IOM Th i t d d

BUSINESSW R A T E S

MONEY MARKE

Scheme Investors in 10 of the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) in Nigeria, have declared they may not recoup their investments in the Discos in the short to medium term ... Page 21

OBB OVERNIGHT

REPO 4.33 5.33

A S

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

Photos: Ibrahim

Farinloye

ORLD

A T

Group Busine s Email: obinna .c 0802

A U G U S T S&

3 ,

P INDEX

5 9.06 10.25

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

2 0 1 EXCH

355.71% 0.13% 0.17% 0.43% 7.96%

N3 AS

Quick Takes CEO Advocates

Lon The decline in returns from presents an opportu stocks to position nity for b for long-te This view was shared by the Securities Limited M , Oby Chi British Chambe with the theme, r of Commer Capital Market,‘Investment She noted that ’ held recent change were some shares an opportu trading at five nity for discern long-term growth. According to her “This is rela cally invest in the equities ‘’Investors however, need m and build the to the necessar tenacity to do y to invest.” information; ne Payla y ater ter Achieves

THIS IS OUR SCOR ECARD

L-R: Compan y Gbodume, at Secretary, MRS Oil Nigeria the company ’s 49th Annual Plc. Oluwakemi Jafojo; General Meeting Chairma in Lagos…recentlyn, Patrice Alberti and Managing Director/ CEO, Andrew

Discos Fault FG’s Rural Ele ctrification Sch eme

Chineme Okafor

in Abuja

Investors in 10 tricity distribut of the 11 elec(Discos) in ion companies Nigeria h

PROPERTY Investors in Renewable Energy, Regulators

ENER GY

Transmission Nigeria (TCN)Company of t

the distribut ion assets not made any have return on their investme t

said Oduntan . O h

In Nigeria, O On a per cent of country of n the underbanked. adult popu Therefore, represent a tremendous fin oppo services in the much needed hands of Nig liquidity for personal develop ment, or A statement revealed thatu loans to Nigeria ns complet or speaking to “Customers customers. can as five minutes receive fun , with no nee guarantors. “Digital financia well received platforms like by consumer “The evidence Paylater are h users, across is in the numbe every Ni

PROPERTY & ENVIRO

NMENT Investors in Re Way Forward newable Energy, Regulato in Risk Manag rs Chart a Critical stakeh ement olders and regula removing obstac tors in the nation les

Chart a Way Forward in Risk Management T There are many unnecessary obstacles to investing in on and offgrid Re- newable Energy (RE) electricity generation in the country. In realisation of this fact, some investors... Page 28

reports

to investing in

’s renew e able energ on and off-gri y sector have d Renewable Energy (RE) electri agreed on what is possib le about city generation. Bennett Oghi fo

here are many “De-Riskin unneces s a r y NAMA g Renewable Energy obstacles (Nationally Approprii investing in to ate Mitigation Action) and off-grid on Nigerian Power Sector”,for the Re- commenc which newable Energy ed last (RE) electricity The UNDP-GE year. energy sub-sector generation F interventio the country. in recognises n In GEF-supported “launched a this fact, some realisation of of licensedthat a large number project titled: ‘De-Risking investors in IPPs for both RE and the Renewable Energy and off-grid on regulatory bodies NAMA (Nationally Renewable Energy deliberated (RE) electricity on Mitigation Action) Appropriate generation obstacles are what these the for Nigerian in country are Power Sector’. and how to many surmount them. faced with support becauseNigeria got this challenges. The issues and Thus, the Forum within a high the nation lies ward in ensuring the way fordiscussed r internatio and thus has sunshine belt nally sustainable investment recognised enormous solar De-risking in energy potentials Renewable discussed withRE sector were ergy . EnInvestment “The mean sub-committee plans to have methodo (“DREI”) annual average of brainstorm total logy solar in addressin sessions to fi ing barriers fine-tune the from about radiation varies and risks hinderingg whole private-se process. 3.5 1 in the coastalkWhm-2 dayctor-drive The 2-day Grid-Con latitudes to Connected Renewabl n Gridabout 7 kWh-1 nected Renewable e Energy Energy Forum (RE) business in the semi-arid 2day-1 along was organised Nigeria and also created North. On areas in the far Environment by the Global Independe opportunity for Participants at the 2-day the forum on renewable Facility (GEF)/ country receivesaverage, the nt Power Producers United Nations energy (IPPs) tion at the level solar radiament Programm Develop- and to deliberate on issues on Environment stated of about 19.8 challenges hindering MJm-2-dayNigerians that environm e (UNDP), in collabora are aware 1. progressing their tion with of the negativelyental effects, in turn, “Unfortunately, to fi financial close. opportunities and Energy Commiss the They gramme, Global impact health benefits also discussed risks in large-scale the inherent that renewable ion of Environm Nigeria (ECN), equipmen energy sources wellbeing of the people. and Facility and the Federal procurement and constructio t provide toward other collaboratient ment in Nigeria RE developMinistry of “Therefore, has made economic ng diffi n, velopmen as law makers, stakeholders “for Environment, as well as recommen f cult for Federal Ministry organisin t and environm de- we remain committed ded ways policy makersit the forum in the De-riskin putting togetherg in the sector to to enactWorks and Housingof Power, be structured g Project could quality of the nation. ental ing, amending t such a wonderfu reach some subsisting agreemen She said, “It and other to minimise stakeholders has been shown and adopting appropriat Acts deliberation.” l platform for private ts with prospectiv barriers. the to be in conformi e actually investors willing e cies that poliwith the i ty Welcoming In a goodwill implementation more sustainabcheaper and environmwould help to reduce to participants, exploit these huge renewable of a 5-Year Director-G le with ental pollution project entitled Senator Oluremi message, much lower and Commissi eneral/CEO Energy energy resources in the Tinubu, impact environmentala achieve a cleaner and Chairman Senate country. on “With of greener Nigeria regards economy.” than conventio Committee (ECN), Prof Eli Jidere to financing energy technolog nal Bala recalled opportunities, domestic She commend ies. These fi nfinan cial sector ed the United that in June 2017, Nations Developm is UNDP in collaboration buoyant to not financially ent Proprovide low stakeholders with national local cost in the renewable capital for renewable energy investmen ts.

WISCAR Dema nds More Leadership Positions for Women in Developm ent

Bennett Oghifo

Fuel Leakage: Akoka Comm Hails Interv ention by Total unity Global Property Partners to Station Hold 2018

Infrastructure

and rise to occupy leadership Omolabake Fasogbon A group, Women positions in the public pany in question Career, (WISCAR) in Successful private and Residents sectors. Some is demandin responsive and had been quite Global inclusive governanc of Akoka communit g have made women that it “left remarkable impacts in Lagos State e insisting y on having no (GPP), Property Partners in their roles, have praised stone unturned in bringing more women a consortiu “The value which has earned the management environment leadership positions. m of firms the with diverse in them prominen of Nigeria’s of back total interests in ce both at the Service Station in the Total said, “The incidentto shape.” He estate This was the local and internatio real (road, infrastructure stock Akoka for and infrastruc taking swift occurred rail, power, year August group’s deliberatisum of the There action in restoring ture airports, and Total was last development, is no doubt nal level. sanity to ons at its will hold the water, telecoms and quick 2nd to notify second quarter the communi that women participat seaports) edition of ty after agencies relevant governme its Annual represents only 35% of WISCAR series,of the Meet-A- decision ion in politics and a leakage was discovere nt National including the GDP, as against peer Infrastructure the station d in They making CDA. in Novembe panel of vibrant which had a the emerging market Summit started society as a will benefit in August underground tank r 2018 in Abuja. countries average process by the remediation whole’’. various careers Women from last year. of 70%)”, Mr. The Abiola-Costello, blocking all Odemayowa The members water coming Summit, which sources in young women’s to engender advised continued, adding however, is that of Akoka the affected the women Commun after the participat in governan fi five highly ture “The issue of infrastruc successful Development houses as confirmed ce and their ing proactive to politi to be more Associati ity maid devel by th a i l l ( d

INTERNATIONAL Changing South Africa’s Constitution

Summit

FOREIGN/D IPLOMATIC AFFAIRS

vincent.obia@t

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as leader of the governing African National Congress (ANC), has announced that his party will spearhead an Changing Sou th Africa’s Co nstitution amendment to section 25 of the S country’s Constitution to outline more clearly s...Page 37 A member of

South Africa’s

Economic Freedom

Fighters party

with a copy

of the Constitut

ion

Photo credit:

EPA/Kim Ludbrook

Pierre de Vos

Editor: VINCEN T OBIA hisdaylive.com 0805 468 1757

In Brief

Rouhani: No Talks under Sanctionwith US s

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday declared that the “untrustwo Iran cannot enter talks with rthy” administrat President Donald Trump as long ion of US is under the as Tehran shadow of economic Rouhani made sanctions. the comments interview on in a televised Monday evening, before the first just hours round of unilateral back” US sanctions take effect on “snap BBC reported. Tuesday, person after “You cannot expect to talk you to in his body,” stab him and leave the knifea Rouhani, speaking told IRIB state in Persian, States proved television. He said the United to partner when be an unreliable negotiating it a multination decided to withdraw from al nuclear deal re-impose sanctions with Iran and trust, Iran always against it. “If there welcomes negotiation is he said. “But s,” negotiations don’t make while we are under sanctions.” sense

Canada Defiant Arabia Freezes After Saudi New

Ottawa on Monday Trade refused to back in its defense down of Arabia froze human rights after Saudi new trade and and expelled the Canadian investment in retaliation ambassador arrested Saudi for the country’s call to free civil society activists, to Reuters. In according her Saudi Arabia’s first public response to Chrystia Freeland actions, Foreign Minister ... Canada will said, “Let me be very clear always stand rights in Canada up for human and around and women’s the world, rights are human Riyadh on Sunday rights.” from Canada recalled its ambassador and gave the ambassador Canadian 24 government hours to leave. The Saudi also Canada, although banned new trade with it was unclear affect existing annual Saudi-Canaif it would of nearly $4 dian trade billion and a $13 billion defense contract.

party – or parties – wishing Constitution outh African must control to amend the the nine provincia the National at least President Ramaphosa, because provincia l legislatures. six of Sections 59Council of Provinces. in his capacityCyril This is leader of and 72 also provincial delegationl legislatures give as National Assembly the governin require the National each of g African to the National and National of Provinces Provinces to Congress has announce Council facilitate public (ANC), d that his constitutionala mandate on how to Council in the legislativ spearhead vote on party will amendments. e and other involvement the National Some comment 25 of the an amendment to Assembly and processes of ators have argued amendment The Constitut outline morecountry’s Constitut section its committe that an imposed President of ional ion to es. would have to section 25 of the Constituti Ethiopia under which clearly the condition a duty on Court held that this to be supported on the National Region Resigns’s Somali of the members expropriation the assembly s by at least 75% without compens The Minister of the National of land reasonably in Council of Provinces and But ation this is incorrect, He emphasis can be effected. Assembly. ensuring the Somali region for Information for the to act ed that things. It’s people are heard and confuses voices clause in true confirmed to of Ethiopia Idris Ismail two before passing of ordinary the Constitutthe property the Constituti that the founding the BBC on Monday The more important enables expropria legislation. values in ion on – set out regional President only be amended the Bill, and the public in section 1 tion of land already Abdi Mohamud that compensation the greater had handed interest, the without with a supportin – can Omar in the public of 75% of over power and obligation to more proposed amendme the interest. The down. This followed g vote The facilitate public onerous the agreed But, as long members of the Assembly nt would be rules putting this involvem days of tension to step Somali region as an amendme aimed at beyond any . National of the National Assembly ent. in the affect the values as doubt. nt Council doesn’t deployed to the Federal Military were and in section of Provinces the Rule of provide for the But what is Law) by allowing1 (specifically already this and will that he had been region. It was believed the process expropriation to be followed. therefore have to be followed pressured the that would government wouldn’t be of property, a 75% arbitrary to step down by the federal This process to be passed? for such an amendmhave majority required following protests and could fighting ent conclude as Apart from take some between Somali Like all m the in time t it ca b co dO d d

SPORTS Tanzania Appoints Amuneke Head

Coach A prophet is often never recognized at home. But for hardworking Nigerian coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, recognition came his way in far awayTanzania yesterday as that East African country appointed him as head coach of their national... Page 47

TUESDAYSP ORTS

Tanzania Ap points

Duro Ikhazuag be with agency report

Group Sport s Editor Email duro. ikhazuagbe @ 0811 181

Amuneke H ead C

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Athlet es and of countr officia ls Lagos as they fly partici pated ies that their to various countri just conclu in the es. “Beyond that, African Seniorded 21st also we Champ ionship Athleti cs Gov. very gratefu l are to Okowa for started have depart ing Asaba 2018 a making Asaba for reality and bringin their various destina tions. g Africa to Delta As sure that State. We are promis ed the leg i the L by f l

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T H I S D AY Ë¾ TUESDAY AUGUST 7, 2018

TUESDAY 7, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS FG: Defectors Won’t Escape Prosecution

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike

Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Says Adeosun’s alleged certificate scandal still under investigation Ugo Aliogo with agency report The federal government has stated that the gale of defections in the country’s party politics would not shield any corrupt politician from investigation and prosecution. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave the assurance when he paid an official visit to the Abuja office of The Authority Newspaper. Mohammed has also explained that the allegation of certificate forgery against the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun is still under investigation by the appropriate agencies. Fielding questions from the members of the editorial board of the paper, the minister said the defection, even to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would not immune politicians

who had looted the country’s economy from being prosecuted. “Nigerians should be rest assured that the fact that some persons are moving from one party to another does not mean that they will escape prosecution,” he said. “Nobody will escape investigation and prosecution on the ground that he or she has moved to APC. We have shown that with a former governor and a member of our party that was convicted. We will never terminate anybody’s prosecution on the ground of decamping. “However, it is not for the executive to do the work of the judiciary,” he explained The minister, however, said many of the defections being witnessed were not premised on the allegation of escaping justice.

He said some defected for “political calculation and personal reasons.’’ He also took a swipe at the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, saying: “I have never seen in history, where a leader of parliament will announce the defection of 15 members from his party. “The proper thing is, if you are loyal to your party, you put stumbling blocks on such defection,” he added.

Mohammed said Kwara, his state and that of Saraki which is the epicentre of the defection, remained solidly behind the APC and Buhari. Mohammed also said President Buhari’s integrity remains intact, in spite of the allegation of certificate forgery against Adeosun. Responding to a question from the editorial management of the paper on why Buhari was still keeping the minister in his

cabinet, Mohammed said the case was still under investigation. He said the appropriate agencies were still investigating the allegation against the finance minister and should be allowed to do their jobs. Adeosun was alleged to have forged a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate. “Until when an allegation is proven, you do not expect the president to act.

“The appropriate agencies have spoken and they say they are investigating. The only thing we can do is to wait. “By saying that the minister should resign or be sacked while investigation is still ongoing may also not be feasible in our clime because of the level of false accusations. “How many times have they accused me of embezzlement?

Cont’d on page 39

Five Suicide Bombers Die in Failed Attack on Maiduguri Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Five suicide bombers yesterday lost their lives in an unsuccessful attempt to cause havoc in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The explosions, however, made many residents of the town to have sleepless night as the sound resonated all around the troubled town. Though it was learnt that there was no other death from the multiple explosions other than the five suicide attackers who lost their lives, three residents of Kaleri, an outskirts of Maiduguri, which

was attacked by the suicide bombers got injured. A statement by the spokesman of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), North-east Zonal office, AbdulKadir Ibrahim, confirmed the incident. The short statement read that: “Multiple explosions rocked outskirts of Maiduguri in the Kaleri area at 9:53p.m on Sunday. “Casualty figure for yesterday’s bomb blast was five suicide bombers and three other persons were injured in the incident.”

NNPC, Banks Sign $3bn Finance Deals Ugo Aliogo The Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, yesterday restated that the corporation signed third party financing deals with international banks to the tune of $3 billion for the development of the oil and gas industry. Baru, who stated this at the 42nd Nigeria Annual International conference and Exhibition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) in Lagos, also said Nigeria needed to leverage on her vast mineral wealth in terms of the 37 billion barrels of oil reserves and 199 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, among others, to prove up other sectors of the economy and to promote import substitution in such areas as agriculture, manufacturing, and general services. He explained that the country needed to be self-sufficient in at least the provision of basic needs and common services. He said: “We have signed third party financing deals with the international

banks and new oil and gas development worth $3 billion despite the degradation in 2016 and 2017. This demonstrates the phase in our industry and the potentials we can unlock. “We also executed a nobel and micro-financing bill of over $700million from Schlumberger for the development of the 250 million barrels of oil equivalent per day from 165 million barrels of oil under the joint venture investment exploration and production,” he said. Baru also said under the short, medium term inhouse, the NNPC intends to focus on raising first access base lending for NPDC, an upstream subsidiary. “For the owners, where it has JVs with the indigenous producers, the NNPC also has a goal to incorporate bonds and other long term maturing assurances to the funding means. “For the IOCs partners, we would continue to leverage the strong credit rating of these partners, identifying key quickening projects that are easy to mature with strong cash flow projections and attracts necessary funding the debt market.

YOU ARE WELCOME ON BOARD

National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (right), in audience with Senate Minority Leader and former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja...yesterday

Osinbajo Mourns Nine Corps Members Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo last night said he was saddened by the tragic drowning of nine National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in River Mayo-Selbe in Gashaka Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State last Saturday. The deceased corps members were among 22 other youth corps members who had gone

on a picnic around the river where the incident occurred. A statement by the acting president’s spokesman, Mr. Laolu Akande, said Osinbajo extended his condolences to the families and relations of the deceased corps members on behalf of himself and the federal government. According to the statement, Osinbajo lamented that the country had lost some of its talented and productive young

people in their prime. While praying God to console the families of the deceased, Osinbajo condoled with relatives, NYSC and their states of origin. “This terrible occurrence has brought an abrupt end to the lives of these young men and women while they were dutifully engaged in national service. “The federal government appreciates their service to the country and it is my prayer

that God will comfort their families and loved ones, and that we would not witness such a calamity again. “I would like to express my condolences to the families of the late youth corps members, the NYSC management and the people of Taraba State, where the sorrowful incident occurred, and Edo, Enugu, Delta and Imo States from where the identified victims hailed.”

My Deputy Resigned for Fear of Impeachment, Says Ganduje Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has reacted to last Sunday’s resignation of his deputy, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, saying he resigned for fear of ominous impeachment process by the the state House of Assembly. A statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba and made available to journalists yesterday, also stated that the state government did not at anytime withhold Hafiz’s entitlement, adding that

he was giving free hand to manage his office and that of the Ministry of Education. The statement noted that based on available records, in 2017 alone, the sum of over N120, 000, 000.00 was paid to the former deputy governor as traveling allowance both within and outside the country, while in 2018, over N30, 000, 000.00 million was paid to him for various traveling allowances. The statement further noted that in July this year, the sum of N7, 409, 575.00 was released to him to travel to the United Kingdom to receive

an Honorary Degree from the University of Reading. “The sum of N7, 800, 000.00 was also said to have been paid the deputy governor, who doubles as Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation as his travelling allowance to Khartoum, Sudan, for the convocation ceremony of the University of Africa. “Also, for a trip to the United Kingdom for the World Education Forum, the sum of N8, 509, 000.00 was paid to him; while his trip to Saudi Arabia for his daughters’ graduation was

also sponsored by the state government, among other privileges extended to him. The state government also challenged the former deputy governor on allegations that the state government has committed resources to sponsor rally in support of his removal from office, pointing out that, the gravity of the allegation may prompt the government to take appropriate action.“The former deputy governor ought to have landed safely and quietly instead of making unsubstantiated allegations just to draw attention,” the statement noted.

T H I S D AY Ë¾ TUESDAY AUGUST 7, 2018

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY Ë¾ TUESDAY AUGUST 7, 2018

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͵˜ 2018

COMMENT

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

A GREAT MIND AT 70

Ehi Braimah pays tribute to Ray Ekpu, writer and journalist of repute

chieving three scores plus 10 years in good health and sound mind is usually no mean feat in a season growing with discontent, anger and frustration. Life has become short and brutish but I congratulate Ray Ekpu, a very distinguished journalist, writer, essayist, humanist, patriot, activist, award winner, good man, great mind and family man on attaining the glorious age of 70 years. (I have heard Ken-Calebs Olumese, Niteshift Guv’nor and Ray’s bosom friend of so many years, call him Raymond, and I said to myself: so Ray is from Raymond). In a tribute to the man of the moment, “70 years came too soon for Ray”, says Akpandem James, a journalist and special adviser on media to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, who has followed Ray’s career right from his days at the Nigerian Chronicle. This is another way of saying Ray is young at heart and does not look 70. Indeed, Ray is very cosmopolitan in nature and outlook; he is blessed with a very warm, friendly and engaging personality. Whether young or old; rich or poor, Ray connects easily and relates well with various diverse groups, no matter their status in life. Ray does not know how to grandstand or carry any unnecessary air around him; he shoots straight from the hip. He can be described as a people’s man, seeking to do good all the time. If you have followed Ray’s career as a writer as Akpandem did, you will agree with me that Ray is a master of the prose genre; a wordsmith and writer and intellectual who is good at his craft. Here is a graduate of the University of Lagos who became famous by training and working as a journalist and writer; Ray has a factory where he manufactures his own words and phrases which he uses to elucidate very topical issues and his worldviews when he writes. Ray entices us when he writes and brings us into his own world of language; he plays with words and practically takes you on a journey of free flowing prose that is so gripping and exciting you will not stop until you finish reading what he has written. I still recollect vividly his column where he criticised the Justice Uwaifo Panel back then as a ‘kangaroo panel’ that could not stand the test of time. As far as journalism is concerned, Ray is a pacesetter and role model, and a shining star in the media firmament in Nigeria. His admirers are therefore not surprised he is now noted as a grandmaster of journalism with his regular column in the Guardian alongside other contemporaries from his journalism career. I met Ray more than 30 years ago through an encounter with Guv’nor Olumese during my early days at Niteshift, the upscale nightclub that was the rave at the time. And since then, our relationship grew to that of mentor and mentee. As a young undergraduate and aspiring journalist, I followed Ray’s writing closely from the Sunday Times, to Sunday Concord and then Newswatch. I used to buy my copy of Newswatch every week at N1.50 and read every page like the Holy Book. I was and I’m still mersmerised by Ray’s writing skills and I wanted to write like him, Dr Sunny Ojeagbase and the late Dele Giwa with their inimitable styles that brought flourish to the art of writing. Later, I took the bold step and started contributing to the sports pages of the Observer in Benin and later Sports Souvenir in Lagos as an undergraduate at the University of Benin. Ray is usually not one to be intimidated as he speaks his mind on issues relating to how Nigeria can become a much better place with every government in power. In a 2014 interview in the Daily Trust as a member of the politics and governance committee of the National Conference, Ray said the House of Representatives should be scrapped. Ray’s view was that having a bi-camera legislature was a waste of

NIGERIA’S ISSUES ARE MULTI-FACETED AND SYSTEMIC. THEY REVOLVE AROUND WEAK PRIVATE AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS AS WELL AS THE GOVERNMENT’S LACK OF CAPACITY TO SOLVE PROBLEMS

money; instead he opted for a model whereby every state in Nigeria would have four senators each and one senator representing the FCT. In the same interview, Ray voted for state (local) police. According to Ray, “community policing” would provide cover for the rural populace. “Local police”, he advised, “will know the territory, and if you have police that are close to the people, that nearness provided protection”. “I met Ray in 1982, that is 36 years ago, when he was editor of the Sunday Times,” remembers Guv’nor Olumese. “That encounter has grown into a personal and family relationship. That was the time I also met the late Dele Giwa. Ray is a humble, trustworthy and dependable friend,” Olumese says confidently. “Ray believes Nigeria has been shortchanged for too long by our leaders and this explains why his writings reflect an abiding faith in Nigeria that has continued to experience wasted opportunities,” Olumese further asserts. My conversation with Olumese naturally drifted to Ray’s career as a writer and journalist. “Oh, my friend,” Olumese quips, “Ray is a brilliant and prolific writer who writes on issues; his prose can bring hope to the oppressed because he’s eloquent and readable. Everyone can read Ray and understand him and know where he stands. My prayer is that Nigeria should be blessed with many good people like him and we who are over 70 years old will gladly welcome him to the club”. From all accounts, it is evident Ray is a good man. I can also confirm that Ray has a pleasing personality; he’s friendly, approachable and always willing to lend a helping hand. Along with Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed and Soji Akinrinade, his colleagues at May Five Media, I had the opportunity of working with them when they launched Moving in Circles, the book containing a compilation of their columns, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) some years back. Both in Lagos and Uyo, I have related with Census, the younger brother of Ray, on professional and personal engagements. He tells me Ray is a motivator, mentor, big brother, pathfinder and family patriarch. “Without Ray, I don’t know where I would have been today,” Census says. “And the same thing can be said by every member of our family because he succeeded in planting and nurturing the family tree. Our father died when I was very young, so it was Ray that trained me and brought me up. I feel fulfilled having him as my mentor and big brother,” Census further reflects. When Ray was named the ‘World Editor of the Year’ in 1987, the entire community celebrated him because, according to Census, he is a hero among his people. Ray hails from Ikot Udo Ossiom in Ukanafun LGA of Akwa Ibom State. There are no dull moments with Ray because he believes life should be enjoyed and he enjoys promoting a sense of community. Ray is a family man, father and grandfather with his wife, Uyai, and three adorable children: Elu, Edikan and Mfoniso, popularly known as ‘Papa’; he’s the ‘man of the house’. Instead of rolling out the drums to mark his 70th birthday as his family and friends wished, Ray has asked for a colloquium to interrogate leadership challenges in Nigeria, a topic very dear to his heart. Ray is very passionate about quality leadership, good governance, a democracy that delivers dividends and a society that is just, egalitarian and equitable. I agree with Ray that one of our biggest challenges as nation today is lack of visionary leadership. Braimah is public relations and marketing strategist based in Lagos

TRIALS OF SAMBO DASUKI

The continued detention of the former National Security Adviser despite court orders to the contrary is unfortunate, writes Godwin Etakibuebu

am not always so sure about the number of people in corridors of power in Nigeria who are sane. Our country is peculiar in all ramifications. It is very distinct from every other nation on this earth. It is a place where common sense is a scarce commodity. Yet, somebody from old; obviously one of our ancestors, called it “common sense”. The scarcity of it remains most pronounced at the arena where Nigeria is most heard – at the most top, within the corridors of power. What about sanity? Going “up there”; towards the corridors of power, to look for sane people is actually the beginning of madness in Nigeria. If one wants to meet with those that are driven with hundred per cent sanity; sorry, there is no 100% sanity in any human being because in every one hour of our daily actions, we sometimes display a minute or so of madness; the best place to face is just going “down toward those in the valley”. It is there, within the locals or what l once called the “down-trodden Nigerians” that you can find both sanity and common sense. The recommended places for discovery of tested sanity and also common sense, are there in the villages and hamlets across the nooks and crannies of this country. Sanity and common sense refused to follow those migrating from the rural areas to the urban

cities or they [sanity and common sense] just refused relocation to the metropolitan centres. This must have been the reason why these two most essential commodities are not the property of the city dwellers. Even then there is distinct categorisation between the successful city dwellers and the “ghetto-type” city dwellers in acquisition of these two commodities – sanity and common sense. The successful city dwellers are the glamorous politicians; both those voted for and voted against. They are those appointed into political offices by those that you and I voted for [sometimes those we thought we voted for actually “cornered or stole” the votes]. They are mostly the public Servants or government appointee. They are those General Ibrahim Babangida called elite Nigerians, whom he accused of “destroying Nigeria”. They are the most insane and totally lacking in common sense. The other group earlier referred to as “ghetto-type” of city dwellers, are Nigerians citizens also, except that they are not just privileged to be amongst the heavy thieves that are crown princesses and princesses in stealing billions and trillions of naira. They are not those that are privileged to deploy the instrumentality of defection from one political party to another with impunity. They are not those that deploy instrument of state to garner stupendous wealth that only

death can “put asunder what kleptomania has brought together”. They are not those that have power of life and death over every other citizen, or so they thought. They are not even those that speak a plain language to those they employed, telling them “go ye to steal and multiply” or interpreting the rule of the game to them that “though shall not be caught”. In all, the difference between these two groups basically is that while one was totally insane and lacking in common sense the other has common sense and replicated sanity. Let us look at an issue in today’s contemporary Nigeria to understand and be able to differentiate those that are mad and lacking in common sense from those that are in the opposite camp. How on earth a Judge would order bail for Sambo Dasuki, saying that the former National Security Adviser should be released from illegal detection and go to the comfort of his house after just about “only” three years in detention? Is this Judge “sane”? Or is he not afraid of his own life? Ordering the release of General Muhammadu Buhari’s captive? Is the Judge not aware of the “more than 100, 000 Nigerians that Dasuki killed”? His Lordship Justice Ijeoma L. Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who gave the order was told that Dasuki “is being kept

by the Buhari State; because this cannot be the Nigerian State obviously, in the interest of the larger public good because government is about the people and not only for an individual”. Simply put, a Dasuki has no right to life in a Nigeria where Buhari presides. This is the submission of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for Buhari’s Nigeria, in defending why the government would never obey a court’s order, releasing Sambo Dasuki on bail. Yet there is no charge of murder against Dasuki in any court of law in Nigeria except in the mind of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria acting as defender of Nigerian citizens. The irony of the Sambo Dasuki case is the fact that this court’s order for his freedom is the sixth along the line of such orders from different courts of competent jurisdiction. Yet, Abubakar Malami, the Attorney General, says no way for his principal in obeying any court order. In other words Malami’s principal, Buhari, choses which court order he obeys and which one he throws into the dustbin. I call this the evaporation of common sense. However, justice, natural justice, shall reign and prevail at the end of this dark tunnel. Etakibuebu, a veteran Journalist, wrote from Lagos

T H I S D AY TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018

EDITORIAL THE LEGISLATIVE PRESIDING OFFICERS Legislators should strive to follow due process

lthough there are procedures for removing the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives as well as Speakers in the 36 States Houses of Assembly, we have in the past 19 years witnessed several impeachments that neither conformed with the rules set by the members themselves nor with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. Resuming from a two-month recess last week, the Kano State House of Assembly removed its speaker and replaced him with a former speaker while his deputy was also replaced by a former deputy speaker. A week earlier, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly had been similarly removed in what has become a game of musical chairs. This year alone, no fewer than 10 speakers and deputy speakers have lost their jobs, most of them without due process. More often than not, at the bottom of the impeachments saga is the cynical attempt to control the legislature by the executive. Unfortunately, the immediate consequence of this interminable bickerTHE IMMEDIATE ing in the legislative CONSEQUENCE OF THE BICKERING IN THE houses is its toll on the quality of debate and LEGISLATIVE HOUSES legislation for good IS ITS TOLL ON THE governance in our QUALITY OF DEBATE country, aside the fact AND LEGISLATION FOR that the people are GOOD GOVERNANCE IN denied quality and effective representation. OUR COUNTRY With very little excuse and sometimes for pecuniary reasons, legislators at both the federal level and in the states have no qualms about impeaching their presiding ofﬁcers. But the more worrisome aspect is the disruptive interference of the executive and that is why we implore the presidency and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow the National Assembly members to decide who preside over their affairs in the wake of recent defections

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from the ruling party to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Behind most of the impeachments is the overbearing disposition of the executive either at the federal level or in the states with the sole aim of emasculating the legislative arm of government in a bid to assume total control without any form of accountability. Although this is more prevalent in the states, we have also seen that at the federal level. During President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure between 1999 and 2007, for instance, the National Assembly recorded a high turnover of presiding officers as the third most powerful office in the land became a revolving door, producing in its wake a total of five senate presidents.

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

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 BOLAJI ADEBIYI, 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 prevailing situation, the APC has made its position clear that it would not tolerate a member of the opposition presiding at the Senate, asking Dr Bukola Saraki to quit as Senate President. But the premise on which the party bases its argument is faulty against the background of the precedent it set four years ago. At that period, then Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, led many members from the then ruling PDP to the opposition. He kept his seat because the party could not muster the required number to remove him. While it is therefore understandable that the APC would want the seat of presiding ofﬁcer in the Senate, we urge the party not to resort to extra-judicial means in the process. It is noteworthy that neither the senate president nor the speakers (at federal and the states) have absolute powers of their own. They remain “executive heads” of the legislative branch by virtue of being elected by their peers; in other words, they are ﬁrst among equals. That also presupposes that they are at the mercy of their colleagues at all times and in all circumstances. While we therefore have no problem with APC members in the Senate who may want Saraki to vacate his seat, having crossed over to the PDP, any attempt to use the security agencies to achieve a predetermined end will not augur well for our democracy.

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 . 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 along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

UNILORIN’S WEEK OF SADNESS AND JOY

adness and joy? That’s the whole essence of this life: of interlacing silver lining amidst dark cloud; of bitter-sweet ding-dong; of uproarious laughter and sorrowful lamentation; of bubbling life and morbid melancholy; of famine and surplus; of scorching heat and freezing harmattan; of grinding poverty and stinking wealth; of ecstasy and depression; of good and bad! That’s how the Almighty, in His Divine Wisdom, created this world so that humans would appreciate His Infinite Power. For the University of Ilorin, the Almighty Allah manifested one of His irrefutable attributes this past week: the power of dominion over all! He showed us tremendous happiness in one instance and also enveloped the campus with a measure of sadness in another, both within a space of four days! While national attention was focused on the University on Thursday, July 12, 2018 with the elevation of two of our erudite Law scholars, Prof. Wahab Egbewole and Prof. Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi, to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC), we lost a prominent member of the community, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. Abdulkareem Agunu, to the cold hands of death barely 96 hours after on Sunday, July 15, 2018! To be sure, the elevation of our two law professors to the pinnacle of the legal profession is another clear manifestation of the uniqueness of this citadel of learning that is always making waves in all spheres of positive human endeavours! We are always ahead in national and global ranking of higher educational institutions; and we are the toast of admission seekers all over the country. The university is also the

darling of sundry national education regulatory agencies, probably on account of its zero tolerance for cultism and other anti-social vices, its stable academic calendar, its being the bastion of several patented research outputs, its reputation as campus of harmony, centre of academic excellence, citadel of industrial concord, and now home to three SANs (as one of its Law lecturers, Dr. Joshua Kayode Olatoke, had earlier in 2014 attained the prestigious silk status!) There is definitely something strikingly special about Profs Egbewole and Akanbi that commend the duo to anybody who wants to make a success of his/her chosen career, and indeed who wants to succeed in life in general. And that is their unassuming nature, despite their respective attainments in the academia and the legal profession! While some misguided and indeed empty practitioners think that to be a lawyer you must be unnecessarily haughty, self-conceited and arrogant, the lifestyles of our new SANs, since I made acquaintance with them about six years ago, have taught me that indeed in modesty and humility lies the secret of true success! Highly cerebral and hardworking, the unpresumptuous dons, even from accounts of their students and colleagues, have contributed immensely to intellectualism and legal development in the country. They have both, at one time or the other, held the Deanship of our Faculty of Law, and held other prominent academic and administrative positions in the university, including directorships of pre-eminent academic units. The one is the Director of the University’s School of Preliminary Studies (SPS), the other is the Director of the Centre for General Studies (GNS). Prof. Egbewole, in particular, had once headed the vibrant

and progressive Unilorin Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) during the heady days of intensive struggle between destructive and progressive unionism. And of course, the latter, actively espoused by Egbewole and the majority of Unilorin academic staffers, triumphed! Ironically, the SANship award for this forward-looking legal activist got delayed for about two years on account of his non-compromising progressivism during his tenure as Unilorin ASUU Chairman, as the agents of retrogression within the fold did all they could to truncate what God had already perfected! But at last, the award came at God’s appointed time and we are glad for this. We congratulate Professors Egbewole and Akanbi on their wellmerited elevation, which the Chairman of the University Governing Council, Dr. Abdullah Jibril Oyekan, described as “more feathers to the cap of Team Unilorin”. They have, indeed, done the university proud by this attainment. May Almighty Allah endow the duo with Divine Wisdom with which to operate successfully in the inner bar of the Nigerian legal profession. Big congratulations to you two, sirs! But while rejoicing over the SANship awards, members of the University community are saddened by the sudden death of the Edo State-born Prof. Abdulkareem Agunu penultimate Sunday (July 15, 2018). The easy-going, affable and humble late dean would have been 52 years old by October this year. He contributed immensely to the unprecedented full accreditation granted recently to all the programmes of the young Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Kunle Akogun, Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Ilorin

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY AUGUST 7 2018

POLITICS

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON0EKONG Email 0000000000000000000 000000000000000 08114495324 SMS ONLY

TRENDING NEWS

It’s Raining Crises in APC Nseobong Okon-Ekong, Segun James and Shola Oyeyipo write that torrential crises of all shapes have shaken the All Progressives Congress to its very foundation

APC

s the Nigerian political equation continues to tilt towards the bizarre and the unpredictable, the situation is already changing bookmakers’ permutations. The fluid state of affairs emerged from the recent defection of federal lawmakers, largely from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Many of those who switched political party loyalty had long been rumoured to be nursing the idea and indeed there were behind the scene moves to dissuade them from taking the action. Their eventual move may be attributed to failure to reach a mutual agreement. Though not as well celebrated a fraction of these migrant politicians also changed political affiliation to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the United Progressive Party (UPP). Overwhelming details of which party now controls the majority in the Senate between the APC and the PDP is expected to emerge when the lawmakers resume from break in September. By that time, many of the lawmakers who were waiting in the wings would have made good their switch; from one party to another. Then the picture will be clearer. All the leading political parties are working hard to win over prominent figures with electoral assets. Already there are calls on Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu to vacate their seats in line with the provision of Section 50 (2) of the Nigerian Constitution, which stipulates that “The President or Deputy President of the Senate or the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives shall vacate his office: (a) If he ceases to be a member of

the Senate or of the House of Representatives, as the case maybe, otherwise than by reason of a dissolution of the Senate or the House of Representatives; or (b) When the House of which he was a member first sits after any dissolution of that House; or (c) If removed from office by a resolution of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be, by the votes of not less than two-thirds

Overwhelming details of which party now controls the majority in the Senate between the APC and PDP is expected to emerge when the lawmakers resume from break in September. By that time, many of the lawmakers who were waiting in the wings would have made good their switch

majority of the members of the House.” Feelers from the Saraki camp indicate that the Senate President will not quit his position. To them, defecting to another party is not one of the ways a Senate President could lose his position. So, their calculation is that he would retain his seat until June 2019 when the ninth Senate would elect its presiding officer and new principal officers. It is not the first time Saraki would be under pressure to surrender his office. He survived a long trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, during which similar calls were made on him to surrender his presiding position at the Senate, but he ignored these forceful requests and retained his office until the Supreme Court absolved him of blame. The power play between the ruling party and the main opposition party will continue to intensify because whatever Saraki and his allies are banking on, members of the APC too have a game plan that they are keeping close to their chest. In the days ahead, the situation promises to be more interesting and intriguing as the stakes become higher with the approaching 2019 general elections. Already, the PDP caucus in the House of Representatives claimed that there was a secret plot by some Senators led by Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Adamu Abdullahi and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, to illegally impeach the Senate President. These senators who have positioned themselves as sympathetic to the Presidency have had many run-ins with the leadership of the Senate, resulting in a period of suspension being served on Ndume and Omo-Agege at different times. The fratricidal war in the APC can be traced to its foundation. Commenting on the conflict within the political party, particularly the

stand-off between the Presidency and the National Assembly, Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed regretted the outcome. “We have a National Assembly in which we had a clear majority in both houses but which treated the Executive with contempt and who actually slowed down the work of government. In 2016, 2017 and 2018, our budgets were delayed. Key appointments, nominations and confirmations for key organisations that could move the government forward like the CBN and the NDIC, were delayed. Really, it couldn’t have been worse if the PDP had a majority in the National Assembly.” Given this background of mutual suspicion between the Executive and legislators, there have been failed clandestine attempts to change the leadership of the National Assembly which are alleged to have the backing of the Presidency. So far, there has not been a clear on ground to oust the headship of the legislators, but prominent Lagos lawyers, including Mr. Yinka Farounbi, Mr. Akinwale Ojo and Mr. Onyekachi Ubani, in separate chats with THISDAY, agreed that the proviso attached to section 68(1)(g) is equipped with a way out for those jumping from one party to another. Section 68(1)(g) of the 1998 Nigerian constitution (as amended) stipulates that if someone whose election was sponsored by a political party becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected, such person should vacate his seat. But the proviso attached to the subsection, states that, “Provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018

POLITICS

Oshiomhole

Kwankwaso

Melaye and Saraki (r)

two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored.” The prerequisite has remained a cover for defecting lawmakers. For instance, in the case of Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde who represented Akure South/ North Federal Constituency of Ondo State, the Supreme Court decided that there was no crisis in the Labour Party and he had to lose his seat. The case was decided in 2015, whereas Abegunde had defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in 2011. Unlike the case of Abegunde, however, it may be provable that the clear segregation within the APC has led to schism at the national level. Many defecting members are counting on this as a covering should their action be challenged in court by their parties. A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Yinka Farounbi, is of the opinion that politicians will continue to have their way cross carpeting and not getting punished as long as the constitution remains as it is. “The constitution says if you cross carpet your seat must be declared vacant. The same constitution gave conditions under which they can cross carpet and there will be no sanction. The fundamental thing question is the ability to prove that there is crisis within the party. All of them have been citing one crisis or

Tinubu

the other and if you look at it, there is no way they will not be covered by those crises. To many keen watchers of the polity, the APC lacked the needed cohesion to form a strong political party from the onset. It was a hurriedly concocted arrangement targeted mainly at ousting former President Goodluck Jonathan. Different gladiators, who were propelled by various ambitions, shelved their differences to achieve their ultimate aim to wrest power from the PDP on the APC platform, which they succeeded at achieving. But problems quickly set in when time came to share the profit of their political adventure.

