MONDAY 14TH JANUARY 2019

We Are Taking Steps to Grow the Economy, Says FG Obinna Chima The Minister of Budget and Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, has assured that the federal government is putting in place measures necessary to ensure that the economy grows

rapidly, while maintaining fiscal sustainability.

Udoma, who acknowledged that the country faces significant challenges with respect to revenue generation, said the government was putting in place measures

to vigorously address the situation.

“Macroeconomic stability has been largely achieved.

Growth is expected to increase from 0.8 per cent in 2017 to 2.1 per cent in 2018 and 3.01 per cent in 2019, with the

continuing implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan,” he told senior media editors at the weekend in Lagos.

He stated, “Employment growth usually slows down during recession and takes

some time to recover. It is not surprising that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data shows that unemployment and underemployment remain high in Nigeria.

“However, it must be emphasised that what the

NBS report shows is not that jobs have been lost. It actually shows that there have been a significant net job creation, but that the level of growth in new jobs is less than the number Continued on page 10

NCAA to Sanction Aircraft Owners Engaged in Illegal Charter Operations

... Page 10

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Judiciary on Trial: NBA Asks All Lawyers to Storm CCT in Support of Onnoghen South-south govs tell him to shun summons Babalola, Saraki, Dogara, Afenifere condemn charges APC endorses federal government’s move Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Deji Elumoye, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja, Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt and George Okoh in Makurdi The Nigerian Bar Association

(NBA) has asked all lawyers in the country to appear at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) today in solidarity with the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, who is being arraigned by the Code Continued on page 8

Presidency Warns Benue Gov against Dubious Campaign Guilty conscience at work, state govt replies Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and George Okoh in Makurdi The presidency yesterday in Abuja warned Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel

Ortom, to desist from what it described as his "nonsense" and "dubious" attacks on President Muhammadu Buhari and focus on the state's challenges.

Continued on page 10

Don’t Allow Buhari Manipulate Your Votes, Atiku Tells Nigerians … Page 8

REMEMBERING THE FALLEN HEROES… L-R: Secretary to the Federal Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Speaker House of Representatives , Mr. Yakubu Dogara; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, during the Interdenominational church service to commemorate Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Abuja...yesterday

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Don’t Allow Buhari Manipulate Your Votes, Atiku Tells Nigerians APC backs INEC on election guidelines Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has urged Nigerians not to allow President Muhammadu Buhari to manipulate their votes in the February 16 presidential election.

This came as the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday expressed support for the steps rolled out by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in preparations for the forthcoming general elections.

The PDP presidential candidate alleged that the desperate attempts by the Buhari presidency to manipulate the electoral process, including the foisting of his relation as the head of the collation center for presidential election results, as well as hounding of judicial officers,

are all geared towards Buhari's plans to manipulate votes in the election.

Atiku stated this, according to a statement yesterday by the Director of Media and Publicity of his campaign organisation, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, at an interactive session with some youth groups, social media influencers and bloggers in Abuja, stating that the Buhari administration has wrecked the nation and must be voted out for the nation to thrive again.

He quoted Atiku to have said, “President Buhari has [taken] your jobs. He has (taken) your rights. Don’t let him (manipulate) your votes.

They are preparing the ground to (manipulate) your votes. I know that Nigerians are ready to Get Nigeria Working Again, but don’t let President Buhari (manipulate) your votes.’’ Atiku said Nigeria had never been in such a bad shape as it is today, not even during

the civil war. ‘’Things are really bad. We have never had the economy this bad and the nation has not been as insecure as we are under the Buhari administration. That is why we all must work together to rescue our nation and make it work again,� he said.

Meanwhile APC said yesterday that it supports the steps rolled out by INEC in its preparations for the forthcoming general elections.

About 61 opposition political parties had rejected some provisions of the draft guidelines released by INEC last week, insisting that it fell short of expectations.

The spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and National Chairman of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Mr. Imo Ugochinyere, said the parties demand the retention of 2011 and 2015 guidelines on separate

accreditation time and separate voting time to forestall rigging.

Ugochinyere further said that opposition parties want the announcement of accreditation figures by 12 noon on election day and recorded in a signed form and given to party agents before voting starts to forestall doctoring of election figures during collation.

He also said that political parties wanted the stoppage of PVC collection 10 days to election and disclosure of the total number of PVC collected on polling unit basis to political parties.

The CUPP spokesman added that the parties rejected the clauses in the guideline, which allows unduly accredited voters to vote especially, the clause that allows voters with PVC, whose name is not in the register of voters to vote.

However, while speaking on the guidelines issued by INEC for the general elections, the

National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Isa-Onilu, said the party had gone through it and has no objections on any of the provisions.

He said, "For us in the APC, we have confidence in all the institutions of government, including INEC. The guidelines provided by INEC, we know a lot of thought must have gone into it, and we are confident that they are doing the best that they can; and that anything that will support free and fair election, that will make our polls to be credible, we are completely in support of it. ‘’So we are both in the habit of trying to fish out problems.

We are in support of any action being proposed by the commission geared towards strengthening our democracy.

We are very supportive of that and we don't have any problems about as far as APC is concerned."

On the issue of conditions spelt out for the use of Incidence Forms by INEC in the general elections, the APC spokesman said, “The ruling party is not surprised because the only thing that PDP doesn't kick against is corruption.

"Is there anything PDP has not kicked against, the only thing they don't kick against is corruption. They kick against everything that government does. For us in the APC, we know that progressively INEC is getting better because the right environment has been provided for them to be able to conduct credible elections. ‘’In the over 90 elections that INEC has conducted, since the APC-led administration campaign came into being, all have shown that the commission is independent.

So we will encourage them to continue to do the best they can and as a party we will always abide by the rules.’’

JUDICIARY ON TRIAL: NBA ASKS ALL LAWYERS TO STORM CCT IN SUPPORT OF ONNOGHEN of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for alleged failure to declare his assets.

A statement by the NBA President, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, yesterday mandated all lawyers to populate the tribunal sitting to stand with Onnoghen, who South-south governors have also asked to ignore the summons from the CCT. “The President of the NBA, Usoro, urges members to be at the CCT Abuja tomorrow (today) to firmly stand against the federal government’s onslaught against the Nigerian judiciary,� the NBA statement stated.

The South-South Governors’ Forum, which met yesterday, described the planned arraignment of Justice Onnoghen as a humiliation of the nation's highest judicial officer.

The forum also said that the action against the CJN was unfortunate and has further reinforced the perception that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has no regard for the sentiments of Nigerians, the people of the Niger Delta and the rule of law.

The governors’ reaction aligned with those of many other prominent Nigerians who reacted harshly to the federal government’s action, warning the Buhari administration of the grave consequences of its action.

Among those who expressed serious concerns yesterday over the issue that has attracted wide condemnations, include, Senate President Bukola Saraki; Speaker Yakubu Dogara; Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State; legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola, and others.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), however, endorsed the planned trial of the CJN. The South-South governors in a communiquĂŠ issued in Abuja

last night, after over four-hour emergency meeting held at the Bayelsa State Governor’s Lodge, said the action against CJN constituted a setback to the gains of the nation’s democratic experience of 20 years.

The meeting had in attendance the five governors: Mr. Henry Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa State), who chairs the forum; Prof. Ben Ayade (Cross River); Chief Nyesom Wike (Rivers State); Mr. Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom), and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta State). Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State was, however, absent at the meeting.

In the communiquÊ read by Dickson, he said the meeting deliberated on the recent happenings at the Supreme Court, involving Justice Onnoghen, adding that the action against him constituted a setback to the gains of the nation’s democratic experience of 20 years.

The forum noted that under Section 158(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has ample powers to deal exhaustively with matters pertaining to allegations of misconduct and discipline of judicial officers.

The forum also stressed that specifically, the NJC has the powers and clear procedures for investigating allegations, and recommending appropriate sanctions or disciplinary measures against judicial officials as a matter of first instance before any further steps.

The Bayelsa State governor added that the judicial pronouncements in the cases of FGN Vs Justice Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court on January 9, 2018 and Justice Ngajinwa Vs FGN 2017 at the CCT have given validation to the express provisions of the constitution on this issue.

The forum added, “We note that the attempt to drag the

CJN to the CCT is also a grave and dangerous escalation of the assault on institutions of state, including the National Assembly and the judiciary. “We believe that President Muhammadu Buhari has a constitutional responsibility and huge moral obligation to defend our democracy.

Therefore, we consider this step, which is directly aimed at humiliating the nation’s highest judicial officer and a prominent son of the region, as totally unacceptable as it is reflective of the South-south story of endless marginalisation and intimidation.�

The forum also condemned the assault on the CJN and the judiciary, especially coming after similar assaults on the National Assembly, calling on Buhari to save the country from this embarrassment and global contempt.

Dickson added, “We call on the CJN to ignore this so-called court summon from the CCB and the provocative call for his resignation in some quarters.

While we are not opposed to a genuine fight against corruption, such an action must always be anchored on the rule of law.�

The communiquĂŠ also decried the alleged massive build-up of arms by APC leaders and members across the Niger Delta, with the intent to cause mayhem and a general breakdown of law and order during the elections.

Meanwhile, more prominent Nigerians have reacted to the planned arraignment.

The Senate president, Saraki, in a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, said a situation where the petition, which triggered the planned trial was submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) on Wednesday, January 8, 2019 and

by Friday, January 10, the CJN was presented with it for his reply only for the charges to

be drafted that same day and filed in the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), is suspicious.

He added that with these entire thing taking place within three days and commencement of trial fixed for Monday, January 14, already indicates unnecessary haste and shortcircuiting of the process of fair hearing.

"From last Wednesday, when the so-called petition against the CJN was initiated to the period the trial is scheduled to commence, has been barely three working days; whereas there are pending cases where the individuals involved have been indicted some months ago but no prosecution is being considered,’’ Saraki noted.

The head of the legislative arm of government said that the anti-corruption fight has become a case of a separate rule for the people close to the executive branch and another set of rules for the rest of Nigerians, declaring that the fight has been compromised and politicised.

The Senate President added, “All these subjective actions politicise the anti-graft fight. They weaken national institutions. They send wrong signals. The CJN is not above the law but his trial puts the entire judicial system on trial.

It sends a signal to the entire world about our judiciary. ‘’It has implications for the confidence of local and foreign investors about the system of adjudication over disputes in our country. Thus, the matter should be handled with care, demonstrating intense transparency and strict adherence to due process.’’

Nigeria Not a Banana Republic, Says Speaker Dogara Also reacting, the Speaker House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara called for caution in the charges filed

against Justice Onnoghen.

In a statement issued yesterday, by his Special Adviser (Media & Public Affairs), Mr. Turaki Hassan, the speaker said while the House of Representatives awaits further briefing from relevant agencies, due process must be followed because Nigeria is a country governed by laws and not dictates of men.

He noted that the House is not less zealous in the fight against corruption but said to commence a matter of that grave magnitude with a media trial is pregnant with innuendos least needed by the polity at this sensitive time.

The speaker asserted that Nigeria is a country governed by laws with clearly spelt out procedures and processes for their activation and not the dictates of men.

He said, ‘’It is important that people in authority should exercise power with decorum and not plunge the nation to needless crises as Nigeria is not a banana republic. “This is a matter that affects another arm of government and its head, which should be treated with caution so as not to send the wrong signal that there is a political undertone or other ulterior motives to the issue.’’

Ortom: Federal G o v e r n m e n t ’s Harassment of CJN Unacceptable Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State said the federal government’s harassment of the CNJ is an unacceptable attack on the judiciary.

He said, “We join Nigerians of good conscience to condemn and reject the attempt by federal government to force the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Onnoghen to resign or be removed. ‘’We consider the move as

a deliberate ploy to intimidate and gag the judiciary. It is also in gross violation of the principle of separation of powers.’’ The governor stated in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase that the manner in which the federal government is plotting to remove the CJN by rushing charges against him to the CCT and leaking the charges to the press at a weekend is suspicious, smacks of desperation and lacks regard for due process.

Urging all Nigerians to resist ‘’this unwarranted assault’’ on the country's Judiciary and save democracy from the hands of its enemies, the government added that it is now clear that after unsuccessful attempts to intimidate the Continued on page 10

TOP GAINERS CORNERSTONE VERITASKAP WAPIC NPFFMB DANGFLOUR TOP LOSERS GUINNESS NEM RESORTSAVINGS

NGN NGN 0.02 0.22 0.02 0.22 0.04 0.44 0.14 1.59 0.55 6.25 NGN 64.00 576.00 0.50 5.30 0.07 0.83 LINKAGEASSURE 0.30 8.70 NPFMFB 1.00 78.00 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,401.10 Volume: 206.301 million shares Value: N2.747 billion Deals: 3,538 As at yesterday 10 /1/19 See details on Page 43

% 10 10 10 9.6 9.6 % 10 8.6 7.7 3.3 1.2

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MONDAY, ÍšÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ T H I S D AY

NEWS

NCAAto Sanction Aircraft Owners Engaged in Illegal Charter Operations Chinedu Eze

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has threatened to deal decisively with aircraft owners on private operator licence who use their equipment to conduct illegal charter operations.

NCAA said any operator caught henceforth engaging in such unauthorised services would have its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) suspended or revoked.

The regulatory authority, therefore, reminded the various stakeholders that the holders of Air Transport Licence (ATL) and Airline Operating Permit (AOP)

with valid AOC are the only authorised operators to carry out charter operations.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the spokesman of the agency, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, this is in line with the NCAA statutory responsibilities of safeguarding the interest of the general public and that of the investors in the aviation sector.

He said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2015 Part 18.2.3.1 states, “No person shall use any aircraft in Nigeria for hire and reward in public transport category to provide non scheduled or charter air service unless

Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika

such a person holds an ATL or Airline Operating

Permit (AOP) issued by the authority.�

Adurogboye said for the purpose of verification and authentication, the list of current holders with appropriate authorisation to carry out Charter Operations can be found on the NCAA website. “It, therefore, follows that any member of the public transacting business with any unauthorised operators will be doing so at a high risk as such operations may not have valid insurance cover,� he said.

However, THISDAY investigations revealed that the warning is not unconnected with the

high demand for charter services at relatively high cost by political parties campaigning for next month’s elections.

THISDAY gathered that there is insufficient aircraft for charter and this has provided opportunity for those who have private jets to give them out for charter services at about N1 million per hour.

It was learnt that financial commitments such as parking charges, fueling, remuneration for cabin crew, funding cabin crew training and aircraft maintenance have become a huge drain pipe to private jet owners.

The development, it was

gathered, has forced private jet owner to give out his aircraft for charter services in order to earn revenue.

From such earnings, he will be able to pay his crew, maintain the aircraft, pay for obligatory charges and possibly earn a profit.

But according to the 2006 Nigerian Civil Aviation Act, operating a charter service has a different procedure.

For instance, the owner of the aircraft must attach it to an operator that has Air Operator Certificate (AOC); he must pay five per cent charges to the NCAA from his earnings and five per cent Value Added Tax (VAT).

JUDICIARY ON TRIAL: NBA ASKS ALL LAWYERS TO STORM CCT IN SUPPORT OF ONNOGHEN National Assembly, the ‘’same undemocratic forces’’ have turned their attacks on the judiciary.

Afe Babalola: Only NJC Investigates Erring Judges A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with over 54 years at the Bar, Chief Afe Babalola, described the proposed trial as “denigration of the country’s judiciary and Constitution.�

He also noted the constitutional provision, stipulates that any infraction by judges must first be investigated and then resolved by the National Judicial Council (NJC), “to

the exclusion of any other body or authority.�

Babalola, in a statement yesterday entitled, “Proposed arraignment of the Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen: Again, I say two wrongs do not make a right,� said the law had made clear the processes for the trial of judicial officers and as well their removal, hence the need to desist from “contempt and denigration of the judiciary.� “I am of the view that the Constitution requires that any infraction by the said judges be firstly investigated and resolved by the National Judicial Council, to the exclusion of any other body or authority,� he noted.

Babalola, who stated that

the decision of the Court of Appeal in Ngajinwa v Federal Republic of Nigeria (2017) LPELR-43391(CA) “still subsists and has not been set aside,� said, “I therefore see no justification for the decision to arraign the CJN before the CCT.�

PANDEF, Afenifere Condemn Attack on Onnoghen Former federal commissioner for information and leader, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, said the action was targeted at forcing Onnoghen out of office, saying his people are being treated a second closs citizens in

Nigeria.

According to Clark, "The news of the planned arraignment of Justice Onnoghen came to us as a shock. It is a very embarrassing and very disgraceful act of the federal government, which the international world will never accept. We are damaging our image because some people just want to rule this country.’’ Also speaking on behalf of pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin said it is an attempt at eroding Nigerian democratic tenet and that it must be resisted, adding that the South and Middle Belt Leaders Forum will be meeting tomorrow and will

take a stand on the matter.

Meanwhile, the APC said the swift statement by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemning the move to prosecute the CJN has exposed the party as supporting corrupt acts.

The ruling party said the PDP's resort to baseless postulations anytime issues of corruption is levelled against public officers only confirm what Nigerians already know.

In a statement issued yesterday by APC's National Secretary, Mallam Lanre Isa-

Onilu, the party said PDP and corruption are Siamese twins that are difficult to separate from each other.

According to him, "One would have thought that the PDP will call for impartial investigations, when corruption cases are levelled against public officers, but spinning falsehoods and conspiracies remains the opposition party's favourite past time."

APC said the fight against corruption remained a cardinal promise it made to the electorate, adding the Buhari-led APC administration will not compromise on its determination to rid the country of this malady.

It added, “The uncertainties around the election itself pose a threat to the ability of the country to attract much needed foreign investment and tap international debt markets. “This will also make financing the budget deficit more expensive. Without radical reform, Nigeria will face a very tough year. “GDP growth will struggle to reach two per cent. With increasing pressure on the exchange rate, the naira is expected to depreciate to a range of between N385N390/$. Inflation is also projected to hit a 15-20 per cent range at year-end 2019 and we see the government

struggling to finance itself as there’s not much upside to oil price expected.�

CSL Stockbrokers, which is a subsidiary of FCMB Holdings, further projected an average price of $60 per barrel in 2019. Government debt could also balloon out if yields turn markedly upwards and interest payments increase significantly, it stated.

The report predicted that in the year ahead, risks to monetary policy and inflation are skewed to the upside.

It pointed out that with the US Fed poised to raise their benchmark interest rate at least twice in 2019, foreign capital outflows in Nigeria

might intensify.

In addition, the uncertainty surrounding the 2019 elections could deter further foreign investment as foreign investors take cover in higher-yielding, less risky investment securities in the US, it added. “On the back of this, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) might be compelled to raise the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) in a bid to stem the outflow of foreign capital. “While we envisage a steep increase in inflation to a range of between 15-20 per cent at year-end 2019, we however, expect inflation to remain at current levels till after elections.�

According to a statement last night by his Special Adviser on Media and ICT, Mr. Tahav Agerzua, the governor said he had never ever stated anywhere that Buhari was planning to islamise the country or said what could be regarded as hate speech against him. “He prays daily for the president; for God to grant him good health and wisdom; and commends him for upgrading Exercise Ayem Akpatuma to Operation Whirl Stroke, which has been able to reduce Fulani herdsmen attacks in Benue State to the barest minimum,�

Agerzua said.

The statement recalled that Ortom was one of those who organised prayers and fasting for the president when he had protracted health challenges in 2017.

He said, “The governor has consistently quoted officials of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, who addressed a press conference

in Abuja on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 stating that they would mobilize their kith and kin across the world to resist the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 enacted by the Benue State Government. “They stated that the crisis in Benue State was a struggle for the natural resources of the Benue Valley. The governor, the State House of Assembly and various stakeholders wrote to the presidency and the relevant security agencies complaining that the position of the Fulani socio-cultural group amounted to declaration of war on Benue State and that the leaders of the group should be arrested and prosecuted. Nothing was done until the threat was carried out on New Year day, 2018. “Benue State had to bury 73 victims of Fulani herdsmen attacks on Guma and Logo local government areas. On January 13, 2018, the Fulani

Nationality Movement, FUNAM, met in Kano and issued a statement that what was happening in Benue State was a continuation of the 1804 Jihad when recalcitrant Benue indigenes stopped them in their quest to dip the Qur'an in the sea. They stated that they were currently equipped with weapons and political power to continue with the agenda.

This was also reported to the presidency and the security agencies but nothing was done. “It must have been the guilty conscience arising from the failure to forestall these attacks and their enormous deadly consequences that may have prompted the presidency to issue today's mischievous statement. More so that in the aftermath of the attacks President Buhari did not offer any message of sympathy or condolence to the bereaved families and the people of the state.�

APC Accuses PDP of Condoning Corruption

WE ARE TAKING STEPS TO GROW THE ECONOMY, SAYS FG of new entrants into the job market, hence a net increase in unemployment rate. “We expect a more diversified and inclusive growth over the medium-term, and reduction in the rate of unemployment as we continue to implement the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).�

Meanwhile, analysts at CSL Stockbrokers Limited have warned that notwithstanding the winner of the forthcoming presidential election, Nigeria will face a very tough year.

To this end, they have called for radical reforms to spur economic growth in the country.

The CSL Stockbrokers gave the warning in their 2019 macro-economic outlook titled, “A Bumpy Ride Ahead,� obtained by THISDAY at the weekend.

The Lagos-based investment bank stressed that Nigeria faces a challenging year amid a slowing global economy, elevated geopolitical risks and fragile investor sentiment.

Considering developments in the global economy such as monetary policy normalisation in some advanced economies, the trade war between the United States and China as well as the volatile crude oil market, the analysts noted that the Nigerian economy

enters this difficult global environment in a poor state as economic growth struggles to exceed two per cent, with third quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at 1.8 per cent.

Nigeria’s current account also moved into deficit in the third quarter of 2018 while the parallel market exchange rate came under some pressure.

In addition, it noted that public debt in Nigeria is already at uncomfortable levels and continues to rise and “neither of the two prominent presidential candidates have indicated in their manifestos that they understand the macroeconomic challenges facing the country.�

PRESIDENCY WARNS BENUE GOV AGAINST DUBIOUS CAMPAIGN But in a swift reaction, Ortom stated that the guilty conscience arising from the failure of the presidency to forestall the attacks by Fulani herdsmen on the people of Benue State and their enormous deadly consequences that might have prompted the presidency to make the accusation.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement, accused the governor of running campaigns of falsehood, division and hatred against the president.

He also said Ortom's campaign was capable of diverting Benue people's attention from his inability to pay salaries and pensions for several months.

Describing the campaign as unfair to Buhari whom he said allowed Ortom to implement his open grazing prohibition law, Shehu warned Ortom to henceforth stop the attacks on

the president.

He also advised the people of Benue to ignore such attacks and instead, hold Ortom accountable for non-payment of salaries and pensions.

Shehu said, "It has been noted that the governor has been visiting churches in the state where he falsely tells congregations about President Buhari's so-called plans to Islamise Benue State.

"This nonsense has formed the basis of his campaign, because he has nothing to offer Benue people.

"The allegations coming from Ortom were particularly unfair, when one considers how much support the governor received from the federal government, which supported his grazing laws as a means to end the farmer-herder crises that have plagued the state.

"If not for President Buhari's insistence that the governor be given a chance to effect the law,

he would have faced resistance from different sources and found it difficult to implement.

"While advising Ortom to immediately stop his dubious attacks on President Buhari, the federal government calls on the people of Benue State to not fall for Ortom's deception and allow them to be hoodwinked by such a negative campaign.

"They should instead, ask him why he has refused to pay staff salaries and pensions for months, and what he did with the funding from the excess crude account, which should ideally have gone towards addressing such payments."

Guilty Conscience Troubling Presidency Meanwhile, Ortom has stated that the presidency was being troubled by guilty conscience arising from its failure to forestall attacks by herdsmen on the people of the state.

MONDAY JANUARY 14, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

11

NEWS

Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Osinbajo: Military Has Destroyed Boko Haram Onaiyekan demands probe of military spending Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo yesterday declared that the military has destroyed the backbone of Boko Haram terrorists.

This is coming as the Archbishop of Abuja Diocese,

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, called for the probe of military spending in the North-east.

Onaiyekan specifically demanded investigation of funds deployed in the procurement of arms and payment of remuneration of soldiers in the battlefield.

Ohaneze Ndigbo Condemns Trial of Onnoghen Segun James The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo has condemned the planned arraignment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, describing the action as shocking, sectional and provocative.

The President of Ohaneze, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, said the pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation received with shock and disappointment, the decision of the federal government to prosecute Onnoghen.

“Legal opinion abound that the action is premature and ill conceived following an extant Court of Appeal decision which interprets the procedure for prosecuting judicial officers.

This procedure has not been followed. The fact that the National Judicial Council (NJC) has been ignored is not just illegal but suggests deliberate court shopping and a predetermined objective.

“Secondly, the fact that one of the issues being canvassed by the CCB before the CCT is for an order of the CCT for the Chief Justice of Nigeria to step aside from his exalted office pending the conclusion of the trial contrary to the procedure for his removal from office as provided by the Nigerian constitution exposes the aim of the prosecution.

“A perusal of some of the depositions in the charge sheet also shows a completely distorted conception of the regulations pertaining to the declaration of assets. Assets acquired after assumption of

office are declared at the end of a public official’s tenure in order to present a comparison with assets declared on assumption of office.

“The federal government is heating up the polity. Not long ago we were entertained with all sorts of interpretations of the Vice President’s powers while the President is on leave. The Group Managing Director of NNPC was accused of violating laws pertaining to the award of contracts.

Because he comes from a protected ethnic group and class, no investigation was conducted.

“Fulani herdsman killed 110 natives of Nimbo in Enugu State. Police investigations led to the arrest of some of the herdsman with their telephone pictures of the carnage but not one has been prosecuted .

“The same carnage took place in Benue State. Pictures of the murderers wearing the uniform of the choir members of a Catholic church where they murdered their priests and members of their congregation were all over the social media. No one was arrested or prosecuted.

“Their sponsors, Miyetti Allah, addressed a press conference recently extolling their ethnic agenda and making decisive and inciting statements. Not one of them was arrested.

“The insensitiveness of the federal government to respect for our constitution and it’s patronage of double standards in the enforcement of the law is sickening and abhorrent,” Nwodo added.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Buratai, has also ordered soldiers to be decisive and relentless as they continue with clearance operations in Baga, Borno State, which was recently recaptured from insurgents.

Speaking at an interdenominational church service for 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, the vice president said the military had destroyed the backbone of Boko Haram terrorists who once attacked Abuja, Kano and Kaduna with impunity.

“Today again we participate in an annual tradition of remembering and honouring our departed military heroes.

This particular remembrance day is perhaps more poignant than any other. “In the past few weeks we have buried 13 soldiers and one officer and last week five air force pilots all these men died in battle fending off Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province terrorists in the North-east.

“In the past few years we have

seen patriotism at its highest.

Our valiant men and women of the armed forces have destroyed the backbone of Boko Haram who once attacked Abuja, Kano and Kaduna with impunity and hoisted their tattered flags over 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the North-east”, he said.

He noted that “today both Boko Haram and ISWAP operate as small even if deadly guerilla bands in parts of Borno State .

“But in these battles we have been sharply reminded that indeed ‘freedom is not free’.

That peace is often paid for with blood and that no nation can secure its territory without the selflessness and the supreme sacrifices of many. And truly as someone said ‘Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it,” he added.

Osinbajo said peace and unity of the country was the best tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes.

In his message at the church service, Onaiyekan insisted that military spending in the

war against insurgency in the North-east must be investigated “whether they died in combat, ambush or without arms” “These must be investigated.

Those who are responsible for what happened must be investigated no matter how highly placed. The blood of any Nigerian should not be wasted unnecessarily”, he said.

Citing a Christian scholar, St. Augustine, who postulated that the role of the military in any nation was to “put power behind good governance and justice” he urged Nigerian military to adopt that position by putting its power behind good governance and justice.

He also called for the payment of military pensioners in good time as well as taking care of the families of fallen soldiers.

On the forthcoming elections, he warned against what he described as “the instability of injustice and the futility of violence”.

“We cannot understand a war against indiscipline by locking people in dungeons and the same in the war against corruption by

ignoring human rights”, he said.

Meanwhile, Buratai at the weekend ordered troops to be decisive in the ongoing clearance operations in Baga, Borno State.

Speaking through the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Benson Akinroluyo, the army chief ordered troops “to be relentless and decisive in combating the insurgents”, adding that, “no inch of Nigeria’s territory should be occupied by the terrorists”.

He also enjoined the troops to sustain the tempo of the operation and maintain a high morale to enable them consolidate on the successes so far made in the clearance operations.

Addressing the troops, who were in high spirit, Akinroluyo accompanied by the Commander, Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Major General Moundhey Ali, told the troops that Buratai was particularly pleased with their recent victory over the insurgents and the operational successes in the general area of Baga and the adjoining villages.

CORPORATE DINNER ...

L-R: Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr.Tony Elumelu; President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Minister ofTransportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi; and Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside; at the NIMASA Corporate Dinner and Merit Awards, held in Lagos….recently

Implement Agreement Reached 61 Political Parties Drag INEC to Court over Election Guidelines with ASUU, NANS Begs FG (RPP) and Kenneth Udeze (AAP). massive rigging of the elections. are fully familiar with and avoid Udora Orizu in Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the federal government to fulfill agreements reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in order to ensure resumption of academic activities in public universities.

NANS’ National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Bestman Okereafor, made the appeal in a statement issued yesterday in Enugu and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“The attention of the apex student governing body, NANS, has been drawn to the recent ASUU position and condition for suspension of the ongoing

strike embarked upon by the union.

“NANS is also on the know that ASUU had vowed that the ongoing strike would not be called off until the federal government fulfills all the agreements both parties reached in their last meeting.

“NANS salutes ASUU for negotiating and reaching an agreement during her last meeting with the federal government delegation.

According to him, NANS is passionately appealing to the federal government to fulfill its part of the agreements reached with ASUU in the best interest of Nigerian students without further delay.