All the leading political parties are working hard to win over prominent ﬁgures with electoral assets

Since 2015 when APC, which is a merger of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a part of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), took over governance at the centre, the power play between the Buhari, Tinubu, Kwankwaso and the Saraki blocs has been very fierce. What could initially be termed as pockets of rebellious actions assumed open and conventional dimension when Saraki claimed the Senate President position against the aspirations of some elements in the APC. While the likes (of) former Lagos State governor and National Leader of the APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu were seen to have been edged out of the scheme of things, particularly with him and the former National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun at each other’s throat, Saraki attributed his trial at Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) and the recent attempt to link him to the Offa robbery to “political persecution,” former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, who was the runer-up to President Buhari during the party’s presidential primary had a tough time in the party. These strong undercurrents of resentment found a platform for expression when after several postponements, the APC finally went for its congresses. That was when it became obvious that it was not well with the party in many states. In, at least, 24 states,

including states like Lagos where it was hitherto believed that Tinubu authoritative influence kept everyone in check, showed signs of widening crack. Those who lost out refused to be pacified. The party was in this fractured state when it went to its national convention in Abuja. Of course, the tell-tale signs of breakup was everywhere-fisticuffs, rowdiness and dissent. Outwardly, there was a semblance of settlement as many erstwhile contenders stepped down for a consensus arrangement that prevailed all the way up to the office of the National Chairman, which was won by former Governor of Edo State Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. This appeared to be the final straw. To perfect the defection of other political office holders, it must be established that there is crisis in the ruling APC and that was the gambit by Benue State, Samuel Ortom when he declared for the PDP. The floodgate of defection that hit the ruling party has claimed the likes of Senate President Saraki and that of the Governors of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal and Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed. President Muhammadu Buhari, through his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, quickly dissociated himself from any role in the widely condemned plot by minority APC lawmakers in Benue State to remove Governor Samuel Ortom. Twenty-two of the 30-member Benue State House of Assembly are of the PDP, but the indication that the ruling is fighting back was when some eight members out the 30 member Benue State House of Assembly, in a brazen move, stormed the chambers assembly complex, allegedly in connivance with the police, in an attempt to impeach Governor Ortom after he defected from the APC. Explaining why he opted to defect for the PDP Ortom said: “I had issues with the leader of the APC in Benue State and while the national leadership of the party was trying to resolve it, the party in the state embarked on aggressive campaign of calumny against me.” The issues are surely more than that. The incessant and unmitigated killings of Benue citizens, which pitched the governor against the presidency was part of his displeasures. In fact, at a point he said there will be no campaign for the 2019 elections in the state if there is no solution to the clashes between herdsmen and farmers. He was also disgruntled that while he invited President Buhari to console the people of Benue over the killings and destruction of their property, the president did not honour the invitation Ortom announced his exit from the APC on July 25, the day he was due to meet with the leadership of the ruling party in Abuja over the crisis in the Benue chapter of the party. A week later, Governor Ahmed announced his defection to the same PDP and he left with practically all political office holders in the state. After that, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal became the third APC governor to exit the party after his Benue and Kwara state counterparts. There are feelers that more governors may leave the ruling party. In Imo State, it was a different ball game. During the time of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun as national chairman of the APC, the state governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha lost out in the political chess game in the party. The party leadership recognised the faction of the party loyal to the deputy governor, Chief Eze Madumere. Governor Okorocha was left in the cold. But not surprisingly, after Mr. Adams Oshiomhole became the party’s national chairman, the table turned with Okorocha bouncing back and wresting the party’s administrative machinery in the state from his deputy. Angry at his deputy’s disloyalty, Okorocha instigated members of the State House of Assembly to start impeachment moves against the deputy governor. This move has, however, been halted by the court. In Kaduna State, calamity befalling the APC continues to multiply on a daily basis. The news is not better in Delta State, where Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is at daggers drawn against a faction of the party led by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor. In almost every state of the federation, what used to be a closely knit broom is fast disintegrating into splintered broom sticks.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018 â€˘ T H I S D AY

FEATURES

Group Features Editor: C E Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 07010510430

Code for Ethical Journalism on Migration Journalists converged on Benin City recently to brainstorm on the code of conduct and guiding principles of ethical journalism on reportage of migration issues. Adibe Emenyonu and Chinecherem Ojiako report

or most journalists, reporting issues of migration and irregular migration is a delicate line that involves, first, empathy, and then utmost professionalism. To try to ensure a sense of balance and professionalism in the reporting of migration issues, especially irregular migration, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations (UN) body saddled with regular and irregular migration worldwide, recently organised a media workshop in Benin City, the Edo State capital. Established in 1951, IOM as the leading intergovernmental organisation in the field of migration, which works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, engaged the media and other stakeholders in a three-day brainstorming session. Workshop The workshop was organised in collaboration with the European Union and the Netherlands Government. The workshop was funded by the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration which facilitates orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration governance through the development of rights-based and development-focused policies and processes on protection and sustainable reintegration. The EU-IOM Joint Initiative, funded by the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, covers and has been set up in close cooperation with 26 African countries, 13 of which are in West and Central Africa. The workshop started with welcome remarks and overview of the workshop by Jorge Galindo, Public Information Officer, IOM Nigeria and afterwards, a brief presentation on IOM in Nigeria was done by Ikechukwu Attah, Communications Assistant IOM Nigeria. The first session for the day was on Return and Reintegration Programme Presentation (EUTF-IOM), which was anchored by Aigbeze Uhimwen, Senior Project Assistant, Benin sub office, IOM Nigeria. Afterwards, a presentation on IOM key awareness raising activities in Nigeria was anchored by Adaora Okoli, Communications Assistant, IOM Nigeria, while Key Migration terms was handled by Florence Kim, IOM Regional Public Information Officer for West and Central Africa. She went on to take an overview on irregular migration: West Africa and the Mediterranean before power of videos and photographs in journalism and emerging issues related to social media, citizen journalism and blogging (1) was handled by Julia Burpee, Media Development Specialist, IOM. The day was wrapped up after Kim again handled the role of media and reporting tool kit. On the second day, data protection, principles and techniques of interviewing returnees and IDPs, with a focus on vulnerable migrants and IDPs, was handled by Burpee, as well as covering IOM Humanitarian response in the North-east. The Zone 2 Public Relations Officer, National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye went through a presentation on guidelines for reporting emergency situations. Media Ethics and Legal Considerations in covering counter trafficking and gender based violence stories was done by Nduka Nwanwene, Zonal Commander, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), while emerging issues related to social media, citizen journalism and blogging (2) was handled by Marshall Patsanza, Digital and Engagement Officer, IOM Media and Communications Division (MCD). The participants later went on a field trip to the returneesâ€™ collective reintegration project, which was coordinated by Uhimwen. Upon

T IOM

Photos: Ibrahim Farinloye

F EU R B

their return, the session on migrants as Messengers Campaign overview and activities was reviewed by Burpee, while Patsanza handled using social media to drive online engagement on migration stories. He also coordinated the group sessions on social media engagement. The workshop ended but not

Media professionals play a key role in the Nigerian society. They have the power to initiate a national dialogue on topics, such as migration. In a migrationprone country, such as Nigeria, we need to ensure that journalists can cover migration in an informed way

before a post evaluation was conducted and certificates presented to participants. Objective According to IOM, the objective of the workshop is to build the capacity of journalists and media organisations for proper dissemination of quality and realistic information on migration and migrants, as well as enhance an effective partnership between IOM and media organisations on migration and migrant related issues in Nigeria. Back in 2001, IOM began their work in Lagos with the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program; one of the organisation's global initiatives which helps stranded migrants who wish to return home and support the most vulnerable to get back on their feet. In 2002, IOM signed a cooperation agreement with the government of Nigeria and launched the country's mission. Some of IOM Nigeria's key programmes include; Emergency Response, AVRR, Immigration and Border Management, Labour Migration and Migration Health. Reintegration Programme In his presentation on Return and Reintegration Programme, Uhimwen gave an overall objective of the programme, which he said was to enable returnees reach levels of economic

self-sufficiency and social stability within their communities and psychosocial well-being. Uhimwen further pointed out three aspects of IOM's reintegration programme to include- individual, collective and community reintegration. Speaking on the effect of reintegration on a migrant, Uhimwen said, "IOM believes strongly that the change must start from the mind". According to Uhimwen, the vulnerable group which includes: pregnant women, victims of rape, and nursing mothers are treated specially with a higher kind of reintegration with an entitlement of 1200 pounds, if they come with a child, the child is also entitled to 700 pounds. He said, "It is interesting to know that most communities have up to 200 returnees, especially in Edo State. However it is important to note that the success of IOM reintegration programme requires all of the society and all of government." Right Terminologies As one of the key reasons why the training was organised, it was not surprising when using the right terminologies was stressed by the trainers. This was handled by Kim, who highlighted the importance of using the right terminologies as it concerns issues of migration. Kim further stressed that the

• T H I S D AY TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018

FEATURES For the ﬁrst time in West Africa, 45 journalists decided on the guiding principles they will follow to better inform the public on migration. This is one of IOM’s largest and most promising media engagement achievements in the region

Adibe Emenyonu, IOM Oﬃcer, (L) handing over certiﬁcate of participation to one of the journalists

Photo: Adibe Emenyonu

achieve its operational aim by helping to create a helpful public attitude, provide emergency information and help to limit damage escalation. He said NEMA's Disaster Victims Management aims at promoting the proper and dignified management of the dead bodies and maximising their identification. Ethics Nwanwene, from NAPTIP, spoke on media ethics and legal considerations in covering counter trafficking and gender based violence stories. He said human trafficking has become a global menace with huge consequences to the society. In Edo state, he said the number of migrants an individual or a trafficker has in a foreign country determines his voice in the community. He highlighted that the treatment of trafficked person is seen in section 61 of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015. However, some trafficked persons remain in the foreign country because of greed and societal tag.

Some of the participants

term "irregular migrants" should be used instead of "illegal migrants". Kim said, "To better cover migration, we need to ensure that we know the context because the migration phenomenon is both a regional and global context. This is because in the migration context, a report is more than just a label. A migrant is any person who is moving or has moved across an international border or within a state away from his or her habitual place of residence regardless of the person's legal status, whether the movement is voluntary or involuntary, what the causes of the movement are or what the length of the stay is. "This therefore means that every individual is a migrant and migration is not a crime, thus, there is no difference between an expatriate and a migrant. “Out of about seven billion population in the world, about one billion are migrants with Africa assumingly taking the lead on the list. However, it is important to know that statistically, out of 250 million international migrants, Asia has the highest population with 104 million migrants, 62 million from Europe, 37 million from Central and Latin America, and 35 million from Africa, which is 14 per cent of 250 million international migrants." Emotion In highlighting the power of videos and photographs in journalism, Burpee said while covering migration, the videos and

Photo: Chinecherem Ojiako

photographs should be able to capture the emotions of the migrants, focus on relatability and humanity, while showcasing individuality. This is because a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Returnees During the field experience, when the media were taken to hear the stories of returnees, some shared their experiences. Speaking on his ordeal, 22-year-old Victory Imasuen shared his terrible experience of being sold and resold in Libya, watching his friends die and surviving with almost no feeding. Indeed, his name "Victory" worked for him. The Edo State indigene said he lost his father in 2006 and automatically became the bread winner of the family. This forced him to put aside his secondary school classes and took to hairdressing to support his mother and siblings. He said, "That was how I met a customer who appreciated my hair cutting skills and encouraged me to try Europe via Libya so as to make enough money. Our first trip was Kano, where we made our way to cross the desert, it took us six days, lots of people died but some of us managed to get to Libya. We were sold by our Nigerian brothers to Libyans for hard labour; we were used as labourers for building and construction sites without pay. "The money they were supposed to pay us went to our buyers so as to get back the money they spent in buying us. We were

fed with only a piece of bread daily and locked up once the labour work is over. I lost N1.5 million in the process before IOM came to my rescue." Meanwhile, as part of IOM's initiative for migrant protection and reintegration in Benin City, journalists were shown sites of successful individual, collective and community reintegration. In one of the sites for collective reintegration, a team of four led by one of the returnees, Ernest Omobude has an established poultry with 1000 birds. According to Omobude "If not for IOM, I don't know what would have happened to us after our ordeal in Libya. They did not only bring us back, they also reintegrated us as we received the sum of N1.413million to run this business. We thank IOM for their support". After this, IOM's Burpee also stated the importance of protecting a returnees' data, noting that the journalist must always uphold the dignity of migrants by seeking their consent first before each interview. Guidelines for Reporting Emergency As an expert on emergency issues, given his position as the South-west spokesperson for NEMA, Farinloye emphasised the guidelines for reporting emergency situations and disasters. He said, "Anything that happens in a community and the community cannot cope with it, it's a disaster." He explained that NEMA expected the media to help

Migrants as Campaign Messengers Migrants shared their experiences on the ills of irregular migration. This is one of IOM's key projects, which is aimed at equipping migrants to tell their stories so that intending irregular migrants would have an independent knowledge of the ordeal they would go through if they embark on such an irregular migration. The primary target audience includes aspirant migrants, men and women between the ages of 15 and 45years, while the secondary targets are the community leaders, parents and relatives of aspirant migrants, and the international communities. Code of Conduct To draft an ethical guideline for journalists reporting on migration issues, about 45 people drawn from the broadcast and print media came together to draft the first code of conduct for ethical journalism on migrants, returnees and displaced populations in Nigeria. According to IOM, drafting the code was essential to guide to media professionals from print, TV and radio with the tools and right terminologies to report about migration. It also served to sensitise journalists about IOM’s work in Nigeria, including the assisted voluntary return and reintegration programme which has assisted over 10,000 Nigerians to come home from Libya mainly, the humanitarian response in the country’s North-east region and the Migrants as Messengers initiative, a peer-to-peer messaging campaign that works with returning migrants to share their stories about the realities of irregular migration. Kim stated, “Media professionals play a key role in the Nigerian society. They have the power to initiate a national dialogue on topics, such as migration. In a migration-prone country, such as Nigeria, we need to ensure that journalists can cover migration in an informed way. "For the first time in West Africa, 45 journalists decided on the guiding principles they will follow to better inform the public on migration. This is one of IOM’s largest and most promising media engagement achievements in the region."

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018

IMAGES

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

R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, presenting cheques to next-of-kin of pension beneﬁciaries; Obiomon Morrison; and Obiomon Emuata, who are next-of-kin, to deceased employees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, at the Government House, Benin City...recently

L-R: Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraju Adekunbi; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly and host, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joshua Olagunju Ojo; and Osun Speaker, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salam during a pre-conference parley organised for southwest Speakers in Lagos...recently

L-R: Public Relations Oﬃcer, University of Benin, Michael Osasuyi; Director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Sola Fijabi; Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Ekehuan Eriyamremu; Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe and, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Development Services, University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunshola at the HiFL Star Match Press Conference held at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos...recently

L-R; APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole congratulating Imo State APC Chairman Mr. Daniel Madueke Nwafor while Deputy National Chairman North, Senator Lawal Shuaibu and National Organizing Secretary Chief Emma Ibediro look on during Inauguration of Imo State APC Chairman in Abuja...recently Photo Kingsley Adeboye

A cross-section of participants at the Global Accelerex Cyber Crime Seminar for Security Agencies in Nigeria held in Abuja...recently

L-R; Mamador Kitchen Makeover Promo Draw Host, Ufuoma McDermott; Regional category and Brand Director, PZ Wilmar, Kalyan Bandyopadhyay; :Company Secretary, PZ Cussons, Abiola Laseinde and Category Marketing Manager, Chioma Mbanugo during the 2nd live Mamador Kitchen Makeover Promo draws in Lagos...recently

L-R: Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Justice Kayode Ariwoola of the Supreme Court; and the state Chief Judge, Justice Munta Abimbola, during a funeral service for Justice Pius Aderemi of the Supreme Court, at St. James Catholic Church, Oke-Ado, Ibadan...recently

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Q T CEO A L I The decline in returns from the Nigerian equities market presents an opportunity for bargain hunting in high-value stocks to position for long-term gains. This view was shared by the Managing Director of Greenwich Securities Limited, Oby Chiki-Ijegbulem at the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Member’s evening with the theme, ‘Investment Opportunities in the Nigerian Capital Market,’ held recently. She noted that some shares listed on Nigerian Stock Exchange were trading at five-year low and thus presents an opportunity for discerning investors to position for long-term growth. According to her “This is relatively a good time to strategically invest in the equities market. ‘’Investors however, need to access the right information, and build the tenacity to do so. A lot of people don’t have the necessary information; neither do they have the courage to invest.”

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L’ R’ C’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ S’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ MRS O’’ N’’ ’ ’ ’’ P’’ ’ O’’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ J’ ’ ’ ’’ ’ C’ ’ ’’ ’ ’ ’ ’ P’ ’ ’ ’’ ’ A’’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ M’ ’ ’ ’ ’’ ’ D’’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ CEO’ A’ ’ ’ ’ ’ G’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ 49’ ’ A’ ’ ’ ’ ’ G’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ M’ ’ ’ ’’ ’ ’’ L’ ’ ’ ’ …’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’’

Discos Fault FG’s Rural Electrification Scheme C O in Abuja Investors in 10 of the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) in Nigeria, have declared they may not recoup their investments in the Discos in the short to medium term. According to them, Nigeria’s electricity market is currently in a state of operational disorder. The investors also questioned the federal government’s decision to fund electricity expansion schemes across the country through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), with $350 million provided by the World Bank, as well as the government’s handing over billions of naira to the

ENERGY Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to upgrade distribution facilities in their networks. Speaking at a recent press briefing in Abuja, the Discos said this through the Executive Director for Research and Advocacy of their umbrella body – the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) – Mr. Sunday Oduntan. He noted that the financial challenges of the market also made it difficult for them to raise new capitals to upgrade their networks. “Disco investors, who paid $1.4 billion (N427 billion) for

the distribution assets have not made any return on their investment, a condition which was the basis of the investment after the five-year performance period. “Even worse is that, with current conditions, it is unlikely that they will recover their investment, which is already in the negative, anytime in the near term. “However, this lack of sight of a return of investment or on investment, certainly, does not encourage the injection of borrowed capital or equity, that is key to driving the turnaround of NESI or providing the efficiency and signalling that will result in improved generation and the resultant tariff reduction,”

said Oduntan. On the REA funding of projects in the country, Oduntan stated, “Funding, inclusive of $350 million from the World Bank, is being made available to the REA to implement projects. That, from our perspective do not make sense. “Examples of such projects include providing solar-power in Effurun, Warri, an area replete with cheap gas; and gas-powered electricity in Ife, an area without access to gas but replete with lots of solar energy. “Unfortunately, these projects or contracts tend to be comparatively procured at Continued on page 22

FG to Discourage Importation of LPG, Upgrade Local Supply The federal government has expressed concern about the continued importation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) into Nigeria, and would be taking fresh measures to grow local supply from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, who disclosed this recently, explained that the government would set up an inter-ministerial task team to work with the NLNG on its challenges with access to the local market. While the NLNG had report-

ENERGY edly supplied LPG through its Domestic LPG (DLPG) scheme to the local market and had increased off-takers of its LPG from six to 27 as at the end of 2017, reports however indicated it still had various market challenges which included levies and tax on its products as against duty waivers enjoyed by imported LPG. Also, these market challenges have reportedly limited NLNG’s capacity to meet the demands of the local market even though it was committed to delivering

350,000 tonnes per annum of LPG, and perhaps push out imported LPG. But responding to the challenge, Kachikwu stated the task team to be initiated by the government would include relevant stakeholders such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) amongst others. He said, “We are going to set up a collegiate team on this. Somehow the commercial mechanism and the whole logistic challenges have gotten to a point where it is cheaper

for you to import than to buy their product and that wasn’t the intendment obviously of the management. “So, we all just need to sit down to say how do we reconfigure that in such a way that the cost of taking their own product is cheaper than bringing it in because we need to discourage importation of this product and save vital foreign exchange. “An inter-ministerial team will work with them on that and ensure we arrive at some Continued on page 22

In Nigeria, a country of nearly 200 million people, 61 per cent of the adult population is either unbanked or underbanked. Therefore, fintech companies like Paylater represent a tremendous opportunity to get formal banking services in the hands of Nigerian consumers to provide much needed liquidity for entrepreneurial investment, personal development, or unexpected expenses. A statement revealed that Paylater had started issuing loans to Nigerians completely digitally, without seeing or speaking to customers. “Customers can receive funds in their account in as little as five minutes, with no need for paperwork, collateral or guarantors. “Digital financial services platforms have been well received by consumers and it appears that fintech platforms like Paylater are here to stay. “The evidence is in the numbers. With over 800,000 registered users, across every Nigerian state, Paylater has loaned over $17 million to Nigerian consumers in 2018 so far. “The technology platform has supplemented that loan growth with very strong early adoption of its bill payments and investments features as well,” the statement added. “We are very excited by the market adoption of Paylater and we believe there is still a significant growth opportunity ahead for digital financial services,” the company’s cofounder and CEO, Chijioke Dozie said.

G S I D The second meeting of the Digital Economy Task Force (DETF) recently took place in Buenos Aires. Over the two days, representatives from G20 member and guest countries, together with officials from international organisations, discussed issues related to digital transformation and prepared recommendations on inclusive development. “We are building and bolstering the digital agenda with a focus on inclusive development,” the Undersecretary of Public Innovation and Open Government at the Argentine Ministry for Modernisation and chair of the DETF, Rudi Borrmann said. The meeting took place at San Martín Palace, the ceremonial seat of the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The agenda included discussions on data and measurement of the digital economy, digital government, bridging the gender digital divide, digital infrastructure and the economy. Participants also worked on the joint declaration for the Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting, taking place on 23-24 August, in the province of Salta, in the north-west of Argentina.

Politics has taken over and the economy has taken the back stage in terms of policy formulation and implementation. Some of the good policies that the government had would be affected, which is worrisome DG WAIFEM P A E

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY , AUGUST 7 2018

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

DISCOS FAULT FG’S RURAL ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME

Buhari Approves Fresh Measures to End Gas Flaring

exorbitant prices, raising the questions whether taxpayers are getting value for their money or whether REA has not strayed completely away from its mandate of providing electricity to the 65 per cent of rural dwelling Nigerians that have no electricity. “Additionally, N78 billion has been put in the budget for ‘distribution’ projects to be implemented by the TCN. Why would TCN be implementing contracts for a largely privatised sub-sector, utilising taxpayers’ funds? “Our perspective on this issue is that there seems to be more of an interest from the ministry in awarding contracts than making the Discos whole, which is a resolution that holds greater value for the wider population of Nigeria than the, seemingly, misguided contracts being awarded by the ministry through its agencies of TCN and REA. “It is almost enough to conclude that the Discos are being deliberately held down for the award of these overpriced contracts,” he added. He further claimed, “Of even more interest is that four years ago, the federal budget did not contain money for distribution projects, yet, the Discos did much better in their service delivery.

Chineme Okafor in Abuja

FG TO DISCOURAGE IMPORTATION OF LPG, UPGRADE LOCAL SUPPLY

solutions,” the minister added. Emphasising the need to end importation of LPG into the country and get NLNG to do supply more to the market, Kachikwu stated, “People must buy gas here, LPG especially, and not have to go abroad to bring it in because it does not make sense to get it from you. That is something we need to deliver as of yesterday and I charge all of you to work on this. “Although your market is externalisation, but you are going to see that government policy is going to begin to drive you to internalisation.”

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Jonathan Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

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

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulations 2018, to be used for the implementation of the National Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), THISDAY learnt. The NGFCP Programme Manager, Justice Derefaka, disclosed this to THISDAY. Derefaka, had disclosed that Nigeria loses approximately $1 billion of revenue to gas flaring because it does not have the capacity to capture and commercialise flared gas in the country. “We are pleased to inform you that His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has approved the “Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulations 2018” as the regulatory instrument that will underpin the implementation of the NGFCP,” said Derefaka in an email to THISDAY. He further explained, “We are also pleased to mention that we have completed the design of the key programme transactional, commercial framework and documentation. We therefore expect to announce the first bid round for the flare gas to the public within Quarter (Q) 3, 2018.” In April, had Derefaka stated that if flared gas was properly exploited, it could create 300,000 jobs, produce 600,000 metric tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) per annum, as well as generate up to 2500 megawatts (MW) of electricity from new and existing power stations. According to him, approximately 700 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) of gas was flared at 178 flare sites in the country, while about

$3.5 billion worth of inward investments was required to accomplish the country’s flare gas commercialisation targets by 2020. Following Buhari’s approval of the guideline, Derefaka, indicated the NGFCP would roll out its programme with the expectation that investors would key into it. The NGFCP by its design would be a market-driven mechanism to attract competent third-party investors from across the world to commercialise country’s flared gas.

The flared gas would reportedly be available at a price the successful investors bid, for use as fuel and or feedstock in proven gas utilisation technologies. The bidding process will be carried out using a two-stage procurement process. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have pledged to work together to revive oil industry related projects that are critical to Nigeria’s economic development. NSE and NNPC decided

on this partnership when the President of the NSE, Mr. Adekunle Mokuolu, recently led the leadership of the society on a courtesy call on NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru. According to a statement from the NNPC, Mokuolu, said there was need for the corporation with its highly competent and experienced engineers and a rich track record of project delivery, to work closely with the NSE and other stakeholders to salvage important national projects like

the Ajaokuta Steel Company which progress has stalled. He said NNPC and Nigeria’s entire oil industry could benefit greatly from the speedy completion of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, adding that it would reduce dependence on imported steel for the manufacture of pipes and other hardware required used in the industry. Baru, who reportedly agreed with him, said the revival of projects like the Ajaokuta Steel Company would go a long way in accelerating and deepening Nigeria’s local content law.

PARTNERSHIP

L-R: Chairman, Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA), Mrs. Sade Morgan; Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Bhupendra Suri; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and Vice chairman, FBRA, Mr. Olusuyi Adekunle, during the MoU signing on the waterways clean up between FBRA and the state, in Lagos …recently

IPMAN Raises Concern over Looming Fuel scarcity The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has raised the alarm over the looming fuel scarcity as a result of the non-availability of the product at the Ibadan depot. In a communiqué issued in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the Chairman of Ibadan Chapter of IPMAN, Alhaji Raheem Tayo, said the association was worried that the situation had persisted in spite of the intervention of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. Tayo, said the federal government had made substantial re-investment through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to ‘resurrect’ the Ibadan depot, which had been moribund for more than two years. According to him, the development culminated in the inauguration of the depot by the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru on October 4, 2017. Tayo also said with the inauguration of the depot, there was a massive pumping of petroleum products, mainly petrol to the depot which directly led to increased activity. “The loading of petroleum product was so well unhindered

thus wetting all the nooks and crannies of the depot jurisdiction of operation which eventually led to cessation of fuel scarcity. “The primary factor that made the depot go under for some years was because of pipeline vandalism. “Pipeline vandalism seems not to have been well taken care of as its resurgence becomes more daring thereby threatening another total closure of the depot with serious consequences to the supply of petroleum to the depot,” the statement explained. “Loading activities, which was on the high side, progressively reduced on daily basis up until July 26, 2018 when loading activities stopped completely at the NNPC Ibadan depot,” it added. The IPMAN chairman said the agitation by the Ibadan depot stakeholders led the NNPC in Abuja to mandate its security department to meet with the stakeholders. He said that the meeting with stakeholders and other relevant security agencies in the state, aimed at finding solutions to the continuous damaging of the pipelines, was aborted. “Now that the vandals have grounded Ibadan depot again

because NNPC cannot push products through the pipelines,

the public should brace up for another round of unpleasant

period of fuel scarcity,” the chairman said.

NCDMB Partners India on Research, Development The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has gone into a partnership with the Indian Government and its relevant institutions with the goal of leveraging on the country’s advancement in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to develop the Nigerian oil and gas industry’s capabilities for research and innovation. The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote, in company with some senior officials of the Board met with the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, B.N. Reddy, in Abuja at the weekend, where they discussed the Board’s plans to engage the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), the Indian Chamber of Commerce and a host of other institutions. The IIT, a leading university in India, has one of the most successful innovation and entrepreneurship eco-system, with over 160 start-ups over the last six years in various fields, including the oil and

gas industry. It also has ongoing relationship with major oil and gas companies including ExxonMobil, Shell among others. Speaking at the meeting, Wabote, underscored the trade relations between India and Nigeria especially in the supply of crude oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Nigeria supplies 10 per cent of India’s crude oil needs. He stressed that the relationship between the two Commonwealth countries could be deepened in the area of ICT, manufacturing and processing of hydrocarbons. He explained that the Board was continually looking for ways to push the boundaries of local content practice, especially in key sectors of the economy that are linked to the oil and gas industry and have the capacity to create multiplicity of jobs for Nigerians. He added, “the way India has grown its technology companies is of interest to the Board and

we will like collaborate with your institutions, exchange ideas so we can replicate your achievements in our Research and Development journey.” The discussion also focused on fostering collaborations between Nigerian manufacturing firms and their Indian counterparts to domesticate the fabrication of modular refineries. The Board also hopes to attract investors from the South Asian country to establish LPG cylinder manufacturing factories in Nigeria and participate in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme (NOGAPS). In his welcome address, the High Commissioner noted that India had the highest rate of start-ups in the world and the feat was achieved through a programme called ‘Start-up India. He promised to facilitate the Board’s engagements with the Indian institutions, pointing out that the IIT had trained many Indians and impacted their nation’s economy significantly.

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018

BUSINESSWORLD

ENERGY

BeyondtheBeat CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU

Tel: 08033294157, 08057161321 Email: chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com

Curbing Crude Oil Theft

Crude oil theft in Nigeria has continued unabated despite the steps taken by the government and oil companies to tackle the menace. Although the exact volume of oil stolen on a daily basis is unknown, industry sources said hundreds of thousands of barrels of Nigeria’s crude are illegally bunkered daily. Part of the stolen crude oil is often sold to refineries in nearby West African countries or refined at the illegal refineries located in the oil-rich region. In 2014, Nigeria was listed as the country with the highest incidents of crude oil theft in the world. According to data obtained then from Oilprice. com, with as much as 400,000 barrels of crude oil stolen daily, Nigeria was ranked worse than Mexico, Iraq, Russia and Indonesia on the top five countries mostly plagued by oil theft. This decade long illicit business has continued to flourish in the oil producing region notwithstanding the heavy security presence, resulting in the loss of billions of dollars in public funds. A report on crude oil theft in Nigeria, released last week by the Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC), put the average loss between 2016 and 2017 at approximately N3.8 trillion. According to the United Kingdom-funded non-governmental organisation (NGO), the estimated financial value of what Nigeria lost through crude oil theft, sabotage and pipeline vandalism in the region, during the period under review, was higher than the N189.4 billion being the combined allocations to the health and education sectors in the 2018 federal budget. NNRC, which provides policy options to guide government and societies in their use of natural resources to ensure maximum and sustainable returns for citizens, noted that the amount translates to a mere 8.4 per cent of the estimated value of losses from oil theft in

2016 and 2017 alone. The report identified poverty, unemployment, poor governance, pervasive corruption and the continued neglect of the oil region as major reasons for the increasing oil theft. The NNRC further observed that with global prices rising above $100 a barrel in the early 2000s, oil thieving evolved into a cottage industry, creating consequential socio-economic problems. It further noted that the illicit business has risen to unprecedented levels over the last decade, peaking between 2011 and 2014, pointing out that the inability of the government and oil companies to stem the tide has made Nigeria the country most plagued by oil theft in the world. Disturbed about the upsurge in the illicit trade, the Nigerian government, during the regime of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan had announced plan to spend $1 billion to implement a comprehensive programme to check oil theft and vandalism of oil and gas infrastructure, which had cost Nigeria hundreds of billions of dollars in lost revenues. The huge sum, Jonathan said in The Hague, would be “used to curb crude oil theft, the vandalism of oil and gas infrastructure and prosecute crude oil thieves.” Jonathan had stated that a technical committee had already been set up to look into all aspects of the implementation of the programme, which according to him, will include further action to enhance the security of pipelines and other oil industry infrastructure, resolve community-related issues, boost youth empowerment in oil-producing areas and enhance the commitment of oil companies to the discharge of their corporate social responsibilities. The former president had said that the new effort against oil theft planned by his administration would require the maximum co-operation of the international community,

especially countries like the Netherlands which are major stakeholders in the global oil industry. “Oil theft is an aspect of global terrorism, which has become a big industry on its own. It has become a major threat to the Nigerian economy and we need to work with all stakeholders to curb it. The thieves must be traced, apprehended and prosecuted,” the former president who was in the Netherlands for the 2014 global Nuclear Security Summit had said. Also, in 2015, the federal government had revealed that the country was losing about 400, 000 barrels of oil to thieves daily. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who dropped the hint at a lecture he delivered on ‘Nigerian Economy and the Future’, said the volume of crude stolen then amounted to about N4.8 billion daily. Osinbajo had expressed disappointment that whereas Nigeria was losing 400,000 barrels of oil daily, a country like Ghana was surviving on less than 150, 000 barrels per day. “The militancy in the south has also reduced oil production significantly and that is why any form of extremism must be put down not only because of the economy but for the unity and peace of the country and that is why all the recent initiatives are important because we must deal with the question of economy,” he posited. The Vice President had appealed for patience, promising that the new government would put things in good shape. But despite these promises, oil stealing has continued to increase, indicating that no concrete step had been taken by the federal government to address the problem. In fact, an annual sustainability report released in April this year, by oil giant Shell, showed that crude oil theft from its pipeline networks in Nigeria rose by 50% to 9,000 barrels of oil a day (b/d) in 2017, from about 6,000b/d in 2016.

The oil major though attributed the rise in 2017, partly to the “militant-induced shutdown of the Forcados export terminal in 2016, which reduced opportunities for third-party interference”. The report also revealed that since 2012, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) has removed more than 950 illegal theft points. In the past, stakeholders in the oil and gas sector often accused the federal government of not doing enough to address the menace of crude oil theft, either because some government officials or highly-placed Nigerians, who are government cronies were directly involved. Also, the tapping of Forcados crude oil export terminal in 2013, was an eye opener that those involved in the unlawful act might not be ordinary thieves, but people with special technical training to operate the Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valves and the Surface Safety Valves installed on the flowline near the wellhead to secure the oil well and prevent crude theft. In 2013, the federal government had appealed to the international community to join hands with Nigeria in checking the international criminal syndicate that makes a fortune by stealing the country’s oil. The call stemmed from the belief that oil thieving involves highly technical syndicates that operate within and beyond the shores of the country, thus the cooperation of the international community would be required to check the unwholesome trade. Given that oil still remains the life blood of Nigeria’s economy, curbing the menace of crude stealing, which is a major threat to the country’s economic growth and stability should indeed be an urgent national priority. Tackling this hydra-headed monster requires the cooperation of the international community.

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018

BUSINESSWORLD

ENERGY

As NLNG Plan Train-7 Project The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train-7 project will expand the company’s production capacity from 22 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 30mtpa, writes Chineme Okafor Recently in London, the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) renewed its commitment to expand its production capacity by an additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) production line, the Train-7. Coming about 11 years after it last built an LNG train on its Bonny Island operational hub, the firm revealed that it would be in the global financial market looking for $7 billion from potential investors to expand its operations from 22 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 30mtpa. It said it had primed itself to take a Final Investment Decision (FID) later in 2018 on the Train-7, and in this regard doing all that was necessary to accomplish the plan. Starting from September 1999, when it first shipped out the first LNG from Train-2 of its Bonny Island facility, to December 2007 when it last built Train-6, the NLNG had previously progressed with good speed building six trains within nine years. These included the Train-1 in February 2000; Train-2 in September 1999; Train-3 in 2002; Trains 4 and 5 in November 2005 and February 2006; as well as Train-6 in December 2007. It however stalled on this reportedly remarkable track and for about 11 years did nothing to take more of the market opportunities that opened up in LNG business across the world. Notwithstanding, the company which is a private limited liability firm owned partly by the Nigerian government through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which has 49 per cent shares in it; Shell Gas B.V. - 25.6 per cent; Total Gaz Electricite Holdings France - 15 per cent; and Eni International - 10.4 per cent, said in July in London that it was now ready for Train-7. Doing first things first But before it embarked on the Train-7 expansion project, it indicated it had to do the first things first, which included fully paying back without default about $5.45 billion taken from its shareholders to build the existing six LNG trains on its Bonny Island base. At the London meeting to commemorate the repayment of the loan, the company also disclosed it awarded contracts for the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) of the Train 7 project to B7 JV Consortium and SCD JV Consortium. This it added was as an indication of its commitment to the expansion project. To underline the depth of its commitment to Train-7, NLNG’s Managing Director, Mr. Tony Attah, stated that the funds being sought would cover construction of Train-7 and investment in Nigeria’s upstream gas sector to ensure the sustainability of feed-gas supply to its existing trains - 1 to 6 and the new Train-7. “Let’s get this very clear. NLNG is a midstream company that has monetised over 5.96 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of associated gas which would have otherwise been flared thus helping to build a better Nigeria. “However, what we are doing is not just looking to fund the expansion of the plant but also to ensure sustainability of feed-gas supply to the plant, for the continued success of NLNG. “All of these align with our belief that gas is a catalyst for industrial and economic transformation which will position Nigeria to become a leading gas producing country,” Attah said. He said the firm was confident of getting the funds based on its accomplishments in the global LNG business. “The success story of the NLNG project is due to some key critical success factors which include the shareholding and governance structure of the company that has made the company an independent Incorporated Joint Venture, guaranteeing an independent board of directors, effective decision making as well as funding for its projects which is critical for the sustenance of this successful project. “Over decades, the company has raised funds for its projects, from a combination of shareholders loans, internally generated revenue and third-party loans.

“In all of these financial ventures, NLNG demonstrated financial discipline and character by abiding by loan covenants, terms and conditions without a single breach or default, and we believe this position the company as a lenders delight,” he explained. Hope rest on reported credibility Knowing how much of work needed to be done to raise such huge fund, Attah, explained the NLNG would leverage its reported operational credibility in its search for investors for Train-7. According to him, “Our financial credibility speaks for itself and we will be testing the financial market once again with our sustainability and expansion projects estimated at $7 billion. “Raising $7 billion is no small feat; anywhere in the world, this will be a major event,” he admitted, adding, “therefore, we will be seeking support from the local and international financial institutions, our shareholders and the Nigerian government in bringing to reality the dreams of our founding fathers and achieving our vision of helping to build a better Nigeria.” He equally indicated that the consolidated loan which had been repaid would be a major push factor for the NLNG in this regards, noting that it would send a strong message on its credibility. Additionally, Attah, warned that for Nigeria to retain a good share of the global LNG market, it needed to be quick about the Train-7 project, adding, “Train 7 is the next big deal, we are coming back straight to the market.” FEED agreements reached Already, NLNG has awarded contracts for the Train-7 FEED to a consortia - B7 JV Consortium comprising American company KBR Inc., Technip of France and Japan Gas Corporation (JGC); as well as SCD JV Consortium, made up of Saipem of Italy, Japan’s Chiyoda and Daewoo of South Korea. The signing of the contract documents for the FEED was done shortly after the loan repayment commemorative meeting in London, with the NLNG indicating this would pave the way for the Engineering,

Procurement and Construction (EPC) pricing and bidding processes which are preconditions for Train-7 FID. It also stated that it opted for a dual FEED process which would produce a Basic Design Engineering Package (BDEP) that will determine EPC pricing, and eventually bids to construct the train. On this, Attah explained that: “The FEED is the most crucial part in the build-up to the actualisation of Train-7, after some delay and lost opportunities to reinforce Nigeria’s position prominently on the global energy map. Today’s event goes to show that Train-7 is alive.” He said: “Typically, FEED takes about nine to 12 months, but we have explored another strategy for this project by adopting the dual FEED process which awards this crucial part of the Train-7 project to two prospective engineering consortia, instead of one contractor. “What this does for us is it gives us a degree of freedom to start FEED and sometime after, EPC bidding, with both activities overlapping. We remain committed to taking FID as soon as these processes are complete.” Train-7, a necessity Attah, buttressed the need to have Train-7 come on stream as soon as possible for Nigeria retain its status and market share in the LNG business. He explained that the growth trajectory of LNG in Nigeria has not been particularly fantastic especially with regards to the break in expanding the NLNG production capacity. “The history of the LNG industry in Nigeria is chequered. After about 30 years of trying to get an LNG project going, in 1989 NLNG was incorporated and one FID after the other, six trains were built in quick succession, making us the fastest growing LNG company in the world at the time. “But we lost steam just after 2007, while the rest of the world went past us with the development of their gas resources and the gain of greater market share. “We started our LNG industry 24 months after Qatar, but Qatargas has attained a production capacity of 77mtpa with additional

target of 30 per cent LNG production in the immediate future. I believe it is time to reset the narrative. It is time for gas revolution in Nigeria,” he noted. Also, the Chairman of the NLNG Board, Dr. Osobonye LongJohn, in his remarks, said the FEED contracts signing ceremony was a visible start to the actualisation of the board’s vision for Train 7. He said the host communities of NLNG were equally in support of the Train 7 project. Fortified from 2019 politics Perhaps to assure potential investors of the reality of Train-7, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, hinted that the upcoming 2019 general elections would not derail Nigeria’s commitment to the project. Kachikwu, had stated plans by NLNG shareholders which included the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) standing in for the government, to reach FID on Train-7 by December 2018, would go on despite the country going into a general election in 2019 and the potential vagaries associated with such. He said, “Nigeria LNG is always being insulated from politics, it doesn’t matter who is in government or what elections purposes are on. They’ve always been a well-run company, independent, strong shareholders, strong board, strong management, in many ways I think this island is insulated from the shenanigans of party politics and all that. “What is more important however is that the president and the current government fully support them, they have been a good go-to point for us when there is problem. They’ve managed the resources that they hold for the government very well, they’ve been very accountable, very transparent. “At a very critical moment of this regime, early 2015 when we needed help, we went there, that seed money was very essential at getting governors out of the difficulties we had, so, I know every government has always supported them but we have I think supported them a lot more and will continue to support them, so it really shouldn’t matter.”