The controversy surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Draft Guidelines for the general election rejected by 61 political parties few days ago has taken a new dimension after majority of chairmen of various political parties resolved to head to court today to stop INEC from releasing the guideline.

The suit, which will be filled at the Federal High court, has four party chieftains suing on behalf of the other 61 political parties against the guideline.

The plaintiffs include Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere (APP), Dr. Sam Eke (GPN), Nsehe Nseobong

They are seeking an exparte application for an injunction to restrain the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, from proceeding with the planned release of the guideline, which majority of the political parties have rejected over non-consultation, obnoxious clauses and the violation of the constitution.

In a statement issued by Ugochinyere of APP, he said the chairmen were also asking the court to quash some sections of the draft guideline, which were in conflict with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including the obnoxious provisions inserted into the guideline, which will lead to

He said the party chairmen were insistent that in order to have a free and fair election, the obnoxious clauses contained in the guideline, which do not promote free and fair elections, must be expunged.

He also clarified that the INEC Chairman must summon an emergency meeting of the party chairmen to resolve the grey areas contained in the guidelines and prevent the election from running into a hitch and credibility crisis before the day of election.

“The parties still insist that the chairman of INEC retains the 2011 and 2015 separate accreditation and separate voting system, which Nigerian voters

creating confusion and loophole for massive tampering of result with the continuous/same time accreditation and voting. INEC recently tried the method in few re-runs but that is not enough to extend such voting method to all parts of the country few weeks to the election,” Ugochinyere declared.

He further said the party chairmen are currently mobilising more party leaders to move against the INEC chairman in the event that he goes ahead to issue out the guideline without the input of the political parties and without removing the obnoxious clauses which they believe will avert a free and fair election.

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COMMENT

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

TAMBUWAL, WAMAKKO AND SOKOTO POLITICS Kassim Afegbua writes that there are questions begging for answers in the state’s administration

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here has been some kind of ding-dong affair between the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Governor of Sokoto State Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and his predecessor in office and current Senator Aliyu Wamakko.

This is partly as a result of the defection of Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following failed promises and leadership inertia of the All Progressives Congress-led federal government. Not wanting to be seen as a Tambuwal’s lackey, Senator Wamakko has been going all over the place as the numero uno of Sokoto State, trying hard to impress his new political associates that he would deliver the state to APC. At first, he ensured that his choice Deputy Governor nominee declined to move to the PDP with his principal, Aminu Tambuwal.

Secondly, he orchestrated a welcome home rally to make the point that his political structure and mileage are very much in place. He rallied supporters from all the states of the North-West to ensure that he had a successful rally. Having convinced his sponsors that he is very much on ground, the entire APC structure in the state was handed over to him.

He nominated his former commissioner as a gubernatorial candidate, and ensured that all his political godsons occupy one position after the other. In Sokoto State presently, Wamakko is the party, and the party is Wamakko. That has kind of given him the ultimate elixir he needed to confront a Tambuwal that has become a political bulldozer in trying to rescue the political economy of the state from the grip of godfathers and their exuberant thugs.

Tambuwal, a suave, dogged, rugged and quintessential political player has a Midas touch that has continued to confound his oppressors and followers. Easily accessible with an infectious humility and subliminal orientation, Tambuwal is generally a jolly good fellow who possesses an uncanny ability to cultivate the support of all no matter their political affiliations. A team player extra-ordinaire with the panache to connect with the ordinary folks out there, Aminu Tambuwal has since built a cult-like following in Sokoto to the consternation of those who hitherto thought they held the bigger chunk of the political baton in the state. His leadership of the state is one that has shown a remarkable departure from the business-as-usual approach of his predecessor. Seen as a pro-masses leader who ventured into seeking the presidency of Nigeria, Tambuwal’s finishing as runner-up at the Port Harcourt presidential convention has opened a new page in his political trajectory as the new wonder kid on the block.

Tambuwal’s political growth and national acceptability would expectedly draw flaks from a Wamakko who feels he deserves to be worshipped as the sole political factor in the caliphate. Having gone their separate ways, following the refusal of Tambuwal to dig into the public till to service the whims of self-acclaimed godfathers, the state

SEEN AS A PRO-MASSES LEADER WHO VENTURED INTO SEEKING THE PRESIDENCY OF NIGERIA, TAMBUWAL’S FINISHING AS RUNNERUP AT THE PORT HARCOURT PRESIDENTIAL CONVENTION HAS OPENED A NEW PAGE IN HIS POLITICAL TRAJECTORY AS THE NEW WONDER KID ON THE BLOCK

is beginning to witness a paradigm shift in its political economy.

For raising some queries over the profligate administration of Wamakko, albeit reluctantly, Wamakko has drawn raw blood against the Tambuwal leadership. It is on record that Wamakko has some questions to answer as a consequence of his eight-year administration of the state.

For example, he is yet to respond to the litany of queries over the way he handled some projects in the state during his tenure.

The College of Agriculture at Wurno was reportedly launched as completed when indeed it was just 45% completed even though the total contract sum was fully paid. The extension of the state secretariat project was also mired in financial recklessness. While the project was stalled, the contractors reportedly took the Wamakko administration to court on charges of payment and revocation of contract. It is also on record that the state government under Senator Wamakko allegedly secured a N4b loan from Fidelity Bank to cater for farmers and traders, but the actual sum allegedly disbursed falls short of the total sum procured.

Not wanting to be seen as taking up arms against his predecessor, Tambuwal in one of his public outings sent a word of caution to his predecessor. “That we have remained quiet is not a mark of weakness. That we have remained humble should not be taken for granted�. He seemed to have concluded that Sokoto State would demand answers at the appropriate time to the less than noble conduct of his predecessor in office. One of those questions that demands answer will be how the Murtala Mohammed Hospital was launched as completed when in fact it was just 40% completed, yet over N2b was allegedly expended on the project. Another question begging for answer is the money expended on the Independent Power Project with an initial quoted figure of N1b but allegedly increased to N9b when the reins of power was handed over to Aminu Tambuwal. This also applies to the Goronyo Flood Victims Housing Units with an initial contract of 400 housing units. At the end, only 170 units were said to have been completed even though full payments were said to have been paid for the entire 400 units.

The people of Sokoto State have been mounting pressure on Aminu Tambuwal to compel his predecessor to answer to these queries, reason why Senator Wamakko has pitched his tent with the federal might for protection. As the February 2019 election draws near, and following Tambuwal’s overwhelming popularity across the state, it is instructive that the state government interrogates some of these allegations for the overall good of the state. That will be one way to ensure that the wrong people are not given opportunity to govern the state by proxy, especially those who still have questions to answer.

Prince Afegbua wrote from Abuja

A NEW WAY OF DOING IT

President Buhari has chosen to do things differently in the conduct of political campaign, writes Babafemi Ojudu

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ome days ago on my Facebook page I published a joke made of PDP that was forwarded to me by a friend.

The joke had indicated thus: “This is PDP’s most quiet electioneering process since 1999� and that if we “take away the CBN vault from PDP they are reduced to Labour Party�. I laughed and laughed when I received it and could not resist sharing it with friends. Jokes apart and talking seriously, I think we politicians should from time to time review our act and look at a different way of doing things.

A different approach of campaigning and reaching out to our constituents is necessary for us to preserve what is left of our political integrity.

Since 1999, I have been involved with several campaigns in Lagos, Ekiti, Osun, many other states tangentially as well as at the federal level. Have these campaigns been expensive? They are indeed bankrupting.

Several days before going to a location for campaign to seek endorsements to serve mobilization money is sent, Ankara, T-shirts, face caps are printed, vehicles are hired. Cows are purchased and caterers hired. Podiums are commissioned at exorbitant cost and public address systems are procured at a cost that is terrifying. When you get to the rallies the faces you see are the same you have always seen.

We end up talking to ourselves. But for perception it has always been of no use. No new converts are gained. Messages and enunciation of manifesto takes a back stage. We dance and dance and sing ourselves hoarse. Thereafter money is shared. Huge ones at that. Just learnt a popular northern politician got mad with his candidate after getting a cold shoulder for bringing a bill of N1.5 billion for a day’s rally.

For this and many more elections in Nigeria have become pay day for politician. The people have got so used to money politics and they won’t attend rallies if they are not mobilized. To go out with a candidate on a campaign rally you provide food.

When you return they eat and take money just because someone want to serve. It has gotten so bad that they now seek to be paid before they vote.

My grandmother Rabiatu Arigbabuowo Ojudu on her death bed handed over to me a bundle of receipts of a weekly contribution she made to her party Action Group in the 1950s and 60s. She told me to “keep those receipts because your children may want to enjoy free education and the government of our party will ask for. That was 1995 when she was about 96 and several years after Action Group was defunct.

I remember seeing at a time my dad’s membership card of the Zikist Movement on which his weekly contribution to the youth group of NCNC was entered. No party member contributes any longer. They are always sharing. Manifestoes and party programmes means nothing to them. It has become sa ban mu ( just let me have the money).

The politician has to borrow, sell his property or steal to campaign and run for public office. When you are elected you still need more to continue to enjoy your party’s good will. Trailer loads of rice, rams and turkey, several cartons of wine and champagne not talk of school fees of meme era children you have to pay. The many naming ceremonies you have to sponsor. The many houses you have to provide money to roof and several other commitments that need not be that of an office holder. I remember the first January Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu left power as governor of Lagos. He called me to help get someone design a calendar for the year to give out to politicians. I contacted Olumide Ojo, a bright graphic artist to come up with a concept which we presented to him.

He was ecstatic. This is beautiful. Go ahead and print he said. Before we could finish crossing the 3rd Mainland Bridge from his Island residence to my office on the mainland he called me. “Femi, on second thought I think you should stop action on the calendar project�. “What is the problem Asiwaju “, I asked. “ I am about causing trouble for myself again�, he said. “Before you know it the politicians will start asking for money to buy the nails to hang it in their homes�. This was a rib cracking one. I laughed and that was the end of it.

Public office holders spend and spend without end. No one ask where the money is coming from.

When people talk of huge allowances senators earn I tell myself how I wish they know where the shoe pinches. As the money comes in so does it go out.

They share money to all but at the end it is they and members of their family that face the consequences , the ridicules and the humiliation when arrested and tried for stealing government money.

When the people take the immediate gratification they do not know that they are the ultimate losers. It is the money meant for schools, to equip hospitals, to provide roads and assist farmers and the poor that is shared to them to prepare a pot soup as the slogan in Ekiti State at the last elections demonstrated: gbowo ko se obe (take the money and cook a pot of soup). What will a pot of soup do in the life of the electorate? Some because of a bag of rice can betray their mother. Buhari and Osinbajo have however devised an ingenious means of reaching out to the people particularly majority who ordinarily will not be bused to rallies.

The new way of doing things is to take the message to them in their comfort zones. We call it Street Walk, Home Visit and Market Outreach.

Has this been effective? The PDP will be in a position to answer. They are so riled by it that they have resorted to blackmail and lies to counter Vice-President Osinbajo.

Has it been expensive? No it has been done across the country with little or no cost. As a matter of fact in some places the people have ended contributing money to the cause. I remember my visit to Ughelli in Delta State with Osinbajo. Hardly have we sat down to address the gathering in the community hall than the people started an open contribution.

By the time they were through, more than a million naira had been raised for the campaign. I have never witnessed such before. The tradition had been when you pay that kind of visit you envelope or carry “Ghana Must Go� bags loaded with money for the Kings, the chiefs, women groups, youths and party elders.

In rural Ugboho, the youths shouting Sai Baba and Osinbajo Next Level put money together and supplied cold drinks and water for our party.

They said necessity is the mother of invention.

Since Buhari has declared to the rest of the world that he will not dip his hand in the public till to pull out money for the campaign, every patriot has come to make contributions in drops of water that may soon become an ocean.

It has been working.

Race back to this time in 2015. The then President Goodluck Jonathan, desperate to win, had sent out notes to the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) to provide money. There was a particular day almost a quarter of a billion dollars was taken out of the CBN to be shared. Within a period of two weeks, billions of naira was withdrawn for the purpose of elections.

Car dealers and make-shift realty companies selling homes and luxury items had a field day.

Money was awash everywhere. Directors General and Managing Directors of Departments and Agencies were given hundreds of thousands of dollars to go home and work to see the President win. Money voted for military equipment amounting to close $3 billion was shared to party chiefs and their accomplices in the mosques, on pulpits and media houses.

Babalawo’s fortune tellers too had a field day.

N700 billion naira was spent on Sure- P to mobilize the youths for the elections and fewer youths could be pointed to who benefited.

When I first got details of the huge sum being withdrawn from CBN then from a patriotic source within the organisation I ran to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to alert him. He found it difficult to believe.

Even my assurance that my source was infallible could not convince him until Buhari became President and the fact came out stark naked.

So, there is clearly a difference. This election shall come and go with no dime taken out of government till and this is simply because President Buhari and his Vice President have chosen to do things differently. Whatever money is spent by government on the elections will be money budgeted for INEC logistics for which the National Assembly has an oversight on. This is an inestimable contribution to quality leadership, transparency and the surest path to the emergence of credible leadership in Nigeria.

Senator Ojudu is a Special Adviser to the President on Politics

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EDITORIAL Eat And Die! There is need to ensure that the food we put on the table is good enough for consumption

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he recent claim by a Professor of Food Science and Technology, Alfred Ihenkuronye, that no fewer than 200,000 persons die of food poisoning in Nigeria annually may be exaggerated.

But statistics of death arising from the dinner table is nonetheless alarming.

A few weeks ago, three students of Mega Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State died after eating a special delicacy prepared by one of the parents. At about the same period, four members of a family in Ilorin, Kwara State died after the consumption of `amala’ (yam flour) meal, suspected to be contaminated.

Increasingly, many Nigerians are losing their lives, ironically, from what ought to sustain and indeed, keep them alive. Yet, if there is any lesson to take away from the recent panic over beans, a popular staple food, it is the crying need to ensure that the food we put on the table or the ones we export meet with minimum standards. This is against the background that over the years, hundreds of families had perished after the consumption of contaminated food GIVEN THE ALARMING items either at home RATE AT WHICH or at parties. Since PEOPLE EAT CERTAIN the causes of many FOOD AND THEN DIE of these deaths were IN OUR COUNTRY, never accurately deterTHERE IS AN URGENT mined, it is becoming increasingly clear that NEED FOR PUBLIC some of them could ENLIGHTENMENT have been caused by ON THE DANGER food poisoning.

ASSOCIATED WITH What is parSOME OF THE FOOD ticularly disturbing ITEMS WE CONSUME is that across the country, there are growing incidents of deaths resulting from eating some cassava-based meals. Cassava-based dishes are widely consumed in Nigeria, and indeed in many places in Africa, as in South America, where it is a major source

Letters to the Editor

of carbohydrates. They are by far the commonest meals, with popular appeal to the poor. But Cassava has one major drawback: the roots and leaves of poorly processed cassava plants contain a substance named Linamarin which when eaten is converted to cyanide, a poisonous gas which could be fatal when inhaled or ingested.

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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

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

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

XENOPHOBIA AS SOUTH AFRICA’S NEMESIS Ingrates are toxic, they deny others of much needed help…Ena E. Orugbo he cat was let out of the bag via an aimless tweet by South Africa’s A-list actor, Hlomla Dandala. “Driving through Yeoville and Hillbrow reminds one of how much we’ve lost to foreign African nationals. Call it xenophobia all you like but truth is truth”. The same people who castigated westerners for apartheid are today justifying xenophobia. It is called the law of double standards.

Tomorrow they will blame complex technology for their misery. Proverbs 23:7a is explicit, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” and Napoleon Hill was right, “more gold has been mined from the hearts of men than from the ground”. Hlomla Dandala, his fellow travellers and Nigeria’s visionless politicians deserve pity.

It is troubling that the same foreign African nationals, who despite western pressures, fought to end apartheid are now themselves victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Are there foreign African nationals with criminal DNA? Yes, but one size never fits all because they are professional foreign African nationals contributing to the South African economy. A large section of black South Africans have failed to leverage on education and the liberalized South African economy to better their

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he poor preparation of cassava meals, according to experts, can leave enough of this poisonous substance to cause acute intoxication, goiter and in some cases death. The processing of cassava often employed by the traditional methods and rural women (by crushing, soaking in water to ferment and baking) is said to be good enough to effectively contain the toxic content found in cassava, whether of the sweet or bitter variety. But these days, many of the producers adopt short-cut processing techniques, which turn out to endanger many lives. In some cases, particularly those with high cyanide level, mere exposure to the volatile substances while being processed can cause some health disorders. The most endangered are people already malnourished as they lack the proper mix of amino-acids which are vital ingredients in detoxifying the poison.

In recent times, there have been calls on the need to set standards for tolerable levels of cyanide in cassavarelated foods. But there are also counter-arguments that such a measure is needless because it will be difficult to enforce under our current environment. Cassava has been a staple food in Nigeria for a long time. To that extent, experts are agreed that the present mode of processing cassava or any of its varieties - gari, amala, fufu, tapioca - etc., are good enough to reduce the harmful cyanide content to below toxic level. What the authorities can do, perhaps, is a campaign to sensitise the producers to take more time in processing their cassava meals.

Given the alarming rate at which people, including sometimes a whole family, eat certain food and then die in our country, there is an urgent need for public enlightenment on the danger associated with some of the food items we consume.

lives. Buck-passing is now their pastime. Make no mistake, life abhors a vacuum and the world is now a global village. Hlomla Dandala and his ungrateful mob must tighten their belts or forever hold their peace. In the 21st century, slavery has no respect for colour or creed. You are either poor or rich. In 1994, the political and social apartheid in South Africa ended for unofficial financial apartheid to begin. Julius Malema, apartheid hero and the former President of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League now knows better. In 2013, he broke away from South Africa’s ruling party, ANC to form the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Unfortunately, you can’t take a wrong route to the right destination.

Malema’s vision was dead on arrival, his concept of Economic Freedom is founded on economic nationalism not knowledge economy. A case of moving two steps forward and two steps backwards.

The American dream epitomizes lasting victory because it was multiracial and inclusive. Are you still wondering why Nigeria is a wandering nation? Are you still wondering why South Africa is synonymous with xenophobic attacks? The answers are hidden within a poser. What are the Nigerian and South African dreams? Lasting victory is founded on a clear vision that is driven by team work, love and a growth-centric outlook.

Dr. Enameguolo Orugbo, jetageNG@gmail.com

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he carefree attitude to issues concerning women in Nigeria is worrying. A society that gives less attention to issues concerning women is rather digging its grave and calling for its end. The rampant raping of underage girls and women, the incessant assault on them by their men, the sexual harassment of women in schools, offices and even in places of worship, coupled with the terrorists’ attacks that paved way for the abduction of many school girls/women could end the Nigerian society if something urgent is not done towards providing a lasting solution.

The violence against women in Nigeria happens on daily basis but less attention is always given by the authorities and very little efforts are made by the same in addressing these hostilities against women.

Long before now, the case of Ochanya, who was raped to death by her aunt’s husband and son, got the attention of the entire nation but as I write the issue is dying gradually and the perpetrators of the crime may be set free if the authorities fail to do the needful.

Before the Ochanya’s case, Daily Sun newspaper of January 7, 2018, reported an incident

where one Mr. Iorember Ade assaulted his wife Ade Queen. The woman later died. The issue has since been reported to the National Human Rights’ Office and the Police IG but nothing reasonable has been done.

Some abducted Chibok schoolgirls are still under the custody of Boko Haram terrorists.

Leah Sharibu was abducted together with other school girls from Dapchi; all have been released except her. Note that her continued stay with the Boko Haram is due to her refusal to denounce her faith.

Why must it always be women? What is the government doing to ensure the release of Leah Sharibu and the remaining Chibok girls in the custody of Boko Haram? What is the government doing towards addressing the incessant brutality of women by men in the country?

As a woman, I am worried because tomorrow, it may be me or any other person related to me.

Despite that, any right thinking woman within and outside Nigeria will be worried about the constant torture of women in our country. In every given society, women take care of the production to ensure the availability of people and the continued existence of the society.

Ene Ejembi Agnes, Asokoro, Abuja

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Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

M O N D AY D I S C O U R S E Is Political Third Force A Mirage?

Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Ojo Maduekwe write that so long as political parties won’t unite to challenge the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party dominance, the emergence of a viable political third force may remain a fantasy

Buhari

Yakubu

Abubakar

Ezekwesili

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or fourth most popular party after the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yet majority of them have never won elective positions into any of the three tiers of government.

Some of the parties even go to the length of self-deceit and thinking they can stand shoulders high with the likes of PDP and APC in a political

contest, even when the reality is that they don’t have the needed political structure and finances to win major elections.

At the heat of the controversy generated by the Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG) to invite only five political parties to debate ahead of the 2019 general election, the presidential candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Tope Fasua, said the ANRP was

one of the top four political parties Nigerians wanted at the debates.

Also peeved by the debate organisers for not inviting its candidate, the African Action Congress (AAC) in a statement by Malcolm Fabiyi, Director-General of the TakeItBack Movement / Sowore 2019 Campaign, claimed it was “one of the three largest parties in Nigeria.�

Then the All Progressives Grand Alliance

igeria has 91 political parties. Of this number, 23 are new, recently registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in August 2018. Most of these parties are only operational on paper, yet boasts of popularity that can only be imagined.

During interviews they claim to be the third

‘I’m Not Sure a Third Force Will Emerge’ Mr. Iboro Otu, Akwa Ibom State governorship candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party tells Nseobong Okon-Ekong the new political parties don’t yet have the structures needed to win major elections Many of the newly registered political parties claim to be the alternative third force in Nigerian politics, is the space not too crowded?

The issue of a ‘Third Force’ as a single party in Nigerian politics has been falsely sold to Nigerians in many quarters, thereby deceiving some of the newly minted parties to assume it is possible to stand alone and best a party like PDP or APC in the political scene. I genuinely think this is some falsehood. The reality is, as at today, some of the individuals that sold the third force idea aren’t even in any of the new parties they helped form. The reason being that most of these new parties don’t yet have the structures needed to win major elections – presidential, gubernatorial, federal and state house elections - on their own because it takes a lot to build a political structure, not just money. As such, the Third Force can only be possible through inter-party coalition; political parties and ideas coming together because of a shared

purpose. Looking beyond parties and considering individuals fit for purpose provides the initial platform for conversation and this is exactly what happened in my case. Taking my case as an example, we were able to bring together 17 different parties to agree on one candidate – myself – as their gubernatorial candidate in Akwa Ibom state because we started the conversation by identifying Akwa Ibom as our ultimate political party and community development, transparent, effective and inclusive government as our collective interest. With our mutual interests spelt out first, the conversation started making more sense afterwards. As I write, 10 more political parties are coming on board.

We flipped the usual political dynamics on its head. What this means is that as in my case, the newer parties devised a strategy for inter-party partnership in order to achieve a common purpose, something rarely seen in contemporary African politics and this is the solution to the Third Force issue. Often bigger parties like APC and PDP induce

smaller parties to work with them, but in Akwa Ibom state today, we have been able to form a coalition where even much older and bigger parties than mine – the ANRP (Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party) - have agreed to work together and have successfully picked a candidate, myself, from a much newer and smaller party as a candidate of choice. This, to me, is the new face democracy in Africa. In order for the new thinking to do away with the old and for the Third Force idea to take hold, there has to be a kind of broad based coalition amongst smaller political parties in every state in Nigeria, and this means different political parties will emerge as Third Force in different states. I’m not sure the Third Force will emerge as APC did or be a case of one single party as third option on the national scene. If that will be possible, I’m not sure it will happen soon. Like you said, the space is too crowded; no single party will be strong enough to dislodge PDP or APC without a broad-based collation.

QUICK FACTS:

Olawepo-Hashim as its presidential candidate, has emerged top amongst the recently registered political parties fielding candidates for the presidential and national assembly elections r*O PVS QSFTFOU DJSDVNTUBODF BT XFMM we may not absolutely deny the forces represented by candidates like Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, Kingsley Moghalu, Oby Ezekwesili, Omoyele Sowore, amongst others. Olawepo-Hashim has particularly being celebrated as the Third Force candidate r5IF FNFSHJOH GPSDFT DBO CF SFQSFTFOUFE from two perspectives. The first is the trend of the youthful and somewhat much more urbane, contemporary candidatures of Olawepo-Hashim, Ezekwesili, Moghalu, Sowore, and Fela Durotoye, and some others. The second trend is the equally educated, informed and futuristic set of leaders. They are older, and obviously

belong to a former generation, given their past exposures. They include the likes of Profs. Jerry Gana and Yemi Osibajo. Then add some former governors like Donald Duke and Orji Uzor Kalu r*O UIF à STU RVBSUFS PG UIF JEFB PG having a third force party that would stand up to the status quo was thrown around by notable political figures and headed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo r5IF UIJSE GPSDF QSPQPOFOUT DPOWFSHFE under the banner of the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM), and were made up of a loose membership of people interested in the development of Nigeria. They planned on transforming into a political party r.BOZ PG UIF SFDFOUMZ SFHJTUFSFE QPMJUJDBM parties with young presidential candidates gunning for the number one seat were inspired by this idea of replacing the old guards in politics with young minds and fresh ideas but failed to live by Obasanjo’s

r/JHFSJB IBT QPMJUJDBM QBSUJFT 0G UIJT number, 23 are new, recently registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in August 2018 r.PTU PG UIFTF QBSUJFT BSF POMZ PQFSBtional on paper, yet boasts of popularity that can only be imagined. Majority of them have never won elective positions into any of the three tiers of government r5IF UXP EPNJOBOU QPMJUJDBM QBSUJFT JO the current dispensation remain the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party r*OGPSNBUJPO HMFBOFE GSPN BO *OEFQFOdent National Electoral, INEC, publication signed by Mrs. O. O. Babalola, a director revealed that the People’s Trust (PT) political party, which is fielding Mr. Gbenga

Otu

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most important condition: Unite A policy that was introduced at the start of the current democratic dispensation in 1998 and was intended to assist the parties function optimally and increase political parties amongst the citizens began to be abused by leadership of the different political parties r6OUJM BCPVU FJHIU ZFBST BHP UIF GFEFSBM government was still paying subventions to registered parties. This easy money meant that aside seeing their logos on ballot papers, most of the registered political parties were seasonal parties, appearing every four years r *U CFDBNF B USFOE GPS QPMJUJDBM KPCCFST to register a political party, then wait for election to receive subvention from the government. Once that was done, they take the money and make no efforts to win. Political parties, for these people, was purely a platform for making easy money

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MONDAY DISCOURSE

Olawepo-Hashim

Archibong

Fasua

Sowore

(APGA) also, in a statement by its National Director of Publicity, Ifeanacho Oguejiofor, said it was the “third largest political party� in Nigeria, with a serving governor and “numerous members in the state and national legislative assemblies�.

However, information gleaned from an Independent National Electoral, INEC, publication signed by Mrs. O. O. Babalola, a director has revealed that the People’s Trust (PT) political party, which is fielding Mr. Gbenga OlawepoHashim as its presidential candidate, has emerged top amongst the recently registered political parties fielding candidates for the presidential and national assembly elections.

From the ‘Summary of Submission of Form CF002 for Presidential and National Assembly Elections’ issued by INEC, the PT is presenting 194 candidates. The breakdown shows that the party has one presidential candidate and one candidate for the office of the vice president. There are 52 senatorial candidates and 140 aspirants for the House of Representatives respectively running on its platform. Following the PT closely are the Justice Must Prevail Party (JMPP), 182, Mega Party of Nigeria (MPN) 176, the Action Democratic Party (ADP), 136, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), 115 and the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD), 106. Nigeria’s senate is populated by 109 members, comprising equal representation of three senators from the 36 states of the federation and one senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while the House of Representatives has 360 members.

At the bottom of the ladder are the New Generation Party (NGP) and the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) that both have one contender each for the House of Representatives.

The Modern Democratic Party (MDP) and the Youth Party (YP) have two nominees each for the House of Representatives.

Four of the 89 political parties vying for various offices only have candidates for the position of president and vice president. They are the People’s Coalition Party (PCP), We The Peoples of Nigeria (WTPN), AUN and the Reform and Advance Party (RAP). Other parties whose total number of candidates for the 2019 presidential and national assembly elections in are in the single digit bracket are the Save Nigeria Congress (SNC) which is fielding five candidates, the Change Nigeria Party (CNP) with seven contenders and the Liberation Movement (LM), presenting nine runners. A total of 6,510

contestants have thus far being registered for the elections, comprising 4496 for the house of representatives, 1856 for senate and 79 apiece for president and vice presidential positions.

Dr. Abiodun Adeniyi, Senior Lecturer, Mass Communication at the Baze University, Abuja believes the issue of a political third force in this dispensation is very fluid and should be addressed in categories, though, according to him, the PT appears to have an edge over all other newly registered political parties. He said there cannot be an absolute understanding of what constitutes a political third force. “Nevertheless, it underlines the factor of political character. It also depends on the time of our history you are referring to and what your yardstick is. Because it could well be argued that, there was a third force in the first and second republics. In those republics, the processes were natural, but could not unfortunately grow. In the botched Third Republic, it was decreed by the military that a third force should not be in place. Perhaps, the story would have been different. In our present circumstance as well, we may not absolutely deny the forces represented by candidates like Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, Kingsley Moghalu, Oby Ezekwesili, Omoyele Sowore, amongst others. Olawepo-Hashim has particularly being celebrated as the Third Force candidate. These features cannot be undermined on the altar of a nebulous construction of a two-party system.�

According to Adeniyi, the emerging forces can be represented from two perspectives. “The first is the trend of the youthful and somewhat much more urbane, contemporary candidatures of Olawepo-Hashim, Ezekwesili, Moghalu, Sowore, and Fela Durotoye, and some others. These ones are relatively young, vibrant, and forward looking, besides fact that they represent the growing trend of youth leadership that is gaining grounds in sections of the world. Their coming out is sending a message to the older, traditional and more entrenched club of leaders that the future is going to change. The second trend, I can see are the equally educated, informed and futuristic set of leaders. They are older, and obviously belong to a former generation, given their past exposures. I will put Profs. Jerry Gana and Yemi Osibajo in this class. Then add some former governors like Donald Duke and Orji Uzor Kalu and you will not be wrong. We can therefore look at the emerging political trends from the angle of the individuals or from the trend they represent.�

Painting a picture of what a true political third force should look like, Dr. Asukwo Mendie Archibong, Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria for Democracy political party (NFD) said, the people who comprise such a political group must have the interest of the nation at heart. He gave further criteria, “they must be willing to sacrifice for the nation. They must be intrinsically honest. They type of people who do not see politics as a do-or-die affair.�

Previously a self-effacing individual, the NFD presidential candidate argued that more educated Nigerians need to come out of their comfort zone to take an interest in the political process and governance to enable the emergence of a true third force. He said members of the NFD have a genuine desire to effect changes in the country.�

Again, as the February 16 date for the presidential election draws closer, Nigerians, like it happened in 2015, are torn between making the choice of what has been termed two evils: the APC’s candidate and incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari and PDP’sAtikuAbubakar.