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018

BUSINESSWORLD

INDUSTRY

Adopting Metrology in Intra-African Trade Jonathan Eze writes on the imperatives of metrology on trade facilitation in Africa

In every country, a national measurement system (NMS) exists to implement and maintain its metrology infrastructure. The NMS affects how measurements are made in a country and their recognition by the international community, which has a wide-ranging impact in its society (including economics, energy, environment, health, manufacturing, industry and consumer confidence). The effects of metrology on trade and economy are some of the easiest-observed societal impacts. To facilitate fair trade, there must be an agreed system of measurement. Metrology has wide-ranging impacts on a number of sectors. The effects of metrology on trade and the economy are two of its mostapparent societal impacts. To facilitate fair and accurate trade between countries, there must be an agreed-upon system of measurement. Accurate measurement and regulation of water, fuel, food, and electricity are critical for consumer protection and promote the flow of goods and services between trading partners. A common measurement system and quality standards benefit consumers and producers. Also, production at a common standard reduces cost and consumer risk, ensuring that the product meets consumer needs. In addition, transaction costs are reduced through an increased economy of scale. Several studies have indicated that increased standardisation in measurement has a positive impact on GDP. In the United Kingdom, an estimated 28.4 percent of GDP growth from 1921 to 2013 was the result of standardisation; in Canada between 1981 and 2004 an estimated nine percent of GDP growth was standardisation-related, and in Germany the annual economic benefit of standardisation is an estimated 0.72% of GDP. In Nigeria, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has been at the forefront in promoting standards and ensuring strict adherences. It is against this backdrop that stakeholders in the country converged on Enugu State, at the 12th AFRIMETS General Assembly, where how to deploy metrology to boost trade in Africa was the focus. The forum was hosted by the Standards

Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Consequently, SON, while announcing plans to boost trade within the region through metrology, also stressed that the imperative of developing, strengthening and upgrading the national metrological infrastructure to facilitate trade, enhance export, accelerate economic development and protect the environment cannot be over emphasised. Significantly, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, reaffirmed the state government’s support to deliver on its core mandate, including supporting the agency’s huge investment in the establishment of a National Metrological Institute in the state capital. According to him, “As a government, we will continue to pledge our necessary support and assistance towards the attainment of SON’s quest to rid Nigeria of sub-standard products. We have seen that the road leading to the institute is bad and we will definitely do something about the road, because we believe in this project to bring about the much needed development in the state,” he said. Ugwuanyi stressed that the importance of metrology cannot be overemphasised, adding that it helps to bring about uniformity in trade and serves as a mechanism to ensure that the unsuspecting Nigerian consumers and Africans at large are not shortchanged of their hard earned money. On his part, the Director General (DG), SON, Osita Aboloma, disclosed that the present administration has committed resources to human capacity development in metrology and instrumentation. He added that his agency has over the last few years made concerted efforts at creating awareness on metrology services and their benefits to the nation’s economy and the welfare of her people. The DG explained that Nigeria’s hosting of the technical committee meetings and general assembly of AFRIMETS was to further boost stakeholders’ awareness of the benefits of metrology to Nigeria and the African continent at large. While restating SON’s efforts at driving the national quality infrastructure project, Aboloma said Nigeria’s membership

of AFRIMETS and other continental and global standardisation bodies has been a deliberate effort in ensuring that the nation participates actively in inter-laboratory comparisons amongst National Institutes of Metrology (NMIs). The DG also stated: “I must state however that we still require a lot more training to update the capacities of our NMI staff. We therefore look forward to more support from our development partners in that area. “We have also committed huge resources into developing material capacity in collaboration with our development partners- UNIDO.’’ Also, two former DG’s of SON, Joseph Odumodu and Ndanusa Akanya-corroborated Aboloma, even as they justified the investment by the agency on the institute. To Odumodu, standardisation must co-habit with metrology, accreditation and conformity assessment. He stressed, “This project is a dream come true, and I can tell you that Africa will benefit immensely from this project because Nigeria is a very large economy. “This National Metrology institute will provide services even beyond Nigeria. This project as soon as it takes off will actually begin to show that Nigeria has come of age as an industrialised economy.” According to Akanya, “Metrology is as old as man, and it is the science of weight and measure. If you use a wrong measurement, you are cheating. People selling rice by the road side know how to cheat consumers because of lack of adequate measurement. “But, now that we have got the infrastructure, our voices will be louder. We have to educate the society about the impact of metrology on trade. Those people weighing products on scale will be asked to bring their scales for calibration. We have got a whole lot of jobs to do, but awareness is key to achieving this feat”. The Chairman, AFRIMETS, Mr. Denis Maturisaid the thrust of the event was to take its meetings to Africa, trying to create awareness on the impact of metrology in intra-African trade. ‘‘This project is in line with the African Union’s effort to facilitate trade within the continent,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Governing Council, SON, Mr. Edet Akpan, said creating awareness in the science of accurate measurement in Africa and assisting in the development and strengthening of metrology infrastructure within the continent are necessary impetus for industrial growth through improved competitiveness of products from Africa. Akpan who was represented by Mr. Ifeanyi Okoye, a council member of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) stressed that metrology is one of the components of Nigeria’s national quality infrastructure project that is central to the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the present administration. As for the Regional Director, UNIDO, Jean Bakole, SON’s metrology institute is the first metrology Institute in the country, stressing that the institute would help to add value to goods manufactured by Nigerian companies to gain acceptability in Africa and world over. “The Institute will go a long way to add to the value of products coming out of the manufacturing industries. It would also ensure that all products coming out of this country are well calibrated to meet the required standards for African trade. This is a big achievement and going forward, we will need the best experiences from different African countries present here to drive metrology,” he said. The Managing Director (MD) of Juhel Nigeria Limited, Okoye-described metrology as one of the essential infrastructure that Nigerian manufacturers have been asking for to enable them endorse whichever trade agreement the government intends to sign to boost trade in Africa and beyond. According to the MD, ‘‘What the organised private sector operators are saying is that government must provide the infrastructure to support the manufacturers; and the metrology institute is one of the infrastructure needed. “Metrology is one of the infrastructure needed by the manufacturers to showcase their products anywhere in the world.” Okoye also advised that, “NMI must be an institute that is recognised anywhere in the world.”

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Tackling Illicit Trade Illicit trade is one of the social problems facing many countries across the world. It cuts across a wide range of consumer goods and brands such as electronics, apparel, alcoholic drinks, vehicles and auto parts, drugs. Ugo Aliogo in this report seeks an end to this menace Illicit trade has remained a social problem among countries around the world. In the GTEI Index, the high ranked countries are those that have successfully curbed illicit trade in all its ramifications. Also, countries ranked low are those struggling to curb illicit trade. According to statistics, illicit trade is a threat to global economy. It is estimated to account for eight to 15 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and reaching US$12 trillion in 2014 (World Economic Forum 2015). According to the Institute for Public Policy Analysis (IPPA), illicit trade has been described as a growing problem across the world. IPPA posited that it has an extensive destabilising impact on national and global security architecture because it facilitates transnational organised crime and illegal flow of money. The research also argued that it had been proven that illicit trade, especially products counterfeiting, smuggling of narcotics, weapons and tobacco are sources of revenue for organised criminal groups in Africa and beyond. Furthermore, it stated that there are indications that in some instances that it is also linked to financing terrorism. That was why at a recent policy roundtable organised by IPPA with the theme, ‘Business Environment and Illicit Trade: Linkage and Evidence,’ the issue was brought to the fore, this time with a focus to proffer solutions to the menace. Experts at the event proffered solution to the challenge. The United Nations’ estimated that more than $1 billion was illicitly traded in small arms in Africa, which it noted was fuelling the increasing conflict and criminal activities in the region. The research also stated that illicit trade exposes the public to the dangers of sub-standard and low-quality products, as usage of such illicit products have been known to cause health hazards. It argued that the practice was largely policy induced, adding that tax and tariff for example often create perverse incentives for illicit trade. Therefore, it stated that the increase in excise could potentially embolden criminals and smugglers to conceal imports and abuse certain customs and excise procedures if unchecked, “this would completely negate the benefit to the government in terms of revenue loss.” It further stated that as an emerging economy laden with socio-economic obstacles, the challenges of doing business in Nigeria are several, noting that these issues affect the growth of the economy and makes it difficult to attract investors and successful investment. The research argued that the challenges range from multiple infrastructural inadequacy, policy inconsistencies, corruption, insecurity, bureaucratic bottlenecks, infringements on rule of law and sometimes a lack of political will to implement business friendly policies. It added that in such an adverse environment, companies operating legally as net economic contributors deserve government encouragement and protection of their goods and services from losing commercial viability to illicit perpetrators. According to the research, “Recently there was a duty hike for excisable goods in Nigeria. Agreed that taxation is the primary means of generating government revenue, this has become more critical as we seek to evolve from a mono to diversified economy to enhance government revenue which is used to provide social infrastructure for the citizenry. “However, it is conventional wisdom that taxation should be stable, predictable and progressive when appropriate to serve as catalyst for achieving government’s socio-economic objectives. “However we have instances where aggressive taxation without adequate enforcement of fundamentals create business uncertainty, inadvertently providing incentive for illicit trade to flourish thereby eroding the very economic objective government set to achieve by rendering legal businesses and tax payers comatose due to the unrestrained activities of illicit trade purveyors. “Consequently, it has been established

Seizures by Nigeria Customs Service beyond any doubt with empirical evidence that unreasonable taxation is the biggest factor driving illicit trade. “The case of Belgium of where a 40 per cent alcohol excise increase resulted in a 20 million Euros revenue decline in 2015 and Greece where 125 per cent excise hike for alcohol failed to deliver projected revenue increase, but rather a 17 million Euros loss in 2015 are instructive. “Both brash tax policies performed abysmally serving as stimulus for cross border smuggling and illicit trade which aggravated because of poor enforcement.” Continuing, the report stated, “The recent case of South-Africa where the legal industry is under threat of being wiped out in a couple of years due to the impact of illicit tobacco trade buoyed by an ad-hoc tobacco tax increase by government is a clear indicator of the combined effect of unreasonable taxation and weak enforcement action against illicit trade, It is estimated that government has been losing 6 billion Rands ($451 mn) in revenue Year on Year from 2011. “It is a proven fact that illicit trade especially products counterfeiting, smuggling of narcotics, weapons and tobacco is a source of revenue for organised criminal groups in Africa and beyond, there are indications that in some instances it is also linked to financing terrorism. Fighting illicit trade is therefore key to protecting national security. “From precedence, the increase in excise could potentially embolden criminals and smugglers to conceal imports as well as abuse certain customs and excise procedures if unchecked; this would completely negate the accruable benefit to the government. “Illicit trade also exposes the general public to the dangers of sub-standard and low quality products, as usage of such illicit products have been known to cause grievous health issues or compromised infrastructural integrity. “To maximise revenue opportunity from the increased excise tax, an improved enforcement framework is required for successful policy actions to rein in illicit trade that must be complemented by robust and coordinated law enforcement activities. “The strengthening of relevant law enforcement authorities (for example customs) is pertinent and greater inter-agency cooperation nationally and trans-nationally is necessary for effective enforcement that would stifle illicit trade. “Enhanced bilateral cooperation with major

source and transit countries inclusive of crossborder coordination and cooperation is necessary with appropriate sanctions and guarantees. The overarching aim of these measures is to secure the legal supply chain, strengthen enforcement and address the incentives underpinning illicit trade. “Ultimately, effective enforcement initiatives against illicit trade will enable government realise revenue objectives to grow the economy and provide social infrastructure.” Speaking at the event, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen, Dr. Olajide Damilola, called for multi-faceted approach to tackle the issue of illicit trade in the country. He stated that it cut across many industries, saying it implied that a single regulatory framework may not be applicable. Damilola, said a research body has to be commissioned at the national level which would look into every sector where there are cases of illicit trade. He also suggested that there should be a case by case approach which would ensure that the needs of the industries are tackled one after the other, adding that each industry has its peculiarities and the challenges. Damilola further said there was need for government to make policies based on evidence, just as he bemoaned lack of sufficient evidence to record the activities of illicit trade in the country. He explained that this is a global phenomenon which is not peculiar to Nigeria, stating all countries have one experience or the other of illicit trade. Therefore, he noted that for countries that have been able to curb the practice, “it there are things they have done, relatively to countries have not curbed it.” According to him, “We need to make policies based on evidence. We cannot get evidence if we don’t have data it is largely because there is no sufficient evidence to record the activities of illicit trade. This is a global phenomenon, it is not peculiar to Nigeria alone, and all countries have one experience or the other. But the point is that for countries that have been able to minimise it there are things they have done, relatively to countries have not minimised it. “Government policy is very important. Policy cannot be made in a vacuum it needs to be evidence based, then secondly, signing of trade agreement is also important, especially if your board is porous, you can sign an agreement with your neighbouring country to address the level of illicit trade across the board.

“Another thing that is so difficult about tackling the issue is the demand and supply for illicit trade. The demand for illicit trade increases when government increases exercise duty tax on goods and services. Then this will drive down operators of the underground economy and they would now need to balance the demand and supply. “When policies are made in advanced countries, when it is negative it would dive down to the underground economy and drive illicit trade. But the rational approach is to free the economy and let market forces take precedent. “You don’t need to task so much before you can control the economy. Nigeria needs an overarching policy framework to tackle the issue of illicit trade. “But it should not be limited to a sector, because it cuts across several sectors. There could be policy framework to cut illicit trade in Tobacco, alcoholic and others. “We should also look at the facet and the different sectors and with the policy framework will be able to regulate it. We also negotiate with our neighbouring countries in addressing the practice which is what is done in Europe.” Despite the challenges and losses associated with the practice, experts are of the view the country can benefit a lot in the fight against illicit trade taking a cue from other countries such as Togo. A policy expert from the Centre for Promotion of Enterprise and Business Best Practices, Akeem Ogunlade, was one those who shared this view. He noted that a historical analysis of proactive measures by the Togolese government to combat illicit trade in tobacco showed that they had signed the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) on May 12, 2004 and this was later ratified on November 15, 2005. He said the framework was signed with the realisation that illicit trade in tobacco was an even greater problem given the security, economic and health consequences that have arisen as a result of its growth, therefore noted that the government took a major step to adopt a directive to specifically regulate the transit of tobacco products through Togo in March 2016. He explained that Article 2 of the directive is very clear on the fact that any cigarette products declared as being in transit must imperatively carry the health warning clauses and other packaging and labelling requirements of the country declared as country of destination.

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

LCCI Blames Apapa Traffic Gridlock for Astronomical Increase in Haulage Cost Jonathan Eze The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has said the gridlock in the Apapa area of Lagos State has imposed unbearable cost on businesses. According to the chamber, the dysfunctional state of the ports and associated logistics for cargo clearing had become a nightmare. Addressing a press conference recently, the LCCI President, Mr. Paul Ruwase, described the situation as horrendous. While acknowledging the intervention of the Lagos State government and security agencies in restoring sanity to the axis, the chamber was of the opinion that whatever measures being proffered needed to be holistic, decisive, consistent and sustainable. “On the Apapa traffic gridlock, the cost to business is horrendous. This includes the astronomical increase in haulage cost, increased interest cost (borrowed fund) used for import transaction, high demurrage charges, high insurance premium of vessels coming to Nigeria, high shipping cost,

low capacity utilisation due to problem of access to raw materials from the port as well as traffic congestion which has extended to the metropolis from the ports, paralysis of economic activities in Apapa axis and many more. “What we are witnessing today is a reflection of the several years of neglect of our ports and other infrastructure. We appreciate the recent intervention by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. “We also note the decision of the federal Executive Council to award a N72 billion contract to fix the road leading from the Lagos ports to the toll gate. We commend this move and urge that it be followed through to completion. “We like to however reiterate that these measures need to be holistic, decisive, consistent and sustainable. The rail system needs to work, the capacity of the ports needs to expand, the pipelines for the transportation of petroleum products need to be made functional, and the tank farms need to be better dispersed. “We need to urgently restore

FirstBankTakesFinancialInclusion Campaign to Motor Parks Chineme Okafor in Abuja First Bank of Nigeria Limited has initiated a partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) which would see it establish agent banking services at bus parks across Nigeria, and subsequently drive up financial inclusion in the country. FBN said recently that the move would bring banking services closer to operators of commercial vehicles at various parks in Nigeria, starting from Abuja, then to other bus parks in the country. Speaking at the official inauguration of the First Bank Agent Banking and NURTW Partnership programme at the Jabi Motor Park in Abuja, FirstBank’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Gbenga Shobo, said a lot of business activities take place in motor parks, and the bank considered it necessary to bring banking services closer to the parks. Shobo, explained that the initiative would enable operators in the parks save more money, keep their funds away from incidences of highway robberies, and equally make it easy for both operators and passengers to transact. Represented by the bank’s Regional Head, Shehu Aliyu, Shobo added, “Commercial motor parks in Nigeria are a beehive of activities, both economically and socially. So, we are bringing banking services to operators in these commercial bus parks, which will enable drivers to save more money. “As a result, we are introducing the Driver Savings Account which comes with a lot of benefits that will, of course, encourage driv-

ers to save and earn more. So, we urge drivers to take advantage of this opportunity.” He explained that the bank was pleased to partner the NURTW and that the agent banking services was being inaugurated simultaneously in six parks in six states across the country comprising Kano; Aba in Abia; Maiduguri in Borno; Lagos; and Port Harcourt. According to him, “We are flagging off the commencement of agent banking business in motor parks in partnership with the NURTW and this is commencing in six locations simultaneously. “With this initiative, a commuter or user of any of these parks will be able to open an account instantly at the parks. “People can now make cash deposits instantly at parks and drivers too can deposit the money they collect from passengers immediately at the parks instead of travelling long distances with it. This initiative will also protect people from the risk of carrying money around.” He said the bank was starting with about six agent pilot schemes and that the plan was to cover all the motor parks nationwide within a period of time, adding that parts of the benefits to the drivers would be insurance coverage from FBN’s affiliate insurance firm. In his address, NURTW President, Mr. Usman Yasin, said the union had been planning the programme since the past two years, but was only able to actualise it with FirstBank Yasin, called on members of the group in all parks in Nigeria, “to go and register with First Bank in order to benefit from this laudable initiative.”

order and sanity to the Lagos ports and improve access to

them. It is regrettable that Lagos port which are major sources of

Customs revenue had to suffer the kind of deterioration and

challenges that is currently taking place,” Ruwase added.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Isa Dutse; Founder, Nigeria Entrepreneurship Summit & Honours(NESH), Emeka Ugwu-Oju; President, African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; President & Chairman, Afreximbank, Dr. Benedict Oramah and MD/CEO, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Mr Uche Orji, during a dinner for delegates that attended the Afreximbank AGM and 25th anniversary celebration in Anuja...recently

We Now Supply 40% of Gas in Nigeria, Says Chevron Chineme Okafor in Abuja Oil firm, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has said that it now supplies up to 40 per cent of the domestic gas used in Nigeria, and on the back of that, has reduced gas flaring at its operations in the Niger Delta by 90 per cent from 2008 to 2017. The company explained in a statement to THISDAY in Abuja, that its status as one of the largest suppliers of gas for domestic in Nigeria, was recently confirmed by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). It explained the development of Nigeria’s vast gas resources had been one of the major policy thrusts of successive governments in the country, adding that while the country ranked ninth in world’s gas proven reserves, its National Gas Master Plan had been able to focus attention on reducing routine gas flaring, increase domestic gas supply and utilisation. According to the company, as operator of the joint venture between it and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), it currently ranked high among some corporate bodies that play leading role in gas development in the country. “In February 2018, at the Nigerian International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) in Abuja, Chevron received an award as the greatest contributor of domestic gas in Nigeria. At the summit, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, commended CNL’s efforts in supporting the federal government’s gas development objectives,” said the statement. It equally quoted its Managing Director, Mr. Jeff Ewing, to have explained that CNL had contributed immensely to the Nigerian government’s gas master plan through the various gas projects it has embarked on and that the company was the highest contributor of high

quality gas to the domestic market in Nigeria. “According to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), CNL supplies about 40 per cent of Nigeria’s domestic gas consumption and has been the highest supplier of high quality domestic gas in Nigeria since 2015,” the statement noted. Further, it had Ewing, stating that through investments in gathering and processing of associated gas, routine flaring has been reduced by over 90 per cent from 2008 to 2017 in CNL’s operations. Ewing explained thus, “Amidst the growing global trend in gas production and utilisation, the expectations for the gas sector in Nigeria remain high and provide opportunities for investment in the sector.” He listed the opportunities to include, transitioning from an oil based economy to a more integrated oil and gas economy and end routine gas flaring; deliberate exploration for nonassociated gas to support the Nigeria Gas Master Plan with a focus on high liquid yield non-associated gas resources to optimise the gas development project economics; the growth of new industries made possible from the abundant resources and competitively priced gas supply. Ewing further explained that CNL’s gas story began with the implementation of different phases of the Escravos Gas Project (EGP), with four phases of development over the years. He stated that the EGP gas gathering, and processing facilities placed CNL as one of the pioneers in creating a practical and economic solution for gas flaring in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. “The gas gathering, and processing projects involved stripping liquids from rich gas and creating a new revenue stream for the nation from the sale of the liquids,” he stated. According to him, the gas

strategy adopted by CNL will end routine gas flaring and build a profitable gas business through a portfolio of domestic, regional and export supply projects that fulfil the Domestic Gas Supply Obligation (DSO) of its joint venture. The strategy, he said would include ending routine gas flaring; boosting domestic supply; diversifying and commercialising gas resources

through gas-based industries such as its Escravos Gas-toLiquid (EGTL) plant. “Chevron has a long commitment to Nigeria. The company has been making significant investments in the country for over 50 years and it expects to do so for many more years to come. With the right policies, the enormous potential of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector can yield even greater benefits,” added Ewing.

Firm Launches New Tricycle in Nigeria Jonathan Eze Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (M&M Ltd) and VIP Merchandise Enterprise Limited have launched a Three-Wheeler Alfa P400 for Nigeria. The Alfa P400 is the latest offering by Mahindra in the mobility solution space for Nigeria and it aims to deliver, “plenty space, plenty profit,” to its consumers. The Alfa P400 is powered by a 400cc Gasoline engine and comes in both Passenger and Cargo variants. According to a statement, this product comes with best-in-class features like longest wheelbase, multi-reflector headlamps, battery lock, powerful 1KW starter motor, large windshield, mobile charger, bottle holder. Owing to its engine, the statement explained that Alfa P400 offers increased seating/ cargo capacity and lower cost of maintenance that is unmatched in the market in turn providing improved earning potential to its consumers. The company’s Head of International Operations (AFS), Mr. Arvind Mathew, was quoted in a statement to have said, “At Mahindra, we’ve made humanity’s innate desire to Rise our driving purpose. We have been working steadfastly with VIP Merchandise to ensure that we deliver innovative mobility

solutions to meet the needs of the community here. “The Alfa P400 is a testimony to our intent. We are launching this product across the country with due support on Warranty, After-Sales Service, Spare Parts availability and Local Mechanic training. We will continue to up the ante on technology and innovation to offer solutions in Nigeria that will drive positive change.” Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Geepee Group, Mr. Prakash Vaswani said, “We have been working closely with Mahindra to provide customised mobility solutions for Nigeria. Our Two-Wheeler Arro has been successfully running in the Okada segment across Nigeria. With Alfa P400, we are now bringing a differentiated and specially designed. “Three-Wheeler for the market that provides improved capacity, be it for carrying Passengers or Cargo, for the customers. With our products, Arro and Alfa, we not only offer customised and unique mobility solutions for the market, but also deliver employment and entrepreneurial platforms to empower the community to rise.” The Mahindra Alfa P400, made at the company’s plant in Zaheerabad, Telangana, India, comes with a warranty of six months/10,000 KMS.

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Investors in Renewable Energy, Regulators Chart a Way Forward in Risk Management Critical stakeholders and regulators in the nation’s renewable energy sector have agreed on what is possible about removing obstacles to investing in on and off-grid Renewable Energy (RE) electricity generation. Bennett Oghifo reports

here are many unnecessary obstacles to investing in on and off-grid Renewable Energy (RE) electricity generation in the country. In realisation of this fact, some investors in RE and the regulatory bodies deliberated on what these obstacles are and how to surmount them. The issues and the way forward in ensuring sustainable investment in RE sector were discussed with plans to have sub-committee brainstorming sessions to fine-tune the whole process. The 2-day Grid-Connected Renewable Energy Forum was organised by the Global Environment Facility (GEF)/ United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), the Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and other stakeholders in conformity with the implementation of a 5-Year project entitled

“De-Risking Renewable Energy NAMA (Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action) for the Nigerian Power Sector”, which commenced last year. The UNDP-GEF intervention recognises that a large number of licensed IPPs for both on and off-grid Renewable Energy (RE) electricity generation in the country are faced with many challenges. Thus, the Forum discussed internationally recognised De-risking Renewable Energy Investment (“DREI”) methodology in addressing barriers and risks hindering private-sector-driven GridConnected Renewable Energy (RE) business in Nigeria and also created opportunity for Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to deliberate on issues and challenges hindering their progressing to financial close. They also discussed equipment procurement and construction, as well as recommended ways the De-risking Project could be structured to minimise the barriers. In a goodwill message, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chairman Senate Committee

WISCAR Demands More Leadership Positions for Women in Development B tt O A group, Women in Successful Career, (WISCAR) is demanding inclusive governance insisting on having more women in leadership positions. This was the sum of the group’s deliberations at its second quarter of the Meet-AWISCAR series, which had a panel of vibrant Women from various careers to engender young women’s participating in governance and their roles in national development. The topic of the event, held in Lagos was, “Promoting Inclusive Governance.” During the session, the keynote speaker, Hafsat AbiolaCostello, Founder, Initiative for Democracy (KIND) and President, Women in Africa stated that the improvement of any country requires the participation of both male and female. “It has been recognized globally that gender equality in political participation is a fundamental aspect of modern democratic governance and everyone should have the opportunity to participate fully in all stages of political processes”. She pointed that the role of women cannot be over emphasised in any successful society; “women should make impacts

on Environment stated that Nigerians are aware of the opportunities and benefits that renewable energy sources provide toward economic development and environmental quality of the nation. She said, “It has been shown to be actually cheaper and more sustainable with a much lower environmental impact than conventional energy technologies. These

gramme, Global Environment Facility and other collaborating stakeholders “for organising the forum in putting together such a wonderful platform for deliberation.” Welcoming participants, Director-General/CEO Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Prof Eli Jidere Bala recalled that in June 2017, UNDP in collaboration with national stakeholders in the renewable

Fuel Leakage: Akoka Community Global Property Partners to Hold 2018 Infrastructure Hails Intervention by Total Summit Station O F

and rise to occupy leadership positions in the public and private sectors. Some women have made remarkable impacts in their roles, which has earned them prominence both at the local and international level. There is no doubt that women participation in politics and decision making will benefit the society as a whole’’. Abiola-Costello, however, advised the women to be more proactive to political activities “When you refuse to stand up and be counted, you are only giving the political platform to the men on a platform of gold”. The panellists, Habiba Balogun, Social Activist and Advocate, Bring Back Our Girls; Yemi Adamolekun, Executive Director, Enough is Enough; Toyosi Akerele Ogunsiji , Founder, Rise Networks; Abosede George -Ogan, Chief Facilitator, Women in PoliticNG; Francesca Uriri, Founder, Leading Ladies Africa amongst others all applauded the founder and management of WISCAR for creating such an enabling platform to groom younger career ladies. They used the opportunity to call on the government and corporate organisations to increase the level of awareness and encourage more women to participate in governance at all levels.

environmental effects, in turn, negatively impact health and wellbeing of the people. “Therefore, as law makers, we remain committed to enacting, amending subsisting Acts and adopting appropriate policies that would help to reduce environmental pollution and achieve a cleaner and greener economy.” She commended the United Nations Development Pro-

energy sub-sector “launched a GEF-supported project titled: ‘De-Risking Renewable Energy NAMA (Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action) for Nigerian Power Sector’. Nigeria got this support because the nation lies within a high sunshine belt and thus has enormous solar energy potentials. “The mean annual average of total solar radiation varies from about 3.5 kWhm-2 day1 in the coastal latitudes to about 7 kWh-1 2day-1 along the semi-arid areas in the far North. On the average, the country receives solar radiation at the level of about 19.8 MJm-2-day- 1. “Unfortunately, the inherent risks in large-scale RE development in Nigeria has made it difficult for policy makers in the sector to reach some agreements with prospective private investors willing to exploit these huge renewable energy resources in the country. “With regards to financing opportunities, domestic financial sector is not financially buoyant to provide low cost local capital for renewable energy investments.

Residents of Akoka community in Lagos State have praised the management of the Total Service Station in Akoka for taking swift action in restoring sanity to the community after a leakage was discovered in the station underground tank in August last year. The members of Akoka Community Development Association (ACDA), noted that relevant expert agencies such as Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA and the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR have certified the environment safe, hence residents can continue with their domestic and business activities without any fear or concern.They made this known on the sidelines of the association’s appreciation and award ceremony organised to honour long-standing and committed residents in the area. Chairman of the association, Mr. Segun Adesanya in his address extolled residents for tolerating each other and co-habiting peacefully, and called for similar attitude among Lagosians. On the issue of petrol leakage, he said that the com-

pany in question had been quite responsive and that it “left no stone unturned in bringing the environment back to shape.” He said, “The incident occurred last year August and Total was quick to notify relevant government agencies including the CDA. They started the remediation process by blocking all water sources in the affected five houses as confirmed by the agency in charge of remediation, Terra Aqua Environmental Consultancy Ltd. as well as supplied us with alternative water. “Such an accident is inevitable, but we are happy with the way the company went about managing the situation. It didn’t only cater for the environment but also the health needs of dwellers. “In our meeting with the Commissioner for the Environment, we resolved that any resident with health issue arising from the crisis should be attended to at either Lagoon or Mercury or Clinique Hospitals because residents demanded to be treated in private clinic.” Reacting to the allegations by some residents that the company neglected the community in the situation, he said “I am speaking as a recognised authority in this community, and my comment is based on fact and the present situation. The state government is also on top of the issue.”

Global Property Partners (GPP), a consortium of firms with diverse interests in real estate and infrastructure development, will hold the 2nd edition of its Annual National Infrastructure Summit in November 2018 in Abuja. The Summit, which is coming after the highly successful maiden edition of the event held in October 2017 in Lagos, will attract leading international and Nigerian professionals in the infrastructure business from across the globe as well as top government functionaries and policy makers. According to the Managing Director/CEO of GPP, Mr. Emmanuel Odemayowa, among the highlights of this year’s event will be the first Infrastructure Award Night in Nigeria during which private and public sector professionals as well as institutions that have contributed significantly to infrastructure development in the country will be recognized and honoured. He also said the will “focus exclusively on creating avenues that generate sustainable income and wealth through global partnerships” as well as serve as “a platform for the engagement of global institutional investors for infrastructure development.”

“The value of Nigeria’s total infrastructure stock (road, rail, power, airports, water, telecoms and seaports) represents only 35% of GDP, as against peer emerging market countries average of 70%)”, Mr. Odemayowa continued, adding that “The issue of infrastructure development in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized till we get it right.” He said several critical issues relating to infrastructure financing and the creation of an enabling environment for infrastructure development in Nigeria were discussed extensively last year and that the organization of this year’s event in Abuja was to make for a more robust and meaningful exchange of ideas between the public and private sector on the way forward for this sector in the country. The GPP Boss further said the Infrastructure Summit was part of the company’s efforts to promote global best practice in the infrastructure sector in the country, given Nigeria’s vast economic potentials. The maiden GPP edition held in October 2018 at the Eko Hotel & Suites was a huge success, attracting key players in the infrastructure finance and development industry both in Nigeria and internationally.

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

Bad Compactors, Major Problems in Waste Disposal, Says Durosinmi-Etti The Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti has said that decrepit waste compactors, often relied upon by PSP operators to cart away refuse in the state, have constituted a major hindrance to effective waste disposal in Lagos State. Mr. Babatunde DurosinmiEtti stated this in Alausa on Thursday during the familiarisation and fact finding visit by the Federal Commissioner for the Lagos State Office of the Public Complaints Commission, Honourable Abimbola AyoYusuf. The Environment Commissioner said that the lack of adequate roadworthy compactors contributed in no small measure to weakening the capacity of PSP operators to serve their clients efficiently, adding that this was one of the major reasons why the frequency of evacuating waste in different localities in the state had been low. “As evident from the recertification exercise carried out in Alimosho Local Government Area for example, out of the forty-four compactors presented for the exercise, only seventeen compactors were certified to be in good working conditions” he said. He decried the situation in which compactors that were not in good condition broke

down incessantly on the road and caused traffic congestions as well as unnecessary hardships to road users. The Commissioner reiterated that one of the criteria for being assigned as an operator was to have at least two functional compactors which must be certified by government to be in good working condition. “As a result of their poor condition these compactors often find it difficult to navigate the dumpsites and incessantly break down to create bottlenecks and delays at the dumpsites”, he said. Noting that this unhealthy development was capable of jeopardising efforts of the State Government to achieve a cleaner Lagos, DurosinmiEtti said that government was exploring ways of making available to PSP operators soft loan facilities through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSTEF) to make it easy for them to increase their fleet of compactors. He stated that the Lagos State Government was determined to remove all bottlenecks hindering seamless waste collection and disposal operations as it was making concerted effort to achieve minimal turnaround time at the dumpsites by enhancing regulatory measures as LAWMA was being encouraged to start sanctioning

dumpsite operators for delays. Durosinmi-Etti stated that to address attitudinal issues, the State Government had been carrying out regular advocacy with Local Government Officials, Community Development Committees (CDCs) and Community Development

Associations (CDAs) as well as PSP operators in the various Local Government Areas of the State. He added that the aim of interacting with the people at the grassroots was to mutually appreciate government efforts and jointly address peculiar challenges in communities.

Earlier, the Federal Commissioner for Public Complaint Commission, Honorable Abimbola AyoYusuf gave kudos to the Lagos State Government and Ministry of the Environment for their efforts in environmental management, saying that there had never been any

L-R: Assistant Manager Air Solution division, LG Electronics, Omotayo Somefun; Technical Manager Air Solution, LG Electronics, Mr. Vijay Bakshi; Assistant Manager Air Solution, LG Electronics, Adesumbo Kadiri-Adewale; and Marketing Manager LG Electronics West Africa, Mr. Paul Mba, during the exhibition of LG Electronics products at HVAC 2018 Expo in Lagos…recently

ClimateChange:SouthAfricans Trends in Building Styles, Perceptions life style, attitude, ideology, texture, visual weight, balance, Urge Ramaphosa to Ditch Coal Charles Maduka As legendary Nelson Mandela turns 100, to fulfill his legacy, South Africans have called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to stop the use of coal and enthrone more sustainable energy sources as spelt out in the 2010 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). President Ramaphosa, they said should improve his climate record by overseeing the immediate release of an updated electricity plan that excludes coal or nuclear power. “Since he took office, President Ramaphosa has created expectations of progressive policy shifts in numerous sectors. “However, South Africa’s energy policy is outdated and still heavily reliant on coal as a source of electricity generation, which makes it dramatically out of step with the country’s own commitments to address climate change.” South Africa’s long awaited update to the 2010 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is expected to be submitted to parliament in August setting out the path for the country’s future energy mix. This highly anticipated master plan will be critical to ensuring that South Africa embraces a just energy transition where citizens benefit from new, clean energy technologies that reduce electricity costs, while tackling energy poverty, creating new jobs for those employed in the dying coal industry and the unemployed, and meeting the Paris Agreement target of keeping the world from warming over 2°C, aiming for 1.5°C.

Glen Tyler, South Africa team leader at 350.org said, “South Africa deserves a modern energy policy fit for the future and rooted in justice and access for all. The only way to accomplish that is to stop all coal development projects and set the course for a robust transition to a low-carbon economy powered by 100% renewable energy. While he listens to Obama’s lecture on ‘renewing Mandela’s legacy and promoting active citizenship in a changing world’, President Ramaphosa should ask himself what he wants his own climate legacy to be.” This September, in the spirit of Nelson Mandela, and in line with president Ramaphosa’s Thuma Mina campaign which calls for active citizenship to alleviate South Africa’s challenges, South Africans will #RiseforClimate, organising and pushing for the government in power to recommit to the Paris Agreement by approving a new IRP that promotes renewable energy and progressively ditches coal as a polluting thing of the past. South Africans will not be alone. People across the world will mobilise on the 8th of September, ahead of the Global Climate Action Summit in California, to demand that local leaders build a fossil free world that works for everyone. Hundreds of events will take place all over the globe to put pressure on leaders for a fast and just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

public complaint forwarded to the Ministry by the Public Complaints Commission that had not been resolved by the Ministry. He thereafter pledged to work more with the Ministry to bring enlightenment to Lagosians, particularly on issues of the environment.

The Merriam Webster dictionary defined the word, ‘Trend’ thus, ‘to extend in a general direction; follow a general course. It also defined the word, ‘Perception’ thus; ‘the way you think or understand someone or something. However architecture is defined as the art and science of designing and constructing a building. A building is defined as a structure with a roof and walls that is used as a place for people to live, work, do activities, store things etc. An expression of beauty on buildings is known as aesthetics. Aesthetics is simply an architectural language. Architecture as an art is an expression of beauty on the building created through imaginations and skills. Furthermore, architecture has a correlation with fashion and fad. Fluidity in fashion is a function of style. Style is a distinctive manner of expression at a specific time in history. Many building owners sometimes may desire to renovate and re-invent their buildings in line with what is in vogue. However, a building is not an element of fluid fashion but an integral part of the built environments. Fashion and style on the other hand are ways of life and usually follow trends that change spontaneously. The transition from one style of fashion and fad to another is sporadic with short gestation period. Fashion is an infusion and has to do with individual appearances with other personal mobile accompaniments. Changes in fashion evolve through taste,

belief, demography and other sociological factors. The recorded periods of architecture so far are Modern architecture, Art Deco, Post modern, Gothic architecture, Neoclassical architecture, Romanesque, Classical architecture, Georgian, Victorian, Contemporary, Baroque , Art Nouveau, Renaissance, International style, Byzantine , De-constructivism among others. Conversely, the evolution of architecture takes a longer period to manifest and these changes are marked in the history of architecture as periods for emphasis and practice of the profession. Changes in trends of architecture occur as a result of availability of perceived better alternative building materials and methods of construction, changes in economic indices, climate change, demography, taste/ lifestyle, class, policies of government, technological advancement, historic changes over time, research findings and educational changes in contents of environmental studies. Every building has a place and time in the history of architecture but societal acceptance of any style of architecture is a function of many variable most of which being taste and class identity. Furthermore, beauty is in the eye of the beholder is saying and cannot be more true in this instance. In practice, every building designed and built according to the architect’s idea and in line with the owner’s brief exhibits an acceptable level of beauty. The building would have the key elements required in visual aesthetics such as colour, shape, pattern, line,

scale, proximity and movement. Visual aesthetics also extends to visual harmony where many buildings are located. Harmony is an element of group aesthetics aimed at avoiding sharp contrast and visual distortions. It is therefore not necessary to alter the design of an existing building to make it look modern in line with what is in vogue in a particular period. The best

one can do to any building is to give it proper and regular maintenance while retaining its original characteristics. It is that retention in its historic characteristics that may give such a building an iconic status. Every building is unique on its own because no two buildings are exactly the same. A building could be symmetrical in composition but different in its internal functions and activities.

EHORECON to Strengthen Manpower Development The Registrar, Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON), Dr Dominic Abonyi has disclosed that the Council is embarking on competent manpower development in environmental health services. He stated this when the Nigeria Academy of Environmental Health Sciences (NAEHS) paid a courtesy visit on the Registrar in Abuja, recently. Dr Abonyi said the Council has never stopped supporting the Academy, particularly in the area of training. “We are a Council that likes collaborating seriously and the last time we supported a conference organised by the Academy was in 2006.” He, however, advised the Academy not to assume the position of the institute on training, rather both the Council and the Academy should look in the direction of research findings, and the issue of establishment of chair in the University. On the area of declassification of the

Environmental Health Officers from technicians, technologist and other groups, the Registrar posited that the Council was critically looking in that direction and that it would take a position in due course. In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Academy of Environmental Health Sciences (NAEHS), Prof Agwu N. Amadi, who led a 3-man-Commitee of the executives of the association, enumerated a number of collaborative efforts with the Council among which are: Quality enhancement of Professionalism, Council performance standard and host of other collaborative efforts. Prof. Amadi further requested from the Council, assistance in the Core objectives of Academy such as Research and Training, Finance and Infrastructure development. Those present at the meeting were Prof. Henry Sawyer of the Kwara State University and Prof. Mynepalli Sridhar and the Council’s management team.