For a time it was thought that a third choice would be thrown in the mix to neutralise this dominance by both Buhari and Atiku. In the first quarter of 2018 the idea of having a third force party that would stand up to the status quo was thrown around by notable political figures and headed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

As it was conceived by Obasanjo, the third force proponents converged under the banner of the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM), and were made up of a loose membership of people interested in the development of Nigeria. They planned on transforming into a political party.

The idea behind the CNM, as laid down by Obasanjo, was to have a political party grounded in the grassroots, with the youths who make up more than 65 percent of Nigeria’s population retaining a 30 percent stake in all its organs, while women would have 30 percent stake as well.

Many of the recently registered political parties with young presidential candidates gunning for the number one seat were inspired by this idea of replacing the old guards in politics with young minds and fresh ideas but failed to live

by Obasanjo’s most important condition: Unite.

This factor was emphasised by Adeniyi. He noted that a third force envisages the possibility of another group or groups challenging the dominance of the notable two. “The third force is the alternate force separate from the well-known

forces. Call it a C force and you would be right, but note that the C force can also grow to be an A or a B force, just as the B force became an A force in 2015.�

In the thinking of Idumonza Isidahomen, a senatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Edo State, his party has already emerged as the political third force. His position also favours an amalgamation of these political parties, “Structurally, an overwhelming percentage of these parties would be classified in the lower-middle tiers on the Nigerian political echelon. Regardless, a summation of these tributaries into a centralised political movement would be the most efficient definition of a Third Force. The possibility of a political harmonization is exciting to the imagination and may, perhaps, throw open the challenge at the federal epicenter and subsequently squeeze Nigeria out of this prevailing sociopolitical quagmire that has been promoted by the respective governments of the PDP and APC. However, Nigeria is still a distrusting society with an avalanche of vested interest in the power play. Designing a blueprint that underscores a common denominator and still factors individual interests of these political parties in the food chain, maybe the apparent impediment in the emergence of a Third Force.�

The former president said that the third force “cannot do it alone� and would have to “join others� to defeat the APC and PDP. From the selfish manner the remaining parties have conducted their affairs, it appears their only interest is in seeing their party logo on the ballot paper.

When one traces the history of the proliferation of political parties in Nigeria, the idea of doing it solo won’t come as a surprise.

Until about eight years ago, the federal government was still paying subventions to registered parties. This easy money meant that aside seeing their logos on ballot papers, most of the registered political parties were seasonal parties, appearing every four years.

A policy that was introduced at the start of the current democratic dispensation in 1998 and was intended to assist the parties function optimally and increase political parties amongst the citizens began to be abused by leadership of the different political parties.

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‘Emerging Political Forces Represent Two Perspectives’ Dr. Abiodun Adeniyi, Senior Lecturer in Mass Communication at Baze University, Abuja fields questions from Nseobong Okon-Ekong on why it has been difficult to grow a third political group with wide-spread popularity What accounts for the proclivity towards a two-party system of government in Nigeria?

Proclivities are tendencies that emerge largely unconsciously. The first time we were going to be conscious about it was during the tele-guided transition of the military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, when we had the National Republican Convention (NRC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). That system partly collapsed because it was not organic, besides fact that the midwife was not sincere. What we seem to be having now is an unconscious variant, which might also mutate at some point into something else. I do not also believe the present arrangement can be cast in stone, because one of the so-called behemoths is a merger, which sends an instruction on the possibilities of other mergers that could dislodge the

and shifty, especially if you factor in the constant encamping and decamping of partisans from all the hues.

Adeniyi

seemingly dominant two. The so-called proclivities are therefore fluid, transient,

Why has it been difficult to grow a third political group with popularity that cut across?

Growing a political party structure is extremely involving financially. The pit for the funds is bottomless. Political expenditures are like gambling. You cannot be too sure. It is the reason why anyone with genuinely acquired resources would be circumspect deploying his/ her funds into a political process. If you take a critical look at the major political parties, you will see that they grew and have thrived through illegal state funds. The state funds are not also easily available. It is in the hands of either those who have been in power or those who are still there. If you have never been in power, you may not be ready

to plunge hard-earned resources into funding an imprecise political process that building and maintaining a party structure entails. This is not to say that plunging hands into state resources to funds political parties is the ideal, but just arguing that our political culture is still problematic to the extent that state resources are seen from the angle of “wasteable� resources, or as resources, you can gamble with. Again, Babangida wanted to address this during his transition when he funded the groups, but the question was insincerity.

Perhaps, we could outgrow this with time, or we can evolve in accordance with our realistic political persuasion, which might as well be two party system.

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08152252325

Increasing Cases of Police Extortion Despite series of campaigns geared towards making the Nigeria Police a better institution, its personnel constantly indulge in dishonourable and unlawful conducts, which seemingly makes the crusade a mirage, writes Davidson Iriekpen Nnamdi Amadi (not real name) was heading to his office in Apapa when at Alaka Bus-stop, he suddenly started hearing strange sound from his vehicle, a Toyota Rav4. Not wanting to take chances, he quickly decided to pull over from the road to check what happened. By this time, the car had come to a complete stop. After trying to check what the problem was, the car refused to start. Disappointed, he pushed the car to under the bridge at Iponri, and called a mechanic.

After examining the car, the mechanic informed him that the problem was from the engine.

Frustrated, Amadi noticing that it was already past 5p.m. quickly arranged for a tow truck to move the car to his residence at Jakande Estate, Oke-Afa in Isolo.

Because of the heavy traffic usually experienced between Cele Bus-Stop and Jakande Estate after 3p.m. and the number of police checkpoints on the route, the tow truck operator, one Mutiu, charged N15,000. After much negotiations, a N12,000 deal was struck.

From Iponri to Lawanson and Cele Bust-stop, there were three police checkpoints. At every checkpoint, the police would demand N1,000 from Mutiu as bribe. At Ago Junction, the police there again demanded N2,000 bribe but after much pleadings, the operator parted with another N1,000.

At Pako Bus-stop, the policemen there demanded for N2,000 but got N1,000.

By the time the tow truck operator arrived Jakande Estate, he had parted with N5,000 as bribe to the police, who in the first place, were not supposed to mount such checkpoints for extortion.

This made the tow truck operator very sad and dejected. Though to him and his colleagues, giving bribes to the police each time they are on the road is not new, it was not to the extent he experienced it on that day, because out of the N12,000 he charged for his services, he was left with N7,000.

Mutiu’s experience is not new to many Nigerians.

It is a daily occurrence across the country. Millions of persons who go out to eke a living are daily forced to part with one form of bribe or the other to gun-wielding policemen who, in the course of their duty, extort, harass, and physically abuse harmless citizens. Failure to pay these officials often leads to unlawful arrest and detention.

While Mutiu was narrating his ordeal to this reporter and his colleagues, one of them equally narrated his experience in the hands of unscrupulous officers. “I went to Ejigbo Police Station recently to report that my niece was missing. After taking my statement, the officer said I should give them N20,000. When I asked what the money was for, they simply told me it was for them to commence work and type the radio message to other stations.

I was shocked. “When I screamed ‘N20,000 just like that to officers whose duty it is to investigate the whereabouts of my niece,’ one officer interjected, ‘Oga, na so we dey do am.’ You can imagine what would be the fate of people with reported cases of missing persons who do not have money to give as bribes.�

Policemen barricading the road at a checkpoint

Photo credit: GOOGLE

Policemen at checkpoints

Tyrannic Extortion For many Nigerians, the police have unreservedly failed to discharge its mandate of ensuring public safety. Exactly 89 years after its establishment, members of the force have emerged as predators, rather than protectors, and the Nigeria Police has become an icon of unbridled corruption, unprofessional conduct, and violence in the country.

Particularly common on the list of the groups the police extort most are commercial and private vehicle owners in the country. The bribes are either for expired or lack of driver’s licence vehicle documents, overload, tinted glass permit, driving against the traffic (one-way) or beating traffic light.

Most embarrassing are policemen who willfully extort motorists or others even when they have not contravened the law. This is the category the tow truck operator falls into. Tow truck operators, tipper drivers and delivery van drivers are constantly harassed and extorted at checkpoints. Many observers believe that this is why their charges are high and some products expensive. They believe that the amount given as bribes are built into the final cost of services

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris or products for the end users to pay.

There are also policemen who take delight in begging. As soon as they stop motorists, he or she is greeted with: “Anything for boys?; Wetin you eat/chop remain for us? Or We dey here oh.

Extra-judicial Killings Nigerians are inundated with reports of how

A policeman caught on camera accepting gratiďŹ cation commercial and private vehicle owners or even motorcyclists are shot and killed because they refused to part with as little as N50 or N100 bribe when they are at police checkpoints or accosted by policemen on patrol. Some are either delayed or arrested and detained on trump-up charges when they refuse or insist on not parting with any bribe. Most times, when these extortions are

taking place, the officers are fully armed. In some cases, they threaten to shoot when one makes any attempt to escape.

Touts as Extortion Agents In Lagos these days, it is common to see ‘area boys’ and miscreants openly collecting ‘owo olopa’ (money for police) at T-junctions and roundabouts

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FEATURES while they (the police) cool off under the shade.

Most policemen who are in the habit of doing these prefer the suburbs where they perpetrate their evil acts. Many analysts believe that most times they influence their postings to the suburbs where they can make money unchecked.

Massive Impunity In Apapa, it is common to see police officers openly demanding bribes from truck and tanker drivers day and night. This impunity has been elevated to an industry. The officers choose the amount to collect, ranging from N1,000 to N5,000.

Before a truck driver enters the port, he would have paid more than N20,000 starting from Ijora. “Seeing the police breaks my heart. They must ask for something impossible. How do we co-operate with them when they have made it impossible for that? The actual criminals are easily accessible.

Some of these politicians who have looted billions will never be investigated by the police. The only people they harass are the ordinary Nigerians,�

Bassey Okon, who has been a victim of police extortion, recounts his ordeal in the hands of the Nigerian police.

Corrupt Institution Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in alliance with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Union had of late indexed the Nigerian police as the most corrupt institution in the country. Expectedly, the police dismissed the report as a deceptive misrepresentation of facts, based totally on hearsay, and false. But this is not the first time a survey is showing the Nigerian police as the most corrupt institution in Nigeria.

According to research, nearly all surveys conducted in Nigeria since 1999 have ranked the police tops in corruption in the country.

The trio of Okelue Nkemeonye, Braimoh Sunday and Yusuf Olukoga, who were dismissed from the police for extortion

Legions of Cases Sources close to the police said it has not been failing in its duty to reprimand defiant officers and would continue to do so to weed out bad eggs tarnishing the image of the police with their acts, which not only breaches the law, but works against the constituted authority and rules of the service Last September, the X-Squad arrested nine policemen and traffic officers in the Ikotun and Igando suburbs of Lagos for extortion and put them on an orderly room trial. Despite efforts to weed the police of elements with unbridled act of corruption, the nefarious activities are still on the increase.

Sometimes the policemen who are in the habit of carrying the despicable acts elevate it to a most bizarre proportions. Recently, two of such acts were caught on camera in Lagos and Imo States squeezing bribes out of Nigerians. These pictures were posted on the social media and they grabbed the headlines.

The two incidents were such an epic shameful drama that the authorities in both states did not waste time in arresting the suspects for investigations and orderly room trials. Unfortunately, the absurdities are so frequent that only the most embarrassing enjoy public attention.

As the Lagos State Police Command acknowledged, five operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad approached and harassed a businessman, Immanuel Ibe-Anyanwu, on April 9, after he had left a bank. According to the victim, the officer that first accosted him dragged him to meet with his colleagues where he was framed for attempting to snatch the officer’s identity card.

Inane grilling about his business address, what he came to do at Okota, and why his banking transaction was not done at Ikoyi, his company’s base, ensued. Ibe-Anyanwu’s explanations fell on deaf ears. His attempt to reach the spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Chike Oti, through a phone call was thwarted, as the policeman he handed over his phone to cut off the call and seized the phone. However, it was returned when he told them that the bribe they asked for could only be arranged with it.

They obliged, providing an opportunity for him to run to the bank’s convenience, from where he made a quick Facebook post that went viral and also re-established contact with Oti, who promised him police rescue.

In Owerri, the Imo State capital, four journalists fell victims of the dubious antics of greedy policemen while they were returning to Lagos from an Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria conference. Operatives from the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) stopped their car on their way to a park to board a Lagos-bound vehicle. They duly identified themselves as journalists. The police searched their vehicle and found nothing incriminating. Still, they were labelled suspects in a phantom crime and taken to the SCIID office.

The duo of Joseph Okoya and Yohanna Bitrus, who were arrested two years ago by the Zone 2 X-squad Unashamedly, the team leader told the journalists: “When you come to the police, you bring kola; when the police come to you, you give kola.�

Finally, they demanded a N10,000 bribe for them to be freed.

One of the journalists who narrated his ordeal, said they got a stern warning to either pay or risk being levelled with criminal allegations. As the amount was not on them, he was advised to use his ATM card to withdraw the money from the bank, which he did. But the bribe was not paid without recording and posting it on the social media, from where it went viral.

The then Imo State Police Commissioner, Chris Ezike, was so embarrassed by the narrative that he did not wait for any formal complaint from the victims before he ordered the arrest of the officers involved. An orderly room trial has begun.

Accounts of police threat to incriminate citizens and lead them at gunpoint to the ATMs to withdraw cash to regain their freedom are legion.

One Eragbai said the policemen, five in number and obviously intoxicated, asked them to identify themselves. “Unluckily for us, only one out of four of us was with his ID card. They said since we weren’t with our cards, we should pay N50, 000 or follow them to Ejigbo Police Station. They pushed us into a waiting bus like regular criminals.

We couldn’t argue with them because they were under the influence of alcohol and pointing their guns at us. It was very horrifying. We obeyed as we were scared that anything could happen in the night."

The police often make minute effort to mask their demand for bribes, shamelessly doing so in open corridors and rarely bothering to question those in detention about any alleged crime. Those who fail to pay are often threatened and unlawfully arrested, and at times sexually assaulted, or even killed in police detention. Many of these abuses are perpetrated as a means to further extort money from ordinary citizens or from fearful family members trying to secure the release of those in

police custody.

Last December, four attached to Ijanikin Division in Lagos State Police Command were arrested for robbery for allegedly robbing one Theodore Ifunnaya of 350,000 CFA (about N221,508). It was learnt that the suspects subjected the victim to tortuous search and interrogation, where they discovered the sum of money with him. They were alleged to have bundled him into their patrol vehicle to Ijanikin police station where they seized his money and invited a bureau de change operator to exchange the CFA currency into naira equivalent.

It was gathered that having satisfied that they had subdued their victim with threats, they allegedly released him and gave him N2,000 out of his money, to enable him locate his Lagos residence.

It was further learnt that the victim, after regaining freedom from his alleged police captors, told his family all he went through, which led to a complaint to Area ‘K’ Commander, ACP Hope Okafor. The area commander was said to have intervened by recovering the stolen money and arrested the erring policemen for interrogation.

Intervention by the Judiciary While some who are courageous to stand their grounds by refusing to do the biddings of unscrupulous policemen go away scot free, or probably expose them with pictures on the social media, there are millions who are unenlightened that suffer untold frustrations in the hands of the men in black uniform who are supposed to protect them.

This phenomenon explains why many innocent Nigerians are languishing in overcrowded cells, especially those who are incapable of bribing their way to freedom. The Nigerian Prisons Service says that out of a total prison inmate population of 72,194, some 49,390 or 68 per cent are awaiting trial as of April 9, 2018.

So alarming has the situation become that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, recently had to intervene by directing

the chief judges of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to compel chief magistrates to conduct an inspection of police stations or other detention centres within their territorial jurisdiction.

Onnoghen said he was perturbed by several complaints he received, concerning “horrific� incidents of police brutality, inordinate arrest, detention and extortion of innocent Nigerians by security agents.

In a statement he issued, the CJN maintained that such incidents have assumed frightening proportions in recent times to warrant the intervention of the judiciary. He bemoaned that magistrate courts across the country are currently overwhelmed with cases of such brutality, inordinate arrests and detention of citizens.

The statement read: “I have observed, and received several complaints of the horrific incidents of police brutality, inordinate arrest, detention and extortion of innocent Nigerians by officers across the country. These incidents have assumed frightening proportions in recent times. The magistrate courts are currently overwhelmed with cases of such brutality, inordinate arrests and detention of citizens. “As we approach election year, it is imperative that we curb these excesses through the instrumentality of the statutory powers of the courts.

The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) has given magistrates oversight functions over police stations in their jurisdictions."

Besides, Justice Onnoghen stressed that section 34 (1) of the ACJA empowered chief magistrates or any magistrate designated by the Chief Judge of a state, to conduct an inspection of police stations or other place of detention within his territorial jurisdiction other than prison, on monthly basis.

According to him, section 34 (2) of the Act further provided that during such visit, the Magistrate could call for, and inspect the record of arrest; direct the arraignment of the suspect; where bail has been refused, grant bail to any suspect where appropriate if the offence for which the suspect is held, is within the jurisdiction of the magistrate.�

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IMAGES

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

L-R;Chairman, Board of Governors of Vocational Training Centre (VTC) of Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB), Mrs. Izegbua Amusu; a Student of the Centre, Biodun Oyeniran; Vice Chairman of FNSB Executive Council, Engr. Gbola Sobande; Group Head, Corporate Aairs, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Diran Olojo; Council member, Otunba Gboye Ogunlaja, and a student, Damilola Anjorin during the commissioning and handover of a hostel renovated and automated water system constructed by FCMB to the FNSB at its Vocational Training Centre, Oshodi in Lagos...recently

Governor of Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan, during a thank you Visit/Town Hall Meeting at Ife City Square, Enuwa,Ile-Ife...recently

R-L; Oba of Igbogbi-Sabe, Lagos State, HRM Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeniyi; Ojora of Ijoraland/Iganmu Kingdom.

HRM Oba (Dr.) Abdulfatai Aremu Aromire; his wife, Olori Omotolani Ashabi Aromire; and Oba of Ikateland, Lagos HRM Oba Lateef Adams cutting the cake to mark the 66th birthday ceremony of Ojora in Lagos....recently

L-R: Managing Director, Africa and Israel Cartier, Alessandro Patti, Executive Director, Polo limited, Jennifer, Managing Director, Polo Limited, John Obayuwana, Watch specialist project coordinator, Africa and Israel, Capucine Jousse and Sales Manager Cartier Africa and Israel, Jean Chochoy during the OďŹƒcial Visit of the Cartier Africa team to Polo limited in Lagos...recently

L-R; Founder of FCMB Group, Otunba Olasubomi Balogun; his sister, Mrs. Ronke Atere; Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Adam Nuru and Executive Director, Retail Banking, Mr. Olu Akanmu, during the FCMB end of the year thanksgiving service held in Lagos...recently

L-R: Head of Sales, South region, International Breweries, Mr. Sylvester Umeezie; Marketing Manager, Hero lager, Mr. Obum Okoli; Winner of HEROnaires Mega promo Ms. Blessing Godwin, and Trade Marketing Manager, Hero lager, Olise Rufus during the presentation of rewards, Calabar‌recently

L-R: Country Head, Financial Crime Compliance, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Solomon Abiakalam; Global Head, PEP and Sensitive Clients, Standard Chartered Bank, Lucy Rahal; Global Head, Financial Crime Compliance, Standard Chartered Bank, John Cusack; Chief Risk OďŹƒcer, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Omobola Faloye and Chief Compliance OďŹƒcer; Zenith Bank, Marvis Iboje at the Standard Chartered Bank Conference themed “Countering Financial Crimeâ€? in Lagos....recently

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BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

ÍŻ ÍŻ Email Ëœ obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com Í° ÍŽ ÍŻ ͡

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Quick Takes Agusto & Co Holds Seminar

PRODUCTLAUNCH

L-R: Head, Portfolio Management, Meristem Wealth Management Limited, Kehinde Ibrahim; Head Treasury, Taiwo Yusuf; Managing Director, Sulaimon Adedokun; Head, Wealth Management, Damilola Hassan and Lead Consultant on Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS), Akin Adeniyi at the unveiling of Meristem GIPS Compliance declaration in Lagos‌recently YOMI AKINYELE

NCC Moves to Intervene in 9mobile, Promises to Protect Subscribers, Investors Emma Okonji Worried about last week’s pulling out of Teleology Holdings from 9mobile, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) at the weekend said it has taken steps to address the issue in the interest of subscribers, investors and the Nigerian economy.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, who made the disclosure, said NCC would do everything possible to ensure that the issue is resolved amicably.

Danbatta, explained that although the issue between Teleology Holdings and Teleology Nigeria was yet to reach the NCC for mediation, he, however said proactive steps had been taken by the Commission, in line with its regulatory mandate

TELECOM to avert distabilisation of the telecoms industry.

Danbatta, said the commission had already made some moves to address the situation in the interest of 9mobile subscribers and the telecoms industry. “The bone of contention is between Teleology Holdings Limited and Teleology Nigeria, over some disagreements, but as a regulator that is both customer and investor centric, we have set up some measures to resolve the issue between the two parties. “We need stability in the telecoms industry and we will do everything possible to protect the interest of both the 9mobile subscribers and its investors and ensure there is no disruption of services,�

Danbatta said.

Industry stakeholders who are keenly following the development at 9mobile, advised NCC not to allow Teleology Holdings to pull out of the deal. “Teleology must not be allowed to truncate the 9mobile transition deal. It must complete what it started and deliver on the promises he made to Nigerians when it rolled out its business model on how to manage 9mobile and bring it back to profitability within few years of take over,� an industry expert who did not want his name on print said.

Teleology Holdings Limited, in a statement, had alleged that Teleology Nigeria Limited had declined to execute a management services contract with the former, which led to its pulling out of the deal last week. According to the statement, “Such

a management contract is the typical arrangement with which multinationals operate in Nigeria and is the template with which EMTS engaged Etisalat prior to its (Etisalat) departure. “It is the same template with which Bharti Airtel is engaged with its local joint venture, Airtel Nigeria and with which MTN Group of South Africa is engaged with its local joint venture, MTN Nigeria. “It is on the basis of such management agreements that such multinationals are legally able to impact on the operations of the local operator including sourcing of relevant expertise and financing as well as paying dividends to offshore shareholders.�

Teleology Nigeria had also in Continued on page 24

NIA to Clamp Down on Fake Motor Insurance Operators Ebere Nwoji The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has taken a step further in its fight against fake motor insurance policy through its recent launch of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code *565*11# .

NIA, said the service data would enable motorists verify the authenticity of their insurance policies.

The Chairman of the NIA, Tope Smart, at the launch in Lagos, said the solution was designed to bring insurance closer to the people and ultimately eliminate fake insurance certificates in the market.

The NIID, was incepted in 2010 to eliminate fake motor and marine insurance certificates

INSRURANCE in the market. It went live in 2011 and has since then been helping motor vehicle users to check the authenticity of their motor insurance certificates on the internet and through dedicated hand held devices.

Smart, said the objective of the NIID was to serve as an authentic database of the Nigerian insurance industry data providing qualitative statistics/ analysis of the industry data as well as a vehicle for easy verification of genuine insurance certificates by all stakeholders and to reduce incidences of fraudulent insurance transactions especially for motor and marine policies.

He said the industry has continued to reap the benefits of the scheme, adding that prior to the establishment of the platform, cloning and faking of insurance certificates was a thriving business, but the establishment of the database has assisted the industry in reducing the incidents of fake insurance certificates in the market and that presently, there are over three million vehicle details on the platform.

He noted that the platform has been enhanced to include stolen vehicles and claims reporting modules in response to the challenges thrown up by actions of suspected fraudsters that made multiple claims with the intent to defraud the industry over the last few years.

“The NIID platform had been operational nationwide, but with challenges in verification in areas with poor internet coverage. “Verification of motor certificates through the dedicated devices became highly impaired due to the vicissitudes of internet operations in the hinterlands.

This led to the introduction of the USSD technology.�

He described the USSD as a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) technology used to send text between a mobile phone and an application programme in the network.

According to him, it works independent of internet connectivity, adding that in this instance, any mobile phone (not necessarily a smartphone) would Continued on page 24

Agusto & Co is organisation a forum on the 2019 economic outlook titled: “Nigeria in 2019 - Scenario Planning - Sign Posts.� The one-day seminar holds in Ikoyi, Lagos on Friday 18th January 2019.

The pan-African rating agency explained that 2019 is full of uncertainties for Nigeria. Some of the issues to be discussed include: “How much additional crude oil will the shale producers bring to the market? How will OPEC+ respond? Will there be peace in the Niger Delta? How will all these impact crude oil export earnings and federation account revenues? “Will there be a peaceful transition of power after the 2019 Elections?

Who will win and what does the win mean for economic policies in 2019 and beyond? How will these policies impact growth and employment? “What will be the monetary policy stance and exchange rate policy of the CBN in 2019? Will the CBN continue to peg the naira to the dollar? If yes, can they sustain the peg and how much reserves would the CBN need to burn to sustain the peg? Will the CBN ease monetary policy in 2019? “Will businesses and households thrive in 2019? How will government spending, external trade & investment and monetary policy impact key industries in Nigeria? “When there are so many uncertainties the logical thing to do is to build scenarios around these uncertainties.�

Mr. Bode Agusto would lead discussions on the implications of each scenario on the key prices, growth and employment, key industries and the markets in 2019.

Tecno Organises Carnival

Tecno mobile has organised its annual computer village carnival with huge turn out of fun seekers who were on ground to have fun.

The 2018 Computer Village carnival featured great entertainment, live stage performances, games, food, massive freebies, rae draw, and huge discounts on all Tecno devices.

According to a statement made available to THISDAY by the Public Relation and Strategic Partnership Manager, Tecno mobile, Jesse Oguntimehin, the company sponsored carnival which hosted the Ikeja community and its shoppers to two days of celebration.

Oguntimehin, in the statement said the icing on the cake during the carnival was the appearance of popular musician, Olu Maintain who performed many of his hit songs.

The statement added that the presence of the Tecno mascot T-boy also thrilled the crowd as they had the opportunity to take selďŹ es with him while dancing to electrifying songs by the DJ. According to the statement: “The fun and excitement continued well into the night, with lots of goodies and gifts won by the participants. It was truly a night to remember but not too worry, if you missed out on all the fun, here are some of the pictures from the spectacular event that took place at the Ikeja ComputerVillage, in partnership with smartphone giants Tecno mobile.â€?

TVC Wins Award

For its invaluable contribution towards the deepening of Nigeria’s broadcasting industry, TVC News, a member of TVC Communications, has clinched the NBC Prize for the “Best Television Station of the Year� at the 26th Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA).

To win the award, TVC News beat a strong ďŹ eld of competitors, riding on the back of its highly acclaimed professionalism, innovation and customer-centricity.

At the awards ceremony, which held in Lagos recently, Chairman, Panel of Assessors, Nigeria Media Merit Awards, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, noted that competition in the category was tough.

His words: “This year, we had diďŹƒculty in picking winners in the Newspaper of the Year, Editor of the Year, Radio of the Year and Television of the Year categories.The scores were too close for comfort.The dierences between the winners in the categories were marginal.â€?

The Nigeria Media Merit Award is the foremost media excellence award and also the most prestigious annual celebration of the best in the Nigerian media industry. The award ceremony attracted a huge audience of journalists, media and PR practitioners from traditional and new media platforms.

The Director of News, TVC News, Stella Din-Jacob, who received the award on behalf of TVC Communication said: “We are delighted to be awarded the winner for the Best Television Station of the Year.�

“The president has directed that work should be immediately concluded on the deployment of a National Trade Window, to enhance customs collections. That should bring up Customs’ efficiency when fully installed, from the current 64 per cent of efficiency, up to 90 per cent and that should lead to increased revenue�

Minister of Budget and National Planning,

Senator Udoma Udoma

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

NCC MOVES TO INTERVENE IN 9MOBILE, PROMISES TO PROTECT SUBSCRIBERS, INVESTORS

Groups Warn Against Attacks on BEDC

a statement, accused Teleology Holdings of not meeting its obligations in the entire 9mobile acquisition process.

The statement had said Teleology Holdings failed to meet its obligations in the entire acquisition process of 9mobile, even though it owned a minority stake in Teleology Nigeria Limited. “It failed severally and wholly to meet their obligations.

Its founder, Mr. Adrian Wood was not personally present for all the critical presentations made by the consortium during the bid process and failed abjectly with his financing arrangements with Swiss-based UBS Bank. “In all these failings, other partners in the consortium filled the gap and pushed ahead until the sale was completed,� the statement added.

James Emejo in Abuja

NIA TO CLAMP DOWN ON FAKE MOTOR INSURANCE OPERATORS

communicate with the NIID system to retrieve policy status whenever required. “It is hoped that with the USSD, we would have fully overcome the problems associated with the dedicated devices as it guarantees uninterrupted service throughout the country and on all networks. “Our existing and prospective customers now have the opportunity to confirm the genuineness of their respective policies at the time of purchase to avoid any embarrassment should claim occur,� the NIA Chairman said.

He appreciated partners such as Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc and Courteville Business Solutions Plc. for their support and assured them of more strategic partnerships as the association develops other modules to improve insurance business in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Acting Managing Director, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, Niyi Ajao, said the device would assist motorists in acquiring genuine policies and getting claims whenever there is problem with their insured vehicles.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Jonathan Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

The Transparency Advocacy for Development Initiative (TADI), alongside its 46 Allied Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have condemned what it described as “consistent efforts by unpatriotic elements to sabotage the efforts of the BEDC Electricity Plc (BEDC)�, thereby frustrating efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari- led administration to ensure stable power supply to Nigerians.

The group, particularly urged the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki to forthwith refrain from antagonising the distribution company, asking him to “follow the relevant rules and guidelines as power generation and distribution is a business governed by clearly cut contract terms.�

The groups’ National Convener, Mr. Solomon Adodo, told journalists at a media briefing over the weekend in Abuja, that the issue of power distribution in state should not be unnecessarily politicised.

The civil society organisations further demanded that all consumers of electricity and stakeholders should comply with the prevailing laws by promptly paying for electricity consumed to “avoid electricity theft and particularly those hiding under the cover of civil rights advocacy to foist unlawful conduct in Edo State should desist from doing so or we shall institute the necessary legal actions against them alongside the accompanying Civil Society sanctions.�

Their position came against the backdrop of a recent incident whereby the governor had reportedly chased the Managing Director/CEO of BEDC, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, out of his office “failing to meet obligations to electricity consumers in Edo and throwing the state into darkness

for weeks.�

However, Adodo said the BEDC had been confirmed to have complied with terms of its contract, achieving 64per cent compliance to metering, amid challenges accusations that the company had refused to meter consumers.

He said further investigation revealed that the disco had metered 64 per cent of households and 100 per cent of commercial entities in the state- one of the highest among discos, according to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). “What is happening in Edo State is alarming and has reached a feverish pitch amid vandalisation of electricity installation,� he said. He added that so far, no report had showed that BEDC had failed in its contractual obligations.

He warned that they would be left with no other option

but to embark on a peaceful procession to offices of electricity regulatory agencies if there is no appropriate feedback within seven days of notice, “for the sake of sanity in our power sector.�

Also speaking at the briefing, the Technical Specialist, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), Mr. Akin Akinpelu, said the tense situation in Edo could lead to huge shortfall in electricity if nothing is done to stop the current sabotage through the vandalisation of electricity installations.

He said given that a proportion of power generated is put on national grid and shared nationally, while there’s a certain percentage allocated to generation companies, it would be wrong to expect that Edo should enjoy all the power generated within the state simply because the power companies are located in the state. “It should be made clear

that all DISCOs are firmly protected by the contract terms and conditions under which they were issued licenses and it is on record that BEDC has not in any way breached such conditions. “We shall resist this evil at all costs in the best interest of sustainable business practice in order not to ward off future investors and/or frustrate the gains made thus far in the power sector.�

Adodo, further called on the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), NERC, the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) among others, “to immediately come out and clear on the needless controversies being stirred ostensibly to cripple the BEDC under its current management.�

He pointed out, among other things, that respective discos can only distribute the amount of power sold to them by NBET based on the Multi Year Tariff Order

(MYTO) allocation allotted each disco.

He said: “Thus contrary to the wrong assertions, discos are not allotted power based on what their respective states generate but as determined

by NBET using the MYTO allocation system. “Furthermore, it must be re-emphasised that BEDC takes up all of her allocation.�

On the issue of licence revocation and renewal, Adodo said: “It should be clear to all discerning minds that the federal government handed certificates of ownership to the 11 respective discos with clearly stipulated contract terms on a long term basis. “Thus the sanctity of contract protects the discos as long term investors. The purveyors of falsehood are therefore seeking every means to cause confusion and disrupt activities of BEDC for the selfish interest of their sponsors. We condemn this act in totality,� TADI stated.

REWARDING HARDWORK

L-R: Head, Human Resources, Linkage Assurance Plc, Mr. Humphrey Ozegbe; Head, Oil and Gas, Mr. Tony Saiki; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Daniel Braie; General Manager, Marketing, Mrs. Joyce Ojemudia and , Company Secretary, Mr. Moses Omoregbe, at the company’s 2018 End of the Year Dinner and Awards Ceremony held in Lagos...recently

NCAA Approves Leadstream Aviation Training Institute Chinedu Eze The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted Leadstream Aviation Training, an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) certificate, in order for the organisation to carry out B737 series type rating training.

At the presentation of the ATO certificate in Lagos, the Director-General, Captain Muhtar Usman, expressed satisfaction in the compliance of Leadstream during the process towards the certification.

The DG NCAA, who was

represented by the Acting Director of Licencing, Dr. W. T. Haggai, said: “We are very glad in your interest in providing training for aviation personnel in Nigeria. We want to commend you for your outstanding performance during the ATO process and having completed the five phases of the ATO certification process. “As the initial applicant, we must make bold to say that your facilities are outstanding. “Your manuals have also been seen as outstanding and we believe that that is the way to go for the aviation

industry. The DG NCAA is fully aware that everything has come out successfully. We want to wish you the best and we plead that you stick to the regulations. “It will help you and it will make out work easier.

We look forward to working with you always.�

In his response, Leadstream Accountable Manager and the chief executive officer, Engr.

Roland Ahmed expressed gratitude to the NCAA and the certification team. “On behalf of the management of Leadstream Aviation Training, I want to say thank you to

the authority, ably represented by the acting Director of Licencing. I want to thank the NCAA team headed by Engr. Ameh. At a time, we felt overburdened. During the process, we were told that the process need to be balanced. We were told that We are doing this so we can do it right “At the end of the day, from my heart, I appreciate it. Where we need to go back and forth, we were guided all through. “As specified in the certificate, Leadstream Aviation Training is approved to carry

out training in: Type Rating System Course (Initial and Refresher) on B737 300/400/500 (Airframe, Associated Power Plant and Avionics), and B737 600/700-900 (Airframe, Associated Power Plant and Avionics). “Pursuant to Part IX, Section 30(4)(L) of the Civil Aviation Act 2006, Part 3 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations 2015, The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority hereby grant this Aviation Training Organisation certificate of approval subject to the terms specified,� NCAA stated in the ATO certificate.

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Maritime)

W’African Countries to Raise $4.82bn in 2019 The eight countries of the West African CFA franc zone plan to issue 2.723 trillion CFA francs ($4.82 billion) in debt in 2019, compared to 2.433 trillion CFA francs

in 2018, an official from the regional monetary union’s regulator told Reuters on Friday.

The total for 2018 was less than the 3.007 trillion CFA

francs originally forecast, mostly because of lower than expected debt issuances by Ivory Coast and Mali, said Oulimata Ndiaye, issues operations manager of

UMOA-Titres.

The eight-nation Economic and Monetary Union of West Africa (UEMOA) comprises Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali,

Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Niger and Togo. They share a regional central bank, the BCEAO, and the CFA franc currency, which is pegged to the euro.

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BUSINESSWORLD

MARKET REPORT

NSE All-Share Index Falls Below 30,000 as Market Hits New Low Goddy Egene The persistent sell-offs in bellwether stocks pushed the nation’s equities market to 20 months low as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) AllShare Index (ASI) fell below 30,000 mark to close at 29,830.70 last week.

After losing 1.2 per cent the first week of 2019, the market declined further in the second week, going down by 2.6 per cent following weak sentiments among investors.

The political tension has continued to keep investors away as they wait for the outcome of the general elections coming up in February and March.

The market hit a new low last seen in May 2017, on January 9, before a rebound on Thursday and Friday helped it to recover some losses. Save for the rebound in the two days, the loss recorded last week would have been higher than the 2.6 per cent. The market capitalisation went down by N301.4 billion to close a N11.1 trillion.

Apart from the NSE ASI that depreciated by 2.6 per cent, other sectoral indicators also closed in the red except the NSE Industrial Goods Index that appreciated 1.0 per cent.

The NSE Insurance Index was the biggest loser, down 7.0 per cent, it was followed by the NSE Oil & Gas Index with 6.3 per cent. The NSE Consumer Goods Index dipped by 3.6 per cent decline. The NSE Banking Index closed 0.9 per cent lower.

Despite the bearish performance, some positive news hit the market last week. For instance, ABRAAJ, managers of the Aureos Africa Fund, said they would convert the $10 million loan stock in C & I Leasing Plc to equity. The $10 million was an unsecured, redeemable, convertible loan stock that matured at the end of 2018.

Commenting, the Managing Director/CEO of C & I Leasing, Mr. Andrew Otike-Odibi said: “This development is positive for our business as it improves the capital structure of the company and helps position it favorably for additional capital raise from the market in first quarter of 2019.�

Also, last week, Chairman of Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN), Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu said more companies from BAU Group will be listed on the NSE. CCNN, which is a member of the BUA Group, recently had a successful merger with Kalambaina Cement Company(KCC).

And Rabiu, who is also Chairman of BUA Group said the group was in discussion with the NSE so as to list other companies from the BUA Group. “As you know BUA Group has other companies apart from CCNN that is already listed. We are discussing with the NSE so that we can list some of the companies on the exchange as well,� he said. Rabiu thanked the management of the NSE and stockbrokers for their support during merger of CCNN with KCC, saying the new entity is now stronger to produce more products and deliver better returns to investors.

The merger has increased CCNN’s total issued and fully paid shares from 1.257 billion shares to 13.144 billion shares. Similarly, in a bid to improve the fortunes of MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, the company appointed Mrs. Priscilla Thorpe Apezteguia as Acting managing director(MD) following the resignation of Mr. Adnrew Gbodume.

income tax credit of N2.3 billion. It is believed that changed in management is a strategy to rescue the firm from weak performance.

The acting MD, Apezteguia holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in International Studies and Business from University of Coventry, United Kingdom. She has over 17 years’ experience in the oil and gas sector and has held high-level positions in reputable organisations.

Although no reason was given for Gbodume’s resignation, it was gathered that he has returned to the head office of MRS African Holdings, which owns 60 per cent of MRS Oil Nigeria Plc. The petroleum market company

recorded a loss N425 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, fuelling apprehension the company may end the financial year.

The nine months results showed that revenue fell from N81.9 billion in 2017 to N76 billion in 2018. Net financing

cost jumped by 484 per cent from N66 million to N386 million. It ended the period with loss after tax of N425 million as against a profit of N809 million in the corresponding period of 2017. MRS Oil Nigeria would have recorded a loss last year but for an

Market Turnover Meanwhile, investors traded 1.265 billion shares worth N14.074 billion in 19,278 deals last week compared with 1.647 billion shares valued at N8.413 billion that exchanged hands in 14,773 deals the previous week.

However, the Financial Services Industry remained the most active, leading others with 1.072 billion shares valued at N8.795 billion traded in 12,287 deals. With this, the sector contributed 84.73 per cent and 62.49 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Conglomerates Industry followed with 83.595 million shares worth N155.485 million in 750 deals.

The third place was Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 50.537 million shares worth N3.432 billion in 2,576 deals.

Trading in the top three equities namely, Diamond Bank Plc, FBN Holdings Plc and Custodian Investment Plc accounted for 465.000 million shares worth N 2.044 billion in 2,448 deals, contributing 36.75 per cent and 14.53 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Also traded during the review week were a total of 15,288 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N236,445.40 executed in four deals compared with a total of 395 units valued at N816,344.70 that was transacted in 13 deals the previous week.

A total of 17,996 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N18.426 million were traded in 10 deals compared with a total of 7,209 units valued at N6.958 million transacted the preceding week in eight deals.

Price Gainers and Losers The price movement chart showed that 22 equities appreciated in price last week the same number of losers the previous week, while 44 equities depreciated in price, lower than 45 of the previous week.

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc led the price gainers with 22.1 per cent, trailed by Diamond Bank Plc with 12.2 per cent. Transcorp Plc chalked up 11.2 per cent, while WAPIC Insurance Plc and Cornerstone Insurance Plc garnered 10 per cent each. Other top price gainers included: John Holt Plc (9.0 per cent); Lafarge Africa Plc (8.4 per cent); CCNN (8.4 per cent); A.G Leventis Nigeria Plc (7.4 per cent) and FCMB Group Plc (4.9 per cent).

Conversely, NEM Insurance Plc led the price losers with 33.4 per cent, trailed by Resort Savings & Loans Plc with 26 per cent. Unity Bank Plc shed 17 per cent, just as Custodian Investment Plc and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc shed 13.1 per cent and 11.6 per cent respectively.

Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc and Seplat went down by 10.2 per cent and 10 per cent in that order. Other top price losers included: MRS Oil Nigeria Plc (9.9 per cent); Champion Breweries Plc and UPDC Real Estate (9.8 per cent apiece).

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Stakeholder Denies Togo’s Ecobank Under Probe Ecobank is not under investigation in Nigeria, the chief operating officer of South Africa’s Nedbank, which owns 21 percent of the Togo-baed lender has said.

A newspaper had reported that Nedbank’s West African associate was subject to an investigation by Nigeria’s accountancy regulator spooked investors sensitive to any prospect of costly fines in the country, driving down Nedbank’s share price by more than four per cent on Friday.

At the time of the report last month, both Ecobank and Nedbank said they had not been notified of any inquiry.

On Friday Nedbank COO Mfundo Nkuhlu said Ecobank’s discussions with the regulator since then suggested there is no investigation. “Ecobank Transnational Incorporated] management have advised, based on their interaction with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, there is no investigation under way into the previous reporting of ETI’s annual financial statements,� Reuters quoted him to have said in an emailed statement. The newspaper report had said the investigation related to allegations that Ecobank had

overstated its balance sheet and income statement by applying incorrect exchange rates.

Nedbank’s relationship with Ecobank is only now starting to pay off after a slide in commodity prices and unfavourable currency swings in Nigeria drove Ecobank to a $131.3 million pretax loss in 2016.

The market is particularly sensitive to news of Nigerian corporate investigations after the MTN saga, in which the South African telecoms giant had been threatened with a multibillion-dollar fine by Nigerian regulators.

INSIDE BROAD STREET

InvestorsMaintain Appetite for Short-datedInstruments

Firm Assures Customers of Quality Service Delivery Leading telecommunications support service and engineering company, Pilot Science Company Limited (PSCL) has reiterated its commitment to best practice and quality service delivery to existing and prospective customer in 2019.

The Managing Director and CEO of the company, Festus Akinpelu, made the disclosure at a dinner organised by the company recently in Lagos to mark and celebrate its successful end of year working activities.

Akinpelu noted that his company would not offer any service that is short of quality standard, adding that best practice and timely delivery have always been

the company’s trade mark in its past 16 years of operation.

The PSCL boss, who also expressed gratitude to God with a praise songs acknowledged that the success recorded so far was achieved by the divine involvement of the Almighty God. He attributed the breakthroughs of PSCL in 2018 to the excellent performance of his staff, noting that they are the best team of staff the company has ever had.

Also speaking, Acting Business Head/Commercial Manager, PSCL, Ms. Halimat Badamasi, also assured stakeholders that the company would unveil its prospective service packages for customers in 2019. Some

members of staff of the company were also honoured with awards for their outstanding performance in the company in the year 2018. Among the award wining members of staff was Olanrewaju Ishola, Regional Business Head, PSCL, Abuja, who emerged ‘Best Performing staff of the Year’. He expressed amazement and gratitude over the development, noting that it was the least of his expectation from the company, having rarely spent a year in the company’s employment. Dignitaries at the event commended the PSCL boss and the company as a whole for a tremendous business impact in the industry.

Lautech Student, Others Hail Globacom A 500 Level Animal Production student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Ayoade Daniel Olaide, was among six new Globacom subscribers who went home with cash prizes at the latest draw of the ongoing online talent hunt, called Gloin60Seconds, organised by Globacom. The six winners were the subscribers with the best entries out of the thousands of video upload made by Globacom subscribers from various parts of the country in the last seven days. Olaide and five other winners were presented with their cash prizes at various Globacom sales and customer service outlets across Nigeria.

Olaide who said his own cash winning would assist him to complete his tuition fees at LAUTECH, received his cash prize at a Gloworld outlet in Ibadan, while the duo of Chinaza Ezeani and Chikaodili Patience Okonkwo received theirs in

Enugu.

A statement from the telco explained that in Lagos, the Gloworld outlets at the Ikeja City Mall and Adeniran Ogunsanya were used for the presentation of the prizes to the duo of Doyinsola Hazfeezah Salau and Ngini Chinazom, respectively. Olaide said Globacom had helped him to clear the burden of sourcing for funds to complete his university tuition, and thanked the operator for introducing the competition.

Another winner, 20-year old Doyinsola, a 400-level law student of University of Lagos also showered praises on Globacom. “I am happy and very delighted to receive the prize,� she said.

Also Chinazom, a 300-level medical student of Lagos University of Lagos commended Globacom for empowering the youth through the competition and promised to continue to upload videos in the hope of being lucky a second

time. In Abuja, Onyekachi Madubuike, a Material and Metallurgical Engineering student of Federal University of Technology, Owerri described his prize as a wonderful “New Year present�.

The winners urged other Nigerians to follow Globacom social media handles and upload a one-minute video showing them doing what they love doing to stand a chance of winning cash from Globacom.

The duo of Chinaza Ezeani and Chikaodili Patience Okonkwo also received their prize in Enugu. 21-year old English graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Chinaza Ezeani said “I would put the money into buying equipment that would make my skit production better, like tripod and a camera� while Chikaodili, a first-year sociology student at Enugu State University explained that “I would use it to promote my new music track.�

Leadway Pensure Opens New Office As part of strategies to ensure easy accessibility to its services by customers, Leadway Pensure has opened another branch office in Victoria Island, in Lagos State.

The launch cocktail, held at the new branch and attended by the company’s clients and members of staff, provided an opportunity for network and celebration of the new milestone.

The Managing Director, Leadway Pensure PFA, Mrs. Ronke Adedeji said: “We have come a long way from where we began in 2005 and we are determined to continually grow

with our customers, who have entrusted us with their financial future. “This branch has been put together with care and attention fit for a brand such as ours. If you look around, I am certain you will agree we are in the process of creating an ambience, which will be welcoming to both clients and staff�.

Expressing her appreciation to customers, Adedeji added: “I cannot but appreciate our clients; you are the reason we exist and the reason we will never cease to innovate and expand

our delivery of value. “On behalf of our board, management and members of staff, I say thank you for sharing our dream, for giving us the opportunity to serve you and for joining us in celebrating the opening of our new branch office. “As an organisation committed to ensuring delivery of the best standards in service, Leadway Pensure PFA has again shown its commitment to customer centricity, by deliberately bringing points of service closer to its esteemed customers, be it physically or electronically.�

Obinna Chima The bond market recorded moderate activities in both the primary and secondary markets last week as investors continued to show preference for short-dated instruments.

Nonetheless, the yields on treasury bonds pared moderately by four basis points last week to settle at 15.3 per cent.

This, was due to increased buy interest on the final trading day of the week, before which yields had increased moderately by one basis points, analysts at Afrinvest Securities stated in their latest report.

They noted that the yield differential between Treasury bills would likely result in a persistence of the trend witnessed over second half 2018 to date. “Although we expect yields on FGN bonds to trend upwards over the short-term.

In the Sub-Saharan Eurobond market, demand levels were sustained into this week, as the average yield declined by 36 basis points to settle at 7.8 per cent. “There were yield declines witnessed across all bonds, save for the Mozambique Eurobond, which recorded an eight basis points increase to settle at 14.1 per cent. “On the flip side, the largest declines in yields were recorded on the Ghana and Kenya Eurobonds, which recorded average declines in Ask-yields of 45 basis points and 40 basis points respectively, to settle at 7.8 per cent and 7.7 per cent,� it added.

Similarly, the report showed that average yield on Nigeria’s Eurobonds pared in the week’s trading by 47 basis points to settle at 7.5 per cent. “The resurgence in interest in assets is in line with our expectations and trend in election years. We expect continued interest in US Dollar assets through to H2:2019 as investors remain wary of risk factors on the horizon that could potentially affect the value of the naira,� the report added.

In addition, it noted that the trend in the corporate Eurobonds space closely mirrored that of Sub-saharan Eurobonds, as the average yield pared by 20 basis points to settle at 7.6 per cent.

There were also yield declines across all bonds save for the Diamond Bank 2019 bond, which recorded a yield increase of 162 basis points to settle at 13.1 per cent.

This was expected as investors were anticipated to take profit on the instrument given the decline in the yield of the bond following the announcement of the bank’s merger with Access Bank Plc. Also, there was significant demand for the FBNH 2021 Eurobond during the week, as the Ask-yield on the bond declined by 1.5 per cent to settle at 6.3 per cent. “Similar to our expectations for Nigeria Sovereign Eurobonds, we project the yields on these bonds to pare over the short-term given factors stated.�

Interbank Naira Market Activities in the money market last week were somewhat muted as system liquidity remained in the negative region.

This followed the aggressive pace of open market auctions (OMO) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last Tuesday and Thursday in its bid to prevent speculative sentiments in the market ahead of the upcoming presidential

elections.

Tuesday’s auction saw the CBN offer OMO bills worth N60 billion, although it was largely undersubscribed, at N10.7 billion despite attractive rates on the offer: 107-day (11.9%), 170-day (13.5%) and 317-day (15.0%).

Furthermore, maturity expectations on OMO instruments worth N375.4 billion saw the issuance of another OMO tranche on Thursday in an offer worth N400 billion, which was also largely undersubscribed.

Only the 364-day OMO bill was 1.13x subscribed while the 91-day (11.9%) and the 189-day (13.5%) were both undersubscribed by 0.12x and 0.02x.

Direction of rates in the secondary market saw money market rates - OBB (Open Buy Back) and OVN (Overnight) – rise further from 20 per cent and 23.8 per cent at close of the preceding week to 22.7 per cent and 24.7 per cent last week.

Notably, rates surged to 26.67 per cent (OBB) and 27.67 per cent (OVN) on Wednesday, following Tuesday’s surprise OMO auction as system liquidity worsened to the negative region. In the secondary T-bills market, bullish sentiment, especially for long tenor instruments, saw average yields decline 56 basis points to 13.52 per cent on Friday from 14.1 the preceding week.

This week, central bank is scheduled to repay N429.6 billion maturing treasury bills with the same sum rolled over. “We expect rates at the auction to remain at attractive levels in line with recent trend while we anticipate a near muted activity in the secondary market. “Also, in line with its tight system liquidity posture, we expect conduct of OMO auctions by the CBN next week to offset maturities worth N560.9 billion.�

Forex Market In its first intervention in 2019, the CBN injected a total of US$210 across various market segments – US$100.0m in the Wholesale and US$55.0m each in the SME and Invisibles (tuition fees, medical payments and BTA) segments.

Also, the CBN injected the sum of $263 million into the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS), being its first intervention in that segment of the the market this year.

This was in addition to the sum CNY 39 million consummated through a combination of spot and short-tenored forwards, arising from bids received from authorised dealers.

The figures obtained from the CBN revealed that the US dollar-denominated interventions were for requests in the agricultural and raw materials sectors while the Yuan sale was for payment of Renminbi-denominated Letters of Credit for agriculture as well as raw materials.

In the parallel market, naira closed the week flat at N362/$1 due to CBN’s forex injection on Monday to boost sales in the wholesale segment of the market. Similarly, the CBN’s spot rate appreciated by five kobo from N306.95/$1 to close at N306.90/$1; while in the Investors’ & Exporters’ (I&E) FX Window, the naira opened the week at N365.30/$1 but appreciated 18 kobo to close the week at N365.12/$1.

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Dunoma: Concession of Airports Will Create More Jobs The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Saleh Dunoma, in this exclusive interview with Chinedu Eze, believes that if the nation’s airports are concessioned, it will attract private sector investment, bring about infrastructure development and job creation. Excerpts With the two terminals at the Port Harcourt and Abuja airports already commissioned, has the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) started processing passengers through the facilities?

We have started using the new terminal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, but we have not started processing passengers from the new terminal in Port Harcourt because there are only two airlines in Port Harcourt.

One of them Air France said that they want to stop their operation to Port Harcourt; I think because of passenger level. However, they have not told us the reason. But whatever reason they have must have to do with their international operations. You know every year airlines review their plan for the year and they adjust their schedules and so on. So in this adjustment they indicated that they may not continue with Port Harcourt. Lufthansa is also operating from Port Harcourt. We are preparing for them to move in but we had a little challenge and that challenge has to do with the push pack system, which the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc is supposed to provide but they have gotten one now. As of the last meeting that we held last Sunday (January 5, 2019) with them, they told us that they have taken one from Abuja to Port Harcourt. So as soon as that is done and tested then Lufthansa will move in.

Are you aware of any other international airline designated for Port Harcourt?

I know there are locations in the Ministry of Transportation for airlines that want to either increase their frequency into Nigeria or wanting to come into Nigeria. But I can’t say exactly whether they have indicated interest in going into Port Harcourt. But what I can quickly add is that I know that with that facility there it will attract some airlines to want to go into Port Harcourt.

What is the state of the new terminals in Kano, Lagos and Enugu?

All of them are at advanced stage of completion. We are praying that sometime this year, maybe all of them will be commissioned. You know that there are two parts to this project, the phase one and the phase two. Government approved the phase two, with that approval we are pushing the contractors to make sure they complete within the shortest possible time. The issue with Lagos is that, you know Lagos is a well-developed airport; we need to relocate some facilities in order to get sufficient manoeuvring facility for the airlines. So that is the issue that we have in Lagos which we are tackling now.

Kano is slightly away from the main area of activity so we need to develop the apron and of course the taxi way into that place. These are some of the things that are in phase two but work has already started on the phase two so we are just pushing the contractors.

There are hints that the Chinese that built the airport terminals would operate them until they recoup the money they spent on them. Is that true?

There is nothing like the Chinese will run it.

They gave us a loan to construct the terminals and we are supposed to pay back this loan. So arrangements are made in the agreement we signed that as soon as the buildings are put into operation they will give us a gestation period and then from there we will start paying back the loan. So we are making arrangements to start payments as soon as the gestation period is over. They are not going to run the terminals, what we want to do with them is as usual, if you provide an infrastructure, there is a defect liability period which is about one year. So, they will help us train our engineers and maintain the facility for one year until the defect liability period is over. So they have to be around until our people get used to these facilities as quickly as possible. We have started the training even before the commissioning of the building, but this is purely technical area. Their engineers and technicians will remain with our technicians and engineers over this period of defect liability period

Dunoma so that after that, they will have their hands off.

So the Chinese is not going to run the terminals, we have started in Abuja and you can see that our people are running it.

There were technical defects with the terminals in Lagos and Abuja, which demanded that the control tower would be relocated before the defects are corrected. Has FAAN ďŹ nd a way round that challenge?

Because of the massive construction going on at the Lagos airport, the present tower cannot see one side of the terminal building. To solve this problem, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has provided another mobile tower to look at the other side of the building; this is the solution that we have. But it is our belief that probably in the new infrastructure development that is coming; there will be additional runway for Abuja airport and other infrastructure, which will include a new fire station and a new control tower that will be strategically located to cover the airport, as required by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

This means that the control tower that would be built should be able to see all the terminal buildings and see the four ends of the runways.

Each runway has two ends, the control tower should be able to see as the aircraft will land and take off on both sides of the runway. It should be able to see what is happening on the aprons of the terminal buildings. So we need to choose another location to strategically provide that. The fire station’s major requirement is that they should be strategically located. If there is any incident anywhere in the airport, in the shortest distance they can reach there. The existing control tower was built for one runway. The next one that would be built would cover the two runways and all sides of the airport.

So we are incorporating it in the design of the new runway so that these two facilities will be strategically located.

What is the time line for the new runway at Abuja airport?

We want to do it as quickly as possible but we don’t have time line because right now we are doing consultancy. It is when the consultants finish their design and give us the entire working drawings and all the details and then the consultant

now will come up with time line. They can tell that this project can be completed either in 24 months or less. But it is our belief that it will not exceed 24 months.

If the runway were built the first time it was planned in 2010, what do you think Nigeria could have gained and what do you think FAAN has lost in not building the facility at that time?

We have lost a lot of opportunities. If we had built it at that time all these crises that we had in Abuja, closing the runway and all the attendant inconveniences and so on, we would have averted it that is number one. Number two; of course time value of money. At that time, dollar was costing N100 to a dollar, today it is N320. So you can imagine the effect on items that we need to import, airport equipment that we need to bring from outside. You can see that if you convert that amount in dollar that we would have spent that time and the amount of dollar we would have spent now and converted it to naira; you will see the difference is huge. So we would have saved that cost. Not only that, but also the opportunity we would have used to increase our capacity and we would have benefited from that capacity.

You have been here for some time and we know that the difference in the ďŹ gure of passenger movement year to year is not signiďŹ cant. So looking at the way the economy is moving and Nigeria’s population, what is your projection on the increase in passenger movement, especially at the major airports?

Well, passenger movement will continue to increase and this is even buttressed by ICAO and IATA predictions. It is predicted that in developing countries passenger movement would double by 2030. In Africa, we believe that it will more than double for the simple reason that we have not developed other infrastructure like the train and the road infrastructure is not there. So a lot of people are going to depend on air travel because it is easier and faster. So we believe that in Africa passenger movement will be more than double by 2030. So that is why we are strategically developing the airport infrastructure in order to meet up with the demand that is coming. I know the industry is very sensitive, some time there is a drop but within a short period of time you will see that it will go up again. But if you look at the overall trend, passenger movement and aircraft movement are on the increase always.

You noticed that MMA2 is attracting airlines.

Air Peace has gone there, Arik has been there, do you have any plan to restructure or expand the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) (MMA1) facility, especially the bag movement area?

Just like we are planning on finishing the terminal building in Lagos to have additional capacity, we are also planning to expand the apron at the GAT, and at the international terminal. This is because this is the only thing that is lacking. We have two runways, we are also working on the installation of runway lights to make sure that all the required facilities will be there so that there will be both day and night landings on the two runways in Lagos. That is number one.