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

‘WE’RE PREPARED TO DELIVER A WORLD-CLASS NBA-AGC’

07.08.2018

George Etomi

2/DASHBOARD

07.08.2018

Service of Notice to Quit in Tenancy for a Term Certain PAGE 4

Ubani: Alleged Plan to Overthrow Saraki, Ekweremadu through Court Order, may not be Easy PAGE 5

Imo, Benue Impeachment: Nigerians look up to the Judiciary, to save Democracy, says Adegboruwa PAGE 5

NGO Seeks Diplomatic Communities' Support Over Legal Aid PAGE 5

Osigwe: I Love the NBA, but I Love Justice More PAGE 6

QUOTABLES

‘Nigeria’s educational system, is in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). We don’t know, when it will come out of its comatose state.’ – Dr Bolanle Olawale Babalakin, SAN, Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, The University of Lagos

‘A Lawyer Should be Surrounded With Inspiring Colleagues’ PAGE 6

‘If the Senate President were not a member of the APC, I don’t think the Party and the Government would have suffered more than they have already. In other words, what we are saying is that, the Senate President has behaved all along, as if he were a member of the opposition, deliberately slowing down the progress of the APC led Federal Government. We didn’t gain anything, by having our member as Senate President.... We stand to lose nothing, by losing him as a member of our Party.’ – Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Lawyer, Member of the APC, Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Federal Republic of Nigeria

APC, Defecting Senators, and the Challenge of History PAGE 7

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE EDITOR JUDE IGBANOI DEPUTY EDITOR AKINWALE AKINTUNDE REPORTER TUNDE BUSARI GROUP HEAD OCHI OGBUAKU II ART DIRECTOR

Injustice, Hypocrisy and Nostalgia

Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos must again express my utter disgust about the fact that, to date, it seems that Dr Lami Amodu and her cohorts, who under her Administration as Principal of Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos, three innocent young girls, Vivian Osuniyi, Bithia Itulua and Praise Sodipo died, as a result of an epidemic caused by the highly unsanitary conditions that the students were forced to live in, have not been held accountable for their deaths. Instead, Dr Amodu has been rewarded with another posting as Principal of another school in Uromi, Edo State. I suppose, one cannot expect much from Federal Ministry of Education, an establishment which is a part of an Administration that seems to be unfazed about the lives of its citizens being equated with that of cattle! SHAME. Political Hypocrisy I already discussed the issue of educational qualifications for the various offices, in one of my 2017 editions. Let me reiterate that, by virtue of Section 177 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (the Constitution), specifically Section 177(d), Senator Adeleke only needs to be “educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent”. He doesn’t need to have passed the WAEC examination with all As or at all for that matter, or show a WASC Certificate. Therefore, whether or not he is running against a Professor or a Genius for the office of Governor of Osun State, it is irrelevant. Nigerians are getting tired of all the political hypocrisy. When there was a mass defection from the PDP to the APC in 2014, and even the then Speaker of the House of Representatives also defected from the PDP to the APC, Section 68 of the Constitution was not an issue. I don’t think anyone cited Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde v The Ondo State House of Assembly & Ors SC. 643/2014. Now that the tables have turned, we are hearing of calls for Senator Saraki to resign as Senate President! Do those making those calls, have the moral right to do so? I think not. Additionally, with the horrible outing of the APC in its Ward Primaries - Parallel Primaries and violence everywhere, so much so that Governor Okorocha of Imo State was shown on television, hunting down ballot boxes with the Police, can we not conclude that the APC is divided into pieces, not even factions? The Media has been awash with news of plans by the APC Senators, to remove Senator Saraki from the position of Senate President. Aside from the fact that Plenary has been adjourned to September 25, 2018, by virtue of Section 50(2)(c) of the Constitution, a two- thirds

majority of Members is required, to remove Senator Saraki, that is, 73 Senators (72.666). From the numbers which Nigerians were shown just as the Senate was going on recess on July 24, does the APC does have enough numbers to remove him? Not likely. As for Comrade Oshiomole, he seems to have started his reign rather tyrannically, riling people with his rather high handed, brash and aggressive attitude. If care is not taken, he just may end up rubbing people the wrong way, and cause the exit of many more people from the APC! Comrade, as we say in Yoruba, “de de o” (take it easy, simmer down). Has the NBA faded into Oblivion? That said, as it is election time in my constituency, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), I cannot but make a few comments about our Association. First, in spite of the fact that I am always up to date with my practicing fee and I have my 2018-2019 stamp and seal, I was unable to conduct my verification for the election. Inability to be able to do the verification, and/or generate a password to vote, is the complaint of thousands of Lawyers up till now. Last week, I received a telephone call from a non-Lawyer, who was concerned that the NBA seems to have faded into oblivion; that it has been silent through all the mayhem that has occurred in Nigeria, in recent times. A female Lawyer also telephoned me, and made a similar comment sometime ago. That why was it that, the NBA did not seem to have clear cut principles which it must uphold at all times, and only seemed to assume the personality of its Leader? As she said, “so, if the Leader of NBA is fiery like an Olisa Agbakoba, we will have action, but if not, we will have no action and Government will get away with any and everything it likes”. I had no response to both observations. In my recent interview with Learned Senior Advocate, Femi Falana (5/6/2018), I asked him whether we have received the “Brave New Bar” promised us by the outgoing NBA President, A.B.Mahmoud, SAN, to which he replied with a touch of sarcasm, “This Bar?” Mr Falana believes that, Lawyers must re-familiarise themselves with the history of the NBA. He went down memory lane, to the time of the late Alao Aka Bashorun, SAN, who as the President of the NBA under a military regime, pulled out all Nigerian Lawyers from the courts, to protest against Government’s disobedience of one single court order. What courage! At the risk of arrest, persecution, torture and even death (which was the order of the day at the time, for those who dared to

oppose the regime), the late Aka Bashorun played one of the primary roles of a Bar Association, to uphold, protect and insist upon the rule of law. Alas, today, Government and its institutions, trample upon the rule of law and disobey court orders, court decisions and provisions of the Constitution at will. Yet, the NBA seems totally unconcerned and unperturbed. Role of a Bar Association The role of a Bar Association is “to develop a strong, independent, and effective legal profession, which is a cornerstone of democracy and human rights, protecting the rule of law, and providing a means for citizens to assert their rights”. A Bar Association, must denounce every semblance of injustice, in the society. One would have expected the NBA, to take a very strong stand against issues like the lopsided Government appointments, which are unjust and contrary to Section 14(3) of the Constitution; the incessant killing of innocent people on such a grand scale, by Herdsmen; the issue of Judges giving conflicting decisions on the same matter, especially in political cases like that of the Modu Sheriff/Makarfi PDP cases (chiefly as we are even fast approaching the 2019 Elections, which will certainly lead to uncountable election petitions); failure to release those who have been granted bail by the courts, and have met their bail conditions; torturing of suspects in custody; overcrowding and inhumane conditions that exist in the prisons; invasion of Rivers State Judiciary by law enforcement agents and political thugs; extra-judicial killings by law enforcement agents; wearing of hijab with the wig and gown; to mention but a few. However, one thing I can say about this NBA, is that the Disciplinary Mechanism for Lawyers which seemed to have become dormant over the years, has been resurrected. It is no longer business as usual, for erring Lawyers. A few days ago, a friend of mine expressed concern, over some funds being paid through his Lawyers. I assured him with some measure of confidence that, these days, any Lawyer who tries to siphon client’s funds, if reported to the NBA, would be disciplined, and may even face dire consequences like suspension and disbarment (Rule 23 Rules of Professional Conduct 2007). A New Dawn for the NBA? As we enter yet another phase of the NBA under a new leadership, we hope that the confusion that beset the registration exercise in order to vote in the 2018 NBA elections,

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE

THE ADVOCATE onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive.com onikepob@yahoo.com

“MR FALANA BELIEVES THAT, LAWYERS MUST RE-FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE HISTORY OF THE NBA. HE WENT DOWN MEMORY LANE, TO THE TIME OF THE LATE ALAO AKA BASHORUN, SAN, WHO AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE NBA UNDER A MILITARY REGIME, PULLED OUT ALL NIGERIAN LAWYERS FROM THE COURTS, TO PROTEST AGAINST GOVERNMENT’S DISOBEDIENCE OF ONE SINGLE COURT ORDER” will not in any way, be an indication of what we should expect from now till 2020! We hope that under the new leadership, the NBA will regain its past glory, and revert to being the beacon of human rights and the rule of law, instead of being a lack lustre Association, which doesn’t stand for much, and according to many Lawyers, has only a list of theoretical achievements to boast of.

Dear Editor Re: As the Air Force Protects Its Beast Ofﬁcer... Dear Editor, I read your article today, about Mr Arogunyo and the AFO. How very sad. Like you rightly stated, it is the Arogunyos today, it can be you or me tomorrow. We need to continue to pressurise the Air Force, to bring the culprit to book, no matter how senior, and get compensation for the victim. I’m willing to assist any which way I can. Thank you for bringing this incident to the fore. I hope some human right activists, also take up the matter. Best Regards, S.O. Dear Editor, The unfortunate incident that befell Destiny Arogunyo, is the tragedy that befalls thousands of Nigerians daily. Sometimes the mere sighting of a law enforcement officer, evokes fear in so many people. Someone may say, it is only the guilty that are afraid. I say, in Nigeria, even the innocent are afraid.

I weep for so many people, who may not have had someone speak out for them, the way you have done for Destiny Arogunyo. Thank you for this story. Hopefully, the perpetrators will read your piece, and have a change of heart. Hopefully, other law enforcement officers, will look inwards, and change their brutalising behaviours. Thanks again Chidinma Onuoha Dear Editor, I read The Advocate, and your very thoughtful piece on the Arogunyo case, involving an Air Force Officer. I am curious that Arogunyo's Counsel, has not escalated the case to the Presidency. The President is the Commander-in-chief of all the Armed forces, and should be seised of the matter in that capacity, for prompt redress. As you rightly observed, any one of us, or worse still, our children, could have been the victim of such beastly behaviour. Have a blessed day. SAO

4/LAW REPORT

07.08.2018

Service of Notice to Quit in Tenancy for a Term Certain

Appellant, it was argued on behalf of the Respondent that, being a body corporate, the Respondent carries out its affairs and responsibilities through its agents and servants. Counsel argued that service carried out by the firm of Babalakin & Co. as the Respondent’s appointed agent, was done in accordance with law. He cited the case of ANYAEBOLISI v R.T. BRISCOE NIG. LTD. (1987) 2 NWLR (Pt. 59) 84 and relied on Section 149(c) of the Evidence Act 1945 now Section 167(c) of the Evidence Act, 2011, in urging the Court to presume that the Respondent had followed the natural course of business, at it relates to the service of Statutory Notice. He also cited the case of AGBAJE v FASHOLA (2008) 6 NWLR (Pt. 1082) 90 at 142, and contended that, the law is clear on the various ways of proving service of a document on a person. Counsel submitted that, the burden of proof in civil cases is not static. It shifts from one party to another, and the burden of first proving the existence or non-existence of a fact, lies on the party against whom the judgement will be given, if no evidence were produced on either side, regard being had to any presumption that may arise on the pleadings. He argued that, the Appellant failed to discharge the burden placed on it, to prove that it was not served with the Notices. It was argued for the Respondent also that, the Appellant admitted in its Statement of Defence, that he owed the Respondent mesne profit, which is only payable where the tenancy had expired; thus obviating the obligation on the Respondent to serve Notice to Quit.

Facts

he Respondent, as the owner of the property situate at Plot 12, Block B, Ogba Industrial Estate, Ogba, Lagos State, leased same to the Appellant. By a Writ of Summons dated 8th April, 1999, the Respondent commenced an action against the Appellant, for the recovery of the aforementioned premises. However, the parties mutually agreed, and filed Terms of Settlement in court. A fundamental term therein, required the Appellant to vacate and deliver possession of the property to the Respondent on or before 31st December, 1999. In October 1999, however, the Appellant requested for a further lease of the property. By a letter dated 28th December, 1999, the Respondent offered the Appellant a further lease of three years certain at an annual rent of N2,250,000.00, on the condition that the Appellant will furnish the Respondent with a bank draft for the sum of N3,375,000.00, being 50% of the rent payable in respect of the three (3) years term granted, to be made on 29th December, 1999, and a cheque for the balance post-dated to not later than forty five days from the date of the first instalment. The tenancy was to commence from 1st January, 2000 and terminate on 31st December, 2002. The Appellant agreed to the terms, stipulated in the aforementioned letter. Nonetheless, by a letter dated 29th December, 1999, the Appellant requested for an extension of the deadline for payment to 7th January, 2000. On 22nd February, 2000, the Executive Director of the Appellant’s Parent company had a meeting with the Respondent’s Solicitors, to discuss payment of the arrears of rent. At the meeting, it was agreed that the Appellant would pay the sum of N122,765.02, as interest on the delayed payment. Consequent to this discussion, the Respondent wrote a letter dated 30th March, 2000, to relate the terms agreed upon at the meeting to the Appellant. The Appellant however, failed to pay the agreed interest payable on the delayed rent. The tenancy became determined by effluxion of time on 31st December, 2002, as agreed but the Appellant refused to deliver possession of the property. The Respondent consequently caused its Solicitors, Messrs Babalakin & Co., to issue a Notice to Quit dated 31st March, 2004, to the Appellant. Following the failure of the Appellant to yield up possession of the property at the expiration of the time stipulated in the Notice to Quit, the Respondent’s Solicitors also issued and served on the Appellant, the other Statutory Notice of Owner’s Intention to Apply to Recover Possession dated 4th January, 2005. Upon failure of the Appellant to deliver up possession of the demised premises still, the Respondent then commenced an action by a Writ of Summons dated 23rd March, 2005 claiming inter alia, possession of the demised premises. The Appellant filed its Statement of Defence, wherein it asserted that, it was not served with the required Statutory Notices i.e. Notice to Quit and Notice of Owner’s Intention to Recover Possession dated 4th January, 2005. It however, admitted that the tenancy had lapsed, and that it was in deficit of arrears of mesne profit, but the financial cost and time required for relocating the business of the Appellant, had prevented it from delivering up possession. Upon the admissions in the Appellant’s Statement of Defence, the Respondent filed an application dated 22nd May, 2006, for an Order of Court entering judgement on the admitted paragraphs of the Statement of Defence. The trial Court, gave judgement in favour of the Respondent. The Appellant unsuccessfully, appealed to the Court of Appeal. Dissatisfied, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court. Issue for Determination In resolving the appeal, the Supreme Court considered the following issue – Whether there is sufficient admissible evidence on record, that the Respondent issued and served statutory notice on the Appellant. Arguments Counsel for the Appellant, argued that the required Statutory Notices, particularly the Notice of Owner’s Intention to recover possession, was not served by the Respondent’s witness in the suit, but by a Lawyer in the law firm of the Respondent’s Lawyers, Babalakin & Co. He argued that, the Respondent should have called a witness from Babalakin & Co. The Appellant urged the Court to hold that, the Appellant was not

Hon. Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 20th day of April, 2018 Before Their Lordships Olabode Rhodes-Vivour Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili John Inyang Okoro Amiru Sanusi Ejembi Eko Justices, Supreme Court SC.545/2015 Between Chemiron International Ltd

.........Appellant

And Stabilini Visinoni Ltd .............Respondent (Lead Judgement delivered by Hon. IMary Ukaego Peter-Odili, JSC)

served with the required Notice and therefore, the trial Court lacked jurisdiction, as at the time it entered judgement against the Appellant. He cited amongst other cases, the case of SULE v NIGERIAN COTTON BOARD (1985) 1 All NLR 291. Disagreeing with the submission of Counsel for the

“BY VIRTUE OF SECTION 7 OF THE RECOVERY OF PREMISES LAW, CAP 118, LAWS OF LAGOS STATE, 1973, THERE WAS NO NEED TO SERVE A NOTICE TO QUIT BEFORE INITIATING A RECOVERY OF PREMISES ACTION, WHERE THE TENANCY IS FOR A TERM CERTAIN. ALL THAT THE RESPONDENT NEEDED TO DO WAS, TO SERVE THE SEVEN DAY NOTICE OF OWNER’S INTENTION TO RECOVER POSSESSION, AND THAT WAS DONE IN THIS CASE”

Court’s Judgment and Rationale The Supreme Court started by considering the provisions of the law - Recovery of Premises Law, CAP 118, Laws of Lagos State, 1973 and held that by virtue of Section 7 thereof, there was no need to serve a Notice to Quit before initiating a recovery of premises action, where the tenancy is for a term certain. All that the Respondent needed to do, was to serve the seven day Notice of Owner’s Intention to Recover Possession and that was done in this case. The Court cited the case of IHEANACHO v UZOCHUKWU (1997) 2 NWLR (Pt. 487) 269 to 270. The Apex Court held further that, nothing stopped a body corporate such as the Respondent, from getting the functions carried out by a law firm acting on its behalf, and the law firm can in turn, use any human agent it so wishes. Also, any agent or servant of the company or law firm, acting for the company would meet the requirement of testifying as to the service carried out by the company or firm. SALEH v B.O.N. LTD (2006) NWLR (Pt. 976) 316 at 326-327. From the evidence proffered and the provisions of Section 149(c) of the Evidence Act 1945, now Section 167(c) of the Evidence Act 2011, it can be presumed that the Respondent had followed the natural course of doing business, as it relates to service of statutory notices. On the argument about the burden of proof, the Court relied on Section 131 of the Evidence Act, to hold that the burden of proof in civil cases is not static, as it shifts from one party to another. The burden of first proving the existence or non- existence of a fact lies on the party against whom the judgement will be given, if no evidence were produced on either side, regard being had to any presumption that may arise on the pleadings. If the party adduces evidence which ought to reasonably satisfy the Court that the fact sought to be proved is established, the burden lies on the party against whom the judgement would be given, if no more evidence were adduced and so on successively, until all the issues in the pleadings have been dealt with. In this case, where the Respondent had discharged its burden of showing that it effected the services, what should follow is a rebuttal by the Appellant. The Appellant did not give evidence at trial, on the service or non-service of the Statutory Notice. It also did not deny that the persons who acknowledged the service, were its employees. Hence, the Appellant failed to discharge the burden of proof when it shifted on it. Appeal Dismissed. Representation: Isaac M. Boro for the Appellant O. Akoni, SAN with M. Kuti, R.A. Liman and O. Ben-Omotehinse for the Respondent. Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited (Publishers of Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR))

07.08.2018

NEWS/5

CONDONLENCE VISIT LttRttMttttIttttttttAttttttttttttttttttMttttAttttttttGttttttttttLttttttttSttttttttttAttttttttttttttGttttttttttttttttttCttttttttttttttttttttttttttttJttttttttttttttMtttt AttttttttttttKtttttttttt ttttttDttttttttttttttttAttttttttttttttSttttttttttttttttLttttttttStttttttt MttttttttttttttttttJttttttttttttttMttttHttttttttttOtttttttttttttttttttttttt LttRttTttttttAttttttttttttttttMttttHttttttttLttttttttttPLAI'ttIttttttttttttttttttttttttDttttttttttttttttttMttRttttttttttAttttttttttttttttPLAI'ttLttttttttCtttttttttttt tttttttttttttttttttt ttttttAttttttttttttttGttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttLttttttttLttttttttttttttttttttttttttPttttTttttttttGtttttttt tttt ttttttttttttTttttHttttttttttCttttttttttttttttSttttttttttLttttttttHttttttCttttttttttttttttttttMttttMttttttttttttSttttttttCttttttttttttAttttttttttttttEtttttttttttttttt ttttttFttttttttttHttttttttttttLttttttttItttttttttttttttttttttttttttt ttttttHttttttCtttttttttttttttttt'ttCttttttttttttttttttttFttttttttSttttttttttttttttttMttttJttttttttLtttttttttt

Ubani: Alleged Plan to Overthrow Saraki, Ekweremadu through Court Order, may not be Easy A A

spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, the APC and The 2nd Vice President of Federal Government, are the Nigerian Bar Association making this move following (NBA), Mr. Moday Ubani, has Saraki’s defection from the said the plan by the ruling APC to the PDP. Ologbondiyan in the party All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Federal statement said, “credible Government, to overthrow the information at its disposal Senate President, Dr Bukola showed that some cabal in Saraki and his deputy, Ike the Presidency and APC, Ekweremadu, through court had perfected a plan to inorder as alleged by the Peoples stitute a lawsuit to challenge Democratic Party (PDP), may the validity of Saraki’s seat, with the sole aim of securing not be easy. The PDP had last week, a fraudulent injunction to raised an alarm over an al- force him out of office, leged plot by the APC and pending the determination the Federal Government, of of the substantive suit.” “Further intelligence “shopping for a fraudulent interim court order, to declare available to us, shows vacant the seat of the President that once they are able to of the Senate, Dr. Bukola secure the injunction from a particular compromised Saraki”. According to the PDP judicial officer, they intend statement signed by its to arraign and detain the

Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, on trumped-up charges, and ensure he is not granted bail, so as to keep him out of circulation while their men would move in to effect an illegal leadership change in the Senate. “While we trust that the Chief Justice of Nigeria will protect the sanctity of our Judiciary especially at this trying time in our national history, we call on the institution of the Judiciary at all levels, to immune itself from being used by enemies of our democracy, as no house falls leaving its roof standing. “This desperation by despotic forces to forcefully and illegally take control of the Senate, the highest symbol of our Democratic

Order, is nothing short of a “civilianised coup” which must be resisted by all. “The Judiciary must, therefore, ensure that it is not intimidated or ensnared, to be party to a desperate bid to destabilise our nation.” Ubani, reacting to this allegation said, “the Court will determine the correct position, after taking evidence. So, it is absolutely wrong to presume that the court will just remove Saraki and Ekwremadu, just like that. “We will advice APC to approach the court first, and hear the outcome. It may not be easy, as they presume. They were properly elected by the Senate, and can only be removed by them, through an impeachment process. We know the procedure, in the Constitution.

Imo, Benue Impeachment: Nigerians look up to the Judiciary, to save Democracy, says Adegboruwa A A A Lagos-based Lawyer and Human Rights Activist, Mr. Ebun Olu Adegboruwa, has urged the Judiciary to rise up to the occasion of the cascading voices of confusion and brigandage raging the country, and save the nation’s democracy. Adegboruwa made the call, following the impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Mr. Eze Madumere, and the plot to oust Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State. In a statement titled, ‘Nigerians look up to the Judiciary to save Democracy’, the Lawyer said the events of the past few days, in Imo and Benue States, have become worrisome, especially in relation to the attempts to subvert democratic institutions. “The events of the past few days, in Imo and Benue States, have become worrisome, especially in relation to the attempts to subvert democratic institutions. We have seen how Police-

men in Benue State, physically prevented Lawmakers from gaining access to their place of work. “I urge the Judiciary, to rise up to the occasion of the cascading voices of confusion and brigandage raging in our land. Even during the Military regime, the Judiciary played its role of stabilising the nation. It cannot shy away from that noble role now, given the songs of war coming from all the political divides. Let Judges decide cases according to law, and according to their conscience, on whose side the pendulum of truth and justice tilts, and the heavens will surely not fall. “I also urge our political leaders, to consider the labours of our heroes past, and the struggles of our living patriots, and give our nation the golden opportunity to practice true democracy, nurtured by the rule of law and respect for due process. “Impunity and lawlessness, cannot birth true progress and development, especially when

justice, equity and fair play, have taken sudden flight. It may go your way today, but sorely and certainly, it will hinder you tomorrow. “Let us keep following the Constitution and the laws of our land, in all our dealings, and when we deviate, let the courts bring us back on track, without fear, favour, affection or ill will. “In Imo State, it was reported that a court issued an order of injunction, restraining the Imo State House of Assembly, from proceeding with the impeachment of the Deputy Governor. “Although the events are happening so fast, it is certain that most, if not all the disputes, will end up in the law courts. “It is possible that Governor Samuel Ortom may have questions to answer on the management of the resources of Benue State, or his performance in office generally, for I remember vividly that it was this same

Governor that commissioned wheels barrows, at a time. However, that has to be dealt with, in accordance with due process, not with Policemen barricading the Assembly to enable 8 persons in a 30 member Assembly, to purport to commence processes to impeach the Governor. The era of lawlessness and impunity, promoted by previous lawless governments, is gone forever in our history as a nation. “I cannot say whether the Deputy Governor of Imo State, is an ex-convict or not, or whether or not he may be guilty of any misconduct warranting his impeachment, but, once a court has issued an order of injunction restraining the Imo State House of Assembly on the impeachment, then it amounts to legislative rascality, for that House to have proceeded with the impeachment, as such is null and void and of no effect whatsoever”, Adgboruwa stated.

NGO Seeks Diplomatic Communities' Support Over Legal Aid YttttttttttJtttt ttttttttLtttttttttt A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Providence Legal Aid Initiative (PLAI), has solicited the support of the Diplomatic Communities, in its bid to offer legal aid to the people across countries. PLAI made this known, while its representatives led by two members of the Board of Trustees, a Legal Consultant Roland Akindele and Mr Henry Leigh, met with the Sierra Leonean High Commissioner, Hajia Afsatu Olayinka Kabba, in Abuja. The Organisation said it is poised to offer gratuitous legal services, to transform the entire world, and make access to justice easier. This was contained in a statement by the International Director of the Organisation, which copy was made available to THIS DAY in Lokoja, recently. Mr. Henry Leigh, after the meeting, said the move was to secure the commitment of the diplomatic communities to the ideals of PLAI. He explained that the NGO, was set up to secure justice for the vulnerable and the low income earners, across countries. PLAI therefore, urged the Sierra Leonean High Commissioner, to assist in galvanising support of the diplomatic communities, ECOWAS Com-

mission, the African Union (AU) and United Nations agencies, towards achieving its obejectives. Leigh further said, to enable the Organisation perform optimally and achieve its goals, arrangements had been concluded to establish a chapter in Sierra Leone. He said, "PLAI's mission is to secure justice and resolve fundamental problems across countries, for those who are of low income and who are vulnerable in the society, by providing high quality legal services and working for systemic solutions". He said the scope of the Organisation include consumer rights, domestic violence, education, employment, family law, health, housing, immigration, utilities and taxation. The High Commissioner however, assured PLAI of her support in the Organisation's bid to make living more bearable for the people, through legal assistance. She also advised the NGO, to liaise with the Sierra Leone Legal Aid Board, to fast track the process of establishing a chapter in Sierra Leone. The meeting was attended by Mr. Mohammed Sorie Conte, Head of Chancery; and Mr. James Lebbie, Counsellor/First Secretary of the Sierra Leonean High Commission in Nigeria.

LEGAL UPDATE IBA ANNUAL CONFERENCE, ROME 2018 The 2018 IBA Annual Conference, will be held in Rome, the Eternal City. Founded nearly 3,000 years ago, the city is renowned for its ancient ruins, classical architecture, renaissance palazzos and baroque fountains. Rome is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, and will provide an elegant backdrop for the IBA Annual Conference. The Conference will bring together delegates from all over the world, for the largest and most prestigious event for International Lawyers, providing an abundance of business and networking opportunities, not to mention the chance to explore one of the most fascinating cities on Earth. This year the Opening Ceremony, will take place on Monday, October 8, at 09.30. Romano Prodi, former President of the European Commission 1999-2004 and former Prime Minister of Italy 1996-1998, 2006-2008 is Opening Ceremony Keynote Speaker. “As President of the IBA, I am thrilled to invite you to join me at the International Bar Association’s 2018 Annual Conference in Rome, Italy. As the central event of the international legal community’s calendar, the IBA’s Annual Conference presents an unparalleled opportunity to exchange knowledge, and to create and renew a global network of colleagues and business contacts”, Martin Šolc, IBA President said.

07.08.2018

Osigwe: I love the NBA, but I Love Justice More Akinwale Akintunde The immediate past Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Mazi Afam Osigwe, has said that dragging the NBA to court over his unjust disqualification from contesting for the position of President of the Association, does not amount to not loving the Association, but that he love justice more. Osigwe made this statement, while giving reasons as to why he dragged the NBA, an Association which he was seeking to lead, to court. According to him, it’s not right for someone to sue an Association he seeks to lead, but sometimes to sanitise a system, you need to challenge the system. “I love the NBA, but I love justice more. Normally, I don’t think it is right for someone to sue an Association he seeks to lead, but sometimes to sanitise a system; you need to challenge the system. “I also went to court, so that this does not happen to another person. If that makes me a sacrificial lamb, so be it. Some people call me and say, “Oh! by suing the NBA, if you apply for Silk tomorrow, they won’t give you.” I tell them that when it is my time to take Silk, if it is the will of God, I will take it. “I will not for fear of what will happen today, fail to take a necessary action, and it’s not about benefits, because if it were, I’m sure if I sit down to negotiate, I can be promised juicy things. But at some point in your life, you must live for or be remembered for something, and I

want people to be able to reference my case as a point where people stood up to challenge this system. “Probably, this has continued because people always accepted this in silence, but I cannot, and I don’t believe we should. We will do all that is necessary, for us to diligently get justice in the matter.” The former NBA General Secretary, said the events surrounding the NBA election, have shown to those who felt that he made a wild allegation about attempts to unjustly influence the process and take decisions not supported by law, that his allegations were actually not unfounded. “I say this, bearing in mind the reasons for my disqualification, because the matter is pending in court, I will only describe the grounds for my disqualification, as being spurious. “We had cause to point out that, the mode the Electoral Committee embarked on in collecting data for the Electoral Committee was not only wrong, but impracticable, and in conflict with the letter and spirit of the NBA Constitution, and that it also wrongly gave too much power to the Branches, and that the power, could be abused. "We did point out that, the proper thing for the NBA to do, was to rely on data collected from the statement of account, that it was wrong to ask Branches to collect tellers from members, and that this was worrisome in the light of the fact that some candidates paid practice fees and branch dues for young Lawyers, and kept those tellers without giving it to them. They

Mazi Afam Osigwe

did the submission of documents on their behalf, and only gave them photocopies of tellers, long after the date stipulated for that. "We pointed out that, if you look at the second schedule (to the NBA Constitution), it presupposes that the act of registering to be a voter is the act of the Lawyer, and that under the NBA Constitution, the Electoral Committee lacks the power to

delegate data collection to Branches, that all the Branches are supposed to do, is to submit the list of members of their Branches that paid Branch dues, and for NBA to match it with its data and produce the preliminary voters’ list, and require Lawyers to go online and register to vote. So, by updating your records, you have indicated that you want to vote. Unfortunately, this was not done”, he added.

Legal Personality of the Week Uloma Okoro

‘A Lawyer Should be Surrounded With Inspiring Colleagues’ I am Uloma Okoro. I am married with two children. I grew up in Owerri, Imo State, attended Federal Government Girls’ College, Owerri, studied Law at Imo State University, and then proceeded to the Nigerian Law School after which I was called to the Nigerian bar. I have undergone several professional trainings since then, including a Senior Management Program at the Lagos Business School. I began my law practice at Mike Ahamba (SAN) & Co, where I spent a few years, before moving to Lagos to join the law firm of Olisa Agbakoba, SAN. I did a lot of litigation within that time, and I was opportune to handle many high profile cases; even up to the Supreme Court. After a considerable number of years, I moved to the Aviation Sector, starting as the Assistant Manager, Legal Services at the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc and then going on to become the Head, Legal Services Department. I worked with NAHCO till sometime in 2017 when I left to join the Insurance Sector. At the moment, I am the Head, Legal Services and Compliance Unit at Cornerstone Insurance Plc. Have you had any challenges in your career as a Lawyer, and if so, what were the main challenges? During my early years as a young lawyer, my major challenge was proving to clients that I could do the job. I was quite young at the time, and so each time clients saw me, (especially the elderly men), the first reaction would be shock. And then, I would see the doubt on their faces, because it was as if their fates were entrusted into the hands of a very young girl. For this reason, I always had to put in twice as much effort, to prove

Honorable Justices, without fretting. When the case was called, I spoke very confidently, challenging the other party at any little chance that I got. What I did not know was that because we had not filed our Appellant’s brief, there was a limit to how much steam I could blow. Of course, the Honourable Justices quickly pointed that out, and they made no joke about it. Let’s just say that, I got my first baptism of fire that day.

Uloma Okoro

to them that I could deliver. Secondly, moving from core legal practice to the Aviation Sector, was not very easy. Thankfully, I was able to learn the rudiments on my own; by reading a lot and asking lots of questions. I had the same experience when I moved to the Insurance Sector last year, but now, I can safely say that I am no longer new to the Sector. What was your worst day as a Lawyer? That was many years ago, while I was still in the law office of Mike Ahamba, SAN. I was just a little over a year at the Bar, when I was sent to the Court of Appeal in respect of a land matter. I read through the case several times, so I was confident that I could face the

What was your most memorable experience as a Lawyer? In 2007, my law firm handled President Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidential election petition against the late former President, Yar’Adua. It was a very enlightening experience, for me. I met many prominent Lawyers during that period, and I also learnt a lot from that experience. Even though we eventually lost the case, working on the case was a memorable experience for me. Who has been most inﬂuential in your life? My father. He was a lecturer at a College of Education in Owerri, and he taught me almost everything I know today, about working hard and chasing my goals. Why did you become a Lawyer? Honestly, I did not want to be a Lawyer when I was much younger. I wanted to be a Journalist or a News Reporter, because I was greatly inspired by the likes of Ruth Benemasia Opia, Frank Olize , and so on. I even gained admission into the University to study Mass Communication, and I studied it for a year. But, somehow, my parents were

able to convince me to apply for a change of course to Law. I guess I was too young to understand my capabilities at that time, but they knew me better than I knew myself, so they talked me into it. I eventually applied for a change of course at my University, and luckily, I had a comfortable grade so they granted my request, and here I am. Today, I am happy that my parents convinced me to make that choice, because I feel very much at home in the legal profession. It has opened several doors for me, and inspired me to achieve more. What would be your advice to anyone wanting a career in Law? The legal profession is an honorable profession, and there is no limit to what one can achieve as a Lawyer. However, a lot depends on hard work, lots of patience and a deliberate attempt to surround one’s self with inspiring colleagues. The road could be very rough at first; many law firms do not have the capacity to pay attractive salaries to their juniors, and that can be discouraging for any young person. The key is to keep working hard, and to keep looking for opportunities to learn and grow. With that, the sky will be the limit for such a person. If you had not become a Lawyer, what career would you have chosen? As I said earlier, I would have become a News Presenter. Where do you see yourself in ten years? I still miss litigation, so maybe I may return to core legal practice, but then one never knows. A lot depends on the opportunities which I will be presented with, in the course of time.

07.08.2018

APC, Defecting Senators, and the Challenge of History Yusuph Olaniyonu, writes about the recent ‘gale of defections’ by members of the All Progressives Congress to the main opposition Party, the People’s Democratic Party, concluding that the defections are not illegal, and that there is no reason to reconvene the National Assembly before the September 25 resumption date, as there is ample provision in the 2018 budget to last INEC till October

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki

Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom

‘Gale of Defections’ erhaps, the biggest issue the All Progressives Congress (APC) has to deal with, is what is now known in the media as, 'the Gale of Defections', in which some members of the National and State Houses of Assemblies, Governors, Local Government Chairmen, Councillors, an Ambassador, the National Spokesman and local Party Chieftains, abandoned its ship and headed to the main opposition party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The APC leaders seem unprepared for the development, even though, its own has been inevitable, since the party formed Government in 2015 at the Federal level and in 24 States. The APC that had done so well as an opposition party when it was formed in 2014, has appeared so incompetent in handling the fortune of electoral victory and the resultant power. It's leaders have behaved like the ancient General who got used to crushing external wars, that he returned home to provoke internal battle within his own army. Such Generals always end up on the wrong side of history, as their Commanders ended up bringing down the entire army.

parliamentary reconvening, their loyal Senators will either force Saraki to resign, or remove him by whatever means. Five, Saraki and the other defectors, have no electoral value. Six, blame Saraki as the singular factor responsible, for why the Buhari government failed to perform. APC leaders since the time they were in the opposition, believe they are adept at propaganda, and that they could always weave some narrative to explain any situation the party finds itself. Their fabrications were a major element, in the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan. In fact, they are already spewing forth claims that the first 16 years of the present democracy has been a waste, and that their last three years have been devoted to correcting the ills. I guess this is a debate that the country will have to deal with later on, as we inch towards 2019. Let us return to the six claims of the APC as enumerated above.

reason that these Senators fraternise with APC, but refused to formalise their defection in the Senate chambers. The new APC Senators, may also be waiting to stage a return to the PDP, if at the conclusion of the party primaries, they do not get what they want. The APC have been claiming to be in the majority, and that it is unprecedented for the party that has a majority to lose out in providing leadership. These claims raise a lot of questions. As at today, there are verifiable claims that the APC has lost its majority to PDP, or that both parties are at par. I believe there may be need for a headcount on the two sides of the Senate chamber, when they properly reconvene on September 25. More importantly, if for the sake of extending the argument, we assume without conceding that, the APC has a slim majority in the Senate, does that automatically translate to the change of the two presiding officers in the chambers? Going by the provision of the Constitution, history and parliamentary convention in a presidential system of government, the answer is no. Section 50 (1) (a) of the Constitution clearly states that "There shall be - a President and a Deputy President of the Senate who shall be elected by members of that House from among themselves". This means that all Senators, no matter their party affiliation, are qualified to be Senate President, provided the Senator can get the majority of the votes. In fact, in the present Senate, the only Senator who is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Umeh is qualified to be elected Senate President One can recall that this same APC was a mere assembly of rag tag opposition and sectional parties, until PDP members of the National Assembly and Governors joined them with fanfare in 2014. At that time, two of the biggest catches were Senator Saraki and Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal who was then Speaker of the House of Representatives. Tambuwal became Speaker in 2011, with the aid of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), one of the legacy parties that formed APC, against the wish of the PDP which wanted Hon. Mulikat Adeola Akande. He later defected to the APC, and remained as Speaker to the end. In fact, when he defected, Lai Mohammed, then Major General Muhammadu Buhari and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who are also ‘pissed off’ by the current 'gale of defections', were effusive in their praise for his action. What a double speak! In 1979, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), had the majority in both chambers of the National Assembly. Yet, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, was Rt. Hon. Edwin Ume- Ezeoke of the Nigeria People's Party (NPP). In the Senate, the Deputy Senate President was Senator John Wash Pam of the NPP, in a Senate with NPN majority. Thus, the immediate past arrangement where

Complaints Those who left APC have complained of lack of justice, equity, internal democracy, inclusion, the rise of a cabal within the Government, which has seized control of the administration, and ensures that it does not care a hoot about whether it delivers on the pre-election promise of economic recovery, fighting corruption and eliminating insecurity. APC Response However, what has surprised me is the manner in which the APC leaders have been responding to the point raised by the defectors, particularly the ones in the Senate, which included the Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. Instead of reassessing its performance in the areas mentioned by the defecting Senators, the party simply revved up its propaganda machinery, and started feeding the public with lies. In the process, they demonstrated their lack of respect for the provisions of the Constitution and extant laws of the Federation, universally acknowledged parliamentary conventions and ethos, as well as our country's political history. Let me summarise the reactions of the APC leaders, as it can be deduced from the statements credited to Messrs Adams Oshiomhole, Lai Mohammed, Abu Ibrahim, Abdullahi Adamu, Ali Ndume, and some other less known individuals on the party's propaganda team. One, the defection is illegal. Two, the defection is unprecedented. Three, there is need to forcefully reconvene both chambers of National Assembly, because there are urgent issues to be deliberated upon. Four, when they force the

Is the Defection Illegal? Is the defection of aggrieved Senators and others, illegal? Definitely not. Section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which stipulates the grounds on which a legislator will vacate his seat, gives a proviso which covers the present 'gale of defections'. It states that the defecting legislators shall not lose his seat if " his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or a merger of two or more political parties or faction by one of which he was previously sponsored". If the APC so badly mismanaged its conventions and congresses, as well as the general party administration up to the point that the r-APC emerged, formed a factional executive and even went to court to challenge the authenticity of the Oshiomhole group, then whose fault is it? The APC on its own created the condition contained in the constitutional proviso in Section 68 (1) (g). If the APC wants an interpretation of the word "division" as stated in the Constitution, as democrats, its leaders know where to head: The Court. In fact, it is the PDP which has legal grounds to challenge the defection of a few of its members like Senators Fatimah Raji Rasaki, Sunny Ogbuji and Hope Uzodinma, who just recently changed camp from a united and peaceful PDP to the APC. And this fact, must have been the

“DID BUHARI EVER WIN AN ELECTION IN KWARA STATE BEFORE 2015, WHEN SARAKI RAISED HIS HAND UP IN ILORIN?”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

8/COVER

07.08.2018

COVER/9

‘We’re Prepared to Deliver a World-Class NBA-AGC’ Nigerian Lawyers will converge in Abuja, the nation’s capital, for the 2018 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). This ﬂagship event of the Association, usually attracts over 10,000 participants. It is on record that, every NBA-AGC, has always presented its peculiar logistic challenges, and to eliminate the perennial complaints of Conferees, the NBA selected a veteran Organiser of many A-class Conferences, Mr. George Etomi, to be the Chairman of the 2018 Conference Planning Committee. He discussed with Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi, the extensive preparations that have gone into the Conference, which will hold from August 26th - 30th, 2018, with the theme“Transition, Transformation and Sustainable Institutions”, the Keynote Address to be delivered by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo

ouaretheChairmanoftheNBATechnicalCommitteeforConferencePlanning(TCCP) of the 2018 NBA Annual General Conference, which is scheduled to take place later this month in Abuja. Kindly, give us an overview of the Conference. How do Members register? Will it be online like last year? What are the highlights? It appears that the TCCP was constituted rather late and too close to this year’s Conference. How does the TCCP intend to surmount the inevitable challenges? It is correct that I am the Chairman of the Technical Committee for Conference Planning (TCCP) for the Nigerian Bar Association’s 58th Annual General Conference (AGC), to be held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria from the 26th - 30th August, 2018. The theme of the Conference this year is “Transition, Transformation and Sustainable Institutions” and it promises to live up to the world-class standard befitting of an Association such as the NBA, which is undeniably the largest Bar in Africa. The theme has been divided into Five (5) sub-themes – Diversity and Inclusion, Political Transition and Governance, Rule of Law and Security, Sustainable Economic Development, and Technological Disruption – all of which will shape the discussions at the Conference. As I mentioned earlier, the 2018 AGC is a worldclass Conference, and discussions at the Conference will adopt a global reference in examining current situations, challenges, and prospects of building sustainable institutions within Nigeria and other developing countries. The keynote address will be delivered by the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency, Nana Akufo- Addo. Our own President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, will be addressing the Conference at a special interactive

session titled “Conversation with the President”. The Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, is also expected to deliver an address, while the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Walter S Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON, will declare the Conference open. The faculty for the Conference, comprises of prominent experts and leaders including General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd), Former Nigeria’s Head of State (1998-1999), who will be delivering a paper on Political Transition and Governance in Nigeria based on his role in midwifing the transition to the current democratic dispensation, Aliko Dangote, GCON, who will be leading the discussion on Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria, Ms Laurie Kleiman, who will be leading the discussion on Diversity and Inclusion and Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari who will be leading the discussion on the Rule of Law and Security. The Conference will also feature sessions such as, Black Market of Everything (a snippet into the unregulated economy), Role of Millennials in Transition and Institution Building, Smash the Ceiling; Smash the Glass: the Problems of Retention of Women and Promotion to Leadership, Financial Inclusion and Wealth Management, and Emergence of Disruptive Technology in Legal Education and Legal Practice, among others. The insights and conclusions drawn from these discussions, will be reflected in a policy recommendation paper to be presented to various levels of government, organisations and other stakeholders responsible for leading transition and transformation in various sectors, as well as building sustainable institutions in Nigeria and beyond. In addition to the features of the Conference already highlighted, I will add that apart from the high-level discussions from people who have been successful change agents, Conference delegates will also get a vital opportunity to engage in knowledge sharing, networking and mentoring, as well as get an opportunity to tour Nigeria’s capital city.