Number two, we are also planning to improve on the aprons both at international and domestic in order to increase our capacity in parking. So all these are programmes that if we do it, it will meet up with the requirement of the airlines.

Lack of airfield lighting at some airports is adversely affecting airline operations in Nigeria.

Airlines are forced to delay flights at the airports that allow night landing and service those airports that close by 6:00 pm, thereby delaying their flights.

Is it possible for you to have an arrangement with investors to build those airfield lights at the runways?

There is no airport that doesn’t have airfield lighting except Enugu. Enugu is under construction.

The project in Enugu is not yet finished and we are still planning to finish it. The problem with Enugu is land; we need Enugu state government to help us acquire more land so that we can do the installations. But all our airports have airfield lighting. What is happening is this, if you have an airport, let’s say Yola airport and you say Yola airport is 24 hours, Maiduguri is 24 hours, Katsina is 24 hours and put then all on 24 hours, the cost to FAAN is huge. So what we do is to limit the hours of operation because if you look at them, most of them have only one or two flights a day.

And these flights do not go beyond 6 pm, so we operate them 18 hours instead of 24 hours.

So that from mid night or from 6:00 pm or 8:00 pm in the evening depending on the programme that they have we shut down the airport. So that we can now conserve money that is spent on the airfield operation systems without getting any flights into them. But on request if you want to go to any of these airports that have airfield lighting that have short hours of operation we can extend but you pay. But if the traffic improves of course why not, we can open it up to 24 hours.

But all airports are initially designed with airfield lighting system.

Lest go back to Bi-Courtney, you know the intractable face-off between FAAN and Bi-Courtney, do you think there can be an amicable resolution?

We can resolve this issue out of court. What is the interest of FAAN and what is the interest of government? The interest of FAAN and government by and large is to make sure we provide service to Nigerians. He is running a facility that is required to provide service. Of course there are commercial issues between us and them, provided we sit down and agree that you provide this service and then fulfil all the commercial issues, we can resolve it amicably. But he is already in court, so we allow the court case to run. There is nothing anybody can do but if both of us opt today and we agree to get out of court and settle of course we will sit down and talk. Because the interest is not for us to be in court, the interest is for us to come down, work together so that we have a win, win situation by providing good service to Nigerians.

You have been the President of Airport Council International (ACI) Africa, what do you think Nigeria has beneďŹ tted from that your position?

There are lots of benefits. First of all, at the beginning, the first thing Nigeria gained was to have the first Nigerian to be the president of ACI. From there we got very close to the programmes CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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DUNOMA: CONCESSION OF AIRPORTS WILL CREATE MORE JOBS of ACI. That has also helped us to certify our airports because I have told our colleagues and other people that any time we go for ACI meeting, we sit down and look at the progress of all African airports. And they say okay Egypt, for example, has certified one airport, Morocco has certified one airport. Me as the president of ACI coming from Nigeria we have not certified any airport.

So that has encouraged me and Nigerians to put in more effort to make sure that we certify two airports at the same time. And we are working on another two and another two. So we will continue with that until we certify our own airport. That encouragement came because I was the president of ACI and it is a shame that our airports were not certified. And you know that Nigerian is the president of ICAO, you know the secretary general of AFCAC (African Civil Aviation Commission) at that time is Nigerian.

So how can we be heading all the international organisations and we cannot achieve anything like certification? So that pushed us also to do the certification. Not only that, you can see that our training centre in Lagos has been accredited as aviation security, regional training centre par excellence. That also helped us to pursue that programme and to make sure that we got to that level. That is done now, so we can now train people, have aviation security personnel in this region; that is the West African region. So you see that is another achievement. Not only that, we also participated in all the programmes like Airport Excellence on safety, airport excellence on security, we are now participating in carbon accreditation, we are also participating in airport excellence facilitation, airport service quality programme. So all these programmes are provided by ACI to assist African airports improve their level improve the quality of service they deliver and improve their facilitation, safety and security, because these are the major things in airport operation. So with those assessments on the airports they come and tell you what you are, what you are supposed to be and you have to get there and they give you time line. So participation in this programme has improved the lots of our airports in the country. So there are a lot of benefits of being the president of ACI. It is not only that; it opens my eyes as the president of ACI to all the issues that are happening in the industry in Africa. So we now sit together as colleagues from other African countries and come up with a solution that is workable to all of us. And we approach the governments, like in this region we have approached ECOWAS and in other regions they approached the relevant bodies. So by the time our heads of government and heads of states meet and we present some cases to them that are common to the industry and then it is considered and a global decision is taken.

It also allows us to liaise with ICAO and ACI World to make sure that we are not left behind in any other development in the industry. So they look at all the programmes and issues that are at hand and say okay Africa what is your stake?

How do you want to handle this? We will come back with the solution to them and say this is our situation, we need this and this. Even the training programme and other developmental programmes will be tailored towards the region and towards Africa. We will have to present our case and say that this is the best solution that we feel we need to implement in Africa. And they will look at it and advise us and ask, what are the short falls that we have? Where can we get assistance? If it is something that we can get assistance within Africa, we will go to ACI Africa and make sure that we extend hand of assistance to all other airports so that we can all develop and bring them up to a certain level that we feel they need to get to.

If it is something that Africa cannot provide, we will go to ACI America or ACI Europe and they give us either resources or resource persons so that they can come and help us and do certain trainings. So many programmes are developed by that association and then we relate with relevant bodies all over the world to make sure we get that assistance.

FAAN workers do want to hear about concession but many people believe that it is the solution for the airports to work efďŹ ciently and be modernised. The Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika said he is going to concession the airports, but till now nothing has happened. What do you think was the problem and do you think it will be realised in a short time?

As far as FAAN is concerned I do think there

Dunoma is any organisation in this country apart from ports that has a lot of concession like FAAN. If you go to any airport, if you look at the terminal building all the shops within the terminal building are run by private individuals, there is no shop belonging to FAAN in there. So that is a level of concession. If you look also at other facility provided around the airport, they are all done by other parties not FAAN. But FAAN manages the airport, so concession to FAAN is not new.

But we want to take it to another level. That is what the minister wanted to do. You see, a lot of people misunderstood the word concession because the word concession and privatisation is being mixed. So the fear of everybody including the unions is that when you say concession you are privatising. You are not privatising at all. Privatisation means taking the asset from being government owned and put it over the fence and give it to the private sector and sell it. But concession is not like that, concession is saying that look I have this facility that I am running, I am not a specialist in all the areas, why don’t we get a specialist, let the specialist come, partner with us so that we can gain from his technical experience, we can gain from his financial disposition, so that we can improve on this infrastructure in order to provide for the service that we require and then we share the benefits.

But the asset still belongs to the government.

So this is the kind of concession that the Minister wants to embark upon. Of course it requires a lot of planning, understanding and of course Nigeria as a government encourages that. That is why the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has been setup to do. They provide concession regulation, they provide the atmosphere, they do the regulation and make sure that whatever is done is agreeable to all the laws that are provided in ICRC. It is a long process; it is not something that you jump into just like that. You have to have a programme, go through the processes in order to avoid any mistake and eventual legal issues. We are doing a lot of planning and the advantage of that is that you will get access to funds. You will recall that our economy was dependent on oil, now oil revenues are going down, there are so many issues that the government wants to deal with.

There are so many issues that we cannot compete with. For example, aviation cannot compete with security of the nation; aviation cannot compete with health and education. Aviation also generates some revenue, since we can generate revenue why don’t we partner with people that are ready to invest, people that know the industry, people that have done it somewhere else and they are successful. Why don’t we look at those modules and look at the Nigerian laws and comply with the Nigerian laws and do this concession so that investors can come in and invest and we share

the proceeds at the end of the day. And the fear of the union was that it is privatisation and once you privatise, of course, the tendency is that the private entity will reduce this and that in order to make more profit. But this is not the case here, what is concession to develop our infrastructure, increase our capacity and then we have more people.

Look at the Chinese terminal, this is a typical example. The Chinese terminal was funded by the federal government and the ChinaExim Bank loan. So now we have commissioned two as I speak to you. I need more staff to run those terminals.

We are looking for more people, so it has created an opportunity for us to employ. So the unions are very happy because right now I am short of staff to run those terminals. We are not closing down the whole terminals, we are running them. So we are looking for more people to employ because of the additional capacity we have created in terms of infrastructure. So the unions fear is not real, it is imaginary. So now that they have seen that; I don’t think the unions are afraid of concession.

The concession is similar to this loan, in fact concession is better. The reason why I said concession is better is that you can go to any bank and take a loan. If you mismanage the loan the bank will come after you to take their money, just like it is happening to some of our airlines. But in concession, the investor is your partner, he has a stake, he wouldn’t want to run it down. The partner would make sure that it is a success and we are not just picking anybody.

We are picking people that have experience in the industry, people that know how to manage, people that know how to run the system, that have experience, so that at the end of the day they will bring their experience, managerial capabilities and they will provide their funds so that we improve on the infrastructure and we run it together and we share the proceeds. And that would also create employment opportunities for the unions. So concession is better than loan.

I heard that you just inspected new generators at the Abuja airport. What is their deployment like and how do we solve the frequent outage at Lagos airport?

Of recent we have never had outages at the Lagos airport. There is sufficient power supply in Lagos and Abuja and what we are trying to do is to improve the system so that we don’t get to a situation whereby equipment will fail. The power outages that we had in Lagos was as a result of failure of certain equipment like the transformer and so on. But we are replacing most of them; that is why we have all these power projects all over the place. What is happening in Abuja is that with the commission of the new terminal building, we had a plan to improve the power

supply so that it will now accommodate the new infrastructure that we are putting together and to have additional capacity also.

The rail station that is there probably will require power from us, so we have to have additional capacity for the immediate growth.

Because as a result of the new terminal being commissioned other people might want to come in to the airport to want to do business. These people will require power to run their businesses.

So we have designed power supply system that will take care of the new terminal and additional request that may come from other people that want to do business around the airport. So this is the power facility that we are trying to commission now, the construction is going on and at the end of the day we will have sufficient power. Mind you this is standby power supply because we are still dependent on the national grid.

So this one is standby just in case the public one fails, we can revert back to our second systems.

So it is our own systems that we are upgrading, but we are also working with suppliers of power in Abuja, Lagos and Gencos to make sure that they upgrade their supply to the airport to guarantee us a level of performance. We have done that in Lagos, we are trying to do that in Abuja and Abuja has improved. Actually the power supply to the airport has improved tremendously especially reliability. So I want to seize this opportunity to thank all Power Holding Companies in Lagos and Abuja in fact in all the airports. If there is any outage which is unavoidable it is as a result of equipment failure. Of course you cannot rule out completely 100 per cent that these things won’t happen but we have systems in place to check that and we are improving on those systems.

Recently there were some complaints of FAAN not having adequate aviation security personnel.

The report said some aviation security personnel overstretch their work time and suffer from stress and other inconveniences which are not good for airport security system. What is the solution to this problem?

We have put in a solution in place. This shortage in manpower, especially in aviation security and fire is as a result of government banning employment some time back. Employment is supposed to be a continuous thing but unfortunately there was a time government banned employment into government service, whether you are parastatal or ministry. That created a generation gap in our system. And you know for professionals like aviation security operators and firefighting personnel and safety personnel, these are professionals in the aviation industry that you cannot pick them from the streets. There is nowhere you can go and get a BSC in firefighting, there is nowhere you can go and come out with a BSC in aviation security. What we do is, we pick people from different school curriculum and bring the people that are interested to be trained.

The minimum training that ICAO prescribed for you to be a fireman or a security officer in the industry is three months. And that training is the basic training and from there on you continue to get more and more training so that you can get to the professional level. This is because even in the security if you get the training of three months it is basic. Then if you become a screener or if you get a certificate as a screener or surveillance officer it takes another time. So that is the issue that we have, even if we employ you now you have to undergo the training. Once you qualify, you have to learn the environment apart from getting the basic education; you have to go through the environmental training, which means you have to go on the job training. You have to work under somebody for another six months or so. So for one year you will be trained and that is the basic training. So once you get the basic training then we look at you and say okay this person is good at this and we start training and develop you to become another specialised professional in one of the units or the other depending on your capabilities and our observations.

So it is very difficult to train but we are now working on it, we have employed like 700 people at the instance. We will soon start training at various locations all over the country so that as soon as they acquire the basic skills we will bring them to the airport for on the job training. And then later on by the time they get professional, NCAA will have to give them a certificate before they now become aviation professionals. So you see it is a long process, it is like taking you and say you start your education all over again. So it is a long process, we are going through that and very soon we will address that gap. I want to note also that everything we do is in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

We comply with ICAO regulation.

29

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍ˛Ëœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

Exchange Telecommunications Gets Three International Standards Certifications Oluchi Chibuzor The Exchange Telecommunications Limited, one of the leading interconnect carrier (Clearing House) has been awarded three International Standards - ISO 9001-2015, ISO 27001-2013 and ISO 22301-2012.

Speaking at the awards ceremony held in Lagos, the Financial Controller of Exchange Telecommunications, Mrs. Oluwatoyosi Adebakin, noted that though the company started as a Nigerian company, which has grown and is seeking to extend its frontiers as a global brand operating effectively in the world’s major economies because of its undoubted human and technological capabilities.

On why the company gained the three international certifications at once given the arduous and rigorous task of obtaining one, Adebakin, said it was done in response to the company’s determination and quest of venturing into international business soon which will require partnership with likeminded organisations. “To be better perceived beyond marketing efforts and referrals, Exchange Telecommunications pursued these certifications, so its worth as well as processes would showcase the company as one who adopts international best practices in her operations and consequently deserving of such partnerships and patronage,� she said.

The certifications were facilitated by Digital Jewels Limited, a leading information technology (IT) governance, risk and compliance (GRC) consulting and capacity building firm with deep competencies in information security, information assurance, project management.

In her remarks, the Managing Director of Digital Jewels Limited, Mrs. Adedoyin Odunfa, commended the board and management of Exchange Telecommunications for taking such a bold approach at strengthening the fabric of its business and abilities to deal credibly with international partners and clients.

She noted that in an increasingly competitive and dynamic world, ICT remains

the game changer and Exchange Telecommunications Limited is at the heart of the ICT business, therefore should be wary of vulnerable attacks like ransomware and hacking attacks amid value creation for the benefit of stakeholders.

Odunfa, maintained that to win consistently, it was imperative for organisations to constantly create value on one hand and be able to optimise risks on the other hand. This, Odunfa said was why the three certifications are important.

She said while the ISO 90012015, Quality Management System (QMS), is to enable the organisation deliver consistent value to its esteemed clients, ensure leadership engagement and address associated risk; the

ISO 27001-2013, Information Security Management System (ISMS), includes management of processes and procedures that helps it identify and manage downside risks that organisations faces in the ICT world.

On the other hand, the ISO 22301-2012, Business Continuity Management System (BCMS), enables the firm to address perceived and unperceived risk in the course of doing business. “These certifications remain a remarkable feat for Exchange Telecommunications as it takes some organisations years to gain one of these ISO standards, her management team has doggedly pursued all three as part of the organisation’s set goals for the year and has attained same within a space of months as

a mark of it’s determination and drive to internationalise its business,� she said.

With a presence at the Telehouse in London and connected to several Tier 1 and Tier 2 Carriers, Exchange Telecommunications is a national wholesale carrier licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and connected to the major mobile network operators in the country. “It carries the most minutes for each of them with an acclaimed capacity of terminating well over 150 million minutes national and 100 million minutes international calls monthly. “She operates under the twin licences of Interconnect Exchange and International Data Access.�

Zimbabwe Plans New Currency as Dollar Shortage Bites Zimbabwe will introduce a new currency in the next 12 months, the country’s Finance Minister said, as a shortage of United States dollars plunges the financial system into disarray, forcing businesses to close and threatening unrest.

The southern African nation abandoned its own hyperinflation-wrecked currency in 2009 at the height of an economic recession, adopting the greenback and other currencies including sterling and the South African rand. But without enough hard currency to back up the $10 billion of electronic funds trapped in local bank accounts, businesses and civil servants are demanding payment in cash which can be deposited and used to make payments both inside and outside the country.

According to Reuters, Mthuli Ncube told a townhall meeting on Friday that a new local currency would be introduced in less than twelve months. “On the issue of raising enough foreign currency to introduce the new currency, we are on our way already, give us months, not years,� he said.

Zimbabwe currently has less than two weeks import cover, according to central bank data, and the government has previously said it would only consider launching a new currency if it had at least six months of reserves.

Locals are haunted by memories of the Zimbabwean dollar, which became worthless as hyperinflation spiralled to reach

500 billion percent in 2008, the highest rate in the world for a country not at war, wiping out pensions and savings.

A surrogate bond note currency introduced in 2016 to stem dollar shortages has also collapsed in value.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is under pressure to revive the economy but, in something of a vicious circle, the dollar shortages are undermining efforts to win back foreign investors sidelined under his predecessor Robert Mugabe.

With less than $400 million in actual cash in Zimbabwe according to central bank figures, there are fuel shortages and companies are struggling to import raw materials and equipment, forcing them to buy greenback notes on the black market at a premium of up to 370 percent.

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries has warned some of its members could stop operating at the end of the month due to the dollar crunch.

Zimbabwe’s iconic manufacturer of cooking oil and soap, Olivine Industries said on Saturday it had suspended production and put workers on indefinite leave because it owed foreign suppliers $11 million.

A local associate of global brewing giant Anheuser-Busch Inbev said this week it would invest more than $120 million of dividends and fees trapped in Zimbabwe into the central bank’s savings bonds

PROMOTING E-PAYMENT

L-R: Representative of the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Lagos, Mr Hakeem Balogun, representative of Commissioner for Insurance, Abel Omokade; Zonal Commanding Officer, Ogun & Lagos, ,Federal Road Safety Corps, John Meheux; Director General, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Yetunde Ilori; Chairman, NIA, Tope Smart; General Manager, Courteville Business Solution Plc, Lane Iyanda and Acting Managing Director, Nigerian Interbank Settlement Systems, Niyi Alao, during the launch Insurance Industry Database, USSD code in Lagos‌ recently

Firm Rebrands, to Deepen Operations Lagos-based integrated marketing communications agency, Nitro 121, formerly 141 Worldwide, has unveiled its new name and logo, promising better digital, creative and engagement for the clients and stakeholders. Its Managing Director, Lampe Omoyele, said the new identity was an evolution aimed at achieving higher height, with major focus on teamwork high performance. According to him, “Nitro 121 is a pit stop where brands and businesses come to and working with us their levels of performance improves. So, every brand and business that comes in touch with 121 to the pit stop that we would leave you performing better.�

He stated that the 121 metaphor

speaks about the higher level of connection with brands and consumers, adding, “In motorsports, a pit stop is where a racing vehicle stops in the pits during a race for refuelling, new tyres, repairs, mechanical adjustments, a driver change, as a penalty, or any combination of the above “There is a high level of competition in the market place; the market is evolving and we cannot afford to be a dinosaur.

What we are doing is thinking ahead of the scope, ahead of the market; so, why other people are still thinking about what to do, we are moving ahead of the scope.�

He further stated that the agency had deepened its digital

offerings by expanding the scope while recruiting some of the best hands in the industry: “We bring to the table a new dimension of digital marketing; we have one of the strongest team and one of the best digital marketing personnel in the country. We are bringing a new digital marketing strategy capabilities into the game.�

On whether the agency was not stepping down its creative prowess by dropping from 141 to 121, he said, “think about it creatively and understand that we are a creative agency. Think about it and don’t think about it as a mathematician. When you say 141, what does 141 means?

141 just mean. ‘I am one for one person’ but when we say 121, it

is a greater level of connection; that is what it is.�

Some of the offerings from the agency include brand management, strategy development, creative development, digital marketing, media buying and planning, audiovisual production and experiential marketing.

For creative development Omoyele, “We ideate when we create. Developing themes and stories that draw from concepts around us. Ensuring that a simple story is exactly that – simple.

With simplicity we communicate a brand’s strategic vision, ensuring that at the heart of brand communication is the business of connecting people to goods and services.

their membership numbers when booking. “We have also started rewarding our guests with N5,000 tickets in the ongoing Dana Air/ MMA2 travellers reward promo. This promo has seen the terminal record huge traffic and has also proven its capability to process good number of passengers with

its ultra-modern facilities,� he said. The Dana Air spokesman added that to take advantage of the MMA2/ Dana Air travellers promo which is valid till August 2019, the airline’s passengers are advised to fly Dana Air just four times from MMA2 to any of our destinations to get the 5th ticket at N5000 only.

Dana Air Introduces‘Mega Miles’Promo Chinedu Eze Nigeria’s domestic operator, Dana Air has launched a ‘Mega Miles’ promo to encourage its customers to book a return ticket and get miles good enough to get an upgrade from economy class to business class at no cost or pay for excess luggage using

miles. According to statement by the airline’s Media and Communications Manager, Kingsley Ezenwa, the offer is only for Dana miles members and the promo would run from February 1 to March 31, 2019.

Ezenwa said the promo entails guests to book return tickets on same reference within the

period, quote their membership numbers when booking for miles to be credited within 24 hours. “We are pleased to announce the introduction of Mega Miles promo. It is strictly a promo to encourage members of our frequent flyer program, to book return tickets to get Mega Miles,

which can be explored for upgrade, exchanged for free tickets, pay for excess, and lots of other cash-saving benefits. “This offer is also to encourage our guests to plan their trips, book return tickets to get massively rewarded for their membership and participation.

Guests are advised to quote

5 ) * 4 % ": t MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019

31

32

5 ) * 4 % ": t MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019

5 ) * 4 % ": t MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019

33 ADVERTORIAL

34

5 ) * 4 % ": t MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019

5 ) * 4 % ": t MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019

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36

M O N DAY Ëž JANUARY 14, 2019

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Emefiele to Unveil 2019 Monetary Policy Direction Obinna Chima The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, will next week unfold the Bank’s plans for 2019 year, during the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled for January 21 to 22.

The Director, Corporate Communications at the CBN, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, disclosed this in a statement.

Also, Okorafor confirmed the CBN’s injection of the sum of $263 million into the Retail Secondary Market Intervention

Sales (SMIS), being its first intervention in that sector this year.

This was in addition to the sum CNY 39 million consummated through a combination of spot and short-tenored forwards, arising from bids received from authorised dealers. The figures obtained from the CBN revealed that the US dollar-denominated interventions were for requests in the agricultural and raw materials sectors while the Yuan sale was for payment of Renminbi-denominated Letters of Credit for agriculture as well as raw materials.

Okorafor, said the move was in furtherance of Emefiele’s avowed commitment to ensuring foreign exchange liquidity in the system as well as boosting trade and production.

With the rates closing at N359/$1 last Friday, Okorafor, expressed confidence that the CBN, in the weeks ahead, would sustain its intervention through the sale of foreign exchange to all segments of the market to meet all legitimate foreign exchange demand in the market while also striving to achieve exchange rate stability in the market.

Experts List Recipe for Business Growth in 2019 Sunday Ehigiator Experts who spoke at the economic summit organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Zone 20 Lagos at the weekend have highlighted some recipe for business growth in 2019.

In the summit tagged, ‘Economic Outlook and Prospects in Election Year’, the experts urged entrepreneurs to keep hopes alive, even in the advent of the coming general elections, saying things can only get better.

In his keynote address, BAA’s Chief Executive Officer and Economist, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, started his speech with a quote from the January 2019 World Bank Global Economic Prospects, which asserts that “Public policy is not made by ‘whispering in the finance minister’s ear.’ Rather, it is made by arriving at a political consensus. That consensus is more likely to improve people’s lives if the public is informed with evidence�.

He said the economy has had impressive macroeconomic stability in the last two years.

He however said, “there is hope for entrepreneurs to survive in this election year if they can get their profiling right, get the right location and know the needs of their clients in this period of electioneering instead of taking decisions out of panic.�

In his assessment of the

Nigerian economy, he noted that export was still expanding strongly on the back of hydrocarbons earnings. “The summarised data shows that oil earnings led the economy into recession and brought it out. “Oil generates most of the earnings, but accounts for less than 10 per cent of GDP. “A disconnect of sort, as its linkage to the rest of the economy is weak. Agriculture is dominant and holds the best prospect for wealth creation for ‘little capital’ households.

The second quarter 2018 GDP shows that oil amounted about 8.55 per cent of it while non-oil had 91.45 per cent. “Portfolio investments (PI) in money market instruments dominated since Q4 2017 due to opening up of treasury bills to foreign investors. Nigeria remains an attractive investment destination. PI accounted for 51 per cent of total in 2017 and 69.2 per cent as at Q3 2018.�

In her address, the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, highlighted various interventions by the federal government to boost the economy as well as economic plans the Buhari-led administration was set to implement in 2019 if re-elected.

According to Oduwole, “2018 was a year of extensive collaboration between the

Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Key Stakeholders on Ease of Doing Business (EoDB). “Over the last three years, Nigeria has increased its distance to Frontier (DTF) score by over 11 basis points. “In the same period, we moved up to 24 places in the World Bank doing business ranking.

32 Nigerian states improved in their ease of doing business environment led by Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Lagos and Anambra state. “An EoDB survey adjudged Nigerians reforms as impactful in terms of reduction in time cost and procedures of doing business. “In 2019, PEDEC will continue to work in collaboration with MDAs and other public and private sector partners to ensure this high-impact intervention is sustained. This year is a year of consolidation�. She said.

According to her, the administration in 2019, would be focused on legislative reform, regulatory reforms, National Trading Platforms (FMF/NCS), and Airport Concession (MOT).

On his part, Tropica Natural Limited’s boss, Mr. Biola Ogunrinde, urged entrepreneurs to be proactive, saying “he who fails to prepare, prepares to fail.�

The CEO, Zinox Group, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, also highlighted the significance of technology to businesses.

AXA Mansard Launches New Motor Insurance Product In line with its commitment to enhance customer experience, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has launched the first responder service which aims to support customers whose vehicles are insured with the company whenever they are involved in road accidents.

The company, which is a member of the AXA Group and global leader in insurance and asset management, said “The First Responder Service� is an initiative meant to provide flexible and efficient claims settlement to customers on the retail motor insurance plan right at the scene of accident and also to provide necessary assistance to the customers.

The service aims to reduce turnaround time for service delivery to customers.

Divisional Director, Retail Solutions, AXA Mansard Insurance, Mrs. Rashidat Adebisi, explained in a statement, that with the

introduction of the new service, customers would have access to trained First Responder Officers (FROs) who have been trained to perform the first responder duties.

The FROs, who are also members of staff of AXA Mansard Insurance and part of the Motor Claims Team, would provide on-the-spot assistance to the customers, assess damage to customers’ vehicles, adjust claims and initiate the claims.

Adebisi added: “We are delighted to introduce the AXA First Responder Service to our vehicle insurance subscribers. Customer experience is very important to us and we are ensuring that we provide services that would be customer oriented. “The service would help our customers to get both service and support at the scene of unwanted situations like road traffic accidents. We assure our customers that they would

receive the needed support as they navigate their ways around town.�

According to her, in carrying out this service, the FRO was expected to arrive at the scene of the accident within 10-30 minutes of the customer’s call and the officer would arrive on a power bike, this strategy has been used in order to perennial traffic situation in Lagos. “With the First Responder Service, customers on our vehicle insurance package with vehicles worth N3,000,000 (3million) will have access to the FROs who will provide on-the-spot assistance to them, should they be involved in an accident. This is another benefit of being on the AXA Mansard comprehensive motor insurance plan. The FROs will be accessible to customers between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm during the weekdays; and access to the service is absolutely free.

L-R: Business Development Division, Sigma Pensions, Mr. Uzor Sunday Okolie; Social Worker, Hikanos Orphanage, Mrs.Akinbode Adedayo; Head, Strategy, Sigma Pensions, Mrs. Adaora Ude; Manager, Hikanos Orphanage, Mr. Afolabi Oloyede and Business Development Department, Sigma Pensions, Mrs. Kehinde Aiyeola, during the donation of goods to Hikanos Orphanage in Lagos‌recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

MARCH 2018 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 Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, 10 JANUARY 2019

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $59.48 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $58.24 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), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

37

M O N DAY ˾ JANUARY 14, 2019

MARKET NEWS

More Innovations in NAHCO as Godsmart Increases Stake Goddy Egene There are strong indications that Godsmart Nigeria Limited(GNL), which is the majority shareholder of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nacho aviance) will introduce innovations that will boost the performance of the company and deliver improved returns.

GNL last week became the majority shareholder of NAHCO with 26.95 per cent after Luf-

thansa Commercial Holding transferred all of its 97,453,125 ordinary shares of representing six per cent shareholding it. Prior to the transfer, GNL development, had purchased a 16.7 per cent stake in the firm from some shareholders, making it the largest single shareholder.

Market analysts said with the increase in the stake of GNL, it will now have more influence on the NAHCO and introduce innovations into the firm’s

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R

DEALS

operations. They said already a new managing director/chief executive officer MD/CEO) in the person of Mrs. Olatokunbo Fagbemi.

According to the company, Fagbemi’s appointment is to drive the company’s structure. All NAHCO’s subsidiary companies, including NAHCO Free Zone (NFZ), Nahco Energy and Power (EPI) and Mainland Cargo Options Limited (MCO), will report directly to the GMD/

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

CEO. Fagbemi, a thoroughbred Aviation Management Professional and a management turnaround expert with IATA, ACI and ICAO certifications will bring on board her wealth of experience in championing the agreed strategic transformation plan of NAHCO following a Board and management retreat with inputs from KMPG. She is expected to implement the new strategic plan,

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

operationalise a seamless and harmonised group structure which will transform NAHCO into one of the best companies in the world. The new GMD will focus on improving customer experience, drive stakeholder value, enhance shareholders’ investment in the company, integrate and closely monitoring of the activities of the subsidiaries to create synergies and better returns on capital.

Fagbemi, would, in the

immediate, have the task of repositioning the company, maintaining industrial harmony, energising the staff and improving stakeholder relationships and values.

She is also expected to coordinate and drive the new audacious, bold and challenging initiatives that will establish NAHCO Plc as the leading ground handling company in West and Central Africa in the shortest possible time.

O F 1 0 / 0 1 / 2 0 1 9 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

˾ MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019

38

Monday, January 14 2019

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Up 0.85% Last Friday, the Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index rose 85bps to

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

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ZENITH (1.2%) and DANGCEM (3.2%) weighed most on the ŝŶĚĞdž͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϰϬ͘ϰй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ index.

Current Price

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

Price Price Previous Current Change Change Price YTD Index to Weighting Change Date

ROE

ROA

P/E

P/BV

Divinden Earnings d Yield Yield

1,394.17

0.85%

-9.6%

39.4%

20.6%

7.7%

5.6x

0.7x

5.4%

1

Guaranty Trust Bank PLC

33.50

0.9%

19.5%

-2.8%

-2.9%

34.1%

5.6%

5.0x

1.9x

8.0%

14.0% 20.0%

2

Zenith Bank PLC

21.85

1.2%

12.3%

-5.2%

-5.2%

23.7%

3.4%

3.8x

0.9x

12.8%

26.7%

3

Dangote Cement PLC

4

Nestle Nigeria PLC

5

Nigerian Brew eries PLC

6

177.00

3.2%

8.8%

-6.7%

-4.8%

20.1%

9.8%

18.4x

3.9x

6.1%

5.4%

1,401.10

0.0%

8.0%

-5.6%

-5.0%

85.8%

26.3%

25.3x

19.7x

3.4%

3.9%

78.00

-1.3%

5.8%

-8.8%

-0.4%

13.8%

6.4%

26.1x

3.7x

4.8%

3.8%

FBN Holdings Plc

7.40

4.2%

5.1%

-6.9%

-7.5%

6.6%

0.8%

5.3x

0.4x

3.4%

18.9%

7

United Bank for Africa PLC

7.35

1.4%

4.4%

-4.5%

-5.8%

15.4%

1.8%

3.3x

0.5x

11.7%

30.0%

8

International Brew eries PLC

31.00

0.0%

3.8%

1.6%

-1.6%

-23.8%

-3.2%

9

SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

576.00

-10.0%

3.3%

-10.0%

-10.0%

25.9%

15.3%

2.5x

0.6x

3.2%

39.8%

10

Access Bank PLC

5.65

6.6%

3.0%

-16.9%

-13.1%

14.1%

1.7%

2.4x

0.3x

11.8%

42.5%

11

Ecobank Transnational Inc

13.50

0.0%

2.9%

-3.6%

-5.6%

12.1%

1.0%

4.2x

0.5x

12

Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

46.15

0.0%

2.7%

-3.8%

-3.8%

35.7%

4.6%

6.8x

2.2x

2.2%

14.6%

13

Unilever Nigeria PLC

37.00

0.0%

2.6%

0.0%

0.0%

24.7%

11.5%

17.2x

2.6x

1.4%

5.8%

14

Lafarge Africa PLC

12.25

2.1%

1.7%

-1.6%

2.1%

-53.7%

-7.9%

0.8x

11.9%

-51.4%

15

Guinness Nigeria PLC

66.00

4.8%

1.3%

-8.3%

-8.3%

8.8%

5.0%

17.7x

1.6x

2.8%

5.6%

16

Okomu Oil Palm PLC

82.00

0.0%

1.5%

7.6%

7.6%

39.3%

29.7%

7.8x

2.7x

3.7%

12.8%

(N2.2bn), GUARANTY (N2.1bn) and NESTLE (N2.0bn) led by

17

Total Nigeria PLC

200.20

0.0%

1.3%

-1.4%

-1.4%

34.6%

7.5%

7.0x

2.3x

8.6%

14.3%

value.

18

11 PLC

184.00

0.0%

1.3%

-0.8%

-0.8%

38.0%

16.8%

6.1x

2.1x

4.3%

16.3%

19.30

5.2%

15.1%

Benchmark Index Below 30,000 Psychological Mark͙ ASI down 2.6% W-o-W The All Share index fell 2.6% W-o-W to 29,830.70 points, YTD ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ƐĞƩůĞĚ Ăƚ -ϱ͘ϭй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĚĞĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ďLJ EϯϬϭ͘ϰďŶ ƚŽ Eϭϭ͘ϭƚŶ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ůĞǀĞů ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ as average volume traded declined 38.5% to N253.1m units while value traded rose by 33.8% to N2.8bn. The top traded stocks by volume were DIAMOND (184.4m units), FBNH (109.7m units), and ZENITH (102.9m units) while ZENITH

EĞŐĂƟǀĞ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ůĂƌŐĞůLJ ŶĞŐĂƟǀĞ ĂƐ Ăůů

indices save for the Industrial Goods index closed in the red W-o-W. The Insurance index was the biggest loser, down

7.6x

-1.1%

23.7%

19

Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

0.5%

1.0%

-16.5%

-13.1%

7.6%

2.3%

6.6x

0.5x

20

Oando PLC

4.30

3.6%

1.0%

-14.0%

-10.4%

10.9%

1.7%

3.6x

0.3x

21

Fidelity Bank PLC

2.00

3.1%

1.1%

-1.5%

-1.5%

11.3%

1.5%

2.6x

0.3x

5.6%

22

Transnational Corp of Nigeria

1.29

3.2%

1.0%

-2.3%

0.0%

13.6%

3.0%

6.1x

0.8x

1.6%

16.3%

23

Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

14.00

1.4%

0.9%

-8.2%

-5.4%

32.6%

16.4%

5.6x

1.6x

12.2%

17.9%

24

Diamond Bank PLC

2.02

1.5%

0.8%

-7.3%

-6.0%

-5.8%

-0.7%

25

FCMB Group Plc

1.70

0.0%

0.6%

-5.6%

8.4%

1.2%

2.2x

0.2x

5.9%

45.0%

26

UAC of Nigeria PLC

8.70

-3.3%

0.5%

-8.9%

0.4%

0.2%

68.4x

0.4x

7.5%

1.5%

1.98

-10.8%

27.9%

0.2x

38.3%

-34.7%

27

Sterling Bank PLC

0.0%

0.5%

4.2%

4.2%

10.6%

1.1%

5.2x

0.5x

1.0%

19.2%

28

Presco PLC

62.00

0.0%

0.4%

-3.1%

-3.1%

37.0%

24.8%

2.4x

0.8x

3.2%

40.8%

29

NASCON Allied Industries PLC

18.00

0.0%

0.4%

0.0%

0.0%

47.0%

17.5%

9.4x

4.2x

8.3%

10.7%

30

Forte Oil PLC

29.00

3.6%

0.4%

1.0%

3.6%

84.6%

8.3%

11.9x

2.2x

31

Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

6.00

0.0%

0.4%

7.1%

7.1%

5.3%

1.0%

10.9x

0.6x

32

Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

28.40

0.0%

0.4%

41.3%

28.5%

7.9x

1.2x

3.6% lower while sell pressures in UBA (-7.0%), ETI(-3.6%),

33

PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC

12.00

0.0%

0.3%

-0.8%

-2.4%

1.1x

1.3%

SEPLAT (-10.0%), FORTE (-2.0%) and TOTAL (-1.4%) dipped

34

Chemical and Allied Products P

31.50

0.0%

0.2%

-9.6%

-9.6%

30.2%

14.7x

9.8x

6.5%

0.60

3.4%

0.2%

-4.8%

-4.8%

6.6%

0.8%

6.9x

0.4x

67.00

0.0%

0.2%

-1.9%

-1.9%

17.7%

11.5%

8.1x

1.3x

1.8%

6.25

9.6%

0.1%

-8.8%

-5.3%

0.8x

3.2%

7.0% due to losses recorded in NEM (-33.5%) and CUSTODIAN ;-ϭϯ͘ϭйͿ – the largest stocks on the index. ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ GUINNESS (-8.1%) and FLOURMILL (-11.7%) dragged the Consumer Goods index

66.2%

8.4% 9.2% 3.5%

12.7%

6.8%

35

Wema Bank PLC

the Banking and Oil & Gas indices lower by 0.9% and 6.3%

36

Beta Glass PLC

ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŇŝƉ ƐŝĚĞ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ƌŽƐĞ

37

Dangote Flour Mills Plc

38

Cement Co Northern Nigeria PLC

20.00

2.8%

0.1%

3.1%

3.1%

34.2%

19.6%

4.8x

1.5x

6.3%

39

Transcorp Hotels Plc

6.10

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

6.9%

3.8%

11.9x

0.8x

2.1%

8.4%

40

AXA Mansard Insurance PLC

1.80

0.0%

0.1%

-1.6%

-1.6%

10.5%

3.3%

9.4x

0.9x

3.3%

10.6%

1.0% due to buying interests in JBERGER (22.2%) despite sell ŽīƐ ŝŶ DANGCEM (-4.8%).

Investor ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϱdž ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϰdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ƚŚĞ previous week as 22 stocks advanced against 42 that declined. The best performing stocks W-o-W were JBERGER (+22.2%), DIAMOND (+12.2%) and TRANSCORP (+11.2%) while NEM (-33.5%), RESORTS (-26.0%) and UNITY (-17.0%) led laggards. We maintain a bearish outlook for the market in

T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

C OR N ER ST

0.22

10.0%

D IA M ON D B N K

30.4

1.5%

VER IT A SKA P

0.22

10.0%

UB A

26.5

1.4%

WA P IC

0.44

10.0%

Z EN IT H B A N K

19.0

1.2%

NP FM CRFB K

1.59

9.7%

FB NH

18.9

4.2%

D A N GF LOUR

6.25

9.6%

T R A N SC OR P

17.2

3.2%

UA C -P R OP

1.65

9.3%

GUA R A N T Y

16.8

0.9%

UN ION D A C

0.26

8.3%

A C C ESS

12.0

6.6%

A C C ESS

5.65

6.6%

F ID ELIT YB K

8.2

3.1%

4.40

4.8%

N EM

7.9

0.6%

66.00

4.8%

UC A P

4.8

1.4%

R ED ST A R EX GUIN N ESS

T ic k er

T o p 10 L o s e r s

the near term as we expect the run on the market to persist Ɵůů ƉŽƐƚ-ĞůĞĐƟŽŶ ƐƚĂďŝůŝƚLJ ŝƐ ĞƐƚĂďůŝƐŚĞĚ͘ EŽŶĞƚŚĞůĞƐƐ͕ ǁĞ ĂƌĞ of the opinion that long-ƚĞƌŵ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ĐĂŶ ƚĂŬĞ ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ŝŶ cheap assets with sound fundamentals in order to take ĂĚǀĂŶƚĂŐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂŶƟĐŝƉĂƚĞĚ ƉŽƐƚ-ĞůĞĐƟŽŶ ƌĂůůLJ͘

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

T ic k er

P ric e C hg %

576.00

-10.0%

C UST OD IA N

5.30

UN IT YB N K UA C N NB

20.7%

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

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

P ric e

SEP LA T

12.3%

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

T o p 10 G a i n e r s

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ /ŵƉƌŽǀĞƐ

14.6%

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

D A N GC EM

697.2

3.2%

-8.6%

GUA R A N T Y

564.2

0.9%

0.83

-7.8%

Z EN IT H B A N K

408.9

1.2%

8.70

-3.3%

UB A

192.8

1.4%

78.00

-1.3%

GUIN N ESS

156.5

4.8%

FB NH

135.7

4.2%

N EST LE

108.2

0.0%

NB

73.5

-1.3%

A C C ESS

67.4

6.6%

D IA M ON D B N K

61.0

1.5%

Investment Research

Brokerage Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde |

Bolaji Fajenyo | bfajenyo@afrinvest.com

Jolomi Odonghanro | jodonghanro@afrinvest.com

romotunde@afrinvest.com

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍšÍźËœ ͺ͸͚͡

39

MARKET NEWS

Zenith, UBA Directors Meet to Approve Accounts, Recommend Dividend Board of Directors of Zenith Both banks had already paid ended September 30, 2018, which Bank Plc and United Bank for interim dividends. While Zenitth is 10 per cent above the N152.552 Africa Plc (UBA) will meet soon Bank paid 30 kobo interim billion posted in 2017. Profit after to consider their 2018 financial dividend, UBA paid 20 kobo. tax improved by 12 per cent to statements and recommend Shareholders are expecting higher N144.179 billion, up from N129.28 dividends to shareholders. While final dividend compared to the billion in 2017.Customers’ deposits the directors of Zenih Bank will previous year’s. increased from N3.062 trillion to meet on January 18, those of Zenith Bank had paid a total N3.276 trillion, while loans and UBA will meet on January 28. dividend of 270 kobo for 2017 advances reduced from N2.156 In separate notifications to the year, while UBA paid 85 kobo. trillion to N1.824 trillion. Total Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE), And going by their improved nine assets improved to N5.618 trillion, both banks said their directors months results, higher dividend up from N5.132 trillion in 2017. would meet to consider the should be expected.

On the other hand, UBA audited financial statements for For instance, Zenith Bank recorded gross earnings of N374.8 the year ended December 31 ,2018 recorded profit before tax of billion, an 12.3 percent increase and recommend final dividends. N167.307 billion for he nine month when compared to N333.9 billion A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 10shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the 01-2019, unless otherwise stated.

recorded in the corresponding to our shareholders.� period of 2017. It posted a profit Uzoka said that he was pleased before tax (PBT) of N79.1 billion, that the bank’s virtual banking compared with N78.2 billion while chatbot, Leo, which debuted profit after tax (PAT) improved on Facebook earlier in the year, from N60.9 billion from N61.6 was successfully launched on billion.

WhatsApp during the quarter.

Commenting on the result, the “This new channel offering, Group Managing Director/CEO, which enables our customers to UBA Plc, Kennedy Uzoka, said: fulfil their banking transactions “We achieved a number of strategic through simple chat commands, imperatives during the quarter is another premier initiative in and committed more investments our suite. The early pay-offs in the future of the business - are quite compelling – recent building a solid foundation for customer acquisitions and broader sustainable and superior return transaction volume growth are 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.

exciting leading indicators that reinforce our confidence in these novel channels,� he said.

Also speaking on the performance, the Group Chief Financial Officer, Ugo Nwaghodoh said that despite the relative volatility in the third quarter of 2018, especially in the face of U.S. interest rate hikes and concerns over global trade war, which has disrupted the interest and exchange rate environment in many African countries, the bank remains on track to deliver its earnings target for the year.

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 N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.84 0.85 -0.23% ACAP Income Funds 0.61 0.61 10.55% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.05% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.22 2.24 -0.03% 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 98.26 98.95 -2.90% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.80% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.46% Paramount Equity Fund 11.32 11.61 -3.33% Women's Investment Fund 99.58 102.14 -2.91% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.90% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 95.31 95.58 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 98.40 98.72 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 12.07% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.82 0.82 Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.12 1.12 0.31% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 12.53% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 12.07% 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 1,189.36 1,190.12 0.33% FBN Heritage Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.29% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 1.17 1.19 -4.49% Legacy Debt Fund 3.25 3.25 0.30% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.03 1.03 0.13% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.47% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 106.12 106.43 5.70% 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 100.00 100.00 13.01%

Vantage Balanced Fund 2.12 2.14 -1.55% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.30% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 119.37 119.54 -4.45% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@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 1.20 1.22 -0.80% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,103.44 1,103.44 0.35% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.33 1.36 4.54% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.26 12.30 0.38% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.41% 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 119.60 120.13 -0.95% 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 1.71 1.71 0.16% 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 2,300.11 2,313.91 1.56% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 191.17 191.17 1.86% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.92 0.94 -2.11% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 247.72 247.76 2.25% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 161.97 163.78 -0.72% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.72% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,313.70 8,413.97 -0.31% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.11 1.11 2.88% 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 1.19 1.20 -0.59% United Capital Bond Fund 1.60 1.60 0.22% United Capital Equity Fund 0.70 0.71 -2.10% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.20% United Capital Eurobond Fund 107.34 107.34 0.08% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.08 1.08 -1.45% ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

6.60 140.00 51.76

-32.85% 0.00% 0.03%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.03 110.98 84.06

10.13 113.19 85.64

-4.93% -5.45% -5.18%

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 GrifďŹ n 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

3.77 7.00 13.93 11.53 143.71

3.81 7.08 14.03 11.73 145.71

-5.78% -8.15% -6.83% -6.66% 0.12%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.13

17.03%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍ˛Ëœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

Deepening Banking through Fintech

Banking in Nigeria has taken so many technological dimensions, innovations, creativity and ease of carrying out financial transactions, all evolving as financial technology (fintech) companies.

Fintech is a new trending innovative technology aimed at improving activities in the finance industry. This include: digitalising process, processes previously handled with paper money and human transactions.

The advent of fintech could be attributed to the cashless economy policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The President, Fintech Association of Nigeria, Dr Segun Aina, said there was no doubt that “Africa is becoming the toast of global and local Fintech investors as evident by the volume of funds being channelled into the continent’s Fintech start-ups’’.

Aina, quoting Financial Focus Journal of PwC in Africa, said: “Fintech investments are estimated to have increased by a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 58 per cent between 2014 and 2016 to 800 million dollars. “It can possibly be valued at three billion dollars by 2020 with Nigeria and South Africa receiving a significant portion of the investments. “Non-Governmental Organisations have also been relentless in funding innovations in order to drive financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa, thereby reducing poverty and engendering conditions that improve living conditions on the continent.’’ he said.

Not only are fintechs providing employment opportunities, but also boosting the nation`s economy, especially with the drive for 80 per cent financial inclusion by 2020.

Also in its drive to achieve financial inclusion, First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) has followed up in the drive by providing various platforms whereby over 12 million customers and still counting, have access to technological innovations to carry out their banking transactions.

The FBN, also through the technological innovations introduced into banking (Fintechs), empowered start-ups with unique innovative ideas and created employment.

Fintechs and financial inclusion are interwoven and major ingredients for success to be achieved in the finance industry.

The FBN Managing Director, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, said at the launch of Whatsapp Banking that, as a leading banking services

provider, FBN was determined to offer satisfactory financial services to customers by devising ways of effectively meeting their needs.

Adeduntan said that the bank had optimised digital banking for convenience. “Since we have 12.5 million customers with 20 billion worth of transactions monthly, it has become necessary for us to create new technology innovations to meet their needs. “Our FirstMobile app, Firstonline, FirstMonie and USSD banking are some of the channels we have put in place to make this happen. “FirstBank Chat Banking on Whatsapp is our latest addition. We have gone live with this product and we are pleased to formally introduce this product to our media partners today,’’ he said.

The managing director said that the app was another significant milestone in the bank’s mission to provide convenient and fast payment solutions to its customers.

He said: “It is a new channel for access to our services; a convenient way to make payment and an easy-to-use banking application. “Banking with FirstBank on WhatsApp is secure, accessible and convenient. “You can now carry out basic banking transactions such as inter and intra bank fund transfer, pay bills, buy airtime, buy data and check your account balance on your WhatsApp.’’ Adeduntan added that customers would be

Non-Governmental Organisations have also been relentless in funding innovations in order to drive ďŹ nancial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa, thereby reducing poverty and engendering conditions that improve living conditions on the continent

able to generate a WhatsApp banking PIN to be able to carry out the transactions.

He explained that transaction authentication would be done using a safe link, thereby ensuring the security of banking details.

First Bank of Nigeria had earlier organised a `Hackathon’competition and rewarded startups with innovative ideas that would boost or bring about ease of carrying out financial transactions.

Mrs Folake Ani -Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications of FBN, said the event was convened to increase support and collaboration with the technology community and deepen the banks technological inclusion framework.

Ani-Mumuney said that banks, to drive financial inclusion, must structure highly-relevant and simplified financial solutions that meet the specific needs of their customers at an affordable cost.

She said that understanding customers’ needs before pushing outtechnology innovations was very essential.

Another innovation is the Whatsapp banking. It is a known fact that Whatsapp is most widely used and fastest form of chatting and its introduction into banking had made banking accessible.

Mrs Lola Ekugo, Head, Digital Innovation Lab, said: “We launched Whatsapp banking to serve our customers. “What we are saying is that for our customers, we want convenience for them. Whatsapp banking is the most widely used chatting platform. “You are already carrying out conversations on the Whatsapp; so why not just bank. “We are meeting our customers where they are; we are already there. “You can chat; you can carry out your transactions or check your balance; send money to your friends; buy airtime all on Whatsapp. “The Whatsapp banking is very friendly.

We modeled it similar to what we do on the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) platform. “So in terms of charging, we are not going to charge anymore. For us, it is for convenience for our customers. “Anybody can use it especially if you are on Whatsapp,’’ According to her, CBN gave a target of 80

per cent financial inclusion by 2020 and we as a bank, we are also thinking about our customers. “This will potentially allow you to transact more. So, wherever you are or whoever you are, as long as you have Whatsapp, you can transact. “We are working toward financial inclusion as well as how would it affect the economy.

Even the traders would be able to pay bills without leaving their stalls,’’ Ekugo said.

She said that those who could not use the Whatsapp, could use the USSD so that the under-served can be financially included.

Ekugo said accessible digital channels would provide greaterconvenience for customers at a lower cost for banks and also provide solutions to challenges related to infrastructure in the country. “We recognise the fact that some of our customers who have small phones, cannot use the app because of the limitation of data. That is why we have options which our customers can key into to access financial services,’’ she said.

Mr Chuma Ezirim, a financial expert, said that the Whatsapp banking was an encouraging innovation that would enable active banking among customers.

According to him, it will also contribute to the economy by getting those financially excluded to be financially included.

Ezirim said that the only impediment of the chat banking “is if a customer has a small phone or limited data’’.

He said that in such a case, the other platforms could be accessed. “This would leave no doubt that not only is First Bank striving to achieve financial inclusion but also rendering Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through the “Hackathon’’ competition that empowered youths.

It is noteworthy that Fintech has come to stay to enable banks and other financial services providers to provide value-adding services to meet their numerous customers’ increasing needs.

There is no doubt that Fintech will revolutionise the banking and financial services delivery systems and improve the way services are delivered to customers. t$VMMFE GSPN UIF /FXT "HFODZ PG /JHFSJB

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CITYSTRINGS

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ë›Ă?äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—Ëœ ͙͖͓͓͖͓͔͓͖͑͒

Land Feud Turns Igbariam into a Ghost Community Igbariam community in Anambra East Local Government Area is an agrarian community, which is regarded as food basket of the state. However, an ongoing land feud has turned it into ghost community as youths and adults have gone into hiding for fear of their lives, David-Chyddy Eleke reports

I

t wasn’t this reporter’s first time in Igbariam, but this particular visit was greeted with strange sight of an empty community, which had mainly aged people and children only, around.

As one drove by, aged women, who were mostly the only people in sight in the community scampered back into their farmlands on sighting visitors. Even children who were playing along the road showed a lot of discomfort by just sighting a face that was unfamiliar.

The reason was that the community had recently been ravaged by some hoodlums, who were bent on silencing those speaking in opposition on a communal land issue that had become a source of trouble in the community.

Over seven houses belonging to opposition voices have already been destroyed, while some known voices, numbering as much as 16, including an 84-year-old retired headmaster, who spoke in opposition to the attempt to forcefully take the disputed land, have been arrested and detained in Abuja.

THISDAY learnt that the siege is even more in Ubaru community, where the indigenes are the most targeted for attacks by hoodlums, and arrested by security agencies, because of their vehement refusal over the alleged forceful takeover of their land by their leaders, to whom the thugs were answerable to, leading to their being ceaselessly tormented.

Ma Agnes Atomba, an 80-year-old woman, whose house was looted by hoodlums in Ubaru Village, Igbariam

Origin of Crisis According to an indigene of the community, Mr Nnalue Iloegbune, who is also a victim of the attack, trouble started when some leaders of the community tried to take over a part of a large chunk of land owned by the community for themselves.

"After the civil war, 360,085 hectares of land, which was part of the farm settlement was given back to Igbariam community. The community decided to share it into eight portions, each for the seven villages in the community and one portion was left for development project for the community. “We have been making use of the land, but since 2014, our president general(name withheld) said we should keep part of the land for him, when we objected, and called for a survey of the land for so that we can divide it in parcels, our traditional ruler, Igwe Kelly Nneli threatened to banish Ubaru village which was in the forefront of the demand.�

He alleged that since their refusal to let their leaders take the parcel of land, they have connived with the monarch of the community to unleash hell on them, including using hoodlums to terrorise and destroy their properties.

He said, "What is even more worrisome now is that the people who are destroying our properties are free, while those whose properties were being destroyed are arrested and taken to Abuja by security forces on the grounds that we were making trouble in the community.

"They have arrested several people, including an 84-year-old retired headmaster who refused to succumb to their wishes, and every body in the village is on the run. That is why I am hiding here.�

Findings True to Nnalue’s words, THISDAY correspondent who visited the area found it totally deserted. Save for old women and children, the town during our visit was a ghost of its usual bubbly self. An 80-year old woman, Mrs Agnes Atomba who was found sitting in her compound told our correspondent that, “in one week, this my house has been invaded three times.

"The last one was on Friday around 2am, while I was sleeping. Over 50 young boys invaded my compound, and I was almost naked. They threw me out of the house and started destroying everything. They said they were looking for my son, Lambert, but I told them that Lambert was in Lagos, and in the

One of the destroyed buildings in the community process they took away N200,000 sent to me by my children for medication and upkeep.�

Another woman, Mrs Catherine Ogini said that she was also visited by the hoodlum, and that in addition to destroying her house, they

The siege is even more in Ubaru community, where the indigenes are the most targeted for attacks by hoodlums, and arrested by security agencies, because of their vehement refusal over the alleged forceful takeover of their land by their leaders, to whom the thugs were answerable to, leading to their being ceaselessly tormented

The Ubaru village square deserted by adults of the community for fear of arrest

took away about N300,000 she was keeping in her house for the local church.

She said, “They also took away gallons of palm oil, which I was yet to sell, and our television. We are calling on government to help us to stop this, because we cannot continue to live in fear like this.�

An indigene of the village who also spoke to our correspondent during the visit but begged not to be named said, “This thing our Igwe(monarch) and the president general are doing to us, is it good? Just as I am talking to you now, if any of their agents sees me and tells them, this night their boys will come here and strangle me to death. For how long will we continue to live like this? “If you know the history of Anambra State, every inter-communal war or intra-communal war has always been linked to land tussle, and we pray that this one will not degenerate to such extent.

"Those of our brothers just over there; Aguleri and Umuleri is still fresh in our minds, and only God and government can save us from the same situation, because people are being pushed to the wall.�

Appeal to Government Meanwhile, Iloegbune who spoke to THISDAY from his hideout said, “We are calling on the federal government and the governor of Anambra State to come to our aid.

We are sending a save our soul call to them,

because Anambra has largely been peaceful under Governor Willie Obiano. This is even his local government, and we believe that he can call those terrorrising us to order.�

Zero Reaction from the Monarchy When THISDAY visited the palace of the traditional ruler of Igbariam, Kelly Nneli, two young men who introduced themselves as his security refused to admit visitors, saying that the monarch has not given them authority to let visitors in.

Though they admitted that the monarch was in, they stated that anyone wishing to see him should reach him on phone and if cleared would be allowed in. They however refused to disclose his phone number too.

Police React Reacting to the mass arrest in the community, the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Haruna Mohammed when called on phone feigned ignorance of the crisis.

He stated that he was unaware of the mass arrest of adults in the community, but promised to get back to our correspondent. When asked if policemen can come from Abuja to arrest and take away suspects without recourse to the state command, Mohammed said he would only be able to comment after enquiries and briefing from the appropriate quarters, which wasn't done weeks before the story was published.

Monday, January 14 2019

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Price: N250

MISSILE Agbakoba to FG “It is outrageous to even suggest that a CJN can be arraigned at all on any grounds as the constitutional procedure clearly specified that the CJN will have a charge laid before the Senate for misconduct or the NJC which is also empowered to take disciplinary action against judge.”

– Former President of NBA, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), berating the federal government over the charges filed against the CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen

OKEYIKECHUKWU GUEST COLUMNIST

The War in PDP’s Legacy House W

With the presidential elections only a few weeks away, the question on the table is: “Can the few people of real value and proven capacity in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign team still generate enough traction to overturn the looming disaster hanging over the party?”

The wobbly trajectory of the campaign, the questionable approach of the presidential candidate, the absence of any real political mobilization downstream, the flack arising from the choice of a deputy and the apathy of the party’s major stakeholders presents a frightening cocktail of problems. The good media outings by some members of the campaign team, as well as efforts in a few states to create some wind and drive the sails, may not be enough. The states are too few, too unstructured, too unfunded and too un- streamlined to be part of any united national effort.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, probably the most active with press releases since 1999, has been unrelenting with his epidemic of statements. This is in addition to television outings by other spokespersons.

But, pray, how many people read or watch these things in a country without electricity and where newspaper circulation is under one million – with close to 40% unsold copies?

The celebrated Vice Presidential debates took place at a time, and on the night, the nation recorded 78% electricity supply deficit.

So how many real people know of the television discussion programmes, WhatApp noise making and You Tube entries? Are there objective criteria for measuring the impact of the campaign efforts of mostly amoral & quote; social media warriors”, most of whom take themselves too seriously, believe in nothing in particular, tweet and post everything and easily walk off to the next available paymaster?

The avalanche of PDP press releases, in addition to being a struggle for relevance between the spokespersons of various party bigwigs, has been mostly reactions to APC offerings, with little original output. Are people, including and especially members of the party, reading the plethora of statements or sharing them? Are people changing their political loyalties because of the graphics?

Does the party not know that it takes more that press releases, social media name calling, WhatsApp activism, television discussions and You Tube postings to create the needed groundswell of support for electoral victory?

Truth told: there is no PDP campaign afoot out there!