George Etomi PHOTOS: Kolawole Alli

Concerning registration, members and non-members of the NBA, have been registering on the Conference’s purpose-built website, accessible at www.nbaconference.com. This has facilitated a timely and seamless Conference registration exercise, and that brings me to the issue of relaxation at the Conference. This year, we have developed a Conference Mobile App, which will be available for download on Apple and Play Store during the Conference. This App will be uploaded with the papers of all Speakers during the Conference, and will serve as an information dissemination platform to delegates during the Conference. It will similarly provide an opportunity for Conference feedback to the NBA, in preparing for other Conferences. In addition, we are concluding with an electronic legal research company, looking to provide a one-year free subscription to its legal research materials to all

“....THE 2018 AGC IS A WORLD-CLASS CONFERENCE, AND DISCUSSIONS AT THE CONFERENCE WILL ADOPT A GLOBAL REFERENCE IN EXAMINING CURRENT SITUATIONS, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF BUILDING SUSTAINABLE INSTITUTIONS WITHIN NIGERIA, AND OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES”

delegates. In all, since the time the TCCP was constituted, all members of the committee have worked tirelesslly in collaboration with NBA Secretariat, to identify various challenges and address them timeously. We are well prepared to host over 10,000 Lawyers and other delegates from across the African continent, at the Conference set to hold in the beautiful city of Abuja. Last year, many issues arose from the Conference - from people being unable to register online, to Conferees being unable to get the Computer Tablet which was part of the Registration package, to young Lawyers being evicted from the Law School where they were accommodated for the Conference, due to allegations of insufﬁcient payment to the Law School by the 2017 Conference Planning Committee. What steps have you taken to prevent the recurrence of these mistakes of the past? Registration for the Conference this year, cuts across all cadres of the Bar, and it is a great testimony to the simplicity and efficiency of the process, to see very senior members of the Bar registering for the conference in their thousands, even though the registration is being done online. Registration, is clearly not a problem for us this year. All the other issues you mentioned relate to logistical challenges, which we have taken necessary steps to address. WhatprovisionshaveyoumadeforoldermembersoftheNBAwhoarenotinternetsavvy, and may not be able to register for the Conference online? Apparently, many of them were excluded from the 2017 Conference for this reason. Will there

be provision to register at the Conference venue, or what plans have you put in place to ensure that they are not excluded this year? As I mentioned earlier, we have received registration details of thousands of much older members of the Bar, and we expect more to register before the registration closes because the process, though online, is very simple and efficient. We also have a contact support centre, available to assist anyone having issues with the online registration and the Help Desk numbers are displayed on the website for easy access. What provisions have you made, to assist the Young Lawyers who wish to attend the Conference, ease the ﬁnancial burden on them? We have made provisions for the sponsorship of 125 young Lawyers, from across the 125 branches of the NBA. We also plan to sponsor physically challenged Lawyers and some aged Lawyers (70 years and above), to the Conference. It is noteworthy that, some Past Presidents of the NBA have accepted to take full responsibility for the sponsorship of these categories of Lawyers. The theme of this year’s Conference: ‘Transition, Transformation and Sustainable Institutions’ apparently takes into cognisance the fact that the country is on the eve of an election year. But what institution does the NBA have in mind with regard to sustainability? The Conference theme, applies to all institutions in Nigeria and beyond. We have designed the various sessions of the Conference, to discuss the prospects and challenges of building sustainable institutions

‘THE INSIGHTS AND CONCLUSIONS DRAWN FROM THESE DISCUSSIONS, WILL BE REFLECTED IN A POLICY RECOMMENDATION PAPER, TO BE PRESENTED TO VARIOUS LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT, ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS RESPONSIBLE FOR LEADING TRANSITION AND TRANSFORMATION IN VARIOUS SECTORS, AS WELL AS BUILDING SUSTAINABLE INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA AND BEYOND”

in the public and private sectors. A session at the Conference, will also be examining the impact of steps being taken towards reforming the NBA as a professional body, and making the Sections of the NBA more impactful. The Key Note Speaker, the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo, is a notable CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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‘WE’RE PREPARED TO DELIVER A WORLD-CLASS NBA-AGC’

Lawyer with practice experience in England and Ghana. What informed his choice as Key Note Speaker? Beyond the fact that President Nana Akufo Addo is a notable Lawyer with practice experience in England and Ghana, he is without a doubt, one of the most respected Heads of State on the continent. His background as a former Attorney-General of Ghana and Foreign Affairs Minister, puts him in good stead to speak on local and international issues, with great insight. He is eloquent and legendary. What many may also not know, is that he has a connection with Nigeria that dates back to many years. He gave the keynote address at the NBA – Section on Business Law (SBL) Conference which held in Abuja in 2008, while he was preparing for his first attempt at running for the office of the President of the Republic of Ghana. We believe he is in a perfect position, to set the tone for the Conference, considering the theme of the Conference. Conversation with the President seems exciting to Nigerian Lawyers, but do you have plans for Lawyers to at least ask President Buhari a few questions directly? How interactive will this session be? We are looking to conclude on the

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format for the Conversation with the President in a short while, and we hope that Lawyers will be able to send in their questions for the President electronically during the interactive session. Speakers who the TCCP chose, like Aliko Dangote, Deputy Governor, Central Bank, Aisha Ahmad, Jim Ovia, MD Microsoft Nigeria, Laurie Kleiman, and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu- Ojo, while commendable, gives the impression that the focus of the Conference will be tilted heavily towards business. What is the rationale for this? Permit me to correct that impression, that the Conference is heavily tilted towards business. The truth rather, is that, we have designed a Conference with well-balanced sessions. The NBA as an organisation, runs on a pivot of what you might call ‘advocacy, business law and politics’. The three Sections of the NBA, will be fully represented and have ‘their day’ at this year’s Conference, while it is also our hope that going forward, the Conference will be anchored around the activities of the NBA Sections. We fully understand that it is important for the NBA to show its full face at the Conference, which has been designed to reflect the interests of all the Sections.

“WE ARE WELL PREPARED, TO HOST OVER 10,000 LAWYERS AND OTHER DELEGATES FROM ACROSS THE AFRICAN CONTINENT, AT THE CONFERENCE SET TO HOLD IN THE BEAUTIFUL CITY OF ABUJA”

The NBA through its activities, has become a brand worthy of emulation throughout Nigeria, and it is therefore, important that the Conference reflects the all-encompassing leadership role the NBA plays in various aspects of the Nigerian life. Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment!!! Lawyers have complained in the past, that our AGCs are boring, with too many lectures and workshops. Please, shed some light on speciﬁc events that will thrill and entertain Lawyers, apart from the movie premiere? As the adage goes, ‘all work and no play makes jack a dull boy’; we have made preparations for very exciting activities at the Conference, including the premiere of a blockbuster movie titled THE WITNESS BOX, the Annual Bar Dinner, the UnBARed Reloaded Concert which will feature some of the biggest artistes in the Nigerian music industry. Interestingly this year, we have redefined the model of our Friendship Centre. At the Friendship Centre, we are going to put in place, an avenue for proper relaxation where there will be a serene environment with various side attractions including exhibitions, table tennis, Pool (Snooker) and live bands, among other equally exciting features. There will be raffle draws during the Conference, where delegates stand a chance of winning a brand new car and other amazing items. I encourage all, to be a part of this. While most Lawyers are expecting Conference materials in electronic format, it does appear that your Committee is planning hardcopies in form of Conference folders designed with Ankara/Adire fabric. Have Nigerian

Lawyers not advanced beyond printed hard copies of Conference materials? On the contrary, what the TCCP has done thus far, is to emphasise the intellectual content of the Conference. Just as many Lawyers expect, we are advancing with the times, and have moved away from the past era when Conference materials such as presentations made by Speakers, were distributed in print copies. This year, the presentations and other important Conference materials, will be accessible through the mobile applications we have developed, and the Conference website. Delegates will also be able to access the software for legal research tools, through the mobile applications. We are clearly, not going back, on the adoption of technology. However, for convenience sake, we will distribute bags to Conference delegates, so they can easily keep and move their items around. There have been several controversies running up to the 2018 NBA Elections, including that of the disqualiﬁcation of Afam Osigwe and Chamsgate? What exactly were the issues? Has it affected the Conference Planning in any way? Our mandate at the TCCP does not extend to the 2018 NBA Elections, and you can rest assured that the elections have not in any way affected Conference planning. The TCCP will continue to work with the national officers of the NBA, ably led by the President, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, OON, SAN to deliver a world-class Conference befitting of the status of Africa’s largest Bar, and we enjoin all who intend to join us for an incredible experience in Abuja, to quickly register for the Conference on the Conference website at www. nbaconference.com.

07.08.2018

THE LIGHTER SIDE/11

LEGAL HUMOUR As Mr. Smith was on his death bed, he attempted to formulate a plan that would allow him to take at least some of his considerable wealth with him. He called for the three men he trusted most - his Lawyer, his Doctor, and his Clergyman. He told them, "I'm going to give you each $30,000 in cash before I die. At my funeral, I want you to place the money in my coffin so that I can try to take it with me." All three agreed to do this and were given the money. At the funeral, each approached the coffin in turn and placed an envelope inside. While riding in the limousine back from the cemetery, the Clergyman said, "I have to confess something to you fellows. Brother Smith was a good churchman all his life, and I know he would have wanted me to do this. The church needed a new baptistery very badly, and I took $10,000 of the money he gave me and bought one. I only put $20,000 in the coffin." The Physician then said, "Well, since we're confiding in one another, I might as well tell you that I didn't put the full $30,000 in the coffin either. Smith had a disease that could have been diagnosed sooner if I had this very new machine, but the machine cost $20,000 and I couldn't afford it then. I used $20,000 of the money to buy the machine, so that I might be able to save another patient. I know that Smith would have wanted me to do that." The Lawyer then said, "I'm ashamed of both of you. When I put my envelope into that coffin, it held my personal check for the full $30,000. ˾˾˾ Did you hear about the new microwave Lawyer? You spend eight minutes in his office, and get billed as if you'd been there eight hours .

We Hold Your Brief JUDE IGBANOI jude.igbanoi@thisdaylive.com Dear Counsel, There is a need for you, to shed some light on certain societal issues which I find worrisome. Recently, there was a burglary in our premises, which led to the arrest of our security man. Because I was so sure he wasn’t behind the crime, I went to the Police Station with my Lawyer, to try to secure his bail. It took three days before he was eventually released, and this was after the Police apprehended the real culprit, from whom most of the items were recovered. But, our security man later narrated to me, how he was threatened, tortured, and that they even tried to force him to write a statement that he participated in the crime. We saw marks on his arms and back, to confirm this. He also told us that, this was a daily occurrence at the Police Station. Why does this injustice go on, especially against persons who are innocent of a crime which they were arrested for? What can be done in such situations? R.O., Ojo Road, Lagos. Dear R.O., The issue of torture of crime suspects, is one that has been with us for many decades in this country. It is not only illegal, but unconstitutional.

It is sad that this shameful act still goes on in some Police Station. Section 34(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides at (a) that no person should be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment. However, all hope is not lost, especially with the recent enactment of the Anti-Torture Act 2017. It provides at Section 7(1) of the Act “a person” who participates in the infliction of torture or who is present during the commission of the act is liable as the principal; (2) a superior military, police or law enforcement officer or senior government official who issues an order to a lower ranking personnel to torture a victim for whatever purpose, is equally liable as the principal (4) the immediate commanding officer of the unit concerned of the security or law enforcement agencies is held liable as an accessory to the crime, for any act or omission or negligence on his part that may have led to the commission of torture by his subordinates.’’ I have no doubt that, with these legal and constitutional provisions, acts of torture or degrading treatment by security agencies, will soon be a thing of the past. In your case however, your security man can institute a court action against the Police, for damages. Please, talk to your Lawyer about this.

APC, DEFECTING SENATORS, AND THE CHALLENGE OF HISTORY Senator Saraki of the APC emerged as Senate President, while Senator Ike Ekweremadu of PDP as his Deputy, has an antecedent in the Second Republic. In fact, in 2007, Vice President Abubakar Atiku defected to ACN in a PDP administration, and the court endorsed the arrangement. Also, in 2015, in Plateau and Benue States, the minority party, APC in this case again, provided the Speaker, while the PDP conceded in the interest of peace. So, what is different in the Eighth Senate, that the APC leaders are threatening to bring the parliament or Nigeria down, if they are not allowed to change the leadership of the legislature? Why the Urgency to Reconvene? The APC leadership, are also threatening that they will not wait for September 25, the adjourned date of the National Assembly to reconvene the legislature, because there are some urgent issues to be deliberated upon. What are the urgent issues? The election budget proposal of INEC and the nominations into the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)? It has been confirmed that INEC has enough provision in the 2018 budget to last it till October, by which time the NASS would have reconvened to consider its election budget. Also, why does Government in this country wait till the last minute before submitting election budgets to the legislature? Since 1999, it has been known that, general elections will hold every four years. Is the rush a pre-planned strategy, to prevent the legislature from scrutinising the proposed expenditure, and the rationale for it? This is an issue, that should form

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the subject of another debate, Also, the process for reconvening the Senate before an adjourned date is explicitly stated in Order 12, Rules 1, 2 and 3 of the red chamber's Standing Order. The Rule states that, the leaders of all the parties in the Senate, must write a letter, requesting the Senate President to reconvene the Senate on a particular date for the purpose of dealing with issue(s) of urgent national importance. If the Senate President is convinced by the purpose of the request, he will then direct the clerk of the Senate, to give notice to all members to resume for Plenary on a particular date. It is after fulfilling these conditions, that the issue of quorum as defined in Section 54 (1) of the Constitution will now come into play. Thus, the APC Senators who are desirous of reconvening the Senate before the adjourned date of September 25, need the PDP leadership, and more importantly, the Senate President, to realise their wish. And one is sure that they know that, for as long as their intention is dubious, devious and selfish, the premature reconvening will not legally take place. Saraki Issues Again, if the APC plans to forcefully change the Senate leadership under Saraki, they should familiarise themselves with the provision of the Constitution in Section 50(1)(c). By that provision, the Senate President can only " be removed from office by a resolution of the Senate... by the votes of two-thirds majority of members of that House".

On the issue of whether Saraki and other defectors have Electoral value or not, I think 'res ipsa loquitor', as Lawyers will say. Let me use the only woman among the defectors in the Senate, to demonstrate that the APC spinners need another narrative to earn their pay. Senator Monsurat Sunmonu was Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly between 2011 and 2015, before becoming a Senator. What that means is that, she won elections into the Hose of Assembly and on the floor of the House of Assembly. And somebody will come in now, and say she has no electoral value. Did Buhari ever win an election in Kwara State before 2015, when Saraki raised his hand up in Ilorin? The last point about the claim that Saraki was responsible for the failure of the Government to fulfil its electioneering promise, is very laughable. The man must be a god, to be going in and out of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Appeal and Supreme Court in the last three years, and still retain the potency to ensure that the Almighty APC administration with its ubiquitous and formidable cabal, fails to provide good governance to the people. I think the claim is a mere scapegoating, setting up excuses for Government’s failure and escapism. The APC Goebbels can do better, in finding a more logical excuse. This won't gel with Nigerians. The 2019 election, is still some seven months away. Some more rigorous thinking, will provide better explanations. Shi ke nan! Yusuph Olaniyonu, Lawyer, Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

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Is Section 396(7) of the ACJA Consistent with the Provisions of the Constitution? In this Paper delivered by Learned Senior Advocate, Asiwaju Awomolo, he thoroughly examines the issue of the vacuum created, when a Judge who is conducting a criminal trial, is elevated to the Court of Appeal, and the conﬂict between the provisions of the Constitution and the ACJA, when this situation arises. Also, with the aid of decided cases, he concludes that in this instance, an elevated judicial ofﬁcer, cannot continue to hear the matter, because from the point of elevation, he/she lacks the requisite jurisdiction to do so. In his opinion, the only resolution to the issue, is for the matter to be commenced ‘de novo’, before a Judge that has the requisite jurisdiction, to hear the matter

History N THE BEGINNING, we all agreed that the British Administration in Nigeria, bequeathed a public service of dedicated, patriotic and disciplined officers. On 1st October, 1960 Nigeria became an Independent country, with elected Nigerians in Legislative and Executive arms of Government. The Judiciary consisted of men of learning, character and integrity, and ranked among the best in the world. In 1966, the army staged a coup whereby the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was set aside, and took over the governance of the country. One of the grounds for the coup d’etat, was the allegation of corruption against the politicians, who occupied public offices in the Executive and Legislature. Corruption continued to ravage Nigeria, and at a point, it was thought by eminent and credible Nigerians, that corruption had dug deep into the fabric of Nigeria and unless it was uprooted, it would be capable of killing Nigeria. The Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria, also became a victim of corruption, to the extent that the criminal trial of politically exposed persons, dragged on for many years. Between 2008 - 2014, many allegations of corruption, abuse and misuse of public office by politically exposed persons, dragged on unreasonably and it was believed that corruption was winning. Some Judges of the High Court who were hearing these cases, were elevated to the Court of Appeal resulting in these cases being heard de novo, (from the beginning). The prosecuting authorities complained of frustration and difficulties in gathering witnesses, and it was suggested that a law be enacted, to allow Judges of the higher courts who may be elevated, to come back to complete the hearing and deliver judgement. Legislation The Executive presented a bill for Administration of Criminal Justice which amended the Criminal Procedure Act and Criminal Procedure Code, which reflects in Section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). Section 396(7) of the ACJA provides as follows “ notwithstanding the provision of any other Law to the contrary, A Judge of the High Court who has been elevated to the Court of Appeal shall have dispensation to continue to sit as a high court Judge, only for the purpose of concluding any partly heard criminal matter pending before him at the time of his elevation, and shall conclude the same within a reasonable time, provided that this section shall not prevent him from assuming duty as a justice of a Court of Appeal”. The provision of Section 1(1) and (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Federal High Court Section 253 of the Constitution provides that: “The Federal High Court shall be dully constituted if it consists of at least one Judge of that court” The intendments of this provision, in our humble view, is that the jurisdiction conferred on the Federal High Court by virtue of Section 251 (1), (2) & (3) and 252 of the Constitution shall be by at least one Judge of that court, Federal High Court only. Unless this provision is amended, no Judge of the State High Court, National Industrial Court or any Judge of any other court of coordinate jurisdiction, can constitutionally exercise the powers under Section 253, not being a Judge of that court. The Constitution specifically identified the Judge as “one of that court”. With respect, no Act of the National Assembly alone can amend, expand, alter or substitute “Judge of that court” with any Judge or Justice of the other courts, established under Section 6 of the Constitution.

Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN

1999 (as amended) provides thus; 1(1) The Constitution is Supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (2) .............................. (3) If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail and that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be void” Section 4 of the Constitution provides; 4(1) The legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be vested in the National Assembly of the Federation which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives. (2) ................................................ (3) The power of the National Assembly to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation with respect to any matter included in the Executive Legislative list shall, save as otherwise provided in this Constitution, be to the exclusion of the House of Assembly of States. Section 6 of the Constitution as amended, provides thus; 6(1) The judicial powers of the Federation shall be vested in the courts to which this Section relates being courts established by this Constitution. Section 6(5) provides; (5) This section relates to a. The Supreme Court of Nigeria b. The Court of Appeal c. The Federal High Court d. The National Industrial Court of Nigeria

“UNLESS THIS PROVISION IS AMENDED, NO JUDGE OF THE STATE HIGH COURT, NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL COURT, OR ANY JUDGE OF ANY OTHER COURT OF COORDINATE JURISDICTION, CAN CONSTITUTIONALLY EXERCISE THE POWERS UNDER SECTION 253, NOT BEING A JUDGE OF THAT COURT”

e. The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory f. The High Court of a State g. The Sharia Court of Appeal Sections 230-236 of the Constitution, relate to the Supreme Court. Sections 237-248 relate to the Court of Appeal. Sections 238-240 relate to the jurisdiction exercisable by the Court of Appeal. Section 248, specifically, provides the power that enables President of the Court of Appeal to make rules for regulating the practice and procedure of the Court. The intendment of the provisions of the Constitution, is that judicial officers appointed by the President and sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, can only perform the judicial powers or jurisdiction constitutionally assigned to each of the Courts under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to which the judicial officer took his judicial oath For the Federal High Court specifically and independent of other Sections, the Constitution in Sections 249- 254 provides for the appointment of the judicial officers of that court, whose duty includes the right to exercise the judicial powers under the provisions of Sections 251 and 252 of the Constitution. The powers conferred upon judicial officers, under the provision of each category of court, is immutable. It cannot be altered by any person or authority, referred to under Section 1 of the Constitution. The National Assembly’s legislative powers to alter the provisions of the Constitution, can only be by an Act of the National Assembly to amend or alter the provisions of the Constitution, with the concurrence of 2/3 of the States of the Federation – Section 9 of the Constitution. The implication of this provision of ACJA, is that a justice of the Court of Appeal, lawfully elevated from the High Court bench, shall at the same time, maintain dual appointments and exercise dual judicial powers in two different courts. The question is whether the provision of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, is consistent with the provisions of the Constitution and existing judicial decisions of the superior court relevant to this dual status.

Court of Appeal For the Court of Appeal, Section 239(2) provides that the court in its original jurisdiction, shall be duly constituted if it consists of at least three Justices of the Court of Appeal. In its appellate jurisdiction, Justices of the court can only exercise judicial powers to hear and determine appeals if it consists of not less than 3 Justices of the Court of Appeal. The meaning is that, a Justice of the Court of Appeal cannot exercise the judicial powers of a “Judge” of any other Court or Justices of any other superior courts created under the Constitution. To eliminate misgivings, the National Assembly enacted the Court of Appeal Act, with specific jurisdictions to the Justices of the court. Section 3(2) of the Court of Appeal Act provides that: “The President shall rank equal to a Justice of the Supreme Court and the other Justices of the Court of Appeal rank next to the Justices of the Supreme Court and equal to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.” The Appellate powers of the Court of Appeal in Sections 15, 18, 19 and 26 do not include hearing cases by calling witnesses and writing judgements as a court of trial. We are of the view that this provision further shows the enhanced status and rank of a Justice of the Court of Appeal which practically exceeds that of a High Court Judge of the Federal High Court. It is important to note that, the Constitution referred to judicial officers of the Federal High Court as Judges of that court, whereas it referred to judicial officers of the Court of Appeal as Justices of the Court of Appeal. It is not in doubt and settled that, in interpreting the provision or any specific section of a Statute or indeed the Constitution, such provision or section should not be read in isolation of the other parts of the Constitution. In other words, the statute or Constitution should be read as a whole, in order to determine the intendments of the making of the Statue or Constitution. Please see CHIEF ODUMEGWU OJUKWU v CHIEF OLUSEGUN OBASANJO (1999) 7 SC (Prt 11) 30. We hold the view, respectfully, that the hierarchy of Superior Courts of records in Nigeria, is not made separate in the Constitution for nothing. Indeed the making and separation of

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IS SECTION 396(7) OF THE ACJA CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION?

the provision in respect of each hierarchy of court from High Courts and terminated at the Supreme Court, is deliberate. The distinct qualification and the procedure for appointment and swearing in of such judicial officials, is to establish the importance of each level having regard to the responsibility the Constitution ascribes to each level. A judicial officer, elevated from the rank of the High Court to the Court of Appeal, is not and cannot be, equated with other judicial officers not elevated or considered and rejected for elevation. The makers of the Constitution are presumed to have memory, and cannot be pressured to having made the mistake in the separation of the mode of addresses, judicial duties and responsibilities of each level of the court. Limits of Legislative Powers of the NASS The limit of the legislative powers of the National Assembly was pronounced upon in the case of INEC v MUSA (2003) 3 NWLR (Part 806) 72. In that case, the Independent National Commission (INEC) issued guidelines for registration of political parties that contradicted the provisions of the Constitution. Erudite Justices of the Supreme Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Muhammed Lawal Uwais, the then Chief Justice of the Federation. In the lead judgement which was read by him, other Justices included Hon. Justice Salihu Modibo Belgore, Idris Legbo Kutigi, Anthony Ikechukwu Igah, Akintola Ejiwumnu, Emmauel Olayinka Ayoola and Niki Tobi of blessed memory. The Court unanimously held among other things; The Constitution, is supreme and the validity of any provision will be tested by the following inter-related proposition, that is, 1. The legislative powers of the legislature cannot be exercised inconsistent with the Constitution; where it is so exercised, it is invalid to the extent of such inconsistency. 2. Where the Constitution has enacted exhaustively in respect of any such situation, conduct or subject, a body that claims to legislate in addition to what the Constitution has omitted, must show that it has derived the legislative power accordingly to do so from the Constitution. 3. Where the Constitution sets the condition for doing a thing, no legislation of the National Assembly or of a State House of Assembly can alter those conditions in any way, different or indirectly, unless the Constitution itself as an attitude of the supremacy, expressly so authorises. The summary of the Supreme Court’s decision, is to the effect that the legislative powers of the National Assembly, cannot be exercised inconsistently with the provisions of the Constitution. The overall supremacy of the National Assembly, is subject to the overall supremacy of the Constitution, and it cannot legislate inconsistently with the provisions of the Constitution. The issue under consideration is anchored on jurisdiction of the court. It is settled law, that jurisdiction is the life wire of adjudication, and if a Court has no jurisdiction to decide a case, the proceedings remain a nullity ab initio, no matter how well conducted and decided. This is so, since a defect in competence is not only intrinsic, but extrinsic to the entire process of adjudication. Please see the cases of OLUSEGUN EGUNJOBI v FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA (2012) 12 SC (PT. IV) 148; FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA & ANOR v LORD CHIEF UDENSI IFEGWU (2003) 8 SCM 111. The Supreme Court in the celebrated case of MADUKOLU & ORS v NKEMDILIM ANLR (1962) 581 @ PG. 590-591, laid the law upon an iron cast foundation, that before a Court can be said to be competent or claim to have jurisdiction in respect of any matter, the following conditions must all be satisfied: 1. The Court must be properly constituted, with respect to the number and qualification of its members. 2. The subject-matter of the action, must be within the jurisdiction of the Court. 3. The action must be initiated by due process of law. 4. Any condition precedent to the exercise of the jurisdiction of the Court, must have been fulfilled. Please, also see the cases of NATIONAL UNION OF ROAD TRANSPORT WORKERS & ANOR v ROAD TRANSPORT EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA & 5 ORS (2012) 1 SC (PT. II) 119; CHIEF IKEDI OHAKIM & ANOR

“IT IS CLEARLY A CONTRADICTION OF THIS JUDICIAL OATH, FOR THE HONOURABLE JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF APPEAL, TO DESCEND TO THE LOWER COURT TO HEAR UNCOMPLETED CASES. IT IS INVALID, NULL AND VOID” v CHIEF MARTIN AGBASO & 4 ORS (2010) 6-7 SC 85. We believe that the Judge cannot qualify to sit in two courts of uncoordinate jurisdiction, and placing reliance on the above-cited decisions where a Court is improperly composed/constituted with respect to the number and qualification of its members, the said Court becomes incompetent to adjudicate on a matter. Please, see the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of HON. DONEGBUE v HON. E.O. ARAKA (1988) 7 SC (PT. III) 98, where it was held that: ‘’Jurisdiction is tantamount to competence, and competence has a wide meaning. It relates to the composition of the Court, the territorial jurisdiction of the Court, and the substantial jurisdiction of the Court.’’ Please, also see the case of REAR ADMIRAL FRANCIS ECHIE AGBITITI v THE NIGERIAN NAVY (2011) 1-2 SC (PT. III) 144, where the Apex Court held that: ‘’One of the requirements that must be satisfied before any Court can exercise jurisdiction, is that the Court must be properly constituted as regards members and qualifications of the members, such that no member of the Court is disqualified from being a member of the Court, having regard to the provisions of the statue establishing the Court.’’ It is a settled principle of law that, jurisdiction of a Court of law cannot be assumed. It must be based on the Constitutional provisions and Statues, that established the Court. Please, see the case of PROF. STEVE TORKUMA UGBA & 4 ORS V GABRIEL TORWUA SUSWAM & 4 ORS (NO. 2) (2012) 6 SC (PT. II) 56, where the Apex Court held that: ‘’Jurisdiction of Courts is granted by Statute or Constitution, but not by Courts. In which case, no Court shall have jurisdiction to go beyond the provisions of the enabling law. Otherwise, it will be ultra vires.’’ Please also see the case of JOSIAH AYODELE ADETAYO & 2 ORS v KUNLE ADEMOLA & 2 ORS (2010) 3-5 SC 89, where it was held that: ‘’The fundamental nature of jurisdiction, is that it does not exist in vacuum, because all Courts of law derive their power, authority and therefore, jurisdiction, either under the constitution or under specific statutes. In respect, no Court can assume jurisdiction in the absence of having been constitutionally or statutorily empowered.’’ Previous Relevant Decisions In 1977, Hon. Justice Nnaemeka-Agu, a Judge of the Anambra State High Court, was the trial judge in a land matter. On the 13th day of June, 1977, learned trial Judge listened to the addresses of counsel on both sides and adjourned judgement to the 17th day of June, 1977. Two days previous to 17th June, 1977, Hon. Justice Nnaemeka-Agu was appointed a Justice of the Federal Court of Appeal. The argument of the Appellant, was that as at the 17th June, 1977, when the learned trial Judge delivered his judgement, he had ceased to be the Judge of the High Court of Anambra State. Eminent and most respected Justices of the Supreme Court including Hon. Justices G. Sodeinde Sowemimo, C.J.N., Mohammed Bello, Chukwunweike Idigbe, Kayode Eso and Anthony Nnaemezie Aniagolu on the 5th of July, 1979, upheld the argument that the judgement delivered by the Hon. Justice Nnaemeka-Agu on the 17th June, 1977 was illegal and void.

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We refer to OGBUNYIYA v OKUDO & 3 ORS 12 NSCC Vol.121, 77. Section 290(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, provides that a person appointed to any judicial office shall not begin to perform the function of the office until he has declared his assets and liabilities as prescribed under the Constitution, and has subsequently taken and subscribed under the Constitution, to the Oath of allegiance and the Judicial oath prescribed in the Constitution. It is important to have in mind, in this discussion the judicial oath in the Seventh Schedule. We think a Justice of the Court of Appeal who had sworn that “...............I will discharge my duties and perform my functions honestly to the best of my ability and faithfully in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law; that I will abide by the Code of Conduct contained in the fifth schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that I will not allow my personal interest to influence my office conduct or my official decision that I will preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” will do otherwise or act on the grounds or act on illegal authorisation of any person or authority or a law that is void, is unthinkable It is clearly a contradiction of this Judicial Oath, for the Hon Justices of the Court of Appeal, to descend to the lower court to hear uncompleted cases. It is invalid, null and void. The Supreme Court in the case cited above, upheld the argument that effective from the date that Hon. Justice Nnaemeka-Agu became Justice of the Federal High Court of Appeal, he ceased to be a Judge of the Anambra State High Court, and that when therefore, on 17th June, 1977, he gave judgement, he did so without jurisdiction. There is the argument that, Counsel for the accused persons, applied to the President of the Court of Appeal, to give dispensation for a Justice of the Court of Appeal “to continue to function as a Judge of the Federal High Court”, after the swearing in and taking Judicial Oath as a Justice of the Court of Appeal. The provision of ACJA in our opinion, is seeking to compete with the express provision of the Constitution. The Supreme Court in OLOYEDE ISHOLA v AJIBOYE (1994) 7-8 SCNJ 1 put the law succinctly in these words: “The Constitution is supreme not only when another law is inconsistent with it, but also when another law seeks to compete with it in an area already covered by the Constitution” The ACJA cannot give power to the President of the Court of Appeal to do a thing or act, power inconsistent and violently in contradiction to the express words of the Constitution. The President of the Court of Appeal having taken judicial oath to protect and preserve the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, must refuse to act in such direction or law. The law is settled that, the parties as well as the Court are bound by the provisions of the Constitution. The Supreme Court in NWAGBA v FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA (2009) 5 – 6 SC (PT. II) 1 @ 14 puts the law succinctly thus: “The position of the law has been re-stated severally, that jurisdiction is an all-important issue that the court cannot confer it upon itself, when the enabling Statute has not done so. The parties, even where they consent to do, cannot confer jurisdiction on a court where the enabling Statute has not done so” We believe, most respectfully, that, neither the President of the Court of Appeal, the Hon. Justice of the Court of Appeal and the parties, cannot compromise or agree to do an illegal thing. The agreement is null and void. The law is that, when an act is void, it is void altogether and nothing can be placed on it. On a lighter note, how would the Justice sign the judgement? If he signs as “a Judge of the Federal High Court” he lies, and if he signs as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, it is unlawful. How then does he sign? What are the Options and their Consequences? The learned trial Judge if he concludes the trial, he may find them guilty of the offences charged, convict and sentence them to various terms of imprisonment or fine or both. He may also find no merit at all on some of the counts, and thereby, discharge and acquit them. The most probable consequence of such decision on appeal, is setting aside the decision for being void. My suggestion is that, the prosecution should accept, professionally to re-arraignment of the Defendants in a trial de novo. In such circumstances, where there are ten or more counts, it should be reduced to a manageable 3 counts, having regard to the evidence available. There is a suggestion that, if after the appeal against conviction has been allowed on grounds of inconsistency with the Constitution, a re- arraignment should be considered. This may be faced with a defence of preview conviction or acquittal under Section 36(9) of the Constitution which provides thus: “No person who shows that he has been tried by any court of competent jurisdiction or tribunal for a criminal offence, and either convicted or acquitted, shall again be tried for the offence or for a criminal offence having the same ingredient as that offence, save upon an order of a superior court.” In all, the best option is to begin the trial de novo, notwithstanding the provision of Section 396(7) of the ACJA. Asiwaju Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, FNIALS, FCIArb, Abuja

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ACJA 2015: Do We Iron Out the Creases? Eyitayo Fatogun, considers the issue of the lacuna created, when a High Court Judge, while hearing criminal matters, is elevated to the Court of Appeal. Even though the ACJA permits such a Judge, to return to complete part-heard criminal matters in the lower court, he concludes that, the Constitution does not permit this

Chief Justice of Nigeria , Hon. Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen

he administration of justice in Nigeria has been slow, so slow that many litigators have been left either wounded or in deep lamentation. Some matters weaving and bobbing their way up from the Magistrates Court to the Apex Court, spend as much time as a child would from Crèche to University. The process led the Supreme Court to opine in ARIORI v ELEMO, that the situation was intolerable. There have been judicial dicta from the superior courts of record, indicating and agreeing with the age long view that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’. For that reason, constitutional and statutory strictures, for instance, have led to the acceleration of election petition disputes. Similarly, in civil proceedings, the system of frontloading of documents, delimitation of viva voce testimony, as well as the curtailing of oral advocacy, have made things more comfortable! Again, the upsurge in the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, has made things more bearable for disputing parties. However, the criminal administration of justice system, has remained endangered by sluggish indices aimed at vindicating the innocent or condemning the guilty. Aims of the ACJA The draftsman, through the wisdom of the Legislature, then came with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 (ACJA). The major aim of that enactment, is to remove the potholes and other speed breakers, that normally torment the criminal process. Accordingly, the ACJA stipulates an ill-appreciated liberalisation of conditions, for the grant of bail. It also ensures that the defendant does not use interlocutory applications, to stultify or stagnate the due administration of criminal justice. Perhaps the boldest innovation of the

ACJA, is the provision in section 396 (7) which allows a trial judge after elevation to the Court of Appeal, to return to the trial court in order to conclude part-heard proceedings. The provision is, in the language of the draftsman, that: “Notwithstanding the provision of any other law to the contrary, a judge of a High Court who has been elevated to the Court of Appeal, shall have dispensation to continue to sit as a High Court Judge only for the purposes of concluding any part-heard criminal matter pending before him at the time of his elevation, and shall conclude the matter within a reasonable time.” Certainly, the draftsman would, like Archimedes, have shouted ‘Eureka!’ Unfortunately, that provision has generated more heat than light, especially because there is no judicial determination of the legality of that provision. It ought to be noted that, the High Courts of the different States, as well as the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, have and exercise jurisdiction in criminal cases. Similarly, the Federal High Court (which has the widest criminal jurisdiction yet), as well as the National Industrial Court, exercise jurisdiction in a variety of criminal cases. Of emerging relevance, is the fact that twelve or so Judges were elevated from those Courts to the Court of Appeal, leaving in their trail, several matters which are presently in limbo. A few of the newly-inaugurated Justices of the Court of Appeal, have apparently returned to their previous courts, for the purpose of concluding unfinished trials. In order to energise the ongoing conversation with regard to the legality of the ongoing development, several points ought to be noted. Questions The first is that, each court created by the Constitution has its jurisdiction spelt out by the Constitution, as well as by Statute. Conventional wisdom is

President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa

very clear, on the fact that any person appointed and sworn in as a Judge or Justice of any of the courts so established, exercises (in the case of the High Courts) the jurisdiction of that court sitting alone. Conversely, our appellate system is collegiate, in the sense that a quorum is required for the exercise of jurisdiction vested in either the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, except as may be established by Statute for proceedings in chambers or delivery of judgements. In that connection, it must also be noted as a second point that, each of the courts has its vestments or judicial robes, as the case may be. It is not very common in our judicial milieu (except in the magistracy or tribunals), to find a Judge sitting without appropriate robes. Thus, a judge at the High Court sits in open court in a plain black gown, while at appellate court level, there is a strip of a shade of red. As one commentator quipped “what gown would a newly-elevated Judge wear, when he returns to his former court?” Would he be appropriately attired if he or she returned to his former court in his former attire? The hood, you might say, does not make the monk, but would the monk be immediately obvious, were he to adorn the robes of a chorister or a sister’s habit? This sounds so simple, but the dimensions are untidy and complex, hence the question “Do we iron out the creases?” As a reminder, the great Lord Denning, as Master of the Rolls, had recommended for those charged with the arduous task of interpretation of statutes, to recognise the creases in pieces of legislation and to iron them out by themselves, without waiting for the draftsman. This recommendation was roundly condemned by his opponents, as ‘judicial law-making’. In our part of the world, we have a written Constitution which looms high and above any other law, and so the test of legality of a Statute, must lie in contextualising same against relevant provisions of the Constitution. Where, therefore, the question is

“WHERE, THEREFORE, THE QUESTION IS WHETHER A JUSTICE OF THE COURT OF APPEAL, CAN RETURN TO HIS FORMER COURT TO CONCLUDE A PARTHEARD MATTER, THE ANSWER MUST LIE IN THE CONSTITUTION, AND THE ANSWER IS AN UNHESITATING ‘NO!”

whether a Justice of the Court of Appeal, can return to his former court to conclude a part-heard matter, the answer must lie in the Constitution, and the answer is an unhesitating ‘No!’ The simple explanation is that, when a Judge of the High Court is elevated to the Court of Appeal, he loses his ordinary jurisdiction as a trial Judge, and can only exercise the appellate jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal, having regard to the fact that the Court of Appeal can only exercise original jurisdiction, when hearing a Presidential Election dispute. By that token, a Court of Appeal Judge, is not a space craft that can orbit in space, and then return to earth after its mission is concluded. Within our judicial milieu, no Judge can exit a court, and have a right to re-enter that court to preside over proceedings, lest he be dressed in borrowed robes. Eyitayo Fatogun Esq., Legal Practitioner, MCIArb

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FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH FEDERAL SECRETARIAT COMPLEX, PHASE III, AHMADU BELLO WAY, ABUJA

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE EXECUTION OF 2018 CAPITAL PROJECTS The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated funds to the Federal Ministry of Health in the Year 2018 Appropriation. The Ministry intends to use its budgetary allocation, Intervention funds and funds from other sources for the procurement of Goods, Works and Services/Consultancy for the execution of Policies, Programmes and Projects towards achieving its mandate.

g. h.

Evidence of registration with relevant regulation agencies. Evidence of financial capacity to execute the project including Reference Letter from reputable Commercial Bank indicating willingness to provide credit facility for the execution of the project when needed. i. Similar jobs executed in the last five (5) years including Letters of Awards, Valuation Certificate, Job Completion Certificates and Photographs of projects. j. Company's Audited Accounts for the last three (3) years: 2015, 2016 and 2017. k. Evidence of Manufacturer's Authorization of dealership/distributorship appointment where applicable (Note that only authorization letter from BPP approved list of Manufacturer and Equipment for Tertiary Hospitals will be considered). l. Sworn affidavit that (a) firm is not bankrupt (b) None of the Director is an exconvict or bankrupt (c) that any officer of FMOH or Bureau of Public Procurement is former or present Director, shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in its bid, that all information presented in its bids are true and correct in all particular. m. Company profile with Curriculum Vitae of Key Staff to be deployed for the project, including copies of their Academic/Professional qualifications and registration with professional bodies. n. List of Plants/Equipment with proof of ownership/lease (where applicable). o. Bidders for cleaning and fumigation service must present registration certificate of Registration as Environmental Health Service Provider. p. All documents for submission must be transmitted with a Covering/Forwarding letter under the Company/Firm's letter head paper bearing amongst others, the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Contact Address, Telephone Number (preferably GSM No.) and e-mail Address. The Letterhead Paper must bear the Names and Nationalities of the Directors of the Company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authorised officer of the Firm.

2. Accordingly, the Federal Ministry of Health invites qualified, interested and eligible vendors; suppliers; contractors; Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and consultants to tender for the procurement of Goods, Works and Services appropriated under various Departments of the Ministry as specified as follows: A: GOODS Procurement of Stationeries, Office Equipment, Furniture, Drugs, Reagents and Commodities, HIV/Test Kits, IRS Insecticide, Net Hanger Kits, Dental Chairs, Automated Blood Screening Machine, Quality Control Equipment, Vehicles, Printing and Production of Document, Journal etc Category A: Goods 1. Lot A1:Procurement of Office Consumables, Furniture and Equipment 2. Lot A2: Procurement of Vehicles 3. Lot A3:Procurement of Drugs 4. Lot A4:Procurement of Medical Consumables 5. Lot A5:Procurement of Security Gadget B: WORKS Procurement and Installations of various Medical Equipment; Procurement and Installation of Solar Power System at Various Federal Hospitals; Maintenance and Rehabilitation Ministry Headquarters; Construction of Medical Centres, Federal Medical Centres, Outreach Centres, Occupational Health Centres, etc.; ICT Portal Development; Repair and Equipping of A & E Department at various University Teaching Hospitals, Federal Medical Centres; Constituency projects under works. These items fall into the following lots. Category B: WORKS 1. Lot B1:Procurement and Installation of Medical Equipment [Note: Only contractors with Authorization Letters from the BPP approved list of Manufacturers and Equipment for Tertiary Hospitals will be considered] 2. Lot B2:Construction and Equipping of Child Maternal Health Centre at Uturu, Abia State 3. Lot B3:Rehabilitation and Provision of Hospital Equipment for Accident & Emergency Unit for New Bussa Hospital, Borgu LGA. 4. Lot B4:Provision of Internal Road and Drainages in D'Kudu General Hospital and total rehabilitation of D'Kudu General Hospital Buildings 5. Lot B5:Completion of Research Laboratory Road Network Parking Lots in Lamingo Jos. 6. Lot B6: Rehabilitation/Repair of Federal Ministry of Health Headquarters Building. 7. Lot B7:Procurement and Installation of Solar Power System at Various Federal Hospitals. 8. Lot B8: Construction of Model Occupational Health Centre in Abuja. C: REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL/CONSULTANCY SERVICES Consultancy for the Supervision of Construction/Rehabilitation projects; Conduct of Baseline Survey, Specific Researches/Investigation etc. for various Departments and Agencies within the Ministry. These items fall into the following lots; Category C: CONSULTANCY SERVICES 1. Lot C1:Consultancy for the Supervision of Construction Category D: REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (NON-CONSULTANCY SERVICES) 1. Lot D1:Cleaning and Fumigation Services (Bidders must present Certificate of Registration as Environmental Health Service Provider). Note: Details and specification for categories of various lots are as contained in the Bid · documents. · Bidders are advised to contact the Procurement Department for further information on the categorization as sub-lots may apply to some lots for effective procurement of health commodities and equipment according to various specifications. 2. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT AND QUALIFICATION CRITERIA In order to be considered, interested bidders shall present the following documents in their technical tender; a. Evidence of Certificate of Incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) including Form CAC2 and CAC7 b. Evidence of current Pension Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2018. c. Evidence of Company Income's Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) st years valid till 31 December, 2018. d. Certificate of Compliance with Industrial Training Fund (ITF) valid till 31st December, 2018. e. Certificate of Compliance from Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) valid till st 31 December, 2018. f. Evidence of Registration on the National Database of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) expiring on 1/1/2019 or valid Certificate issued by the BPP.