Setting up a single-perspective campaign team and re-uniting the PDP power factions were Alhaji Atiku’s first, and most important, post-primaries in-house battle and war, respectively. He lost both the battle and the war. That is why his presidential campaign team is made up of mostly apathetic, semi-tired, disenchanted and even angry and confounded persons. With

Atiku

the exception of a few brilliant, committed and forward looking members in that council, there are just too many people who are too distracted by their own battles for political survival to pay attention to the party’s now-scraggy scramble for the presidency. The disorientation caused by the questionable prominence of returnees, the displacement of some power blocs and unresolved issues of power sharing explains why the presidential candidate, a prominent returnee himself, appears orphaned today.

But Atiku is largely to blame for his predicament. It was his diligent efforts at doing the wrong things that landed him and the party where they are today. His campaign is like a battalion will self- destruct, with sleepwalking reflexes showing that a solid, multi- faceted foundation has been laid for defeat. How come a party that once marshaled three campaign trains headed, respectively, by Chief Olusegun Obasabjo, Chief Audu Ogbeh and Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, now has a wobbly, incoherent and lack-lustre campaign drive that is characterized by poorly “articulated” vision and campaign logistics?

The inertia is apparent. The disenchantment of the party’s major stakeholders stares you in the face everywhere. Unmentionable tales of confusion, malice and pointless nihilism affronts you in every conversation with those who should be in the forefront of the PDPengagement.

Is it possible that the PDP has not really learnt anything from 2015 fiasco? Is the party doing its best to prove to die-hard enthusiasts, who are looking at it with inexplicable hope and courage, that it has really learnt nothing? Was it not the usual politics of imposition and impunity that produced the current party chairman? Was it not the characteristic PDP last minute horse-trading that produced Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as party presidential in party primaries he was expected to lose? Did Atiku quickly create group cohesion, or a

pool of persons and activities that would keep issues and budding loyalties warm after he won? Did he not take off to Dubai instead; returning weeks later to tender an overrated “personal” policy document that did not show enough depth or sense of history and was not presented as a PDP document deriving from the PDP manifesto.

Did he harmonize things or consult when, where and how it mattered most?

The PDP need to know that it is not succeeding in its desperate attempt to mask its incompetent handling of the presidential campaigns. It also needs to know that it is not branding itself as offering a wellarticulated alternative to the ruling party, or showing a meaningful new path. Its resolve to hoodwink itself, and everyone else, into believing that incestuous communication and the in-house celebration of its own media offerings is enough work for the 2019 presidency is not working. That path to political oblivion is accentuated by the fact that the party has no campaign ideaologue articulating the campaign conversation in a rallying manner!

The outings, so far, need more passion, warmth, character, pedigree, real message, real promise and should be more indicative of real hope. The brilliant outings of the vice presidential candidate has limited impact because it either revolves around mostly the same types of platform and media where his audience are people who have heard him before and who will applaud a good delivery while retaining their hardened positions, or around those who are already beholden to him. A Peter Obi Vice Presidency will be a major blessing to Nigeria, but that is after the elections are won. And winning the elections is what the party seems not to be working, and walking, towards.

The clear disconnect between the soul of the party, the returned prodigal sons of the party, the party’s presidential candidate and the 2019 project is obvious to the point of being scandalous. That is why someone must tell the PDP that reprehensible bungling is not a type of strategy. Blindness is not a type of vision, but the inability to see.

Ignorance is not a school of thought, but the absence of knowledge. Madness is not a type of rationality, but the absence of rationality.

There is no celebration where the PDP is headed with its awkwardly prancing dance troupe. The party still has more baggage than it is willing to admit. The party leadership is part of the problem, even as the South East is virtually lost, notwithstanding the choice of a presidential running mate from the zone. The issue in the South East is partly due to the poor handling of the aftermath of the choice of running mate and partly due to the political ambitions of some actors from the zone. Some contend that Obi is no grassroots politician, but a business man who has been enjoying too much of “political scholarship” in his rise as a politician; and that it was time he

learnt to pay his political school fees by aligning to the “owners” of the school. They argue that it was the undue prominence given Obi under Jonathan, and the latter’s alienating of the party structures, that led to the poor showing of the zone.

It is further claimed that it was the PDP stakeholders who prevented Obi from removing Obiano, a man he almost single handed made governor, to show the latter’s lack of genuine grass roots relevance.

The other thesis, deriving from the above, is that Obi failed to empower most of his former commissioners in such a way that he could use them in future to permanently change the power equatio after his good work in Anambra state. The less charitable among his critics say that some of these commissioners who were deliberately underpaid in the name of saving money are now ravaged by povert and barely have a forwarding address. The corollary is that Obiano’s re-election was partly a protest vote by many former Obi faithfuls who felt they had been used and made fools of long enough.

While Obi sympathizers argue that this is not true and that Obiano used money to buy up the state, less sympathetic observers submit that Obi did not lose all the 22 local governments in the Anambra State, including his own, just because of money. They now point to the absence of real mobilization for the 2019 presidency in the South East and observe that a current group effort in that regard Peter Obi’s Anambra state is not funded or organized in a way that would guarantee meaningful results. The other grouse, which is unfortunately gaining currency at the national level, is that Obi is always speaking in the first person singular, always talking about himself and his achievements without reference to Atiku and also never acknowledging the brains and the teams behind his own chain of successes. His detractors now market the view, strange but gaining ground, that he reaches out only when he has some personal needs to address. But, as Peter Obi himself would say: “The job of a leader is to do the right thing, so anyone who wants to be made happy should go to Nollywood and watch some comedy.”

Put together the circumstances of the emergence of the current Chairman of the PDP, the composition of the Campaign Council, the “statements of good intentions” being passed off as a policy document, the management of the party’s choice of Vice Presidential Candidate and the trajectory of the presidential campaign (assuming there is one) and you will see that the PDP is not in good standing.

Are the reflexes of the candidate a foretaste of a government that will be run without consultation and without a clear, cohesive and sustainable development strategy for the nation?

An opposition has perfected the art of scoring own goals has done most of the work for its opponents.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090, 0811 181 3085. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com

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CRIME&SECURITY

EFCC Arraigns Bank Cashier For N6m Fraud 5IF &DPOPNJD BOE 'JOBODJBM $SJNFT $PNNJTTJPO &'$$

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The cashier, Abdulmalik

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CRIME SITUATION REPORTS

SECURITY TIPS (PART 44) ... Safety tips for journalists covering elections (i) 1) Situational awareness: r ,OPX XIBU QPMJUJDBM SBDJBM SFMJHJPVT PS PUIFS DPOáJDU FYJTUT XJUIJO B SFHJPO r 5SZ UP BWPJE SPVUJOF BOE DIBOHF EBJMZ SPVUFT r /PUJGZ ZPVS DPMMFBHVFT PS FEJUPST JG ZPV CFMJFWF ZPV NBZ CF VOEFS TVSWFJMMBODF r &YBNJOF UIF MPDBUJPO PG QPMMJOH TUBUJPOT JO BEWBODF BOE LOPX FYJUT GSPN CVJMEJOHT XBZT UP MFBWF BSFBT PG VOSFTU BOE MPDBUJPOT PG IPTQJUBMT BOE QPMJDF TUBUJPOT r *G ZPV BSF DPWFSJOH B NBKPS QSPUFTU NBSDI PS QPMJUJDBM SBMMZ TVSWFZ UIF SPVUF PS WFOVF CFGPSFIBOE r -FBSO TPNF à STU BJE LOPXMFEHF BOE CSJOH CBTJD à STU BJE TVQQMJFT BT XFMM BT XBUFS BOE GPPE 2) Secure apps and social media: r 6TF EJGGFSFOU BDDPVOUT GPS QSJWBUF WT QVCMJD MJGF r :PVS QSJWBUF BDDPVOU TIPVME JODMVEF POMZ GBNJMZ BOE GSJFOET BOE IBWF IJHI QSJWBDZ TFUUJOHT r #F NJOEGVM PG TIBSJOH ZPVS SFDFOU MPDBUJPOT PO TPDJBM NFEJB r $POTJEFS EPXOMPBEJOH UIFTF BQQT GPS JNQSPWFE TFDVSJUZ JO UIF à FME $BNFSB7 GPS IJEJOH QIPUPT 4JHOBM BOE 8IBUT"QQ GPS TFDVSF DPNNVOJDBUJPOT BOE 1TJQIPO GPS QPUFOUJBM JOUFSOFU JOUFSSVQUJPOT BOE UP TBGFMZ BOE TFDVSFMZ VTF QVCMJD 8J 'J 3) Personal: r#FGPSF MFBWJOH GPS B QPUFOUJBMMZ TUSFTTGVM BTTJHONFOU PS DPWFSBHF NBLF TVSF BMM QFSTPOBM NBUUFST BOE QMBOT BU IPNF BSF UBLFO DBSF PG 5IJT XJMM IFMQ ZPV SFEVDF ZPVS BOYJFUZ PS TUSFTT XIJMF JO UIF à FME BOE XJMM BMMPX ZPV UP GPDVT NPSF DMFBSMZ PO ZPVS PXO QIZTJDBM TBGFUZ BOE QTZDIPTPDJBM DBSF XIJMF SFQPSUJOH Source: IREX’s Securing Access to Free Expression (SAFE) Initiative.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR IMO STATE POLICE COMMAND B 1PMJDF $POUSPM 3PPN /PT PS C $PNNJTTJPOFS PG 1PMJDF D %FQVUZ $PNNJTTJPOFS PG 1PMJDF "ENJO

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42

5 ) * 4 % ": t MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2019

ADVERTORIAL

MONDAY JANUARY 14, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

43

INTERNA TIONAL

Gabon Announces New Government from Morocco After Failed Coup Gabon’s prime minister announced a new government in a video message recorded thousands of miles away in Morocco, where ailing Gabonese President Ali Bongo

is recovering from a stroke.

Recently appointed PM Julien Nkoghe Bekale gave details of the reshuffle in footage broadcast late Saturday on state television, less than a

Saudi Arabia Must Hold Khashoggi’s Killers Accountable, Says Pompeo United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, said on Sunday he will ask Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensure the killers of journalist Jamal Khashoggi are held accountable for their crime.

The top US diplomat, on an extensive Middle East tour, spoke ahead of a politically sensitive visit to Saudi Arabia, which has faced intense international scrutiny over Khashoggi’s murder inside its Istanbul consulate.

“We will continue to have a conversation with the crown prince and the Saudis about ensuring the accountability is full and complete with respect to the unacceptable murder of Jamal Khashoggi,” Pompeo told reporters at a press conference in Qatar. “So, we’ll continue to talk about that and make sure we have all the facts so that they are held accountable, certainly by the Saudis but by the United States as well.”

Pompeo is due to travel to Saudi Arabia later on Sunday as part of an eight-day trip to Amman, Cairo, Manama, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Muscat, and finally Kuwait City.

He was speaking to journalists in Doha after meeting his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani.

He will meet the Qatari emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad alThani, before heading to Saudi Arabia.

Khashoggi was killed on October 2 in a case which stunned the world and threatened a serious rift between Riyadh and Washington. The

journalist was murdered and his corpse dismembered inside the kingdom’s Istanbul consulate.

Evidence subsequently emerged that the killing was done by a team of Saudis sent from Riyadh and closely linked to the crown prince. Washington subsequently demanded a transparent investigation.

Riyadh prosecutors have announced indictments against 11 people, and are seeking the death penalty against five of them.

But Prince Mohammed, whose right-hand aides were allegedly involved in the murder, was exonerated by prosecutors despite US intelligence reportedly having evidence that he was behind it. On a previous visit to Riyadh at the height of the Khashoggi affair, Pompeo’s broad smiles with the crown prince outraged some Americans.

However, US President Donald President Trump has said Washington wants to preserve the alliance with the kingdom, although the US Senate has clearly blamed Prince Mohammed for the murder.

Washington is eager for regional unity to gain widespread support its fight against Iran.

Pompeo refused on Sunday to comment on reports that Washington had recently considered military action against Tehran.

He also called on Qatar and other Gulf countries to end the worst political rift in the region for years, which has seen Doha diplomatically and economically isolated by neighbouring former allies for the past 19 months.

Egypt University Expels Female Student for Hugging Male Friend Egypt’s Al-Azhar university on Sunday said it had expelled a female student after she appeared in a video hugging a male colleague, accusing her of undermining the school’s reputation.

The video, which went viral earlier this month, showed a young man carrying a bouquet of flowers kneeling before a young woman and then hugging her in what appeared to be a marriage proposal.

The video was apparently not filmed at Al-Azhar — a branch of Egypt’s highest Sunni Muslim authority — but at another establishment, Mansoura University in the country’s north.

Nevertheless the disciplinary council of the Al-Azhar University campus in Mansoura on Saturday “decided to expel the young girl definitively”, university spokesman Ahmed Zarie told AFP. He said the video had caused a “public outcry” and that the university’s decision to expel her was because she had presented a “bad image” of

Al-Azhar University, which strictly segregates the genders.

He said hugging between unmarried men and women violates “the values and principles of society”.

The woman, however, can appeal the expulsion decision, Zarie said.

The young man who appeared in the video could also face sanctions, a spokesman for Mansoura University said, adding that the school’s disciplinary council will meet on Monday to decide his “punishment”.

Egypt, a predominantly Muslim country, is a largely conservative society.

Last year, prosecutors detained a female singer for four days for “incitement to debauchery” after an online video clip which included sensual oriental dances and suggestive gestures went viral.

And in 2017 another female pop singer was sentenced to two years in prison on similar charges, also over a video deemed provocative.

Her sentence was reduced to a year on appeal.

week after the country foiled an attempted coup.

Gabon has been without effective government for months since Bongo suffered the stroke in October during a visit to Saudi Arabia.

A new cabinet was also announced on Saturday evening by presidential secretary JeanYves Teale in another video missive recorded in Morocco.

No significant changes were made to either the cabinet or the government.

Gabon’s constitution states that ministers must take their vows before the president — but in Bongo’s lengthening absence it is unclear how, when and where the ceremony will take place.

On Monday renegade soldiers stormed a state radio

station to call for an uprising while Bongo was abroad.

Security forces captured the rebel chief and killed two of his men at the broadcasting offices in the capital Libreville, restoring calm to the city after hours of upheaval.

However, questions remain over the balance of power in the West African nation where political change has been

negligible for more than half a century.

Brice Laccruche Alihanga, head of the cabinet since 2017 who is reportedly close to first lady Sylvia Bongo, retained his post in the new line-up.

Ali Bongo, 59, is the son of Omar Bongo, who became head of state in 1967 and died in June 2009, leaving a legacy of corruption allegations.

Firefighters and cleaners of the city of Paris gather at the scene the day after a powerful gas explosion tore through a building in central Paris …yesterday AFP

Trump Rejects Report that He Hid Details of Putin Meetings United States President, Donald Trump, has rejected a Washington Post report that he has refused to share details of his conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin with top US government officials.

Trump, in a telephone interview late Saturday with Fox News, dismissed as “ridiculous” the Post story that alleged he went to great lengths to hide the content of his talks with Putin, even confiscating the notes of his interpreter and ordering that person to not discuss what was said.

Trump said he had “a great conversation” with Putin in Helsinki in July 2018.

When asked why not release details of the nearly two-hour conversation, Trump said: “I would, I don’t with care.

“I mean, I had a conversation like every president does. You

sit with the president of various countries… We were talking about Israel and securing Israel and lots of other things … I’m not keeping anything under wraps, I couldn’t care less. I mean, it’s so ridiculous.”

He added: “Anybody could have listened to that meeting, that meeting is up for grabs.”

According to the Post there is no detailed record of Trump’s personal talks with Putin at five locations over the past two years.

The newspaper quotes unnamed current and former government officials as sources for the story.

Trump also told Fox when asked about Putin that “no collusion” has been found between his 2016 campaign and Russia, that he was a better candidate than Democrat Hillary Clinton, that the US

economy “is the strongest in the world,” and that The Washington Post is “basically the lobbyist for Amazon,” as both are owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos.

– A national security threat? – Trump also took aim at an earlier story in The New York Times stating that the FBI launched a previously undisclosed counterintelligence investigation to determine whether he posed a national security threat, at the same time that it opened a criminal probe into possible obstruction of justice.

The FBI investigation was later folded into the broader probe by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election and possible collaboration by the Trump campaign.

Fox asked if he had ever

worked for Russia. “I think it’s the most insulting thing I’ve ever been asked,” he said, without directly answering the question.

He slammed the Times story as “the most insulting article I’ve ever had written and if you read the article, you’d see that they found absolutely nothing.”

No evidence has publicly emerged that Trump was secretly in contact with or took direction from Russian officials, the Times said.

The FBI had been suspicious of Trump’s ties to Russia during the 2016 campaign, but it held off on opening a probe until the president sacked Comey, who refused to roll back the Russia investigation, the Times said.

Mueller has indicted 33 people in the probe and convicted some of the president’s close associates.

Anger as Mnangagwa Raises Gas Prices in Zimbabwe Zimbabweans reacted with outrage Sunday to a sharp rise in the price of fuel announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a move to improve supplies as the country struggles with its worst gasoline shortages in a decade.

After years in international isolation, Zimbabwe’s economy has been in decline for more than a decade, with cash shortages, high unemployment and recently a scarcity of basic staples like bread and cooking oil.

In a televised address on Saturday, Mnangagwa said prices of petrol and diesel would more than double to tackle a shortfall caused by increased demand and “rampant” illegal trading.

The main labour alliance

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) said the government had demonstrated a lack of empathy for the already overburdened poor by introducing the more than 100 per cent hike.

“Workers’ government has officially declared its anti-worker, anti-poor and anti-people ideological position by increasing fuel prices. Workers’ salaries have been reduced to nothing and our suffering elevated to another level,” Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Nelson Chamisa said: “We have a national crisis which is descending into a humanitarian crisis.

“We believe this crisis requires all hands on the deck. We will lead and stand ready to play

a key role in finding a lasting solution.”

Evan Mawarire, a cleric and activist who led anti-government protests in 2016 that shut down major cities, said: “You have cornered us and you leave us no choice. It’s time to mobilise every person who truly loves Zimbabwe.”

– ‘Piecemeal solutions’ – Looking tired after spending his second night in a petrol queue in Avondale suburb, motorist Edmore Phiri said: “We are not going anywhere with these piecemeal solutions that are not solutions. Those in government may not admit it but they know in their hearts that they have failed.

“You can’t have a country where people sleep in cars for

days for a commodity that should be readily available.”

Mnangagwa, who took over from longtime leader Robert Mugabe and won a disputed election last July, also announced a package of measures to help state workers after strikes by doctors and teachers over poor pay.

He said that from midnight Saturday petrol prices would rise from US$1.24 a litre to $3.31 (2.89 euros) and diesel from $1.36 a litre to $3.11.

“Following the persistent shortfall in the fuel market attributable to increased fuel usage in the economy, and compounded by rampant illegal currency and fuel trading activities, government has today decided on the following corrective measures.”

44

MONDAY JANUARY 14, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS XTRA

Firewood, Charcoal Dealers in Maiduguri Aid Insurgents, Army Alleges The Nigerian Army yesterday said it had uncovered Boko Haram logistics supply syndicates among loggers and charcoal dealers in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Brig.

Gen. Bulama Biu, disclosed this in

an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri.

Biu was reacting to the ban imposed on the supply of firewood and charcoal in Borno State.

He disclosed that intelligence report indicated that some dealers

Agbakoba: Opposition Will Not Boycott Elections Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja A former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and National Chairman, Peoples Trust (PT), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has said there is desperation on the part of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari to retain power at all cost, and declared that the opposition parties will not boycott the forthcoming elections.

Agbakoba, a renowned human rights activist and member, Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), made the assertion at the weekend during the official flag-off of the campaign of his party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, held at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, at the weekend.

According to Agbakoba, “The APC comes across as absolutely desperate to do everything to stay in office.”

Speaking with select journalists on the sidelines of the event, he noted that the guidelines released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are not acceptable, stressing that “Apart from the guidelines, the main thing is the perception that people have that INEC is not independent. I think that is the crucial issue and I think the chair has to do a lot to convince us that they are ready to deliver credible, free and fair election.

“The issue of this Amina Zakari woman, for me, it is not really a problem that she occupies that position but it is the perception.

If they say the job is not so consequential, why don’t you move her? Just move her so that we are all happy. Nothing is lost.

But keeping her there against major national public outcry, is insensitive and therefore I am not at all convinced that INEC has done all that they should do to show their neutrality.”

He agreed that there is an apprehension that the president is not ready to create a level playing ground and conduct credible election.

“In spite of all his avowed good intentions; he (Buhari) keeps speaking about good intentions, but the contrary plays out because there are all kinds of things going on; failure to name a new Inspector General of Police (IG), because of course they have already done a deal; failure to change the service chiefs. These are indications.

“If in case, because of Boko Haram; the Armed Forces are not really part of the electoral process, it is the police. Why are you retaining Idris? What confidence do I have that a man whose job has expired is still there? It is a very big question mark. So, the president has to do more to show us that indeed he is truly removed from the process,” Agbakoba said.

in Maiduguri were hiding under the guise of firewood trade to aid the insurgents.

“Some of them are errand boys of the Boko Haram insurgents.

They hide food items, drugs, petrol and other items beneath their trucks, and supplied them to the terrorists.

“We also found out that some of them are running businesses on behalf of the Boko Haram insurgents.

“They go deep into the forest where ordinary people could not venture; to cut down trees, burn and produce charcoal.

“This could not be possible except they are in agreement with the insurgents.

“We arrested some of them and they made quite revealing testimonies; we shall fish them out to put an end to their nefarious activities,” he said.

Biu explained that the ban was temporarily designed to checkmate activities of criminal elements among the dealers and not to make life difficult for firewood and charcoal users.

He stated that the military had allowed suppliers from other states such as Oyo, Kano, Katsina, Niger and Kaduna to supply their goods under strict supervision of the command.

Biu called on the people to support the military and other security agencies to end

insurgency as well as protect lives and property.

On his part, Malam Maidugu Ali, the Chairman, Borno chapter of the Firewood Sellers Association of Nigeria, expressed dismay over the development.

He expressed the association’s shock at the allegation by the military authorities.

Ali said the union had engaged members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to support the military in the screening of its members before allowing them entry into Maiduguri.

“Three years ago; we also recorded an incident when the insurgents’ hijacked one of our trucks and used it for suicide

bomb attack, both the driver and his boy were killed during the incident.

“We are also victims of insurgency; we are strict in the registration of new members, any prospective person must produce two sureties before he was enrolled and engage in firewood trade,” he said.

Maidugu noted that the measure was to monitor its members and guard against any infiltration by the Boko Haram insurgents.

He reiterated the readiness of the association to support the military in the counter insurgency campaign and peace restoration process in the state.

79 HEARTY CHEERS …

L-R: Erelu Ojuolape Ojora; Otunba Adekule Ojora; wife of celebrant, Mrs. Folashade Okoya; and celebrant /Chairman Eleganza Group, Alhaji Rasaq Akanni Okoya, during in-house party to mark 79th birthday of Okoya held at his resident in Lagos...recently MUBO PETERS

Ekiti Accident Kills Corps Member, 14 Others

Tinubu’s Ex-CSO, Egbetokun, Replaces Edgal as Lagos CP

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, has been redeployed and replaced

by Kayode Egbetokun, a former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Bola Tinubu when he was the state governor.

While Edgal was redeployed to the Force Headquarters in Abuja to head the Explosive Ordinance Unit, his successor will be in charge of the Lagos

People wept uncontrollably in Iworoko Ekiti in Ekiti State yesterday as the death toll in the trailer accident that occurred last Saturday night hit 15.

The accident happened in a market in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State when a trailer carrying branded rice of an Ondo State politician lost control and rammed into the busy market.

Eyewitness said that the truck suddenly lost control at about 8.45 p.m and killed the victims, including a youth corps member and children.

The trailer also destroyed a commercial small bus which had some passengers, shops, and a barbing saloon with students charging their cell phones inside it all trapped in the accident.

THISDAY gathered that more students could have fallen victims but for the ongoing strike action by the Academic Union of Universities, (ASUU), which made many of the Ekiti State University students resident in the town to travel to their homes outside the town.

The scene of the bloody accident, it was gathered, used to be a beehive of activities of the students at night.

When journalists visited the scene of the accident on yesterday morning, a huge crowd of sympathisers were seen with some wailing while others are cursing the trailer driver for the mistake.

It was gathered that the trailer had crushed a small commercial vehicle called ‘Akoto’.

Bags of rice , some of which had posters of a senatorial candidate of the Ondo State All Progressive Congress (APC), Tayo Alasoadura, were scattered all over the ground.

The angry mob chased away a towing truck of the state’s transport office, saying that it had come too late to rescue the victims. They stoned the vehicle, forcing the driver to drive the vehicle away from the angry mob.

The mob also made attempt to chase away the advancing security team of the deputy governor but was intimidated by the heavy presence of heavily armed security operatives who later came to bring the deputy governor.

Addressing the chiefs of the community, the Deputy Governor, Bisi Egbeyemi, who represented the Governor of the state, Kayode Fayemi said: “The state governor condoles with families of those who have lost dear ones.

Chiemelie Ezeobi

command in acting capacity pending confirmation from the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Egbetokun has been described as a consummate officer, a mathematician and an all-round academia with the adequate qualifications to head the ‘centre of excellence’.

While some observers have speculated that Edgal’s redeployment could be a fallout of the recent violence

carried out by members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) during the campaign flag off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, others argued that it was long overdue.

Edgal, who became Lagos CP in August 2017 following his promotion by the PSC, took over from CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd.).

Prior to his ascension to the office of a commissioner of police, he was the deputy

commissioner of police (DCP) in charge of operations at the Lagos Command.

Egbetokun on the other hand was the Deputy Commandant, Nigeria Police College in Ikeja, Lagos.

Born on September 4, 1964 in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, the acting CP was enlisted into the Nigeria Police on March 3, 1990, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.

Sanwo-Olu, Agbaje, Others Hold Debate, Disagree over FoI, Godfatherism, Traffic Segun James Lagos State governorship candidates at a debate yesterday expressed different opinions on the alleged failure of the state government to domesticate the Freedom of Information Act and what they would do differently in promoting accountability and transparency in government.

The four candidates were Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi of the Action Democratic Party (ADC) and the candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Owolabi Salis.

In the debate, organised by The Platform and broadcast on Channels TV, the candidates

promised to ensure that government was more open.

Responding to a question on how transparency would improve, Agbaje said he would domesticate the FoI Act, which was passed by the National Assembly eight years ago.

He said, “The Lagos State government has been running an opaque system. Nobody knows about award of contracts.

“You cannot be accountable if you are not transparent. In my first 100 days in office, I will domesticate the FoI Act,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said he would look into the FoI matter but said he would first set up a portal through which the people of Lagos State could communicate with his government directly.

Gbadamosi, however, said

there was no need domesticating the FoI Act since the Court of Appeal had ruled that it already applies to every state.

He, however, said it was unfortunate that the Lagos State Government had appealed against the Appellate Court’s ruling at the Supreme Court.

The ADP candidate said the FoI Act was not sufficient as regards promoting transparency, adding that it didn’t cover financial statements.

The candidates – except Sanwo-Olu – also lamented the negative effects of vested interests in the state, which had affected the prosperity of the state negatively.

The governorship candidate of the AD, Chief Owolabi Salis, said the commonwealth of the state was in the hands of an

individual.

“I want to release the commonwealth to the people.

Lagos is the image of the African black nation and I am going to open Lagos to the rest of the world. This state should not be ruled this way,” he said.

Gbadamosi said that if elected, he would use the money that Alpha Beta Consulting was generating to develop the state.

Alpha Beta, a consulting firm given exclusive rights to collect Internally Generated Revenue on behalf of the Lagos State Government, was in 2018 accused of tax fraud to the tune of N100 billion.

Agbaje said pupils in Lagos schools were not exposed to technology, adding that the state government blocked Google plan for selfish reasons.

MONDAY JANUARY 14, 2019 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSXTRA

NERC Records 41% Rise in Power Investors’ Payments for Operational Permits Fashola denies diverting $600m meant for Mambilla project Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said it received more money in 2017 than it did in 2016 from power sector investors who sought for regulatory permits or renew the licences they held in Nigeria’s power market.

This is coming as the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has denied disrupting the execution of contracts for the construction of the 3,050 megawatts (MW) Mambilla hydro power plant in Taraba State by allegedly seeking to divert $600 million from the project’s construction sum for

Police File Charge against Melaye, to Present Eight Witnesses The Nigeria Police Force has filed a charge against Kogi West lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, for alleged illegal weapons possession.

In the charge, which has been filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the police said a pump-action gun was recovered from Melaye’s house in July last year during a search of his property in Kogi State.

In the charge, marked, FHC/ ABJ/CR/07/2019, the police said the offence contravened Section 27 of the Firearms Act. The charge sheet reads, “That you, Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West district in the 8th National Assembly, on or about the 20th day of July 2018, at about 12.30 hours under the jurisdiction of this honourable court, unlawfully had in your possession one automatic pumpaction shotgun and 20 cartridges, which were recovered at your residence located in the Ayetoro Gbede area of Kogi State, when a search warrant was executed on the directives of the Nigeria Police Force at your above mentioned residence under your control and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27(1)(a)(i) of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

The police also listed eight persons as witnesses.

The witnesses comprise six

policemen and two men who were painting Melaye’s house when the policemen came to search the property.

They were identified as DSP Babagana Bukar, DSP Ibrahim Abalaka, ASP Abdullahi Musa, Inspector Atabo Okpanachi, Inspector Apeh Peter, Theophilus Nuhu, Matthew Anthony and ASP Mohammed Onu. According to the statements made by all the witnesses and attached to the charge sheet, the gun was found not in the main building but the ‘boys’ quarters’ where cars were parked.

One of the painters, Theophilus Nuhu, wrote, “On July 24, 2018, my master, Peter, brought one Matthew Anthony and myself from Kaduna State to Kogi for painting work in which he took us to one Senator Dino Melaye’s house at Ayetoro, Gbede area of Kogi State.

“While we were doing the painting, policemen, comprising MOPOL, SARS and SCID, came in and met us in the compound and they told me they wanted to conduct a search in the compound and they started to search the compound.