Note: ·

All pages of document submitted must be authenticated by the Company CEO or his/her representative, Failure will lead to disqualification.

3. COLLECTION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS Interested bidders are to collect Standard Bidding Document from the Office of the Chief Procurement Officers at Rooms 302/306 3rd Floor, Federal Ministry of Health Headquarters, Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase III CBD, with their Compact Disc (CD) to collect the soft copy of the Standard Bidding Document. Bidders for works are to submit only their technical documents as only technical qualified bidders will be invited to collect tender documents. Other document(s) to support the qualification and tender documents as may be contained in the Standard Bidding Documents. For further enquiry contact Procurement Department via email: fmohprocurement@gmail.com 4. SUBMISSION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS Prospective bidders for goods are to submit: (A)Two (2) hard copies each of the technical and financial bids.(B)Soft Copy of the financial bid for each of the Lot desired, packaged separately in sealed envelopes and clearly marked as “Technical Bid” or “Financial Bid”. Thereafter, put the two sealed envelopes together in a bigger sealed envelope addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and clearly marked with (the name of the project and the Lot No.). Furthermore, the reverse of each sealed envelope should have the name and address of the bidder, project title and Lot No. and dropped in the designated th Tender Box not later than 12:00 noon 12 September, 2018 at: rd Room 3.11 Podium G, 3 Floor Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Secretariat Phase III 5. CLOSING DATE AND TIME th Closing date is 12 Noon 12 September, 2018 for all submission. 6. OPENING OF BID The technical bids will be opened immediately after the dateline for submission 12:00 Noon th rd 12 September, 2018 at the Conference Room on the 3 Floor of the Ministry in the presence of bidders or their representatives, while the financial bids will be kept un-opened. Note that, the Ministry will not be held liable for misplaced or wrongly submitted Bids. 7. a. b. c. d. e.

GENERAL INFORMATION Bids must be in English Language and signed by an official authorized by the bidder. Bids submitted after the dateline for submission would be returned un-opened. Bidders shall not bid for more than two (2) Lots. All costs will be borne by the bidders. Only Technically qualified bidders for goods will be contacted at a later date for financial bid opening, while financial bids of un-successful bidders will be returned un-opened. The Federal Ministry of Health reserve the right to annul the process at any time without incurring any liabilities in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Procurement Act 2007. This advertisement shall not be construed as a commitment on the part of the Ministry nor shall it entitle tenderers to make any claims or seek any indemnity from the Ministry by virtue of his/her response to the Advert. Signed; Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

PenCom Begins Verification, Enrolment of Prospective FG Retirees Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has commenced the verification and enrolment of employees in the service of the federal government who are due to retire between January and December, 2019. The exercise is for employees who are due to retire next year by virtue of the attainment of 60 years of age or 35 years in service (whichever is earlier), or 65 years by age for employees of tertiary institutions or 70 years for professors. Already, over 2,700 federal civil servants from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Niger State had commenced their verification and enrolment exercise with Pencom in Abuja. The exercise is part of the second phase of the nationwide programme which is also ongoing in two other centres in Lagos and Ibadan.

The first phase had already been concluded in 12 other centres across the nation. The purpose of the exercise was to facilitate the payment of their retirement benefits. The physical enrolment also covered those who have already retired but were yet to be enrolled. PenCom, in a statement by its Head, Corporate Communications Department, Peter Aghahowa said: “Employees were requested to attend the enrolment exercise with the originals and copies of their letters of appointment, evidence of transfer of service and acceptance (where applicable), birth certificate/declaration of age, promotion letter and pay slip indicating grade level and step as at June, 2004.” Others are promotion letter and pay slip indicating grade level and step as at January, 2007, promotion letter and pay slip indicating grade level and

step as at July, 2010, promotion letter and pay slip indicating grade level and step as at December, 2013. Also required for the enrolment exercise include letter of introduction from the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), staff identity card, letter/evidence of retirement (where applicable), letter of indemnity from the MDA. “The prospective retirees are also requested to come with evidence of registration with a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) indicating Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) Personal Identification Number (PIN). To ensure a successful and hitchfree exercise, the Commission requires the presence of at least, one Pension Desk Officer (PDO) from each MDA in order to assist in identifying potential retirees as well as confirm the authenticity of the documents presented by the employees.

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, CRC Credit Bureau Limited, Mr. Tunde Popoola; Executive Director, Access Bank/ Chairman, CRC Credit Bureau Limited, Dr. Greg Jobome; Senior Consultant, EMEA, Fair Isaac Corporation, Mr. Peter Ould and Deputy Director, Banking Supervision Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Abdul Azeez Barau, at the industry forum on growth and innovation in retail banking organised by CRC Credit Bureau Limited in Lagos…recently ETOP UKUTT

NBS: NAFDAC Impounded N3bn Substandard Goods in 2017 Nume Ekeghe A report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has disclosed that in 2017, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) impounded fake and substandard goods valued at N3 billion. The report posted on NBS official website yesterday, stated that last year, 6,999 applications were received for products registration. While products presented for registration approval were

11,406. In addition, the agency registered 11,240 products in 2017, while 166 products were rejected, and none was withdrawn, according to the report. It added, “Registered products for 2017 data revealed that 4,296 applications were received for new products registration, 6,999 products were presented for registration approval, 11,406 products were granted registration; 166 products registration were rejected, and zero number was withdrawn while fake

and substandard products worth N3,000,000,000 were impounded during the year. “Data on imported products registered in the year under review reflected that 2,910 applications were received for new products registration while 2,812 products were registered. “Similarly, data on locally made products registered in the year under review reflected that 4,089 applications were received for new products registration while 8428 products were registered.”

GTBank, NIS Develop ePayment Solutions for Immigration Services Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) has announced its partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and New Works Limited, to deliver an end-to-end process for Nigerians to apply for their International Passports online. The solution is also to make it easy for Nigerians to pay for passport online. According to a statement, the multi-channel payment system would enable Nigerians apply for all international passport types (new and renewals) online and make payments on all GTBank’s

e-channels using the reference ID generated at the application stage. The Comptroller General of Immigration, Muhammed Babandede, inaugurated the payment office located inside the passport office at Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos recently. Also, at the event was the CEO of GTBank, Mr. Segun Agbaje and representative of New Works Limited, Alhaji Usman Kuso. The statement revealed that five other payment offices would be set up at Alausa, Festac, Port Harcourt, Kano

and the NIS Headquarters in Abuja. Commenting on the partnership, Agbaje said: “We are delighted to be at the forefront of digital banking solutions that are making banking faster, cheaper and simpler for every Nigerian. We believe that creating a multichannel payment system for immigration services reflects our commitment to driving digital banking solutions that not only drive financial inclusion but also positions us at the centre of an ecosystem that offers benefits beyond banking.”

Union Bank PartnersTEDxLagos Nume Ekeghe Union Bank has announced its partnership with TEDxLagos for its upcoming event scheduled for Saturday, August 18, 2018. The partnership is part of the bank’s efforts to support and promote development in the country. TEDx is a global platform created in the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth sharing.” According to a statement, the Lagos event would focus on bringing together some of Nigeria’s best minds; entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators and reformers to share thought provoking ideas that will

encourage decisive action for the benefit of the society. Speaking on the bank’s partnership with TEDxLagos, the Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing at Union Bank, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem said, “Union Bank is excited about this partnership with TEDxLagos; a platform synonymous with sharing and inspiring great ideas. Coming off our centenary celebration where we unveiled the Next100 Fund idea, we truly believe that great ideas and collaboration are key to moving Nigeria forward. We hope that the event unearths new ideas and stories that will help us build better communities

around us.” The ticketed event would take place in Lagos and was expected to draw members of the TEDxLagos and international TED communities as well as thought leaders across various sectors. “Union Bank’s partnership reiterates its continued commitment to innovation, creativity and support for Nigeria’s growth. The bank recently released the second edition of its citizenship, sustainability and innovation (CSI) report, a compendium which outlines the impact Union Bank has made within its host communities and its commitment to its customers and other stakeholders.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA) 2018

Month

MARCH

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)

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 • Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Month Inter-Bank Call Rate

MARCH 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 • Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT, FRI, 3, AUGUST , 2018 The price of OPEC basket of ﬁfteen crudes stood at $72.07 a barrel on Friday, compared with $71.61 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), Djeno (Congo), Oriente (Ecuador), Zaﬁro (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

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, AUGUST 7 2018

MARKET NEWS

Zenith Bank Records N82bn Half-year Profit, Pays N9.4bn Interim Dividend Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie

25 kobo paid in the corresponding period of 2017. According to notification to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the interim dividend would be paid to shareholders whose names appear on the bank’s register on August 17, while payment would be made on August 24, 2018. The N9.42 billion interim dividends would be paid from a profit after tax

Zenith Bank Plc yesterday announced an interim dividend of N9.42 billion for the half year (H1) ended June 30, 2018, following the release of the bank’s results. The dividend, which translates to 30 kobo per share, is higher than the N7.5 billion or

(PAT) of N81.7 billion recorded by for the H1, up from N75.3 billion in 2017. Zenith Bank Plc posted gross earnings of N322.2 billion in 2018, down from N380.4 billion in 2017. Net interest income stood at N154 billion compared with 139 billion in 2017. Impairment charges fell from N42.4 billion to N9.7 billion, while non-interest income

reduced from N118.2 billion to N93.5 billion. Profit before tax improved from N92.2 billion to N107.4 billion, while PAT stood at N81.7 billion, compared with N75.3 billion in 2017. Market operators said with higher interim dividend, shareholders should expect a higher final dividend at the end of the year. The bank had paid a total dividend of N2.70

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED AS OF

per share for 2017. The Chairman of the bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, had told shareholders at the annual general(AGM) last despite the challenging operating environment, the bank was able to achieve improved performance in its financial results in 2017. He said profit before tax rose by 24 per cent from N140bn in 2016 to N174bn in 2017, while

total assets of the bank grew by 13 per cent from N4.28tn in 2016 to N4.83tn in 2017. “This translated into an excellent performance that stands as a testament to the durability and resilience of the brand. Clearly, the results are once again a reflection of the exceptional financial health of the bank and the group,” he said.

A S AT 2 5 / 0 7 / 2 0 1 8

Price List (Equities) PRICES FOR PREMIUM BOARD SECURITIES FINANCIAL SERVICES

S/N 1 2 3 BANKING S/N 4 OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRIAL GOODS S/N 5 6 BUILDING MATERIALS INDUSTRIAL GOODS OIL AND GAS S/N 7 EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION OIL AND GAS PREMIUM BOARD TOTALS Price List (Equities) PRICES FOR MAIN BOARD SECURITIES AGRICULTURE S/N 8 9 10 CROP PRODUCTION S/N 11 FISHING/HUNTING/TRAPPING S/N 12 LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES AGRICULTURE CONGLOMERATES S/N 13 14 15 16 17 DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES CONGLOMERATES CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE S/N 18 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION S/N 19 20 INFRASTRUCTURE/HEAVY CONSTRUCTION S/N 21 REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT S/N 22 23 24 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS) CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE CONSUMER GOODS S/N 25 AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS S/N 26 27 28 29

BANKING ACCESS BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FBN HOLDINGS PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm) 290,726.11

TRADES

VOLUME

30 BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS S/N

10.05

0.50

121

39,218,652

324,894.50

9.50

3.83

164

51,696,669

729,968.48

23.25

0.65

334

20,395,987

619

111,311,308

PRICE %CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

269

88,103,288

269

88,103,288

888

199,414,596

TRADES

VOLUME

71 171 242 242

1,566,520 3,389,126 4,955,646 4,955,646

TRADES

VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm) 337,415.75

MARKET CAP(Nm) DANGOTE CEMENT PLC 4,004,519.24 LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. 238,519.28

BUILDING MATERIALS

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD

PRICE %CHANGE

MARKET CAP(Nm) 382,488.96

9.40

2.17

35 36

PRICE %CHANGE 235.00 27.50

-5.98

PRICE %CHANGE 650.00

1 1,131

23 204,370,265

37 38 FOOD PRODUCTS S/N 39 40 FOOD PRODUCTS--DIVERSIFIED S/N 41 42 HOUSEHOLD DURABLES S/N

MARKET CAP(Nm) 440.00

CROP PRODUCTION FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC

0.20

6,000

79,174.53

83.00

52,070

59,550.00

59.55

4 10

2,331 60,401

FISHING/HUNTING/ TRAPPING ELLAH LAKES PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 511.20

TRADES 0 0

LIVESTOCK/ANIMAL SPECIALTIES LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC.

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. JOHN HOLT PLC. S C O A NIG. PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ARBICO PLC. INFRASTRUCTURE/ HEAVY CONSTRUCTION JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. ROADS NIG PLC. REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS) SKYE SHELTER FUND PLC UNION HOMES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST (REIT) UPDC REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,890.00

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,217.75

PRICE %CHANGE

PRICE %CHANGE 4.26

PRICE %CHANGE 0.63

-10.00

PRICE %CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

44 PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CONSUMER GOODS FINANCIAL SERVICES

TRADES

VOLUME

1,381,338

1,441,739

TRADES

VOLUME

47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 BANKING

41,429 2,484 0

45,932.23

1.13

-0.88

141

15,088,087

38,033.11

13.20

3.41

57 211 211

918,564 16,050,564 16,050,564

TRADES

VOLUME

0 0

TRADES

VOLUME

44,977

165.00

6.60

MARKET CAP(Nm) 4,417.27

S/N

24.30

PRICE %CHANGE 1.70

62 63

44,977

TRADES

VOLUME

10,032

TRADES

VOLUME

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,900.00

95.00

11,300.89

45.20

24,014.43

9.00

71 72

AUTOMOBILES/AUTO PARTS DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm) 954.53

BEVERAGES--BREWERS/DISTILLERS CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GOLDEN GUINEA BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC.

MARKET CAP(Nm) 16,363.65

PRICE %CHANGE

0 55,009

TRADES

VOLUME

2 2

50,000 50,000

PRICE %CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

76 77

73 0.20

2.09

10.00

181,940

242.22

0.89

210,276.75

96.00

56,204

322,344.82

14 PRICE %CHANGE

37.50

MARKET CAP(Nm) 28,255.67

1 0

32,076.00

MARKET PERSONAL/HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS CAP(Nm) P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA 60,152.73 PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA 301,900.03 PLC.

0 0

PRICE %CHANGE

3,387.70

DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNA366,991.02 TIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC 54,762.37 GUARANTY TRUST 1,141,929.75 BANK PLC. JAIZ BANK PLC 16,499.98 SKYE BANK PLC 9,299.80 STERLING BANK PLC. 40,882.39 UNION BANK NIG.PLC. 163,076.22 UNITY BANK PLC 10,052.83 WEMA BANK PLC. 29,702.34

MARKET CAP(Nm)

MARKET CAP(Nm) 1,680.31

HOUSEHOLD DURABLES NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC. VITAFOAM NIG PLC.

VOLUME

0.58 3.25

4.79

FOOD PRODUCTSMARKET -DIVERSIFIED CAP(Nm) CADBURY NIGERIA 20,096.76 PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. 1,149,351.57

BANKING

0.46

PRICE %CHANGE

MARKET FOOD PRODUCTS CAP(Nm) DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS 43,500.00 PLC DANGOTE SUGAR 186,000.00 REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. 117,680.89 HONEYWELL FLOUR 13,639.94 MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTE1,340.10 GRATED FOODS PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS 1,167.21 PLC. NASCON ALLIED 52,988.77 INDUSTRIES PLC UNION DICON SALT 3,676.41 PLC.

S/N

225.71 2,111.93

MARKET CAP(Nm) 711.32

NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. 835,676.26

26,600

78 79

INSURANCE CARRIERS, BROKERS AND SERVICES AFRICAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC AIICO INSURANCE PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC. GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC GREAT NIGERIAN INSURANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INS. PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC. N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE CO. PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC. STANDARD TRUST ASSURANCE PLC SUNU ASSURANCES NIGERIA PLC. UNIC DIVERSIFIED HOLDINGS PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC VERITAS KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC

MARKET CAP(Nm)

104.50

-0.95

PRICE %CHANGE 8.70

120

1,838,853

168

2,103,597

TRADES

VOLUME

-3.87

111

1,855,941

15.50

-8.82

137

3,475,870

28.70

-3.37

399,972

1.72

413,062

0.36

6.55

100

20.00

148,647

13.45

333

6,293,592

TRADES

VOLUME

-0.93

214,832

58 94

85,880 300,712

PRICE %CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

PRICE %CHANGE 10.70

22.10

3.25

18 18

418,355 418,355

PRICE %CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

15.15

93,754

52.55

0.86

672,868

PRICE %CHANGE

766,622

692

9,932,878

TRADES

VOLUME

17,963,392

1.22

-6.15

20.00

-2.44

1,206,671

1.89

9.88

153

13,867,658

38.80

-0.51

132

7,843,882

0.56 0.67 1.42 5.60 0.86 0.77

-8.20 -1.49 1.43 -2.61 -4.44 2.67

29 36 753 55 10 44 1,321

3,220,000 4,050,686 6,526,046 1,313,640 580,262 3,616,619 60,188,856

PRICE %CHANGE

TRADES

VOLUME

4,117.00

0.20

4,296.73

0.62

78,231

26,775.00

2.55

1,000

1,890.00

0.27

3.85

805,985

16,388.94

1.58

-0.63

213,004

4,271.56

0.29

2,411.47

0.53

1,913.74

0.50

2,333.20

0.38

539.32

0.42

2,416.73

0.33

502,470

4,296.33

1.00

4,000

6,400.00

0.80

19,550

2,400.00

0.30

-9.09

1,065,386

15,577.48

2.95

-1.67

1,065,441

2,012.26

0.26

99,952

1,985.05

0.52

4.00

421,754

1,667.19

0.25

4,507,300

1,918.39

0.23

-8.00

1,094,489

5,422.63

0.42

4,483.72

0.48

2,800.00

0.20

50,100

516.46

0.20

8,000.00

0.50

4,160.00

0.30

˾ TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018

Nigeria Daily Stock Market Report:

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Gains 12bps Yesterday, Monday, 6th August 2018, the Thisday ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ ŝŶĚĞǆ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ϭϮďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϱϭϴ͘ϰϳ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ zd ůŽƐƐ ƐƚŽŽĚ Ăƚ ϭ͘ϲй͘ dŚĞ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ performance of the index yesterday was due to price ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ ZENITH ;нϬ͘ϰйͿ͕ ACCESS ;нϬ͘ϱйͿ ĂŶĚ UBA ;нϮ͘ϲйͿ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůǇ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ Ϯϭ͘Ϭй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞǆ͘

Sell Pressure in Bellwethers Drags Performance͙ ASI down 6bps

Further

ƚ ƚŚĞ ĐůŽƐĞ ŽĨ ƚƌĂĚĞ ƚŽĚĂǇ͕ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ǁĂƐ ĚƌĂŐŐĞĚ ďǇ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŝŶ ďĞůůǁĞƚŚĞƌƐ – DANGCEM (Ϭ͘ϰйͿ͕ NIGERIAN BREWERIES (-Ϯ͘ϬйͿ and FLOURMILL (-ϵ͘ϬйͿ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŽīƐĞƚ gains in ETI ;нϰ͘ϯйͿ͕ WAPCO ;нϴ͘ϵйͿ ĂŶĚ UBA ;нϮ͘ϳйͿ ƉƵƐŚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůů ^ŚĂƌĞ /ŶĚĞǆ ; ^/Ϳ ϲďƉƐ ůŽǁĞƌ ƚŽ ϯϲ͕ϰϳϵ͘ϰϮ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ zd ůŽƐƐ ƐƚŽŽĚ Ăƚ ϰ͘ϲй͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůǇ͕ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ůŽƐƚ Eϳ͘ϰďŶ ĂƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝǌĂƟŽŶ ĨĞůů ƚŽ Eϭϯ͘ϯƚŶ͘ ĐƟǀŝƚǇ ůĞǀĞů ǁĞĂŬĞŶĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĨĞůů ϯϭ͘ϱй ĂŶĚ ϱϮ͘Ϯй ƚŽ ϭϴϮ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ EϮ͘ϬďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ͘ dŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďǇ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ NAHCO ;ϯϲ͘Ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ UBA ;Ϯϴ͘ϳŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ĂŶĚ FBNH ;Ϯϲ͘Ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŽƉ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďǇ ǀĂůƵĞ were GUARANTY ;Eϱϱϲ͘ϬͿ͕ NESTLE ;Eϰϭϭ͘ϬďŶͿ and UBA ;EϮϳϭ͘ϬďŶͿ͘

Bullish Sector Performance Performance across sectors under our coverage was ďƵůůŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŽĨ ϱ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŐƌĞĞŶ͘ dŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞǆ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ͕ ƵƉ Ϯ͘Ϭй ĂƐ Ă ƌĞƐƵůƚ of price gains in WAPCO ;нϴ͘ϵйͿ͘ dŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨŽůůŽǁĞĚ͕ ƌŝƐŝŶŐ ϭ͘Ϭй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϵй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůǇ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ MANSARD ;нϰ͘ϮйͿ͕ EQUITYASU ;нϵ͘ϭйͿ͕ NIGERINS ;нϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ d/ ;нϰ͘ϯйͿ͕ h ;нϮ͘ϳйͿ ĂŶĚ ZENITH ;нϬ͘ϰйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůǇ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚĞǆ ĐůŝŵďĞĚ Ϭ͘ϰй ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ďƵǇ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ŝŶ CONOIL ;нϱ͘ϳйͿ͕ ETERNA ;нϮ͘ϱйͿ ĂŶĚ &KZd ;нϬ͘ϲйͿ͘ dŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞǆ ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ůŽƐĞƌ ĚŽǁŶ Ϭ͘ϱй͕ ĂƐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ in NIGERIAN BREWERIES (-Ϯ͘ϬйͿ͕ FLOURMIL (-ϵ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ DANGFLOUR (-ϱ͘ϬйͿ ĚƌĂŐŐĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞǆ ůŽǁĞƌ͘

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďǇ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞͿ ƌĂƟŽ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϴǆ ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϲǆ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ůĂƐƚ &ƌŝĚĂǇ ĂƐ Ϯϭ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ Ϯϱ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ dŽĚĂǇ͛s top gainers were PORTPAINT ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ UAC-PROP ;нϵ͘ϳйͿ ĂŶĚ LASACO ;нϵ͘ϭйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ NSLTECH (-ϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ FLOURMILL (-ϱ͘ϰйͿ and OANDO (-ϰ͘ϯйͿ ǁĞƌĞ ǁŽƌƐƚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĞƌƐ͘ dŚĞ bearish ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ƚŽĚĂǇ ǁĂƐ ŵĂũŽƌůǇ ĚƵĞ to stronger ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďĞůůǁĞƚŚĞƌƐ which ŽīƐĞƚ ƚŚĞ ŝŵƉĂĐƚ ŽĨ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ŶŽƟĐĞĚ ĞĂƌůŝĞƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĚĂǇ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ǁĞ expect a rebound in the near term as investors react ƚŽ ,ϭ͗ϮϬϭϴ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ĂƐ ŶŽƟĐĞĚ ŝŶ ůĂƚĞ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ŚŽƵƌƐ ƚŽĚĂǇ͘

Afrinvest Securities Limited (RC 603 315) (A Dealing Member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange)

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

Current Price

Ticker

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

Price Price Previous Current Change Change Price Weightin YTD Index to Change g Date

ROE

ROA

P/E

P/BV

Divinden Earnings d Yield Yield

1,518.47

0.12%

-1.6%

51.8%

19.1%

6.8%

6.5x

0.8x

5.6%

11.2%

Guaranty Trust Bank PLC

40.00

-0.1%

21.4%

-1.8%

-1.4%

32.6%

5.2%

6.5x

2.2x

6.8%

15.4%

Zenith Bank PLC

23.95

0.4%

12.4%

-6.6%

-7.6%

26.3%

3.6%

4.1x

1.0x

11.5%

24.5%

Nigerian Brew eries PLC

100.90

-2.0%

6.9%

-25.2%

-25.3%

15.9%

29.0x

4.7x

4.1%

3.4%

Nestle Nigeria PLC

1,560.00

0.0%

8.2%

0.3%

92.0%

23.0%

32.0x

27.8x

2.7%

3.1%

Dangote Cement PLC

228.00

-0.4%

6.3%

-0.9%

21.7%

9.9%

23.3x

5.4x

4.6%

4.3%

FBN Holdings Plc

9.90

-1.0%

6.3%

12.5%

12.6%

6.7%

0.8%

6.5x

0.5x

2.5%

15.4%

Access Bank PLC

10.05

0.5%

4.4%

-3.8%

-5.2%

12.7%

1.5%

4.9x

0.6x

6.5%

20.2%

United Bank for Africa PLC

9.70

2.6%

4.2%

-5.8%

-6.8%

15.9%

1.9%

4.3x

0.7x

8.9%

23.3%

Ecobank Transnational Inc

SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

22.00

4.3%

29.4%

35.2%

12.2%

1.0%

7.1x

0.9x

710.00

0.0%

3.6%

13.4%

22.3%

13.2%

3.3x

0.8x

2.5%

30.4%

0.2%

3.5%

20.2%

22.0%

30.8%

4.1%

9.5x

2.6x

1.0%

10.6%

14.1%

Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

49.90

Unilever Nigeria PLC

52.45

0.1%

3.3%

27.9%

30.4%

20.4%

8.7%

29.0x

3.8x

0.9%

3.4%

Guinness Nigeria PLC

94.00

0.0%

2.3%

0.0%

15.4%

6.1%

17.9x

2.4x

0.7%

5.6%

Lafarge Africa PLC

30.50

8.9%

1.1%

-32.1%

-54.0%

-10.1%

1.9x

5.0%

-29.5%

Fidelity Bank PLC

1.87

-0.5%

1.0%

-24.0%

-27.5%

10.4%

1.4%

1.5x

0.3x

5.9%

68.0%

Oando PLC

5.75

2.7%

1.3%

-4.0%

10.3%

1.5%

5.1x

0.4x

Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

16.00

0.0%

0.9%

-20.0%

-21.4%

41.5%

18.1%

5.4x

1.9x

7.8%

18.5%

Okomu Oil Palm PLC

73.10

-3.8%

1.2%

8.0%

35.8%

26.6%

7.9x

2.5x

4.1%

12.7%

International Brew eries PLC

30.50

0.0%

0.4%

-44.0%

-44.5%

24.6%

7.4%

31.9x

7.3x

Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

24.60

-5.4%

0.6%

-15.2%

9.8%

2.9%

6.1x

0.7x

4.1%

16.5% 16.3%

19.7%

3.1%

Transnational Corp of Nigeria

1.19

-0.8%

0.5%

-18.5%

-19.6%

12.9%

2.8%

6.1x

0.7x

1.7%

UAC of Nigeria PLC

12.55

0.0%

0.4%

-25.7%

1.5%

0.6%

22.3x

0.5x

5.2%

Diamond Bank PLC

1.25

6.8%

0.4%

-16.7%

-20.4%

-7.2%

-0.9%

-15.2%

33.1%

6.9%

7.3x

2.3x

8.7%

13.7%

21.5%

5.8%

0.9%

3.2x

0.2x

5.2%

31.7%

6.2x

2.2x

4.4%

Total Nigeria PLC

FCMB Group Plc

195.00

0.0%

0.5%

1.92

3.2%

0.6%

0.1x

4.5% -69.2%

11 PLC

180.00

0.0%

0.5%

-7.5%

40.2%

16.0%

Forte Oil PLC

23.55

0.6%

0.3%

-45.8%

-43.9%

17.6%

1.6%

PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC

14.00

0.0%

0.3%

-32.0%

-33.8%

10.7%

5.0%

13.3x

1.4x

3.6%

7.5%

Cadbury Nigeria PLC

9.50

-2.6%

0.2%

-39.4%

-39.1%

2.0%

0.8%

34.8x

1.5x

1.7%

2.9%

2.0x

16.2% -11.2%

Presco PLC

60.00

0.0%

0.3%

-12.4%

35.8%

24.8%

2.5x

0.8x

3.3%

39.7%

NASCON Allied Industries PLC

20.00

0.0%

0.4%

8.1%

4.1%

62.4%

20.6%

9.5x

5.4x

7.5%

10.5%

UPDC Real Estate Investment Tr

9.00

0.0%

0.3%

-10.0%

0.8x

8.4%

Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

5.85

0.0%

0.3%

-25.0%

-22.1%

5.3%

1.1%

8.8x

0.6x

Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

25.00

0.0%

0.3%

-10.7%

17.3%

1.8%

6.9x

1.1x

3.6x

Sterling Bank PLC

1.36

-6.2%

0.3%

25.9%

20.4%

10.7%

1.0%

Dangote Flour Mills Plc

8.55

-5.0%

0.2%

-29.6%

0.0%

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Niger

17.00

0.0%

0.2%

-21.3%

4.4%

2.8%

Chemical and Allied Products P

31.50

0.0%

0.2%

-7.4%

-11.8%

66.2%

30.2%

Beta Glass PLC

78.00

-9.1%

0.2%

52.0%

17.7%

11.5%

9.5x

Transcorp Hotels Plc

6.75

0.0%

0.1%

-6.4%

5.3%

2.9%

18.8x

T o p 10 G a i n e r s T ic k er

14.4% 28.1%

0.4x

1.5%

1.1x

2.3%

24.4x

1.2x

44.1%

4.1%

14.7x

9.8x

6.5%

6.8%

1.6x

1.4%

10.6%

0.9x

1.8%

5.3%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

2.25

9.8%

T ic k er

P OR T P A IN T

11.3% 4.0%

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

NA HCO

36.2

0.0%

UB A

28.7

5.9%

FB NH

26.0

1 .0%

UN ION D A C

1 4.8

7.1 %

GUA R A N T Y

1 3.9

0.6%

UA C -P R OP

1.70

9.7%

LA SA C O

0.36

9.1%

T R A N SEXP R

0.78

8.3%

UN IT YB N K

0.84

7.7%

N IGER IN S

0.28

7.7%

A C C ESS

1 2.4

3.1 %

WA P IC

0.42

7.7%

ST ER LN B A N K

1 1 .6

0.0%

UN ION D A C

0.30

7.1%

F ID ELIT YB K

8.8

2.2%

H M A R KIN S

0.31

6.9%

T R A N SC OR P

8.5

0.0%

9.85

5.9%

F LOUR M ILL

8.0

-5.4%

UB A

T o p 10 L o s e r s T ic k er

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

N SLT EC H

0.36

-10.0%

F LOUR M ILL

27.15

-5.4%

OA N D O

5.60

-4.3%

R EGA LIN S

0.23

-4.2%

UN IVIN SUR E

0.48

-4.0%

ET R A N Z A C T

3.95

-3.7%

UC A P

3.04

-3.5%

100.00

A F R IP R UD GUIN N ESS

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

GUA R A N T Y

555.9

0.6%

N EST LE

41 1 .0

0.0%

UB A

271 .0

5.9%

FB NH

258.7

1 .0%

236.9

-2.9%

F LOUR M ILL

21 7.9

-5.4%

NA HCO

1 44.6

0.0%

-2.9%

Z EN IT H B A N K

1 28.1

2.6%

4.05

-2.6%

A C C ESS

1 22.6

3.1 %

94.00

-2.1%

CCNN

1 05.7

-0.8%

Investment Research

Brokerage Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Bolaji Fajenyo | bfajenyo@afrinvest.com

Eronmosele Aziba | eaziba@afrinvest.com

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ϳ˜ ͺ͸͹Ͷ

MARKET NEWS

H1: May & Baker Nigeria Grows Profit by 179% to N264.45m Goddy Egene May & Baker Nigeria Plc grew its profit after tax (PAT) by 179 per cent in the first half of the ended June 30, 2018, thereby sustaining a strong growth trend that saw the company increase dividend payout by 233 per cent for the 2017. The unaudited results of the company showed that total comprehensive incomewhich includes PAT and extra ordinary income rose to

N601.37 million in first half 2018 as against N94.86 million recorded in the comparable period of 2017. The 534 per cent increase in net distributable earnings has raised strong prospect of possible significant increase in dividend payout to shareholders. Pre-tax profit margin-which measures average pre-tax profit per unit of sale and serves as benchmark for profitability of the company, tripled from 3.13 per cent in first half 2017 to 8.44 per cent in first half

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

2018. Gross profit margin had increased from 30 per cent in first half 2017 to 33 per cent in first half 2018 while operating margin also grew to 12.7 per cent in 2018 as against 10.11 per cent recorded in corresponding period of 2017. The report showed that group’s profit before tax rose by 178.76 per cent to N388.90 million in first half 2018 as against N139.51 million recorded in comparable period of 2017. Profit after tax jumped by 178.78 per cent from N94.86

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 13Jul-2018, unless otherwise stated.

million to N264.45 million. Managing Director, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor, said It is noteworthy that the company achieved higher turnover in 2018 despite the discontinuation of a significant arm of its business responsible for about 20 per cent of turnover in 2017. According to him, this performance, has, again demonstrated the long-term sustainability of the company’s growth strategy and the continuing efficiency of its

world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing complex in Ota, Ogun State. “Our many growth initiatives are paying off and we are happy that the results have proved us right. With improvement in macroeconomic environment, we will continue to improve on our performance with a view to creating greater value for our shareholders,” Okafor said. He noted that the impending commencement of operations of Biovaccines Nigeria Limited and ongoing efforts to turn

the company’s world-class manufacturing facility in Ota, Ogun State, into a hub of pharmaceutical manufacturing in West Africa hold great prospects for the group. Okafor said the company remains focused on improving its financial structure through injection of additional equity funds adding that stronger balance sheet and streamlining the company’s activities along its core area of healthcare will put it in a position to deliver higher profits in the future.

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 180.23 180.53 1.30% Nigeria International Debt Fund 262.83 263.14 13.54% 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 N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A 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 12.50% 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 N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 144.98 146.00 -4.42% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.10% 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 9.98% Paramount Equity Fund 11.61 11.91 4.72% Women's Investment Fund 102.67 105.30 2.03% NAV Per Share Fund Name Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 105.44 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 N/A N/A N/A 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 12.16% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.17 1.20 11.63% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.20 1.23 16.26% 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 1,177.76 1,178.49 9.15% FBN Heritage Fund 144.79 145.84 3.68% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.10% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $114.17 $114.52 3.23% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $112.73 $114. 52 3.22% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 167.52 169.95 4.53% 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 3,091.40 3,124.01 3.57% Legacy Debt Fund 2,671.88 2,671.88 9.16% 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 3,107.73 3,139.55 4.09% Coral Income Fund 2,655.37 2,655.37 8.50% 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 12.42% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 102.63 104.07 2.89% 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 11.95% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.15 2.18 2.10%

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 14.24% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 120.56 120.84 4.78% 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 3.53% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,066.5 1,066.05 5.75% 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 12.73 12.85 -2.63% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.15% 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 1.33 1.35 11.58% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.77 11.84 6.67% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.68% 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 128.23 128.90 -1.04% 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 1.62 1.62 9.12% 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 2,330.29 2,349.18 3.88% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 184.25 184.25 4.42% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.02 1.03 1.49% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 242.15 242.19 9.95% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 174.40 176.36 -2.62% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.90% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,364.68 9,491.50 -3.16% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.08 1.08 1.52% 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 1.15 1.16 -2.82% United Capital Bond Fund 1.54 1.54 8.05% United Capital Equity Fund 0.75 0.76 -1.90% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.50% United Capital Eurobond Fund 104.28 104.28 4.25% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.07 1.09 3.35% 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 12.67 12.87 1.11% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.22 13.35 0.55% Zenith Income Fund 20.64 20.64 9.08% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.05%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 136.81 51.45

1.01% 3.28% 1.22%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.05 139.90 106.90

12.25 142.81 108.86

-1.21% 2.07% 2.17%

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

4.64 8.47 17.11 17.54 145.98

4.68 8.55 17.21 17.74 147.98

-2.12% -11.40% -2.22% -2.49% 5.73%

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.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵˜ ͰͮͯͶ

T H I S D AY Ë¾ TUESDAY AUGUST 7, 2018

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵˜ ͰͮͯͶ

TUESDAY AUGUST 732018 Ëž T H I S D AY

FOREIGN/DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS

Editor: VINCENT OBIA vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com 0805 468 1757

In Brief Rouhani: No Talks with US under Sanctions Iranian President Hassan Rouhani declared on Monday that Iran cannot enter talks with the â€œuntrustworthyâ€? administration of US President Donald Trump as long as Tehran is under the shadow of economic sanctions. Rouhani made the comments in a televised interview on Monday evening, just hours before the first round of unilateral â€œsnap backâ€? US sanctions take effect on Tuesday, BBC reported. â€œYou cannot expect to talk to a person after you stab him and leave the knife in his body,â€? Rouhani, speaking in Persian, told IRIB state television. He said the United States proved to be an unreliable negotiating partner when it decided to withdraw from a multinational nuclear deal with Iran and re-impose sanctions against it. â€œIf there is trust, Iran always welcomes negotiations,â€? he said. â€œBut negotiations donâ€™t make sense while we are under sanctions.â€?

Canada Defiant After Saudi Arabia Freezes New Trade

A member of South Africaâ€™s Economic Freedom Fighters party with a copy of the Constitution

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Changing South Africaâ€™s Constitution Pierre de Vos

outh African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as leader of the governing African National Congress (ANC), has announced that his party will spearhead an amendment to section 25 of the countryâ€™s Constitution to outline more clearly the conditions under which expropriation of land without compensation can be effected. He emphasised that the property clause in the Constitution already enables expropriation of land without compensation in the public interest. The proposed amendment would be aimed at putting this beyond any doubt. But what is the process that would have to be followed for such an amendment to be passed? Like all modern constitutions, the South African Constitution provides for its own amendment by Parliament and prescribes special procedures to effect them. The Constitution has already been amended 17 times since it came into force in 1996, following this prescribed procedure. The procedure for amending the Constitution differs from the procedure to pass or amend ordinary legislation. It is more difficult to amend the Constitution than it is to pass or amend ordinary laws. This is because the Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic. Section 74(2) of the Constitution allows Parliament to amend any provision in the Bill of Rights â€“ including section 25. But this cannot be done by a simple majority vote as would be the case for ordinary legislation. A Bill amending any provision of the Bill of Rights must be passed by the National Assembly, with a supporting vote of at least two thirds of its members, and by the National Council of Provinces, with a supporting vote of at least six of the nine provincial delegations. This means that at least 266 members of the national assembly must support the amendment. The additional requirement that six of the provincial delegations in the National Council of Provinces must support the Bill in effect means that the

party â€“ or parties â€“ wishing to amend the Constitution must control at least six of the nine provincial legislatures. This is because provincial legislatures give each provincial delegation to the National Council of Provinces a mandate on how to vote on constitutional amendments. Some commentators have argued that an amendment to section 25 of the Constitution would have to be supported by at least 75% of the members of the National Assembly. But this is incorrect, and confuses two things. Itâ€™s true that the founding values in the Constitution â€“ set out in section 1 â€“ can only be amended with a supporting vote of 75% of the members of the Assembly. But, as long as an amendment doesnâ€™t affect the values in section 1 (specifically the Rule of Law) by allowing the arbitrary expropriation of property, a 75% majority wouldnâ€™t be required Apart from the increased majorities required to pass an amendment to section 25, the Constitution also prescribes other procedure that must be followed for an amendment. A Bill amending the Constitution canâ€™t include provisions other than constitutional amendments and matters connected with the amendments. This means a constitutional amendment may not be included in another Bill dealing with other matters to secure its passage. For example, a constitutional amendment canâ€™t be attached to the budget in the hope that MPs will be forced to pass it in order to pass the budget. The next step to effect an amendment of section 25 would be for the government to formulate the text of the Bill proposing the amendment. At least 30 days before such a Bill is introduced in Parliament, the government is required to publish in the national Government Gazette details about the proposed amendment for public comment. This would include the text of the amendment and the motivation for it. At the same time these details must also be submitted to the provincial legislatures to get its views. Only after this 30 day period can the Bill be formally tabled in the National Assembly. When itâ€™s introduced in the assembly, the government must also submit any written comments from the public and the provincial legislatures to the Speaker for tabling in the assembly. These must also be tabled to the chairperson of

the National Council of Provinces. Sections 59 and 72 also require the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces to facilitate public involvement in the legislative and other processes of the National Assembly and its committees. The Constitutional Court held that this imposed a duty on the assembly and the National Council of Provinces to act reasonably in ensuring the voices of ordinary people are heard before passing legislation. The more important the Bill, and the greater the public interest, the more onerous the obligation to facilitate public involvement. The rules of the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces already provide for this and will therefore have to be followed. This process could take some time to conclude as it can be time consuming to ensure extensive public involvement in the process. Section 74(7) also says that a Bill amending the Constitution may only be put to the vote in the National Assembly after at least 30 days have elapsed since its introduction, if the National Assembly is sitting when the Bill is introduced; or after at least 30 days after its tabling if the National Assembly is in recess when the Bill is introduced. Once the Bill amending the Constitution has been through all these steps, itâ€™s then referred to the President for signing into law. An important caveat is that an amendment to the Constitution passed in this way canâ€™t be challenged on the basis that the amendment itself is unconstitutional. This was made clear by the Constitutional Court in 2002, when it stated: â€œAmendments to the Constitution passed in accordance with the requirements of section 74 of the Constitution become part of the Constitution. Once part of the Constitution, they cannot be challenged on the grounds of inconsistency with other provisions of the Constitution. The Constitution, as amended, must be read as a whole and its provisions must be interpreted in harmony with one another. It follows that there is little if any scope for challenging the constitutionality of amendments that are passed in accordance with the prescribed procedures and majorities.â€? t 1JFSSF EF 7PT JT $MBVEF -FPO 'PVOEBUJPO $IBJS JO $POTUJUVUJPOBM (PWFSOBODF 6OJWFSTJUZ PG $BQF 5PXO 4PVUI "GSJDB

Ottawa on Monday refused to back down in its defense of human rights after Saudi Arabia froze new trade and investment and expelled the Canadian ambassador in retaliation for the countryâ€™s call to free arrested Saudi civil society activists, according to Reuters. In her first public response to Saudi Arabiaâ€™s actions, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said, â€œLet me be very clear ... Canada will always stand up for human rights in Canada and around the world, and womenâ€™s rights are human rights.â€? Riyadh on Sunday recalled its ambassador from Canada and gave the Canadian ambassador 24 hours to leave. The Saudi government also banned new trade with Canada, although it was unclear if it would affect existing annual Saudi-Canadian trade of nearly $4 billion and a $13 billion defense contract.

President of Ethiopiaâ€™s Somali Region Resigns The Minister for Information for the Somali region of Ethiopia Idris Ismail confirmed to the BBC on Monday that regional President Abdi Mohamud Omar had handed over power and agreed to step down. This followed days of tension in the Somali region as the Federal Military were deployed to the region. It was believed that he had been pressured by the federal government to step down following protests and fighting between Somali and Oromo communities. Reports said more federal troops had been deployed to the regional capital, Jigjiga.

Migrant Farm Workers Killed In Italy Road Crash At least a dozen people, including migrant labourers returning home after spending the day working in the fields, were killed in a crash between a van and a lorry in southern Italy, Al Jazeera reported on Monday. Italian news agency, ANSA, reported on Monday that the accident took place on a state highway in the area of Lesina in the province of Foggia. Pictures from the scene showed a white minivan flipped on its roof and lying in the middle of the road following a head-on collision with a truck carrying flour. Citing police sources, ANSA said 12 people were killed in the crash, adding that at least some of the victims were migrant farm workers who were travelling in the van. Three people, including the truck driver, were injured in the crash. AFP news agency quoted the fire service as saying that all the victims came from North Africa.

TUESDAY 7, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Osoba Blames Obasanjo for Nigeria’s Democratic Woes Aham Ogbu and Shola Oyeyipo

A former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, has said a former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, must take responsibility for the leadership crisis facing the country. Osoba, who made the remark yesterday when media gurus converged on Lagos to mark the 70 years anniversary and 45 years journalism practice of distinguished journalist, and one of the publishers

of Newswatch Magazine, Mr. Ray Ekpu, said only an improved electoral system is capable of reflecting the wishes of the people and bringing about the needed change. Earlier, the guest lecturer at the occasion, Dr. Chidi Amuta, in his lecture titled: ‘Leadership and the Burden of History,’ delivered on his behalf by Mr. Dan Agbese, bemoaned the poor leadership culture in Nigeria, and expressed disdain that political parties in the country have not evolved an acceptable way to

Former APC Scribe, Abdullahi Emerges Spokesman of CUPP Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has been appointed the spokesman of the newly formed Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) seeking to wrest power from the APC in 2019. Abdullahi, who recently resigned from his position as the spokesperson of the ruling party was announced as the head of the Media and

Publicity committee, which includes Kazeem Afegbua and Kola Ologbondiyan. Abdullahi’s committee was among the several sub-committees inaugurated yesterday in Abuja by the steering committee of CUPP. CUPP is a coalition of 38 opposition political parties which had agreed to collaborate with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to field a common presidential candidate in the next year’s election.

put forward a “fit and proper” person for leadership. To correct the anomaly, Amuta suggested among other things, that the use of affidavits and other sworn instruments to prove age and educational qualification by political offices seekers should be banned. He disagreed with the concept of zoning, canvassed for the reversal of the immunity clause and advocated for resurrection of the defunct Centre for Democratic Studies (CDS) to tutor the younger generation on leadership. But in his response to Amuta’s presentation, Osoba, who disagreed with him on the issue of cancelling swornaffidavit for electoral office seeker, on the grounds that he relied on it, insisted that it was the blatant rigging orchestrated against Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors by Obasanjo in 2003 that is still depriving voters the opportunity of electing leaders of their choice. Recalling that the current democratic dispensation started on a positive note

in 1999, Osoba said: “I can tell you that the governors who were elected through Open Ballot System; there was no difference between the Alliance for Democracy and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We, the AD members, were the firebrands and he (Obasanjo) would support us. We held Obasanjo heavily. If we did not hold him, he would have gone haywire since 1999. “The day Obasanjo rigged AD governors out of the council of state was the beginning of the downward trend of leadership in this country.” “I have no regrets. I was trained in civic responsibility. I pay my tax. Even the money I made in dollars, I pay to Lagos and Ogun State Governments. And I am proud to say non of us elected during our time is before the EFCC or ICPC.” On the way out of the current situation, the renowned journalist-turned politician said: “Those of you who have not read the amendments to the electoral act passed by the National Assembly. If you read it, I have hope that 2019

election will not be the same election that we have had in the past. “In the amendment, they have put it there that electronic system must be used in all elections. They did not say card readers - the most modern electronic system and that is important. “Anybody who does the auditing of those who want to vote and did not transmit it immediately to the headquarters will have five years jail term. That is the beginning of controlling out elections. Any INEC person who conducts elections and does not transmit the result immediately will go to jail for five years.” He however expressed regrets that the provisions of that election have not been signed, saying: “Forget about sequence, let us sign other provisions that are in that amendment to the electoral act. Then we can start to have the kind of elections that produced former Governor Obong Victor Bassey and me when it was open ballot. If the amendments to the electoral act are signed, 2019 will never

be the same again.” The Chairman of the event, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, implored media practitioners in the country to take up the responsibility of adequately informing Nigerians on the right choice to make on electing leaders, stating that “members of the media have a lot to do because when things are confusing you are in possession of facts that you can interpret. “I’m challenging you to help all of us. We want to understand what is going on. Don’t sell your soul in the process of doing this.” All the discussants present, including the Director, Enough is Enough, Ms. Yemi Adamolekun; Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers, Mr. Sam Omatseye; former Editor, Guardian Newspapers, Mr. Debo Adeshina; Secretary to Akwa-Ibom State Government (SSG), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, all agreed that there is leadership deficit in Nigeria and that the followers must equally brace up the challenge of ensuring that only credible leaders emerge.

Nine APC State Working Committee Members Defects to ADP in Osun Yinka kolawole in Osogbo The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday suffered a setback as nine out of 16 State Working Committee members in Osun State resigned their membership of the party to join the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in the state. The party officials in their letter of resignation jointly signed and made available to the Chairman of the party, Gboyega Famodun, said they took the decision after due consultations with their mentors, close political associates and public and the supporters of the party. They were led by the state Deputy Chairman of APC, Alhaji Azeez Issa Adesiji. Other members are Ex-officio, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbeti; State

Auditor, Prince Ademola Bamidele; Assistant General Secretary, Alhaji Rasheed Bakare; State PRO, Akinola Morakinyo; Ex-officio, Wole Adunola; Assistant Welfare Secretary, Dr. Idayat Bakare; Assistant PRO, Mrs. Ogundare Aina Afolabi; and Assistant Treasurer, Alhaji Sikiru Karim. Declaring their membership for ADP at the party secretariat along Biket Area, Osogbo, Adesiji said 580 local government executive members from across 25 local government councils of the state as well as 5,620 ward executives of the APC are defecting along with them. He noted that they are defecting to ADP, a new credible alternative party because of impunity and undemocratic practices being practised in their former party.

CONGRATULATIONS

L-R: Former Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof Chukwuma Soludo, being congratulated by the Executive Director of Topwide Industries Conglomerate, Lagos, Hon. Uche Harris Annie-Okonkwo; and Ace Image Maker, Collins Steve Ugwu, after a riveting lecture on ‘The Political Economy of Restructuring The Nigerian Federation’ delivered by Soludo at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos....recently

INEC Discovers 19 Illegal Polling Disregard My Expulsion, Kashamu Tells INEC, DSS, Police The lawmaker’s position correspondences as stipulated Femi Ogbonnikan In Abeokuta “Secondly, the National Units in Akwa Ibom Ibom was contained in a letter dated in Article 42 of the party’s Working Committee (NWC) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it discovered 19 illegal polling units in Akwa Ibom State. The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Mike Igini, made the disclosure yesterday at Enlarged Stakeholders’ Forum in Uyo, the state capital. The REC said the illegal polling units were in Obot Akara and Uyo Local Government Areas (LGAs), adding that that some of the polling units were located in hotels, church, mosques among others. He said the INEC found the polling units concerned

were located in violation of its guidelines; therefore there was the need to relocate and rename some polling units in the state. Igini, however, urged the people not to see the relocation of the polling units as a creation of new polling units, stressing that that no new polling units had been created. He said the essence of the forum was “to enable us see face to face and interact freely. “ “We are here to present the commission electoral plan and strategic implementation plan, hear from you and carefully consider the concerns and ideas of everyone on how we can serve you better,” he said.

The embattled Senator representing Ogun East in the National Assembly, Buruji Kashamu, has formally taken up the issue of his expulsion from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and written a counter petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Department of State Services (DSS) and the police to disregard the sanction. Kashamu, who was reacting to the correspondences of the PDP national leadership to the three agencies, maintained that the party’s sanction against him was a still-birth and cannot stand the test of the law.

August 6 and addressed to the PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, which was copied to the INEC Chairman, Resident Electoral Commissioner incharge of Ogun State, state Commissioner of Police and state Director of DSS, among others. The senator, in a statement signed and issued yesterday, declared that the PDP’s correspondences to the DSS, INEC and the police were not only borne out of ignorance but most ridiculous, deceitful and criminally contemptuous. He said it was outside the functions of the National Legal Adviser of PDP to write such

Constitution. “It is only the national chairman and the national secretary that have powers to issue such correspondences as stipulated in Articles 35 and 36 of the party’s constitution,” the lawmaker said. Kashamu added that, there were pending litigations in which the courts had restrained the national leadership of the PDP from taking any disciplinary action against him and others. “Thus, I respectfully urge you to discountenance the fake letter, as it is not worth more than the piece of paper on which it was written.

could not have validly expelled me and others when there are subsisting judgments and orders of court forbidding them from taking any disciplinary action against me and the others. “If they had thought through their ill-advised step, they would have realised that it offends the provision of Article 57 (6) of the PDP Constitution,” Kashamu said. The senator added that he had expected men of conscience within the party to act if any “mercantile agent” decided to go against the laws of the land and resorted to self-help in further bringing the party into disrepute.

TUESDAY 7, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Kogi Police Arrest Five Notorious Kidnappers Lagos command nabs vigilante operatives, recovers guns Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja and Rebecca Ejifoma in Lagos The Kogi State Police Command has arrested five notorious kidnappers who were responsible for kidnapping and robbing people along Okene-Lokoja road. This is coming as the police in Lagos State yesterday paraded two agents of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) for alleged unlawful possession of firearms, radio devices and other prohibited equipment. Among those paraded yesterday by the Kogi State police command were those who abducted Rev. Leo Micheal and Usman Adoga, the chief of Jakura community recently. Parading the suspected kidnappers before journalists, the state Police Commissioner, Ali Janga, said the five suspects were arrested based on intelligent report following a tip off. According to him, one of the suspect, Ibrahim Musa, who was part of the gang which abducted the above-mentioned people, gave useful information to the police, adding that the command is on the trail of other suspects connected with that incidents. The police commissioner

further alleged that the sum of N240,000 was collected from the arrested suspect. He therefore appealed to members of the public to always avail the command of information on negative happenings around them in order to flush out criminals from the state. Janga said the sum of N1.1million was paid as ransom to the gang members before the Chief of Jakura was released, noting that the command will arraign the suspects immediately they complete their investigation. One of the suspect, Musa, confessed to have taken part in the said kidnapping operation, saying one of the gang members, Shagari, shot and killed the son of the Chief of Jakura in one of their operations. Musa, who hails from Niger State, said he was into kidnapping and armed robbery for many years, adding that he relocated to Kogi State with others to continue making money from criminal activities. Also speaking with journalists, the Jakura chief, Usman Adoga, who was released, said he ran into the group and unfortunately lost his son in the process. He stressed that he was taken

Oil Bunkering: 10 Bag 12 Years Jail Term Each A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday convicted a vessel, MV Peace alongside its 10 crew members, for conspiracy and unlawful dealing in 200 metric tonnes of petroleum product. The court presided over by Justice Mohammed Idris after pronouncing the vessel and its crew guilty of the three-count charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), sentenced each of the vessel’s crew to a total of 12 years imprisonment, and ordered that the vessel, MV Peace, and the stolen petroleum product be forfeited to the federal government. The convicts are: Captain James Abatan, Wasiu Abdul Owonikoko, Patrick Ameh, Johnson Ademola, Felix Otto, Chigozie Oguike, Olu Salisu, Jomo Gadagbe, Kunle Oba Saheed and Rasheed Adio.

The EFCC had arraigned the crew members on board of MV Peace over alleged massive involvement in oil bunkering to the tune of 200 metric tonnes of petroleum product. Others arraigned along with the Captain are Wasiu Abdul Owonikoko, Patrick Ameh, Johson Ademola, Felix Otto, Chigozie Oguike, Olu Salisu, Jomo Gadagbe, Kunle Oba Saheed and Rasheed Adio. All the convicts were sentenced to five years in count one and two, and two years in count three. The judge however, ordered that the jail terms are to run concurrently. The vessel and the convicts were first arraigned before the court on July 27, 2017, on the three-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful dealing in 200 tonnes of petroleum product and storing same.

FG: Defectors Won’t Escape Prosecution Even recently, they said my driver jumped out of the car, abandoned me and decamped to PDP. “People even made the allegation that President Buhari did not have certificate.’’ The minister insisted that the president would be usurping the powers of the investigating agencies if he sacked Adeosun before their reports. Mohammed gave an assurance that the government would not sweep the matter under the carpet. The minister also responded to the report in some quarters that the government would share to the poor the Abacha loot repatriated by the Swiss Government, describing the insinuation as mischievous. “When the first tranche of Abacha loot was paid under former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Swiss Government found out that the money

was re-looted by those in the administration. “So, when they wanted to release the next tranche, they put the condition that it must be used for the most vulnerable Nigerians. “We said there is no problem. It is the money we are using to finance our social investment programmes comprising four components.’’ Mohammed according to Premium Times, further said 8.5 million pupils in government schools across the country were currently being fed under the Home Grown Feeding Programme. Similarly, he said that over 400,000 families were being paid stipends of N5,000 every month under the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme. “The beauty of this programme is that it is being done in collaboration with the World Bank.

to unknown place in the bush where he spent five days before he was released. The police in Lagos State yesterday paraded two agents of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) for alleged unlawful possession of firearms, radio devices and other prohibited equipment. The suspects, Adekoya Adeniyi, 40, and Elliot Oluwaseyi, 44, were arrested on July 28 after the command received complaints that Adeniyi also obtained money under false pretenses. According to the state Police Commissioner, Imohimi Edgal, detectives from the Human Right desk went to Adeniyi’s house. They searched his home and discovered three firearms. “The police also found radio

devices, which I suspect were being used to intercept police coded messages,” he added. Edgal disclosed that during interrogation, the suspect confessed that he got the items recovered from his house from Oluwaseyi, who was also arrested and paraded. “I am disappointed in them. How did they get the four radios and the police belt? Who programmed the radio for them? Where did they get the firearms with them? All vigilante groups and private individuals were directed by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to return all firearms in their possession. “Why did they still have them? What were they doing with handcuffs? The suspects will definitely have their day in court,” Edgal assured journalists.

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NEWSEXTRA

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Waning Support in North Poses Vote Risk for Buhari Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhariâ€™s reelection bid is facing a growing challenge as members of his party defect to the opposition and support diminishes in a key region that stood by him politically for 15 years, the north, Bloomberg has reported. Home to about 40 per cent of the West African nationâ€™s voters, Nigeriaâ€™s North -east and North-west regions have long been Buhariâ€™s bedrock -he carried them in three failed bids for the presidency, before gaining enough supporters elsewhere in 2015 to win. Now, defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress have spread to prominent northerners, casting doubt on whether he can secure the 13 statesâ€™ backing in Februaryâ€™s ballot. â€œThe perception is that he has more â€˜automatic votesâ€™ than anybody in the vote-rich north,â€? said Amaka Anku, head of Eurasia Groupâ€™s Africa practice. The defection of a key governor last week shows â€œit may be possible to overcome that edge after all.â€? Buhari, 75, was the first opposition candidate in Nigeriaâ€™s history to win power at the ballot box. Elected on a pledge to fix a declining economy, fight corruption and improve security at a time when Islamist group Boko Haram had killed thousands of people, heâ€™s facing trouble as the ruling partyâ€™s bitter internal rivalries take a toll.

The top official of Sokoto State last week became the first governor from the 13 key territories to defect, joining others from Benue and Kwara States in the separate Northcentral region. Governors are important allies for a Nigerian presidential candidate due to â€œtheir ability to deploy all the resources to win votes,â€? according to Habu Mohammed, head of the political science department at Bayero University in the northern city of Kano. The loss of such backing may not be the only problem for Buhari, whose record for the past three years is disputed. Critics say his war on graft has been selective and lost credibility -- Nigeria dropped 12 places on Transparency Internationalâ€™s corruptionperceptions index this year -- while recovery from 2016â€™s economic contraction has been sluggish, with inflation still over 11 percent. Although Boko Haramâ€™s reach in the northeast has reduced under Buhari, attacks continue and the humanitarian situation remains dire, with many schools closed and at least 3.7 million people needing food aid, according to the United Nations. Bandits in the northâ€™s Zamfara state have also killed more than 300 people this year, and a conflict between crop farmers and herdsmen in North -central is now proving deadlier than the battle against the Islamists.

Whether Buhari can again carry the north may depend on his linchpin: Kano state. It provided 1.9 million votes, or about 12 percent of his 15 million nationwide total in 2015. â€œKano is a vote bank,â€? said Idayat Hassan, Executive Director of the Abuja-based Centre for Democracy and Development in the capital, Abuja. Even there, the defection of two former state governors, each with a significant following, shows Buhari â€œhas lost political clout,â€? she said. â€œHe might win Kano State, but not by as many votes as he got last time.â€? The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Hafiz Abubakar, resigned on Sunday. In a letter to his boss, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, he said his office had been disrespected. Abubakar didnâ€™t say whether he was leaving the APC in the document, a copy of which was seen by Bloomberg. In Nigerian presidential elections, a candidate needs a majority of overall votes and at least a quarter of ballots in 24 of the countryâ€™s 36 states to win without a runoff. Buhariâ€™s northern base was boosted in 2015 when the Action Congress of Nigeria party, which has a strong following in the southwest, merged with Buhariâ€™s then-Congress for Progressive Change to form the APC.

Medical Tourism Key to Driving Economic Growth, Says NAMFI Ugo Aliogo and Kehinde Lawal The Nigerian-American Medical Foundation (NAMFI) has stated that with adequate financial support and willingness of medical professionals in the diaspora to return home and contribute their quota, the health sector can yield even four times the revenue generated by the hotel industry for the same amount of investment. Speaking yesterday in Lagos at the 6th annual meeting of the NAMFI, with the theme: â€˜New Advances in Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment Telemedicine,â€™ the NAMFI, Vice-Chairman, Dr. Adeyinka Shoroye, called for increased government focus and investment in the sector in order to drive medical tourism in the country.

He also stated that the country would achieve immense economic growth through the promotion of medical tourism, adding that the â€˜NAMFI Clinic Foundation Hospitalâ€™ in Lagos would be unveiled by the foundation.ÎŠHe also stated that the foundation is soliciting for the commitment and support of partners in order to facilitate programme implementation in line with a joint plan of action to design highly specialized care centre in the country with the rising tide of medical tourism from the shores of the country. â€œWith proper financial support and willingness of medical professionals in the diaspora to return home and contribute their quota, the hospital sector can yield even four times the revenue generated by the hotel

industry for the same amount of investment, thereby helping to diversify the economy and also making the country a center for medical tourism in Africa.â€? At the meeting, it was noted that Nigeria could retain N500 billion, which she loses yearly to medical tourism, if there is an aggressive development of infrastructure and human resource optimisation in the country. According to Shoroye: â€œWithin legal framework as a not-for-profit organization, our current capital campaign model is now focused within the country on sustainable infrastructure development of the super-tertiary tier of Nigeriaâ€™s healthcare system with long-term engagement of the corporate private sector in the country.

Edo, Experts Begin Work on New Environmental Policy The Edo State Government and environmental experts have committed to developing a sustainable environment policy that would harmonise the agricultural, water and energy sectors in the state, and also prepare the state for the implementation of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. This was the resolution at the stakeholdersâ€™ meeting for Edo State Environment Policy, organised by the state government with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), at Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital. The UNIDO National

Consultant, Dr. Eugene Itua, assured the state government of support in attaining the sustainable development goals, especially as it affects environmental issues. He said, â€œWe are here to develop a more cohesive policy that will support every sector of the state, as the environment forms the bedrock of our society.â€? He noted that the stakeholdersâ€™ meeting is geared towards developing an environmental policy that would drive sustainable development. According to Itua, â€œover the years, Edo state government has demonstrated willingness to support a healthier and

friendlier environment. It is clear that for the implementation of various policies on the environment, there is need for cohesion, where it appears the institutions or policies appear weak.â€? â€œWe are here to develop such a policy that will improve the agricultural, water, energy sectors. This would also help to tackle environmental pollution and to reinforce what the entire world came together to develop with the agenda 2030 and Paris Climate Change agreement. The governor recognises this very well and his dream is to see that we exploit resources in the state for the benefit of all,â€? he added.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵˜ ͰͮͯͶ

UTILIZATION OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE AS AT 3RD OF AUGUST 2018 S/N

CUSTOMERS

UNDIE C UNDIE

OJEBIYI F. BOSEDE

DOROTHY O MADUEKE

UNDIE C UNDIE

MOBOLAJI OKOYA

AMOUNT (US$)

PURPOSE

RATE DATE

S/N

CUSTOMERS

AMOUNT (US$)

PURPOSE

RATE DATE

S/N

CUSTOMERS

AMOUNT (US$)

PURPOSE

RATE DATE

13,204.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 30-Jul-18

126

SHOFU AYOBAMI KUDIRAT

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

251

NANAKUMO D. KEMEBRADIKUMO

3,500.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

1,648.50 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 30-Jul-18

127

OLANREWAJU S. NWADINMA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

252

ISIDAHOMEN IJIEZELE

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

2,250.00 SCHOOL FEES

EKPO HELEN NTIEDO

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

SCHOOL FEES

359.00 30-Jul-18

129

OLUBUKUNOLA O. SOLADE

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

254

USORO ANIESUA NSIKAN

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

2,620.93 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 30-Jul-18

130

KUYORO O. MODINAT

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

255

OKENNA SUNDAY EMEKA

3,600.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

14,390.41

359.00 30-Jul-18

128

NDUBUISI E. IKECHUKWU

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

253

NDEE SYSTEMS DEPOT

5,137.87 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 30-Jul-18

131

KABIR M. NAABA

1,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

256

BELL-GAM TONYE GARRICK

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

ODUNOLA O. TAIWO

2,000.00 PTA

359.00 30-Jul-18

132

ISHAQ M. YAKASAI

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

257

BELL-GAM BOMA MARTYLDA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

IKEOBI E. CHUKWUMA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 30-Jul-18

OLUJIDE ABIDAT

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

TORRU TAYO ANGEL

1,100.00 PTA

ADA VERA OSADEME

3,000.00 PTA

359.00 30-Jul-18

134

TAYO OYENIKE OMOLARA

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

259

OSINEYE ABOLANLE TAWA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

ANIACHUNAM CYRIL M.

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 30-Jul-18

135

FOWOKAN MOSES ADEWALE

2,800.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

260

OTAYOKHE JOHN FOSTER

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

AKPOREHE R. EMILY

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 30-Jul-18

136

OLAOYE YAKUB ADEYEMI

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

261

OTAYOKHE JOHN EVELYN

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

RICKETTS K. OLABISI

900.00 PTA

359.00 30-Jul-18

137

MALIK ADIJAT TITI

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

262

ABIOLA EDEWOR OMOLOLA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

138

OMIPONLE PEACE

2,500.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

258

263

ADEGBULUGBE I. CHIGOZIE

360.00 3-Aug-18

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

2,500.00 PTA

359.00 30-Jul-18

UZOHUE C. EURIEL

1,000.00 PTA

359.00 30-Jul-18

139

FOLARIN VINCENT

2,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

264

DOSUNMU A. AJIBIKE

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

CATHERINE ASHASIM

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 30-Jul-18

140

GEORGE ONYEDIKACHI

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

265

ODUGBEMI BABATUNDE

3,800.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

AGBAJE C. UFUOMA

133

BADA ABU OLAKUNLE

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 30-Jul-18

141

JIMOH K. SHARAFADEEN

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

266

OYOVBAIRE SAM EGITE

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

OLOWE O. MICHAEL

2,000.00 PTA

359.00 30-Jul-18

142

PDT ENGINEERING LIMITED

5,000.00 BTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

267

OMAGBEMI TORITSEJU TOJU

2,700.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

OSUNKOYA O. STEPHEN

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 30-Jul-18

143

OPARA SYLVESTER IKENNA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

268

IDIEGBE CHINEZE FRANCES

2,750.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

ADESOYE A. ADEMOLA

2,000.00 PTA

360.00 30-Jul-18

144

ISONG F. ELIZABETH

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

269

AKINYEMI SAHEED SIJUWOLA

2,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

IKALUMHE C. EMOEDUMHE

2,000.00 PTA

359.00 30-Jul-18

145

MISBAHUDEEN YAHYA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

270

OGEFERE OKIEMUTE HELEN

2,500.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

NWEKE CLEMENT ALOBU

4,000.00 PTA

SULE DAHIRU MOHAMMED

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

LAWAL A. NURUDEEN

1,389.89 PTA

360.00 30-Jul-18

147

PATRICK-FERIFE G. ESIGBEMI

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

272

ZAINAB RUFAI AHMED

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

OGOLODOM ATAISI

2,663.80 PTA

360.00 30-Jul-18

148

NWAJEI UCHENNA AMAKA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

273

MUHAMMAD MUSA SANI

400.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

OTIOTIO H. DIREFURO

3,995.70 PTA

360.00 30-Jul-18

149

TILIJE FIDELIS CHUKUYENUM

2,500.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

274

AZENABOR ALFRED EDERIALO

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

ISOLA S. OLUSESAN

665.95 PTA

360.00 30-Jul-18

150

OSUYALI OARE MABEL

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

275

ODERINDE DAVID BANJI

1,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

OGOLODOM CHIONYE

UMEGE K. CHIWELITEM

2,647.40 PTA

132.45 PTA

360.00 30-Jul-18

146

151

BELLO TAOFEEK ABDULAZEEZ

4,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

271

276

ULEGEDE OHEHIGWU DANIEL

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

UCHE-OMENUKO C.

3,971.10 PTA

360.00 30-Jul-18

152

UKEJE NICHOLAS NDUBUISI

5,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

277

EJOH TERESA NKECHI

2,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

UKOTAK PRISCA O.

1,323.70 PTA

360.00 30-Jul-18

153

OLARINDE S. ADEMOLA

3,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

278

UMEAKAERU GRACE NWAEGO

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18 360.00 3-Aug-18

AGBAJE C. UFUOMA

AHIWE O. RISIKAT

665.95 PTA

360.00 30-Jul-18

154

OMOGBAI E. INANEMO

2,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

279

OBIOHA PATIENCE CHINYERE

4,000.00 PTA

3,312.29 PTA

360.00 30-Jul-18

155

BELLO HELEN

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

280

UCHENYI O. MAXWELL

5,000.00 BTA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

281

AZUBUIKE TEDDY OGODHUKWU

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

500.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

282

ONYEABO CHINWE ORIAKU

2,500.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

KENNETH-OLUBOR A.

794.22 PTA

360.00 30-Jul-18

156

OVIASU EFOSA

ASUQUO STEPHEN IMELDA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

157

FAROTADE RANTI GRACE

359.00 31-Jul-18

158

OKOYE LAURETTA CHINYELU

3,500.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

283

ILOABUCHI C. WILFRED

360.00 3-Aug-18

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

AKINBORO O. EVELYN

1,000.00 PTA

OKATA JUDE OBINNA

1,400.00 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

159

WAWU SIDI UMARU

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

284

ENUKEME A. OBIAGBOSO

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

OMOTESHO A. OLUGENGA

500.00 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

160

AKINWUNMI O. MUTIAT

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

285

ODIM NDUBUISI ANYA

5,000.00 BTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

EMMANUEL ENERO SUNDAY

3,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

3,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

OBINNA JUDE OKATA

1,400.00 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

162

OMOKHODION F. OLUFUNKE

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

287

ETOTOK UDUAK INNOCENT

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

ADISA OLAIDE MONSURAT

3,000.00 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

163

OLOWOSELU F. OLUSOLA

3,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

288

ETOTOK ISIMA IVONA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18 360.00 3-Aug-18

AKINKUNMI MOBOLADE

300.00 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

161

286

AJUYAH I. EUGENE

37 38 39

OLOWE O. MICHAEL

2,000.00 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

164

MEDAIYEDU O. ESTHER

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

289

AKINNIBOSUN A. OLUBUNMI

2,250.00 PTA

IGBAVBOA A. MERCY

2,850.26 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

165

FOUBRI DOLLY

3,150.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

290

AJAYI TITUS AYODEJI

4,000.00 PTA

EGBU K. CAMILUS

1,988.55 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

166

OGBUJI D. SOMTOCHUKWU

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

291

AJAYI C. OLUREMILEKUN

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

167

IBRAHIM AYODELE ISSA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

292

OSOBASE LEWIS

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

CHRISTIANA F. OYEWUMI

1,667.86 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

ADESOMI OLUSEYI

3,063.37 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

SEDE R. OMOLEGHO

3,454.36 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

169

AKANDE FELIX TEMITOPE

ONUMAJULU C. PAUL

3,995.68 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

170

AGUBE EGBE IGNATIUS

OKEKE FRANCIS CHIMA

3,966.08 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

168

171

OKAFOR KODICHI

AKAIBOR PRECIOUS USENA

ADEKUNLE O. EMMANUEL

4,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

900.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

294

NNADOZIE A. VITALIS

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

1,300.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

295

OKOYE SYLVESTER

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

4,000.00 PTA

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

359.00 3-Aug-18

293

360.00 3-Aug-18

296

ASILONU COLLINS

2,500.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

EMODI CHINYELU

3,320.49 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

172

AKPAIBOR AFEBU PIUS

5,000.00 BTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

297

TAMUNOTONYE RICHARD

3,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

NWOBODO A. LYDIA

3,300.07 PTA

359.00 31-Jul-18

173

DAUBRY-KENNEDY BOMA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

298

ONU IJEOMA CHIMEBERE

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

DARAMOLA S. JELILAT

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

ADESIDE ABIODUN

IHEDURU R. UCHENNA

JAIYESIMI W. BRIGHT

OGUNMEFUN A. OLUSOLA

IKORODU STEEL MILLS

UDOH NNENNA

1,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

14,582.70 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 31-Jul-18

175

AWOTAYO-AYENI ADELEKE

3,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

300

IBRAHIM TIMOTHY

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

1,193.13 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 31-Jul-18

176

FASHAKIN AYODELE

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

301

OGWO NDUBUISI

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18 359.00 3-Aug-18

9,279.90 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 31-Jul-18

174

299

15,000.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 31-Jul-18

177

CUMMINGS P. TARELA

2,750.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

302

OFOVWE GREGORY

4,000.00 PTA

1,500,000.00 LOAN REPAYMENT

361.25 31-Jul-18

178

BOSAH IFEANYI JOHN

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

303

EDMUND-TAMNABO TOKONI

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

ITUH IGNATIUS CLEMENT

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

179

OKOLO CHRIS OGBEIFUN

3,900.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

304

AMUMEJI TAIWO OLASENI

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

ITUH IGNATIUS IGMAC

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

180

LAWAL SAID ADEWALE

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

305

OYEDOKUN J. OLUWAPELUMI

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

UKAEGBU H. CHIOMA

1,800.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

306

OYEDOKUN I. OLADUNNI

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

EGBOR P. ESEZOBOR

2,700.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

182

OKEKE GLORIA NKIRU

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

307

GODWIN C. NWABUNKA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

ENENDU MARTIN OBIORA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

183

AWOYINKA A. ABIOLA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

308

MARTINS UGWUJA

5,000.00 BTA

DR. OSAHON ENABULELE

1,200.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

184

OWHOLO FAVOUR ELOHO

3,500.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

309

MUSAH MARTIN OHIOZE

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

1,800.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

185

AKINSANYA O. IRETI

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

310

MUSAH RITA LILIAN

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

500.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

ITUH MARY-COLLETTE I.

MADUKA UGOCHUKWU

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

181

186

AKINSANYA ADEKUNLE O

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

311

PRINCE NWOCHA

359.00 3-Aug-18

3,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

TUBI M. TOLUWALOPE

FATOKUN E. ADEOLA

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 1-Aug-18

187

CHUKWUEMEKA UKWU

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

312

HASSAN SHERIF ADETUNJI

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

IDOWU E. ODUKOYA

2,500.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

188

REGINA TINGIR MRUMUN

3,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

313

KAREEM EJEMEN MERCY

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

ANI CALLITUS

3,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

ODHOYIBO VIVIAN

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

MALIK HAMZAH A

2,000.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

190

OKAFOR NDUKA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

315

OLUFON ABEBI KANYISOLA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

AGBEBAKU G. UABOI

1,989.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

191

NWAUWA ENO CHINEZE

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

316

MODUPE FUNMI HARRISON

4,000.00 PTA

ODUKOYA O. SAMUEL

189

314

359.00 3-Aug-18

OSAHON R. OSARUMEN

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

192

OSAYOMI B. JOSHUA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

317

OGUJAWA F. CHINYERE

3,055.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

OSAHON A. ITOHAN

5,000.00 BTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

193

EGBUZIE CLETUS EZODIMAH

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

318

AKINOLA A. ADETUNJI

3,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

OJO OLABISI ADEBOLANLE

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

EGBUZIE I. IHECHI

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

AMAIZU O. MONICA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

195

EZENWA EKENE VICTOR

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

320

DAUDA R. OLADOYIN

1,741.75 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

ELLA O DOUGLAS

3,341.52 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

196

AKINYEMI ABAYOMI

2,050.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

321

AJAYI OLUFUNMILAYO

3,326.53 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

194

319

EJIOGU E. CHUKWUDI

70 71

LAMIKANRA UFUOMA

1,357.39 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

DR. OSAHON ENABULELE

530.28 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

TOKOYA B. OLUWATELE

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

PRINCEWILL B. PAMELA

3,977.10 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

198

OGUNRANTI O. WUTI

1,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

323

OLOWE RUFUS AYODEJI

3,850.31 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

NWAKA R. ISIOMA

3,977.97 PTA

359.00 1-Aug-18

199

THE KNOT EVENT CENTRE

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

324

OGUNDOKUN F. TOLULOPE

3,983.08 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

360.00 3-Aug-18

325

IBEZIAKO J. CHRISTOPHER

1,330.69 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

NWAGWU O. SIMEON

5,273.63 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 1-Aug-18

197

322

72 73

200

KEHINDE STELLA ABIMBOLA

4,000.00 PTA

USMAN ALIYU

14,920.96 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 1-Aug-18

201

KACHI REDDY LINGA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

OJO E. OLUWADARE

1,391.72 PTA

IFERE JACOB

6,000.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 1-Aug-18

202

MEZUE CELESTINE NDIDI

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

327

ALACHE-NWANKWO NKIRU

1,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

ARS NIGERIA LTD

5,810.31 ARTIFICIAL RESINS

362.40 1-Aug-18

203

ONYEJIAKA E. LIVINUS

2,250.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

328

ALACHE-NWANKWO NKIRU

870.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

GEETA PLASTIC PRODUCTS

23,475.00 HIGH DENSITY POLYTHYLENE

NEW HEALTH WAY LTD

15,500.00 MAGNESIUM CARBONATE

QUANTUM PACKAGING NIGERIA

ERO ONIVIE JANE

8,200.00 PACKAGING MATERIAL 4,000.00 PTA

362.50 1-Aug-18

204

ACHONU FELIX UZOMA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

326

329

ADEPOJU OLALEKAN JOHN

359.00 3-Aug-18

1,460.46 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

362.40 1-Aug-18

205

ALIYU ABDU LASS

2,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

330

SAIKI CHARLES OFUJE

2,660.61 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

362.40 1-Aug-18

206

ADEGBOYEGA O. OLATUNDUN

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

331

IKA KRISTINA RUME

2,100.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

359.00 2-Aug-18

207

OKOTO OBANDE ADA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

332

UMEH ARINZE WILLIAM

1,357.39 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

EPELLE BOMA PRECIOUS

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

208

AKINBOBOYE AKINYEMI OLA

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

333

CHUKWUEMEKA B. CHINYELU

3,966.33 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

ANIJEKWU U. CHRISTINE

1,800.00 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

209

ADEFILA O. OMOLOLA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

334

OLATOKUNBO OKUPE O

3,984.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

3,991.83 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

792.02 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

CHINENYE G. AWUJO

BADA FUNMILOLA BOSE

600.00 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

210

HENRY MADU NWANKWO

2,100.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

335

SALAMI O. LAMEED

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

211

SAUDATH OLADOYIN GBAGBA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

336

NWANEGBO C. VIVIAN VICTOR SAMMY

3,960.08 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

1,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

EHIMIKA KINGSLEY

1,200.00 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

213

IBIRONKE O. OLUBUNMI

2,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

338

AREMU ADENIKE

3,247.92 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

IBHARALU GLORIA OARE

1,100.00 PTA

360.00 2-Aug-18

214

LEO OBINNA OKAFOR

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

339

AWOLESI AWOYEMI

3,992.08 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

DADA S. OMOBOLANLE

2,300.00 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

212

337

OSAMUYIDE O. ATINUKE

88 89

ADEGBEMBO ADEBISI

1,300.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

340

TOLUHI MICHAEL MOLO

1,858.77 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

OKWECHIME ROSE ADA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 2-Aug-18

216

OJO ADENIYI ADETORO

1,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

341

TOLUHI MICHAEL MOLO

2,044.96 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

OLUWAFUNMILAYO M. PEDRO

3,400.00 PTA

360.00 2-Aug-18

217

ENABULELE F. EROMOSELE

500.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

342

MAKANJUOLA W. AYINKE

2,660.61 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

OWOLABI MOSES ADEKUNLE

3,500.00 PTA

360.00 2-Aug-18

218

MUOKA OBIAMAKA VIVIEN

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

343

OKANLANWO A. ABIODUN

2,533.65 BTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

ORERE FAITH OMAMEROMO

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 2-Aug-18

219

OBIDIKE TOBE

300.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

344

UDOH GRACE ENOBONG

3,315.97 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

EYISI PHOEBE IFEOMA

4,000.00 PTA

FADEYIBI T. TITOLOLA

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 2-Aug-18

215

220

IDODE BEATRICE AGBADEBO

1,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

345

NDUBISI CHINWE

3,980.85 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

RUFINA IGETEI

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 2-Aug-18

221

OLANREWAJU COMFORT O

1,350.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

346

ENAMINO M. ILUAOBE

3,960.08 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

SAULA DAVID ADEMOLA

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 2-Aug-18

222

MOHAMMED IBRAHIM

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

347

FALASE OLATOMI OLABISI

3,992.08 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

360.00 3-Aug-18

348

NWOKOCHA N. JUDITH

2,156.98 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

3,698.89 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

608.25 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

360.00 2-Aug-18

223

ISIYAKU SUNDAY

IKUMAPAYI A. OLASIMBO

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 2-Aug-18

224

AJIBOLA AMEEN ABIODUN

400.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

349

TIKILI AYEBAKURO

100

AKHIGBE A OLADIPO

2,000.00 PTA

360.00 2-Aug-18

225

TAJUDEEN ABOSEDE OYEYISOLA

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

350

PHILLIPS B. AKINDELE

ONUCO INTERIOR NIG LTD

5,000.00 BTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

351

AKE ARINADE ISIMOTU

LAWAL A. ABDULRASHEED

400.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

352

OKEKE VALENTINA UZONNA

1,150.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

360.00 3-Aug-18

353

AKINTAN M. OLUWABUNME

3,827.08 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

OLOJO KEHINDE KEMI

3,000.00 PTA

101

OSHINOWO OLADIMEJI O

2,500.00 PTA

360.00 2-Aug-18

226

102

NUBI WILSON ABAYOMI

3,000.00 PTA

360.00 2-Aug-18

227

103

228

MUHAMMAD M. IDRIS

4,000.00 PTA

2,904.72 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

MAKOJO JOSEPH OYEYENI

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

104

MBA ANTHONY OKEY

2,386.80 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

229

AIGBODION M. OSRUMWENSE

300.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

105

ADEOLOKUN B. NGOZI

2,391.30 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

230

OKON MARYGRACE EFFIONG

3,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

355

MALIK HAMZAH A

ALOZIE JULIET C

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

356

NJOKU CHIMA GODWIN

15,000.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 3-Aug-18

ONYEANUSI M. OLIVER

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

357

NJOKU CHIMA GODWIN

15,000.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 3-Aug-18

500.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

358

UDOUDO EMMANUEL PETER

2,284.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 3-Aug-18

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

359

AYAEBENE FRANCESS UJU

4,000.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 3-Aug-18

106

TUNJI-AKINWANDE AMINAT

1,324.50 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

231

107

DR ADE-JOHN A. SOLOMON

3,971.87 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

232

108

ADE-JOHN M. ADETUTU

3,971.87 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

233

HART HOWELLS IDAEREFAGHA

109

RAHEEM ABDULLAHI AKINLABI

1,326.39 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

234

BELLO M. MOHAMMED

360

OBIA STANLEY NNAMDI

110

ADEJUWON E. ADESOLA

AFOLABI IDOWU SUBERU

3,500.00 PTA

111

OTEGBOLA SOLOMON

4,989.79 BTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

236

ABOHI B. CHRISTIANAH

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

361

OBUALA IRIGHA JULIUS

OLUGBODE O. MONSURAT

3,965.47 PTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

237

NZEH STELLA NGOZI

300.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

362

EFIONAYI MERCY

ORDU CHUKWUDI SAMMY

113

OSHINOWO OLADIMEJI O

114

FATAI OLA ANOBI ENT

115

OKOYE CHIOMA CALLISTA

359.00 2-Aug-18

360.00 3-Aug-18

363

ADEYEMI COLLEGE OF EDU.

359.00 2-Aug-18

238

12,211.50 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 2-Aug-18

239

ADEDEJI OLUWAWEMIMO

1,400.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

364

HABU ISHAYA SARKI

9,304.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 2-Aug-18

240

BANKOLE O. ESTHER

1,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

365

ACCESS BANK

4,914.00 SCHOOL FEES

1,333.50 PTA

350.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

MMIRIUKWU ADA UJU

112

1,342.19 PTA

235

354

2,383.56 BTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

1,400.00 LIVING EXPENSES

359.00 3-Aug-18

13,368.80 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 3-Aug-18

7,555.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 3-Aug-18

13,530.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 3-Aug-18

9,636.00 SCHOOL FEES

359.00 3-Aug-18

1,500,000.00 INTERBANK

362.50 3-Aug-18 362.50 3-Aug-18

116

EREMIE ENENI ALAYE

359.00 2-Aug-18

241

MUHAMMAD M. DINGYADI

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

366

UNION BANK

91,020.00 INTERBANK

117

ACCESS BANK

500,000.00 INTERBANK

362.50 2-Aug-18

242

NTEKPERE IDONGESIT ETIM

4,000.00 PTA

359.00 3-Aug-18

367

ZENITH BANK

1,000,000.00 INTERBANK

362.50 3-Aug-18

118

ACCESS BANK

1,000,000.00 INTERBANK

362.50 2-Aug-18

243

UMUDE S. EMMANUEL

1,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

368

AFRICAN REFRACTORY & ALLIED

1,500,000.00 LOAN REPAYMENT

361.75 3-Aug-18

119

ZENITH BANK

2,000,000.00 INTERBANK

362.50 2-Aug-18

244

ONWU KARACHI CLARA

200.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

369

IKORODU STEEL MILLS

3,000,000.00 LOAN REPAYMENT

361.75 3-Aug-18

120

ZENITH BANK

1,000,000.00 INTERBANK

362.50 2-Aug-18

245

OGUNDARE OLUBUNMI HELEN

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

370

IKORODU STEEL MILLS

500,000.00 LOAN REPAYMENT

361.75 3-Aug-18

ASPIRA NIG LTD INLAKS COMPUTERS

121

EGYPT AIR

122

MTN

123

TEMITAYO OGUNGBADE

124

UBA GIS/VETIVA S&P

125

AFOLABI AJOKE MARIAM

www.ubagroup.com

551,876.38 TICKET REMITTANCE

362.40 2-Aug-18

246

FOLARIN OLUSHOLA AKANNI

2,500.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

371

1,135,075.00 SOFTWARE LICENCES

362.40 2-Aug-18

247

MAMUKUYO OLUWAYOMI ARIYO

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

372

1,400.00 CFA SUBSCRIPTION

362.40 2-Aug-18

248

MAMUKUYO B. OMOLAYO

187.92 S&P SUBSCRIPTION

362.40 2-Aug-18

249

NWOJI OLA

360.00 3-Aug-18

250

INYOM NATHAN NYITAR

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

373

LORNA NIGERIA LIMITED

550.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

374

NCR NIG PLC

4,000.00 PTA

360.00 3-Aug-18

4,000.00 PTA

58,000.00 TALLOW OIL MIN FLEXI TANKS

362.95 3-Aug-18

500,000.00 ATM MACHINES + SPARE PARTS

362.70 3-Aug-18

22,755.00 ARTIFICIAL FILAMENT TOW 686,180.00 AUTOMATED BANK NOTE DISPENSER.

362.40 3-Aug-18 362.95 3-Aug-18

Africa’s global bank

TUESDAY 7, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

MRA Inducts Bank of Industry into ‘FOI Hall of Shame’ for Violating FOI Act Media Rights Agenda (MRA) yesterday inducted the Bank of Industry (BoI) into its Freedom of Information (FOI) Hall of Shame over the institution’s preference for shrouding its operations in secrecy while completely disregarding its duties and obligations under the FOI Act, 2011. In a statement released in Lagos, MRA’s Programme Officer, Mr. Idowu Adewale said the bank had deliberately

refused, neglected or failed to comply with any of its obligations under the FOI Act over the last seven years, thereby shielding itself from public scrutiny and depriving Nigerians of their right to access information about its activities, businesses and operations. The bank, which describes itself as Nigeria’s oldest and largest development financing institution, was restructured in 2001 out of the Nigerian

Industrial Development Bank (NIDB) Limited. Its primary mandate is to provide long term financing to the industrial sector of the Nigerian economy. Adewale said: “The Bank of Industry is strategically placed and its management has the golden opportunity to stimulate industrial development in Nigeria. One of the ways it can effectively do this is by building public trust and confidence in the institution

PDP Fixes N12m as 2019 Presidential Nomination Form Fee The PDP also challenged President Buhari to explain why his anti-corruption fight has not been extended to investigate the corruption from the leaked memo detailing alleged underhand oil contracts to the tune of N9 trillion ($25billion) at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, which are under the direct supervision of the President as Minister of Petroleum Resources. Ruling Party Dismisses Allegations as Deceitful The National Publicity Secretary of APC, Mr. Yekini Nobena, has reacted to accusations levelled against

the APC and the Buhari-led administration by the PDP, describing them as a mere attempt to deceive Nigerians, which will not succeed. He said, “PDP is trying very hard to scuttle the 2019 general election but we will resist it. The party is afraid that it will be defeated at the poll that is why they are using the National Assembly to frustrate efforts to approve funds for the INEC. They are merely weeping up sentiments but Nigerians will never believe them. “If indeed the opposition party is truly sincere about preparations for the next election, it would not be raising issues against the call by APC lawmakers for the reconvening

of the National Assembly. “APC believes in the rule of law and will not emulate what the PDP did in its 16 years of reign to manipulate the system. If truly the leadership of the National Assembly is working for the interest of Nigerians, are they not supposed to make the passage of INEC budget a priority? Will proceeding on recess be more important?” The APC spokesman also debunked the allegation by the PDP that the Buhari-led administration is covering up corruption. He challenged the PDP to bring up facts about its allegations and present same to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

if it chooses to be transparent and accountable. But it has instead chosen to cast doubts and suspicion over its activities by refusing to comply with its obligations under the FOI Act.” According to him, “The bank has refused to publish and disseminate important categories of information, documents and records that Section 2(3) and (4) of the Act specifically requires it to publish and disseminate widely

in various forms. These include a list of all classes of records under its control in sufficient detail to facilitate the exercise of the right to information under the Act; documents containing final planning policies, recommendations and decisions; documents containing information relating to the receipt or expenditure of public or other funds of the institution; and documents containing the names, salaries,

titles and dates of employment of all employees and officers of the institution.” Adewale noted that the Bank has also failed to publish and disseminate its lists of files containing applications for any contract, permit, grants, licenses or agreement; lists of materials containing information relating to any grant or contract made by or between the institution and another public institution or private organisation.

FG to Repatriate 116 Nigerians Trapped in Libyan Slave Camps The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has stated that 116 of the Nigerian migrants trapped in Libyan slave camps would be repatriated home soon. She said this in a statement by her media aide, AbdurRahman Balogun in Abuja. Dabiri-Erewa said the federal government and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) had located the detention camps of the Nigerians, and offered to bring those willing back home. The Nigeria Mission in Tripoli, she added, had

traced the migrants to Osama Detention Centre, Zawiya, Libya. According to her, 116 Nigerian migrants have been processed online by the Nigeria Mission and IOM for repatriation back to Nigeria. However, 24 of them insisted they must get to Europe. She said federal government moved to rescue the detained migrants after their plea for assistance through video clip from Libya on July 8. In the video, the stranded Nigerians who veiled their faces, said that their final destination is Europe but were

intercepted by security agents in Libya and locked up under dehumanising conditions. The migrants had in the video said they were being tortured to death daily under a dehumanising condition. “We are dying here. Come and rescue us. Europe is our final destination but we are trapped in Libya subjecting us to inhuman treatment”, one of the Nigerians said in the video. Dabiri-Erewa, according to the News Agency of Nigeria ((NAN), said 9,438 Nigerian migrants had so far been repatriated by the federal government and IOM.

SOURCE OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE AS AT 3RD OF JULY 2018 S/N

SOURCE

S/N

SOURCE

AUTONOMOUS

640.00

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

2,300.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

125

AUTONOMOUS

751.01

350.27 2-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

4,985.00

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

195.15

350.24 1-Aug-18

126

AUTONOMOUS

924.32

350.27 2-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

40,000.00

349.46 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

195.15

350.24 1-Aug-18

127

50.00

350.27 2-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

100.00

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

384.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

128

AUTONOMOUS

50.00

350.27 2-Aug-18

CBN

3,000,000.00

357.00 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

763.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

129

AUTONOMOUS

491.04

350.27 2-Aug-18

CBN

3,000,000.00

357.00 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

535.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

130

AUTONOMOUS

2,373.75

350.27 2-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

400.00

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

520.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

131

AUTONOMOUS

4,500.00

360.00 2-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

72.04

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

51.02

350.24 1-Aug-18

132

AUTONOMOUS

782.00

350.27 2-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

190.00

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

2,500.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

133

AUTONOMOUS

428.58

350.27 2-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

44.00

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

57.95

350.24 1-Aug-18

134

AUTONOMOUS

2,910.00

350.27 2-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

60.00

349.41 30-Jul-18

IMTO

2,375.76

354.80 1-Aug-18

135

AUTONOMOUS

23.11

350.27 2-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

1,125.00

349.41 30-Jul-18

IMTO

233,388.45

355.00 1-Aug-18

136

AUTONOMOUS

2,368,000.00

361.00 2-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

125.00

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

80.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

137

AUTONOMOUS

1,155.39

350.27 2-Aug-18

IMTO

1,609.80

354.82 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

1,400.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

138

IMTO

3,054.70

355.00 2-Aug-18

IMTO

160,117.53

355.00 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

739.21

350.24 1-Aug-18

139

IMTO

256,497.81

355.00 2-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

433.06

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

29,949.92

350.27 1-Aug-18

140

AUTONOMOUS

5,000,000.00

361.50 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

18,556.82

352.00 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

277.56

350.24 1-Aug-18

141

AUTONOMOUS

200.00

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

334.28

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

933.58

350.24 1-Aug-18

142

AUTONOMOUS

1,696.68

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

201.72

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

235.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

143

AUTONOMOUS

1,817.41

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

150.00

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

569.61

350.24 1-Aug-18

144

AUTONOMOUS

54.06

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

576.34

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

390.30

350.24 1-Aug-18

145

AUTONOMOUS

100.00

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

2,850.59

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

321.65

350.24 1-Aug-18

146

AUTONOMOUS

308.25

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

995.00

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

695.45

350.24 1-Aug-18

147

AUTONOMOUS

345.09

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

3,421.17

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

3,662.73

350.24 1-Aug-18

148

AUTONOMOUS

195.00

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

780.84

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

224.60

350.24 1-Aug-18

149

AUTONOMOUS

293.00

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

463.91

349.41 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

142.04

349.41 1-Aug-18

150

AUTONOMOUS

300.00

350.72 3-Aug-18

INTERBANK

50,000.00

306.05 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

1,890.15

349.41 1-Aug-18

151

AUTONOMOUS

6,000.00

350.72 3-Aug-18

IMTO

2,316.79

355.00 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

336.14

350.24 1-Aug-18

152

AUTONOMOUS

1,437.86

350.72 3-Aug-18

IMTO

207,618.12

355.00 30-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

5,000.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

153

AUTONOMOUS

137.20

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

1,500,000.00

361.00 31-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

2,824.12

360.00 1-Aug-18

154

AUTONOMOUS

2,890.19

306.40 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

50,000.00

350.24 31-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

600.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

155

AUTONOMOUS

196.15

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

2,885.74

349.46 31-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

2,521.02

350.24 1-Aug-18

156

AUTONOMOUS

473.00

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

1,430.00

349.46 31-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

4,016.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

157

AUTONOMOUS

382.00

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

50,000.00

350.24 31-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

463.64

350.24 1-Aug-18

158

AUTONOMOUS

1,741.54

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

250,000.00

362.00 31-Jul-18

AUTONOMOUS

50.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

159

AUTONOMOUS

358.91

350.72 3-Aug-18

IMTO

98.40

354.73 31-Jul-18

IMTO

3,935.30

355.00 1-Aug-18

160

AUTONOMOUS

117.56

350.72 3-Aug-18

IMTO

1,968.22

354.81 31-Jul-18

IMTO

318,405.33

355.00 1-Aug-18

161

AUTONOMOUS

339.14

350.72 3-Aug-18

IMTO

8,161.42

355.00 31-Jul-18

100

AUTONOMOUS

1,948.07

350.27 2-Aug-18

162

AUTONOMOUS

73.18

350.72 3-Aug-18

IMTO

189,658.84

355.00 31-Jul-18

101

AUTONOMOUS

1,290.00

350.27 2-Aug-18

163

AUTONOMOUS

1,492.00

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

38.59

349.46 31-Jul-18

102

AUTONOMOUS

100.00

350.27 2-Aug-18

164

AUTONOMOUS

129.50

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

126,087.65

349.46 31-Jul-18

103

AUTONOMOUS

462.16

350.27 2-Aug-18

165

IMTO

2,090.03

354.91 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

308,359.98

350.24 31-Jul-18

104

AUTONOMOUS

878.35

350.27 2-Aug-18

166

IMTO

202,442.22

355.00 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

548,195.52

350.24 31-Jul-18

105

AUTONOMOUS

150,000.00

361.70 2-Aug-18

167

AUTONOMOUS

74.24

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

240,000.00

361.50 31-Jul-18

106

AUTONOMOUS

860.00

350.27 2-Aug-18

168

AUTONOMOUS

2,000.00

350.72 3-Aug-18

IMTO

207.27

355.00 31-Jul-18

107

AUTONOMOUS

153.00

350.27 2-Aug-18

169

AUTONOMOUS

369.07

350.72 3-Aug-18

IMTO

2,717.09

355.00 31-Jul-18

108

AUTONOMOUS

990.00

350.27 2-Aug-18

170

AUTONOMOUS

402.60

350.72 3-Aug-18

IMTO

11,593.01

355.00 31-Jul-18

109

AUTONOMOUS

146.40

350.27 2-Aug-18

171

AUTONOMOUS

500.00

350.72 3-Aug-18

IMTO

220,513.37

355.00 31-Jul-18

110

AUTONOMOUS

925.47

350.27 2-Aug-18

172

AUTONOMOUS

52.21

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

50.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

111

AUTONOMOUS

64.93

350.27 2-Aug-18

173

AUTONOMOUS

150.00

350.27 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

800.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

112

AUTONOMOUS

288.85

350.27 2-Aug-18

174

AUTONOMOUS

3,928.24

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

1,745.13

350.24 1-Aug-18

113

AUTONOMOUS

515.00

350.27 2-Aug-18

175

AUTONOMOUS

460.12

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

35.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

114

AUTONOMOUS

75.16

350.27 2-Aug-18

176

AUTONOMOUS

345.09

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

380.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

115

AUTONOMOUS

86.65

350.27 2-Aug-18

177

AUTONOMOUS

88,554.60

361.50 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

143.97

350.24 1-Aug-18

116

AUTONOMOUS

100.00

350.27 2-Aug-18

178

AUTONOMOUS

199.00

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

51.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

117

IMTO

2,109.60

354.88 2-Aug-18

179

AUTONOMOUS

1,926.74

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

55.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

118

IMTO

196,002.79

355.00 2-Aug-18

180

AUTONOMOUS

60,000.00

360.00 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

1,360.77

350.24 1-Aug-18

119

AUTONOMOUS

7.63

350.27 2-Aug-18

181

AUTONOMOUS

388.50

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

760.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

120

AUTONOMOUS

314.00

350.27 2-Aug-18

182

AUTONOMOUS

25.67

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

600.00

350.24 1-Aug-18

121

AUTONOMOUS

244.16

350.27 2-Aug-18

183

AUTONOMOUS

355.00

350.72 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

1,390.91

350.24 1-Aug-18

122

AUTONOMOUS

404.39

350.27 2-Aug-18

184

IMTO

3,298.86

355.00 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

97.69

350.24 1-Aug-18

123

AUTONOMOUS

262.85

350.27 2-Aug-18

185

IMTO

279,765.85

355.00 3-Aug-18

AUTONOMOUS

15,000.00

350.27 1-Aug-18

124

AUTONOMOUS

424.61

350.27 2-Aug-18

www.ubagroup.com

AMOUNT (US$)

RATE DATE

AMOUNT (US$)

RATE DATE

S/N

SOURCE

AUTONOMOUS

AMOUNT (US$)

RATE DATE

Africa’s global bank

TUESDAY 7, 2018 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Dickson: Criminal Politicians Enjoying FG’s Security Cover in Bayelsa Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, yesterday alleged that some politicians

he described as criminals and terrorists were enjoying the cover of the federal government-controlled security agencies in the state.

A’Ibom Not Distracted by Akpabio’s Defection to APC, Says Gov Emmanuel Okon Bassey in Uyo Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has stated that his state is not distracted by the planned defection of the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Emmanuel spoke yesterday when the members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly paid him a solidarity visit on the planned defection of Akpabio. “We are highly focused, our party chairman is here, all of us here were elected on the platform of PDP. We are known to be very loyal people; the Niger Delta people are very loyal, and highly principled people. We don’t just move like that,” the Governor added. According to him, it is not possible to see a Niger Delta man who is on a canoe in the high sea jump inside the Atlantic Ocean on the basis of a storm. “So, we just want the world to know that we are at peace with ourselves; all is well with us as far as this union, this body is concerned and we leave the

rest into God’s hands and then we will see what God wants to do,” he added. “This is God’s own state, we reinstate our faith and reaffirm our faith in God and God alone,’ adding, “let the whole world know that we are PDP and PDP shall we be”, he reaffirmed. In his speech, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Onofiok Luke, who led his colleagues to Government House, reaffirmed the support of the state lawmakers to the governor. Luke said the total support given to the governor was based on the superlative performance that has characterised his leadership in the state, explaining that the state lawmakers who were not in the entourage were out of the country on official engagement. “We came with the understanding that we were elected by Akwa Ibom people on the platform of the PDP and that the leader of that party, the Governor in the state has performed well and we on that platform of PDP have come to show solidarity because of the performance that he has been able to put on ground.”

The governor who had recently raised the alarm over alleged amassing of weapons by certain politicians in the state, called on law enforcement agents to guard against the politicisation of security, thereby endangering the lives of residents. Dickson who spoke when the new Bayelsa State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), Mrs. Christiana Abiakam visited him at the Government House, Yenagoa, urged security agents to resist being used as tools

by some unnamed political leaders in the state. He added that he would no longer condone acts of lawlessness in Bayelsa and urged officers and men of the Corps to exhibit professionalism in the discharge of their duties. He said: “There are politicians in this state in some political parties who are complete criminals and terrorists killing people election after election. They are involved in all major communal problems. “They use most of your (NSCDC) officers and men.

As we speak, your men are guarding people of shady characters, parading as political leaders, including people against whom judicial process has commenced. “So, my charge to you, is that while this government will continue to support law enforcement agencies to do their jobs better, the government and people will no longer condone a situation whereby uniformed men are used to intimidate, kill and maim people in this state.” He also assured the NSCDC of the government’s readiness

to provide a security platform on the waterways, stressing that he had already directed the Ministry of Lands and Survey to provide land for the building of an official accommodation for the new Commandant. The new Bayelsa State Commandant had earlier assured the governor that the Corps would work closely with other security agencies to carry out their core mandate of checking pipeline vandalism and protection of other government facilities and assets.

AT YOUR DOORSTEP L-R: Business Manager, Sterling Bank Plc, Igbogbo branch, Mr. Segun Akanni; Group Head, General Internal Services, Sterling Bank, Mr. Extend Developments to BANKING Yemi Adebomi; Adegboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, and Executive Director, Retail Consumer Banking, Sterling Bank, Mr. Grama Narasimhan, at the opening ceremony of the first and only bank branch in Igbogbo Daura, Emir Tells Buhari and community by Sterling Bank ...yesterday Francis Sardauna in Katsina In what might be described as fatherly advice, the Emir of Daura, the hometown of President Muhammadu Buhari, Dr. Umar Faruq Umar, has called on the president to extend his developmental drive to the people of the area, stressing that his subjects have been neglected. This is even as the paramount ruler said the Daura people were not getting enough from the centre despite the fact that their son, Buhari, is piloting the affairs of the country as the president. Umar disclosed this when he received the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, at his palace in Daura yesterday. He said: “Buhari by his nature will not influence the citing of

any projects in Daura. But his ministers who benefitted from his appointment should reciprocate by bringing developmental projects to Daura people. “It is a call to duty for the ministers to make provision in their ministries’ budget of ensuring that Daura benefits immensely from Buhari’s administration. “If the ministers failed to site any projects in Daura, they have betrayed the president and people of Daura,” he lamented The emir reiterated that the political appointees of President Buhari were not doing enough to assist his hometown, Daura, with a viable project. According to the traditional ruler, “Daura is faced with absence of developmental projects, and its people are hungry and need federal government assistance.

Lagos Lawyer Urges INEC to Prosecute Fayose, Others Court grants Fayemi access to electoral materials Gboyega Akinsanmi in Lagos and Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been asked to prosecute the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, his Deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola and the acting Chairman of Ekiti State Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Lere Olayinka for alleged violation of the Electoral Act, 2010 during the July 14 governorship election. This is coming as the Election Petition Tribunal Sitting in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital yesterday granted the Governorelect and the candidate of the

All Progressives Congress (APC) in the July 14 governorship election in the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi access to materials used for the conduct of the election. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the election Prof. Olusola had last Friday filed a 700-page petition against Fayemi. The request for INEC to prosecute Fayose and others was contained in a letter a Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Kabir Akingbolu addressed to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu yesterday, demanding that the trio of Fayose, Olusola and Olayinka

(suspects) should be investigated and prosecuted for committing electoral offences during the just concluded election. In a two-page letter, Akingbolu alleged that the suspects “deliberately breached several provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 before, during and after the said election,” thereby committing electoral offences punishable under the Act. The letter read in part: “The campaign of the suspects was tainted with abusive language, which injured religious, ethnic and sectional feelings contrary to section 95 (1) of the Electoral Act. The suspects threatened to make use of force and violence

in contravention of section 131 (a) of the Electoral Act. Meanwhile, the Election Petition Tribunal Sitting in Ado Ekiti yesterday granted Fayemi access to materials used for the conduct of the election. The governor-elect and applicant in the suit, had on July 31 filed an application before the court that he and his party, APC be granted access to the materials to prosecute his case. Delivering the judgement on the application, Justice Suleiman Belgore, said he decided to grant the application for the applicants (Fayemi and APC) to be able to defend the petition and in the spirit of fair hearing.

ruled that the order restraining Messrs Ikyange, James Okefe, former Deputy Speaker, and Benjamin Adanyi, former Majority Leader, from parading themselves as principal officers of the Assembly would persist, pending the determination of the substantive matter. When the matter came up, lawyers to the former Speaker led by Mamman Mike

Osuman, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), made an oral application praying the court to vacate the interim order restraining the defendants from parading themselves as leaders of the House, issued on July 27, 2018. He added that the order was supposed to last for just seven days; so, it ought to have elapsed on August 3, 2018, sighting Order 39 rule 3(3)of the Rules of the Court.

Lawyers to the new Speaker, Mr. Titus Uba, and 21 others led by Sebastian Hon (SAN), opposed the application. Ruling on the matter, Justice Theresa Igoche held that the order restraining the Speaker and two others from parading themselves as principal officers of the House would subsist pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Masari Appoints 34 Caretaker Benue Impeached Speaker Loses Bid toVacate Restraining Order Committee Chairmen Francis Sardauna in Katsina Governor, Aminu Masari of Katsina State yesterday sent the names of 34 persons to the state House of Assembly for onward screening and confirmation as Caretaker Committee chairmen of the 34 local government councils of the state. The names of the appointees were contained in a letter read

by the Leader of the assembly, Hambali Faruk, during yesterday’s plenary. Faruk informed his colleagues that the governor exercised his right according to section 80 of the local government administrative law. According to “The governor’s decision to form the committees was in line with his administration’s desire to bring development closer to the rural dwellers.”

George Okoh in Makurdi The impeached Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange, and two other principal officers have lost their bids to vacate the court order restraining them from parading themselves as the leaders of the House. A Makurdi High Court, presided over by Justice Theresa Igoche, yesterday

T H I S D AY Ë¾ TUESDAY AUGUST 7, 2018

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵˜ ͰͮͯͶ

Ϳ˜ ͺ͸͹΀ ˾ T H I S D AY

TUESDAYSPORTS

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

Tanzania Appoints Amuneke Head Coach D I with agency report

A prophet is often never recognized at home. But for hardworking Nigerian coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, recognition came his way in far away Tanzania yesterday as that East African country appointed him as head coach of their national football team. Amuneke, 47, who sealed an initial two-year contract to be in-charge of the senior Taifa Stars, has also been saddled with overseeing the other Tanzania teams, including the U-17 and U-20 groups. President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Wallace Karia, told the BBC after the signing ceremony that though the other teams are going to have their coaches but Amuneke will head them and take charge of all technical duties. “We shall have coaches for the other teams, but Amuneke will be the head

starting with the 2019 African U-17 qualifiers which kick-off in Dar es Salaam this weekend. “We are happy to have Amuneke who has played at the top and has a lot of experience as a coach. We have picked our very own from Africa,” added Karia in a mocking reference to other African countries who are mostly fixated on European managers. Amuneke’s first competitive game in charge of the senior Taifa Stars will be their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uganda in September. The former Nigerian winger replaces local coach, Salum Mayanga, who had been in-charge of Tanzania since last year. Amuneke was the assistant coach when the Golden Eaglets won the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy for a record fourth time in the United Arab Emirates in 2013 for Nigeria. Two years later Amuneke led Nigeria to a fifth U-17 World Cup title in Chile and

revered as a proven youth manager, he was swiftly promoted to coach the U-20 side the Flying Eagles. As a player, he was a key part of the Super Eagles team, scoring both goals at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia where Nigeria beat Zambia 2-1 to secure their second African title. He also played at the 1994 World Cup - scoring memorable

goals against Bulgaria and Italy. He scored the winner again as Nigeria stunned Argentina 3-2 in the 1996 Olympic football final in Atlanta to become the first African football nation to win Olympic gold. His clubs included Egyptian side Zamalek, and he also played at European football heavyweights FC Barcelona and Portugal’s Sporting Club.

CAA 2018: Champion Kenya, Other African Countries Depart Asaba Athletes and officials of countries that participated in the just concluded 21st African Senior Athletics Championship have started departing Asaba for their various destinations. As promised by the Local Organising Committee for CAA Asaba 2018, Aircrafts were made readily available for the traveling contingents who all expressed delight at the hospitality and great championship which was heavily supported by the Delta State Government. In a statement issued by Olukayode Thomas, Head Media and Publicity for CAA Asaba 2018, the LOC boss, Chief Solomon Ogba thanked all the athletes and officials from all the participating countries for making the 2018 Championship a memorable one. Ogba affirmed that despite the initial setbacks that were promptly addressed, Asaba 2018 remains one of the most glamorous African Championships ever hosted on the continent. “We are very grateful to the Delta State governor; Dr Ifeanyi Okowa first for making available these planes to airlift the athletes and their officials back to

Lagos as they fly to their various countries. “Beyond that, we are also very grateful to Gov. Okowa for making Asaba 2018 a reality and bringing Africa to Delta State. We are sure that the legacies from this championship will be long lasting,” Ogba said. On their part, the departing athletes and their officials commended the Asaba 2018 LOC for all their hard work geared at seeing that the African Championship was hugely successful. Members of Team Kenya who emerged as the overall champions after five days of competition at the newly-completed Stephen Keshi Stadium said they would always have fond memories of Asaba as it turned to be a ‘lucky’ ground for them. Despite not finishing tops, members of Team South Africa, South Sudan, Eretria and others who all left Asaba on Monday said they were happy to be in Delta State adding that they had a swell time in the peaceful city of Asaba. The Confederation of African Athletics, CAA has picked Algeria as the next host of the African Senior Athletics Championship in 2020.

F G

… Zenith Bank Commends Team Nigeria’s Performance The Management of Zenith Bank Plc has commended the Team Nigerian athletes that took part in the just concluded African Senior Athletics Championship in Asaba, Delta State. Nigeria finished overall third with nine gold, six silver and five bronze medals behind overall winners Kenya with 11gold, six silver and two bronze medals. South Africa came second with nine gold, 13 silver and eight bronze medals. Group Managing Director of the bank, Peter Amangbo, said that it was a great feat by the Nigerian contingent in a continental competition involving 52 countries from various parts of Africa. Amangbo said: “The athletes gave a very good account of themselves in Asaba and we are really proud of them. It was great to have many big names on the continent compete in Nigeria. “We are very happy that Team Nigerian

athletes were among the best performers. Winning the 4x100m women relay was a great feat while the individual feats of young athletes like Tobi Amusan were commendable. “Zenith Bank is proud to be part of this competition and we are also happy about the achievements of Team Nigeria at the competition. We will continue to support sports in every way we can.” Zenith Bank Plc led the donors at the fund raising event for the championship with the sum of N300m while Bube Dan gave N20m, Levant Construction N20m, Gomene N11m, Delta State House of Assembly N7m, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development N5m, among others. Top athletes like Amusan, Kelechi Nwanaga and Divine Oduduru showered praises on Zenith Bank and other sponsors for providing the enabling environment for the big competition to take place in Asaba.

UNDER-20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

Hard Fighting Falconets Fall to Germany Again Nigeria’s Under-20 girls, Falconets, battled hard but once more, were unable to break the German jinx as they lost 0-1 to the 2010 and 2014 champions in the opening game of Group D of the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Saint Malo, France yesterday. Stefanie Sanders was gifted acres of space in the six-yard area to slam into the net from a corner kick even after inspired goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie had made two consecutive saves. The Falconets, runners-up in 2010 and 2014 and semi finalists in 2012, had their own opportunities to get on the scorers-sheet but Anam Imo and Peace Efih were somewhat unlucky. The victory shot the Germans to the top of the Group D table ahead of the clash between Haiti and China. The Falconets turned out in Nigeria’s new NIKE outfits and fought hard and confidently on the turf of Stade de Marville. Germany pushed hard and relentlessly in the opening half, but could find no breakthrough as a brilliant Nnadozie, with defenders Glory Ogbonna, Oluwakemi Famuditi and Sunday Opeyemi, kept things tight at the rear.

Nigeria should have levelled three minutes after the Germans shot ahead, but Peace Efih’s swerving shot rocked the upright with the goalkeeper stranded. Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, said after the match in Saint Malo that Falconets fought very hard and were just unlucky. “The girls fought very hard and deserved at least a point from this match, but that is gone now and we have to look forward to Thursday. I believe the coaches have the ability to turn things around and ensure victory in the two remaining group phase matches,” he noted. Next up for the Falconets is an encounter with their Haitian counterparts, at the same venue on Thursday, before another potentiallyexplosive encounter with China in Dinan/Léhon on Monday next week. Another African team at the competition, Ghana lost her opening game 4-1 to hosts France in Group A. Emelyne Laurent began the hosts’ scoring spree after just five minutes with Helene Fercocq slotting home to make it 2-0.

Tuesday August 7, 2018

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MISSILE Melaye to Oshiomhole “I begin to wonder why a party chairman like Oshiomhole will not know that the seat of the Senate president has no party aﬃliation and the election of Senate President is democracy in action irrespective of party aﬃliation but now I understand that you can’t give what you don’t have.” – Senator Dino Melaye, faulting the recent call by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, on the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to resign.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI The Asaba Disgrace abati1990@gmail.com

“I

think this is the first and last time I will come to Nigeria to compete. If you are not ready to organise something please don’t…It was three days of travel for some and two days for others; like you are travelling from Africa to Asia or America. I have been to four African Championships and it’s my first time to have that kind of bad organisation. No respect for the people.” – Marie Josee Ta Lou, Ivorian athlete. Shame on all the local organisers of the just concluded 21st Africa Senior Athletics Championships held in Asaba, Delta state tagged #Asaba2018 for spending N4 billion of the Nigerian taxpayers’ money to procure disgrace, and embarrassment for Nigeria, bring odium unto the country, attract the contempt of other African countries and cause an international relations disaster. Sport is an important tool of diplomacy and global negotiation for power and identity. The branding opportunities involved in sports are vast and immeasurable. In the recently concluded 2018 World Cup in Russia, countries fought hard because they knew their national image was at stake. The host country received plaudits for giving the rest of the world a tournament to remember. We were told that smiling anyhow to strangers is considered strange in Russia, but for the World Cup, Russians were told that it is human and normal to smile in public. A non-smiling population learnt to smile and even laugh! Russia wanted to make an impression it even relaxed visa application rules. But don’t forget that some of our brothers took advantage of that and “stormed Russia” only to be abandoned by those who took them there. They ended up sleeping on the doorsteps of the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow. If the Russians thought the Nigerians were odd, they didn’t complain openly. They wore our jerseys and embraced us. After Russia 2018, the stories have all been sweet and warm. It was a great moment for Russia and Putin, its President. The contrast was the outcome when a few weeks later, Nigeria hosted a less grandiose event: the African Senior Athletics Championships in Asaba. We messed up the opportunity thoroughly and shamelessly. The comment above by Marie Josee Ta Lou, track star from Ivory Coast is fairly representative. When the athletes arrived, they met an unprepared country, indeed a country in disarray. Athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Eritrea, Morocco arrived the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos on Sunday, over 200 of them (!). They couldn’t get connecting flights from Lagos to Asaba until three days later, the day the championship was meant to start. We were shown pictures of the visiting athletes sleeping on the floor at the airport. Twitter Kenya and its trolls carried the matter on their heads and abused Nigeria and Nigerians as if they were talking to their mates. Don’t forget that Nigeria is supposed to be “the giant of Africa” and we are also the biggest economy in the entire continent. But the Kenyans dragged us on the floor with negative comments. Kenya! Hmm. We eventually managed to get the athletes to Asaba, but other problems surfaced. The local organisers could not provide accommodation. They could not manage accreditation. Foreign journalists could not have access to power outlets. Many of them sat on the floor. When they complained, some of them were labeled “hostile” and warned to behave themselves! The opening ceremony could not start as scheduled. Even athletes from Eritrea had to protest. One of them reportedly said: “We’ve not had a good experience since we arrived in Nigeria…” Hen hen… Erit-re-a! The President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) was also quoted as saying: “We didn’t have this kind of problem in previous championships. We have been to Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Marrakesh and

Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung Durban. The people there showed commitment and things went on well…” The Tanzanians also got so frustrated, by Thursday they decided to boycott the championship. They packed their things and left. “We are not angry, but we are disappointed”, the Secretary of the Tanzania Athletics Association said. Tanzania! The other countries that stayed behind even had worse tales to tell. There were reports of the tracks being terrible: with bumps and potholes in a newly completed stadium. It is called the Stephen Keshi Stadium. The late star footballer and coach must have been turning in his grave, furious that some of his compatriots have used his name in vain, and so disrespectfully. Some of the athletes even pointed out that they were afraid of being injured so they had to run carefully. #Asaba2018 does not represent the true potential of African athletes. Kenya came first, South Africa second, Nigeria, third on the final medals table but perhaps the outcomes could have been different if the environment of competition had been enabling. The athletes had no changing rooms, the toilets were dirty, water supply was a problem! On Thursday, last week, the stadium’s overhead water tank collapsed. It crashed. We have heard of collapsed buildings, but now in Asaba, a water tank collapsed and crushed two vehicles at an international event. The Kenyans said their athletes were almost crushed. To be fair, it is not only Kenyans that are protesting, even if they were the ones who carried the thing on their head. Nigerian athletes also lamented. They must have been ashamed of their country. In typical Nigerian fashion, the local organisers, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) led by Solomon Ogba has been busy trying to blame others and dodge responsibility. One excuse that I have heard is that nobody should blame the Delta State Government because all it tried to do was to help Nigeria save face. How? We are told that the championship was meant to be hosted originally by Lagos State, but Lagos State changed its mind and rather than allow the championship to be taken to another country, Delta State stepped in. This is a very stupid excuse. The Ivorian athlete quoted above is therefore right: “If you are not ready to organise something please don’t….” says Marie Josee Ta Lau. Governor Okowa promised everyone that Delta State will host a superlative event. He even visited the Stadium to assess constructions. He failed Nigeria. Sporting events are used to transform communities and build infrastructure, generate jobs and activity and leave footprints behind. In organising Asaba 2018, Nigeria squandered N4 billion and got insults in return. What a country! But we won’t just echo Kunle Ajibade and say “what a country!”. Solomon Ogba and his

team must stop telling us that things went wrong because the visitors paid their participation fees late or that they arrived late or that they did not submit certain documents early enough. Ogba and co must stop giving voice to their own incompetence. It is very silly to do so, if they have any shame, let them stop mouthing nonsense. This is what happened in the final analysis: both the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Delta State Government tried to save face by making arrangements for the departure of the visiting athletes. I guess they are all glad to be out of here, but many of them don’t ever hope to come back to Nigeria for any tournament. And that is N4 billion down the drain! This is what should now happen: the contractors who put Nigeria to shame: the contractor in charge of water supply, the contractor who laid the tracks, whoever created a shameful situation whereby athletes had to be fetching water with buckets in a brand new stadium, and every one who approved the shoddy management of #Asaba2018 should be made to account for their deeds. We often blame the President and the Presidency, what the Asaba disgrace has shown is that there are some lower level operatives in the system who do great damage to the country. This Asaba disgrace should be addressed, and

in an intelligent manner too, for if care is not taken some of these dim-witted folks with access to the microphone could come forward to say that Nigeria failed with #Asaba2018 because it was hosted by a Governor who belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party! Hmm, please permit me to end this piece with feedback quotes from selected Kenyan twitter trolls. Lord Abraham Mutai (@ItsMutai) says: “I have no business celebrating the Kenyan win at #Asaba2018. We need to call out Nigeria for who they really are. The most corrupt people in Africa. As Africans we need to tell each other the truth. We cant (sic) the West to do that for us. NIGERIA have embarrassed us on these games”(sic). You hear am? Mbiyu (mmbiyu) further observes: “I thought Kenya was broken, Nigeria is on another level. The water tank at the stadium hosting the senior athlectics championships in Asaba collapsed today and the stadium is still under construction.” And this one from a non-Kenyan, Wesley Botton (@wesbotton): “No hotel rooms available and no accreditation for us to get into the stadium, less than an hour before the start of the African Athletics Champs. This mess keeps getting messier. That’s my grumpy face.” And the guy shows his face, contempt for Nigeria written all over him. That is what our N4 billion brought home to us. Deal with it.

Ray Ekpu at 70 Mr. Ray Ekpu turned 70 yesterday, and we all turned up at the Agip Hall of the MUSON Centre in Lagos, to celebrate his arrival at the gate of the proverbial three scores and ten in life’s bumpy journey, what Dan Agbese calls, the “age of wisdom.” Except that wisdom came to Ray Ekpu much earlier. For the past 45 years he has devoted his entire life to a conversation with his country, Nigeria, and with the entire universe, asking questions, interrogating issues and providing much meaning with his pen. His reward has been a life of purposeful leadership in his chosen field. He is without doubt one of the masters of the pen profession in Nigeria. He is indeed one of the most inspirational figures in modern Nigerian journalism, along with his colleagues at the Newswatch magazine – Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed, Soji Akinrinade and the generations of journalists that they helped to groom and others of their own generation, too numerous to mention who gave Nigerian journalism new meaning through innovativeness, entrepreneurship but more importantly through the courage to speak the truth. Ray Ekpu is ordinarily a soft-looking, soft-spoken gentleman, but beneath that calm exterior is a fiery spirit, so much fire in the belly, stubbornness and irreverence and a capacity to kick against any form of chicanery. In the course of an eventful career, he has been detained more than six times. In January 1983, he wrote an article in which he advised that a major public building should be secured lest the crooks working in the place set it on fire to destroy documents in the accounts department. As it happened, the building in question, the Nigeria External Telecommunications (NET) building in Lagos, went up in flames the following day. Someone died. Ekpu was charged for arson and murder. For writing an opinion, he was accused of using his pen to commit arson and murder! He was again in another matter, charged for contempt of court. He and his colleagues were a pain in the neck of Nigeria’s military desperadoes. I started reading him as an undergraduate at

the University of Calabar. In those days, Nigerian universities had very good newspaper sections and the UNICAL library was excellent. Today, the new heroes of the Nigerian cultural space are rich musicians, rich Nollywood actors, yahoo boys, dumb politicians and crooked baby Mamas riding vehicles the source of which they can’t explain to their poor parents, yes, slay queens too, those coded prostitutes with borrowed wigs and eye lashes. But in our time, when we were growing up, we looked up to the likes of Wole Soyinka, Femi Osofisan, Biodun Jeyifo, Edwin Madunagu, Chinweizu, Effiong Essien, Andy Akporugo, Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese Yakubu Mohammed, Ray Ekpu, Soji Akinrinade, Doyin Abiola, Bilkisu Yusuf, Yemi Ogunbiyi, Chidi Amuta, Tola Adeniyi, Odia Ofeimun, Sonala Olumhense, Ashikiwe Adigone-Egom, Niyi Osundare, Amma Ogan – men and women who used their pens to construct an empire of ideas around Nigeria’s troubled ecosystem. Ray Ekpu was a star in that firmament and he has remained one of the most consistent and most durable. He is sharp, lucid, assertive. His prose is well-crafted, his style is unmistakable, his devotion to his trade and art is impressive. Like all men, he has had his moments of trials and triumphs. He has been to places and occupied positions of leadership that future Nigerian journalists would be glad to reach. But he has taken everything in his stride. In his lifetime, the Department of Mass Communication at the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic has been named after him, and he is readily cited as a model of journalistic excellence in Africa. However, Mr Ekpu is not all about writing, editing, publishing and activism. I can attest that the man enjoys the art of being human. He loves to dance, he enjoys cognac and he is fashionable with all the things that go with that, especially those shapely things that light up a room even when NEPA takes light. When a young man follows elders around, he learns many things but because it is not everything you go home and tell Mummy, let us save those proverbs for another day. Congratulations sir. Live long.

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