“Within and around the boys’ quarters building, where some cars were parked, under the flower, a gun was observed therewith many bullets but I do not know who put the gun there.”

other uses.

According to NERC, it received in 2017, N538.219 million from investors as payments for new permits and renewal of permits, as against N382.708 million it got in 2016. This represented an increase of N155.511 million or 40.6 per cent.

These figures were contained in latest audited financial statement of the commission for the year 2017 which was posted yesterday on its webpage.

The financial statement was reportedly prepared and submitted to the NERC by accounting firm -Delloitte&Touche, in November 2018.

The report was also signed by three commissioners of the NERC - Sanusi Garba, who is the vice chairman of NERC; Dafe Akpeneye, commissioner for legal, licencing and enforcement; and Nathan Shatti, commissioner for finance and management services.

NERC equally noted that it recorded an increase in the amount of money accruable to it from the total revenue of the country’s electricity market, from

N8.078 billion in 2016, to N8.661 billion in 2017.

According to it, it is statutorily entitled to 1.5 per cent of tariff charges per kilowatt hour (kWh) from power generation companies (Gencos) and another 1.5 per cent of licensee’s charges per kWh net of the cost of generation and transmission of electricity.

Another revenue source which the NERC accounted for in its annual financial statement was a N45.750 million grant it got from the MacArthur Foundation, in support of its efforts to improve accountability and public knowledge of the power sector.

Also, the federal government gave it a subvention of N900 million to offset its capital expenditure for the period under consideration. These thus raised NERC’s total income in 2017 to N10.145 billion as against N8.460 billion it got in 2016.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has denied disrupting the execution of contracts for the construction of the 3,050 megawatts (MW) Mambilla hydro power plant in

Taraba State by allegedly seeking to divert $600 million from the project’s construction sum for other uses.

Fashola, was recently accused of attempts to divert funds from the project, and that his alleged insistence on same forced the Chinese Exim Bank to hold back funding negotiations on the project.

But in a response to the allegation which his senior special assistant on communication, Mr. Hakeem Bello, sent to THISDAY, the minister claimed the allegations were untrue.

He also claimed the allegations were initiated to tarnish his name and image, adding that: “Nothing is more further away from the truth than the claim that the loan negotiations have stalled since 2017 because of an attempt to utilise $600 million (equivalent of N219 billion) from the 3,050MW hydropower project for a ‘pet project’ not hitherto considered by the Federal Executive Council.”

According to him, the China Exim Bank disburses money to specific projects, adding that on conclusion of negotiations, the loan will be devoted to the

construction of the Mambila power plant.

“The allegation with regard to stalling the Mambilla project is untrue and baseless. The events and relevant facts will show that because Mr. Fashola first presented a memo on the Mambilla power project to the Federal Executive Council in August 2017; which was the first ever Federal Executive Council approval given to the Mambilla project in favour of a Chinese Joint venture.

“The minister has also accompanied the president twice to China on trips that had the project as one of the headline agenda. The minister in June 2018 attended, alongside officials of the ministry of finance, a meeting of the China Exim Bank to negotiate the terms of the loan for the project further.

“And only this week, after the Federal Executive Council meeting, he briefed Nigerians about the approval of contracts for surveyors to demarcate the areas for the project. These are the first contracts to start preparatory work on the project after 40 years delay,” the statement explained.

Political Parties Reject INEC’s Moves to Relocate Dogara’s Constituency Collation Centre Davidson Iriekpen Political parties with candidates vying for the seat of member representing Bogoro/Dass/ Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State have rejected moves by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to relocate the constituency collation centre just weeks to the 2019 elections.

The seat is currently occupied by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in September last year.

The latest move by INEC is fuelling speculations that it is a plot to cause crisis in the area to pave way for rigging in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The parties, in a communiqué at the end of their meeting held in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, Bauchi State at the weekend, said they made their position known to the electoral body on January 11, 2019 in the three LGAs. The parties in the communique said: “All party leaders present at

the meeting strongly rejected the proposal tabled by INEC to move the Constituency Collation Centre from Zwall in Tafawa Balewa Local Government to Dass or any other place.

“That Zwall was chosen as the new collation centre in March 2015 few days to the 2015 general elections on the recommendations of the federal government for security reasons.”

“That the Federal High Court in Abuja had on March 23, 2015 ordered that the collation centre should remain in Zwall.

“That any attempt by INEC to move the collation centre will contradict the subsisting judgment of the court and could constitute contempt of court.

“That all stakeholders agreed that the centre be cited at Zwall and should therefore remain there because of the following reasons; “Zwall is on the Federal Highway linking all the three local government areas; Zwall is central and easily accessible from all the three local government areas; Zwall has not witness any violence or crisis.”

SYMPATHY VISIT...

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (right), during a sympathy visit to Mr. Afeez Olayeri, a retired Customs officer from Agbaji quarters in Ilorin who was among those attacked on Thursday by thugs allegedly loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC),at the Ilorin General Hospital...yesterday

Stop Campaigning for Buhari, Atiku Warns Obiano Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has, through the Director-General of AtikuObi Campaign Organisation, Harry Oranezi, warned the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, to stop campaigning for President Muhammadu Buhari.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the warning came following recent comments credited to Obiano wherein he stated that Buhari had done well for the South-east and South-south geopolitical zones for commencing work on the second Niger Bridge.

The governor also had reportedly hailed Buhari for completing the Zik Mausoleum in Onitsha, otherwise known as

Zik Place, awarded 22 years ago, but abandoned by successive administrations.

But Atiku said Obiano’s support for Buhari ran “counter to the collective and corporate interests of the Igbo.”

According to the statement, “Obiano support for Buhari is in utter disregard to his (Buhari’s) penchant to marginalise and discriminate against the people of the South-east and Anambra State in particular.

“Buhari has continued to maintain studied silence over the massacre of innocent South Easterners in the North, strategic exclusion of South-east in rail connection, security architecture of the country and sundry appointments.

“The Igbo’s shall not be

deceived by the actions and utterances of persons who want to achieve ill-conceived objectives.”

Obiano had expressed satisfaction with the standard and pace of work on the Second Niger Bridge as he also thanked the Buhari administration for completing the Zik Mausoleum.

The Mausoleum is located at the popular Borome in Onitsha, the commercial nerve of Anambra, and home of the first President of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Obiano spoke during some visits to the mausoleum and the Second Niger Bridge.

He said the completion of the mausoleum by the Buhari administration was an immeasurable honour to Anambra people and the entire

South-east people. Obiano said that previous administrations paid lip services to the project, resulting to its abandonment for more than 20 years.

The governor also appealed to the federal government to step up action in the procurement of necessary facilities for the library section.

He said it would be nice to have everything in place before the visit of the president to Anambra State in a few weeks’ time for the inauguration of the mausoleum.

“President Buhari is determined to keep to his promises on the Zik’s mausoleum.

“The project is an honour to Zik of Africa, who played major roles in shaping the nation.

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APC Accuses PDP of Hiring Ex-INEC Boss to Rig Election Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC),

Yekini Nabena, has alleged that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is hiring a former Chairman of the Independent National

Election is About Survival of Nigeria, Says Obi Hamid Adedeji The vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi, has said the 2019 election is all about the survival of Nigeria.

He added that the contest was not essentially about the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and President Muhammadu Buhari.

Obi said this yesterday in an interview with journalists at Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, while speaking on the state of the nation under the three-and-half-year rule of the All Progressives Congress.

He said Buhari had shown the lack of capacity to govern Nigeria, citing the numerous economic and security challenges facing Nigeria since the inception of his administration.

He urged Nigerians to use the general elections to vote out the president, saying that he should not be allowed to continue.

Obi regretted that the country’s teeming youths had been rendered unproductive due to lack of vision, planning and effective implementation of government policies and programmes.

He said: “It is unfortunate that under Buhari’s APC government, Nigeria has become the poverty capital of the world.

“A situation where a quarter of Nigeria’s 2019 budget is devoted to servicing the country’s debt portends grave danger.”

The former governor of Anambra State expressed the hope that Nigeria would be made to work again, if Atiku is voted into office.

Electoral Commission (INEC) to act as an election consultant for the forthcoming polls.

Nabena, who spoke with some journalists in Abuja, said the plan is to use INEC officials loyal to the former INEC chairman and under his payroll to compromise the system from within.

Nabena refused to disclose the name of the former INEC chairman, but challenged the PDP and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to deny the allegation and equally charged relevant authorities

to investigate the veracity of his allegation.

“Following the exposure of the PDP’s initial plot to use Russian hackers to compromise INEC servers, the PDP has now hired a former INEC Chairman as an election consultant. This INEC chairman was notorious for rigging elections for the PDP over the years.

Asked to comment on the uproar that greeted the recent appointment of Mrs. Amina Zakari as chair of the INEC’s ad hoc committee on National Collation Centre for the 2019

elections, the Bayelsa-born APC Chieftain said Nigerians should not be deceived by the PDP-sponsored protest and fake news over her appointment.

“The baseless protest is a ploy to create a distraction for their (PDP’s) election rigging and hacking plans.

PDP has deliberately chosen to be blind to the fact that Mrs. Zakari is not a blood relation of the president as it alleged.

Infact, her appointment was done by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Besides, INEC has publicly

stated the roles of its recently inaugurated adhoc committees.

The collation centre committee chaired by Zakari is in charge of operational logistics of the centre such as electricity, internet, live transmission as well as accreditation for access to the ICC and security of the venue.

He said Zakari’s committee is not saddled with actual collation of results, adding that only the chairman of INEC, who is the returning officer for presidential election, decides the validity of votes.”

I Have No Reason to Fail, Says NUJ National President The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Chris Isiguzo, has promised to be the best president the union has ever produced, adding that he had no reason to fail.

Isiguzo made the promise during a special thanksgiving service at the Church of God Mission (CGM), in Umuahia, where he expressed profound gratitude to God for his victory at the NUJ elections held in Abeokuta on October 4, 2018.

He also thanked the leadership of the church and members of his campaign committee, called the Rescue Mission, who, according to him, worked tirelessly for his emergence.

“In history today, I am the youngest president of NUJ since its inception and by the grace of God, I shall be the best ever.”

“I have no reason to fail. If I fail, I fail the church and all those who believed in me,” he said, adding that he would not disappoint the union.

Narrating his campaign experience, Isiguzo said the campaign committee traversed the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja without any hitches.

He also recalled that the team travelled through Maiduguri, Damaturu and other areas being ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast, without recording any ugly incident.

“Not even did any vehicle in the campaign train break down throughout the period,” he said, and attributed the success to God’s grace.

He added that he initially doubted his ability to face the incumbent president, Mr. Waheed Odusile, who was in the race for a second term.

“When the idea was first mooted to me to run for the national president, I dismissed it

because I was afraid that I would be crushed by the incumbent,” he said.

The NUJ boss said his greatest challenge during the campaign was the hate speech and campaign of calumny mounted against him by his detractors through the social media.

He said the attack against his reputation was so intense and damaging that he almost threw in the towel, barely 24 hours to the election.

“I was being torn to shreds in all the social media portals and at a time, barely 24 hours to the election, I decided to quit the race.

“I was, however, restrained by members of the campaign committee, who insisted that we shall fight the battle to the end,” Isiguzo said.

He thanked God for what he termed “the rare privilege to serve the union,” saying he would not take it for granted.

In his brief remark, the National Secretary of the union, Mr. Shuaibu Leman, expressed delight over Isiguzo’s emergence and hoped that the new leadership would return the union to God. “Whatever we do as a union, we shall put God first because it is God that shall grant us uplift in our endeavours,” Leman said.

Earlier in his sermon, the officiating priest and Enugu Zonal Coordinator of CGM, Rev. Godson Elkanah, said “When God’s hand is lifted upon a man, his destiny is fulfilled.”

Elkanah said that for any Christian to make progress in life, he must accept God with all his heart.

He challenged journalists in the country to use their profession to ensure adequate coverage of events in the country, especially the electioneering for the 2019 polls.

TAKE HEART…

L-R: Former governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Pastor lze lyamu; daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Kate lmansuangbon; her husband, Mr. Kenneth lmansuangbon; and Edo State Chairman of PDP, Dan Orbih, at the burial ceremony of George lkechukwu Odabi, a former Executive Secretary of National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, held in Agbor, Delta State...recently Abiodun Ajala

PDP Members Join APM in Ogun Femi Ogbonnikan in Abeokuta At least, 1,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Odeda Local Government Area (LGA) of Ogun State have defected to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ogun State.

The defectors were received on Saturday by the APM governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, who was on his ward-to-ward campaign tour to the 236 wards in the state.

A leader of the decampees, Adeyemi Olufemi, while speaking with journalists said he and others left the PDP due to the party’s “insensitivity to the plight of its members.”

Olufemi said the PDP was a party that had been “celebrating

mediocrity over meritocracy”; while also accusing the party of “lackadaisical approach to issues.”

He said he was impressed with the way Governor Ibikunle Amosun had been transforming the state in the last seven years; adding I have no choice than to follow Amosun wherever he goes.”

“Akinlade is a man I believe in. I know he would build on Amosun’s legacies in rebuilding the state. He’s from my alma mater. I know he would deliver.”

While receiving the defectors, Akinlade in company with his running mate, Mrs Peju Adebajo, assured them that they would not regret joining a party that would fight against the injustice meted out to the people of Ogun

State during his former party’s (APC) primaries.

Akinlade maintained that a vote for APM would be a vote to defend Ogun State and its future from those who wanted to hijack it at all cost and hand it over to some people outside the state to exploit.

He urged the people of Ogun State to get their Permanent Voter Cards ready so as to vote massively for him and other members of the APM in Ogun State.

He made it known that no project would be left uncompleted in the state as he would ensure continuity of Governor Amosun’s developmental projects.

Akinlade lauded Amosun for his commitments towards

putting Ogun State at par with other developed states in Nigeria; saying he would forever be remembered.

Meanwhile, the Olu of Odeda, Oba Ishola Olorunsola has assured Akinlade that the people of Odeda would give him and other candidates of the APM bloc votes in the forthcoming general elections.

Oba Olorunsola disclosed this while receiving the governorship candidate in Odeda on Saturday.

The monarch promised that his people would vote for Akinlade and other candidates of the APM. “Let me tell you this, Odeda stands firm with Akinlade and the APM. Let them conduct this election 10 times, Akinlade will win.

Alleged Infidelity: Man Kills Wife, Two Sons Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City A 35-year old man identified as Uwaila, has shot his wife and two sons dead over alleged infidelity.

The incident as gathered happened yesterday morning at Ovbiogie village in Ovia North East Local Government Area

in Edo State.

The man was said to have shot through the door into the room where his wife and children ran into and locked themselves in.

Residents in the community wailed uncontrollably when officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) came to evacuate the corpses.

Narrating what happened, the suspect who was in police custody said his wife accused him of having girlfriends.

He said his wife threatened to also go out with other men.

Uwaila said he drove out of the house in anger and came back to see that his wife locked herself and his sons inside one

of the rooms.

He said he shot through the door and the bullet hit them on the bed.

The state Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosun, who visited the scene, said the suspect would be charged to court after investigation has been concluded.

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Saraki Urges Kinsmen to Remain Calm over Attacks on Supporters Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday urgently returned to Ilorin from Erin- Ile in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State where he had gone to address a political rally, to sympathise with his family members, who were attacked by suspected political thugs said to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq.

Saraki, during his visit to Agbaji quarters, assessed level of damage done to property by the rampaging suspected political thugs of APC in the state.

During the rampaging, the suspected political thugs opened

fire on residents of the area, wounding at least 11 persons in the process.

They also destroyed about 50 exotic cars parked at various locations within Agbaji Quarters.

The spokesperson of Alhaji Abdulrasaq, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye, yesterday denied the involvement of the APC in the violence.

In a statement issued in Ilorin, the party said: “We condemn this brazen resort to violence.

This is getting out of hand.

“There is life after politics and we call on all the security agencies to buckle up and tame the monsters who are now terrorising everybody in not just Ilorin but everywhere in Kwara”.

However, Saraki urged his

people to remain calm and should not be provoked into retaliation or reprisal.

The Senate President, who trekked to assess the level of destruction done to property, assured his people that their protection and safety is in the

hands of God. Saraki added that the unfortunate incident had justified his earlier claim that there were threats to his life, his family and supporters.

He thanked them for remaining steadfast in their

support for the Saraki political dynasty and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he is the national leader.

The Senate President had driven straight to the General Hospital, Ilorin from Erin- Ile

to sympathise with the victims of the attacks, who were lying critically ill.

Saraki was accompanied on the visits by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Ali Ahmad and other PDP stalwarts in the state.

Oyo APC Accuses PDP Guber Candidate of Reckless Statements Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday berated the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Mr. Seyi Makinde, for engaging in what it described as uncoordinated vituperations rather than issue-based campaign.

It also said recent statements credited to Makinde showed him as a frustrated person who is suffering from perennial losses, noting that his comments on issues always prove that he is very naïve about public governance.

The APC in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde, said Makinde’s comment on the recent rally organised by the beneficiaries of one of the social investment programmes of the APC government, N-Power, was unexpected from a person positioning himself for the exalted seat of a governor, stating that “an intelligent person will know that PDP synonymous with fraud and maladministration

can never initiate, manage or sustain such a laudable and beneficial programme.”

He stressed that rather than condemning the APC for the rally, Makinde should gather the beneficiaries of the failed PDP Sure-P and YouWin programmes to organise a similar rally for his party.

Olatunde said: “It is a pity the best hand PDP can put forward for a gubernatorial election is a novice in public governance.

Rather than Makinde to engage on issue-based campaign and tell the citizens his plans, he is busy displaying his ignorance with the statements credited to him.

“Such an individual should always be ignored, but in politics, one should always give them a dose of their drug. An intelligent person would have known that election is not won by billboards.

We wonder why we should feel intimidated by Makinde’s billboard. He had similar billboards in the 2015 election and still came a distant fifth. We do not need any soothsayer to predict that Makinde cannot fair better in the 2019 election.

INEC to Move One Million Unclaimed PVCs to Lagos Wards The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Lagos State, yesterday said it would, on Wednesday, move about one million unclaimed Permanent Voters Cards to 245 wards in the state, The INEC’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Femi Akinbiyi, made this known to newsmen in Lagos.

He said the PVCs would be available for collection from Wednesday by their owners at the registration areas/wards in the state.

“INEC in Lagos State will, as from Wednesday, January 16, devolve the collection of Permanent Voter Cards to the 245 Registration Areas (wards) in the state. “The exercise is to make collection of PVCs easier for Lagosians.

“The exercise, which will come to an end on Januay 21, will include Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

each day,” Akinbiyi said in a statement.

According to him, after January 21, the collection will be reverted to the INEC’s offices at the 20 Local Government Areas and other designated centres in the state.

He said that distribution of the PVCs at the local government levels would be sustained until Feb. 8, the last day for collection of voter’s cards for 2019 general elections.

“The Commission, therefore, enjoins all those that have registered but have not collected their cards to make use of the opportunity afforded by the commission to collect their PVCs, as there will be no extension after February 8, 2019,” Akinbiyi said.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria that about one million cards had yet to be collected across 8, 462 polling units in the state.

REMEMBERING FALLEN HEROES…

R-L: Commander, 553 BSG, Nigerian Air Force, Enugu, Air Commodore John I. Ukeh, representative of the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. G.K Nwosu; Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma; Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; state Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Mr. Emeka Igwesi; President, state Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice George Nnamani; Enugu State Head of Service, Mr. Chidi Ezema, and others, during the InterDenominational Church Service at Cathedral Church of Good Shepherd, Enugu, to commemorate the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Enugu…yesterday

Dana Air Supports NGO to Raise Money for Cancer Patients Chinedu Eze Nigerian Dana Air has supported cancer-fighting non-governmental organisation, Project PinkBlue, to raise over N6 million to support people affected by cancer and the treatment of two cancer patients at a recent music and comedy fundraising in Abuja.

According to the Executive Director of Project PinkBlue, Runcie C.W. Chidebe, “Our plan was to raise 100 million

to support 56 cancer patients in Nigeria, however, we raised over N6 million. Yes, we didn’t hit our milestones, but I am extremely happy that we have used the ‘Show Love’ event to express our commitment to support people impacted by cancer.

With the donations, we just paid for two patients’ treatment; one was for radiotherapy N600,000 and the other chemotherapy.

As people are redeeming their pledges, we would be getting them on treatment gradually.’’

He said with the support of companies like Dana Air and others, “we are hopeful of meeting our target. I want to also specially thank Dana Air for consistently supporting us since 2015. Dana Air has shown that everything is possible and we are grateful, and urge other corporate bodies to emulate the commitment and consistency that Dana Air has demonstrated in this fight against cancer.”

Also commenting on the gesture, the Media and

Communication Manager of Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa, said: “We are glad to have impacted the lives of these patients positively, and we hope to do more. We have been supporting initiatives like this since we started operations 10 years ago, and have touched the lives of many. We believe that a person must be healthy to be able to eat, read, work and function well in the society and as you also know, health is wealth.’’

Uduaghan Vows to Turn Delta APC into Election-winning Party Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Chairman of the newly inaugurated Delta State 2019 Campaign Council and immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has promised to atone for his alleged ‘sin’ of serially constituting a stumbling block to Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru’s ambition of becoming state governor since 2007, by ensuring that Ogboru wins the 2019 governorship race.

Delta State APC gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 election, Ogboru, who personally took charge of the campaign council inauguration ceremony held at

the Orchid Hotel, Asaba, noted that the body would be chaired

by Uduagjan, the man who he said had publicly confessed to having been the stumbling block to his (Ogboru’s) governorship ambition in the past.

Speaking after the inauguration of the campaign council at the weekend in Asaba, the two-term state governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said what the leaders of the APC lacked, and which previously led to the party’s failure, was what he called “a winning mentality”.

Uduaghan, who noted that any party that could not secure electoral victory would remain

in perpetual opposition and its members politically irrelevant without victory at election, said he was in the APC to guide Ogboru and the APC in the state on the secret path to electoral success.

He promised to hold Ogboru by the hand and lead him through the path to victory at te next gubernatorial election and thus emerge as successor to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of the PDP, by re-moulding the state APC into an election-winning political party.

Uduaghan noted that the APC in Delta State would be re-organised before the election by adopting a unit-by-unit approach

as its new campaign strategy.

Nonetheless, two governorship aspirants of the APC, Prof. Pat Utomi and Chief Victor Ochei, as well as the leader of the estranged mainstream faction of the party in the state, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, were conspicuously absent at the inauguration of Delta State 2019 Campaign Council.

THISDAY learnt that members of the group, which has Chief Cyril Ogodo as its factional state chairman, were asked to stay away from the campaign council inauguration held in Asaba at the weekend under the watchful eyes of the party’s governorship flag bearer, Ogboru.

Presidency Not Trying to Sack Magu, Says EFCC Spokesman Acting Head, Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Tony Orilade, has described the media reports on fresh moves to remove the Acting Chairman of the commission by the Presidency as unfounded.

Orilade said this in an interview with the News Agency

of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday while reacting to a report that the Presidency planned to remove Ibrahim Magu, the commission’s Acting Chairman.

According to him, Magu will not want to be distracted by unfounded media reports.

“He is focused on the fight

against corruption and majority of Nigerians who are beneficiaries of the corruption fight are happy with him.

“With securing 312 convictions, including two ex-governors last year and five convictions already in 2019, the EFCC under Magu’s leadership deserves applause,” orilade said.

NAN recalls that a report in the media stated that the EFCC chairman may be asked to pursue further studies in order to advance his career in the Nigeria Police Force where he is already a commissioner.

NAN recalls that Magu had been in acting capacity for more than three years.

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British Student Bags Traditional Title in Kaduna Community John Shiklam in Kaduna The Kagoma Chiefdom in Jama’a Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, has conferred a traditional title of “Byeh Gwong” (Helper of Kagoma), on Seth Thomas, an 18-year old British student for building a health centre in Asso village.

Seth was turbaned in the village last Friday by the paramount ruler of Kagoma Kingdom, the Kpop Gwong, Col. Paul Zakka Wyom (rtd), at a colourful ceremony during the inauguration of the facility, which was constructed at the cost of £50,000 (about N23.4 million).

Speaking at the event which was attended by Seth’s father, Mr. Mervyn Thomas, who is the Chief Executive of UK-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide, (CSW-UK), the traditional ruler said his people would remain eternally grateful to Thomas for helping them.

Recalling how the project came about, Wyom said in 2017, he attended a meeting of the CSW in Abuja, where he told the story of the persistent attacks in Southern Kaduna communities and how the attackers invaded Asso village and killed 12 people in April 2017.

He said after the meeting, Seth and his father were moved

by the story and decided to visit Asso village to see things for themselves.

“It never crossed my mind that a miracle was on the way.

Our people will remain eternally grateful to Seth for his kind heart” the traditional ruler said.

He said the clinic will benefit Asso and many other communities in the area and urged wealthy Nigerians to come to the aide of rural communities by taking a cue from Seth and provide basic facilities that could improve the living conditions of the people.

Wyom charged the community to take good care of the facility which was handed over to the President of Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Rev. Stephen Panya Baba.

The facility was also handed over to ECWA to manage.

In his remarks at the occasion, Seth said he was inspired to initiate the project by the terrible condition of a young boy, Jude Ayuba, who he met during his visit to Asso village.

He said he was touched that Ayuba’s leg was badly infected by a bullet wound because he couldn’t afford proper medical attention.

“As I left you that day and drove out of the village, I couldn’t get out of my mind the image of poor Jude with his badly infected leg, due to

the bullet lodged in it.

“I asked our host, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, why Jude couldn’t have had proper medical attention.

“He told me that it was because the nearest hospital was many miles away. At that very moment I determined in my heart that with God’s help I would raise the money to build your own hospital here in Asso,” he said.

Narrating how he raised £50,000 for the project, he said: “When I got back to my school, the first thing I did was to persuade them to fundraise for the Asso clinic/hospital, and over the next six months, my school friends raised £15,000.

“My headmaster let me speak at a special service celebrating my school’s 150th anniversary, and the offering that day was over £2,500.

“But I was still a very long way from the target of £50,000 which I needed to build this hospital. “Some people even told me that it was impossible, and that I should give up. But I couldn’t get the image of you, my brothers and sisters out of my mind.

“Then God gave me the verse from Luke 18:27 - ‘What is impossible for people is possible with God’. From that moment I had no doubt at all that God would provide.

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Kanu: South-east Govs Working for Buhari David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has stated that intelligence reports gathered by the security arm of his organisation shows that all state governors of the South-east zone were working to return

President Muhammadu Buhari in the forthcoming presidential election.

Kanu stated this in a broadcast on Radio Biafra network in Israel, and monitored by our correspondent in Awka, Anambra State.

According to him, “The fact still remains that what happens

Okowa Challenges Africans on Promotion of History through Books Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has challenged Africans, especially Nigerian, leaders and intellectuals to pay greater attention to documentation of the history and culture of their people in the interest of present and future generations.

Okowa also commended the giant strides of the Obi of Owa Kingdom and Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomo II, whose peaceful disposition has triggered unprecedented progress in his domain in the last 59 years.

Speaking at the recent launch of ‘’The Odyssey of Emmanuel Onyeike Efeizomor II’’, a 262page biography of the Obi of Owa in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, the governor said his outstanding achievements could not have been possible without the peaceful and purposeful disposition of the monarch.

He noted that humility is another virtue of Efeizomor II worthy of emulation, saying he has successfully transformed the Kingdom from a frugal monarchy to a prominent land of progress and prosperity despite ascending the throne at the tender age of 21 years.

Recounting his earliest encounter with the monarch as a child growing up in Owa, Okowa thanked the monarch for his rare exhibition of kindness, and for his cooperation on the book project even as he commended the authors for their commitment.

The governor also congratulated the people of Owa Kingdom for successfully documenting the history of Owa kingship and that of the people of Owa Kingdom, stressing

that such historical documents would help future generation of Africans to grasp their history.

According to the governor, “subjects of different kingdoms should be encouraged to write books about their kingdoms.

This book presented today will be read by the people of Owa; other people will also read the book, which will be very useful to them.

“Many people want to know about the Owa Kingdom and we thank God that we have a book that will enlighten the people, it will inspire several people to write about their kingdoms.”

The chairman of the book launch, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, described the book as a great legacy to the people of Owa Kingdom and humanity while the book reviewer, Prof.

Abednego Ekoko noted that the 10-chapter book could be a source of a potential best selling film.

Similarly, the authors of the book, which was conceived and funded by Okowa, said that it was a privilege to have helped put the work together, noting that the contributions of the monarch, the governor and over 600 respondents made the publication a reality.

According to Prof. Sam Ukala and Dr. Ben Nwanne, the book is a collation of the life and times of Efeizomor II as well as the history of Owa Kingdom and cultural evolution of the over 727 years old Owa stool.

Ukala, on behalf of the authors of the book, disclosed that more than 620 people were interviewed by the team and rigorous research conducted involving various publications and documents about Obi Efeizomor II.

Obaseki Meets Edo Central APC Leaders, Assures of Party’s Victory The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed confidence that the candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC) contesting for various political offices in Edo Central Senatorial District in the forthcoming general elections will emerge victorious on account of evidence-based developmental projects carried out by his administration in the area.

The governor made the submission while addressing journalists in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of the state, after an enlarged meeting with leaders in the senatorial district.

He noted that things are now done differently by his administration and Esan people can attest to the developmental projects being carried out by the APC led-government in the senatorial district, to make life better for the people.

“We just finished campaigning

in some units and we are making significant progress. I am here to see the progress we have made in this part of the state. We didn’t win and didn’t do well in the last general elections here but with the meeting we just held with leaders in the area, we are convinced that APC will win in Esan Land,” the governor said.

The well attended meeting had the Chairman of Edo State chapter of APC, Mr. Anslem Ojezua, the Chief of staff to the governor Taiwo Akerele, Special Adviser to the governor on Budget and Economic Planning, Joseph Eboigbe; Chairman of Esan Central LGA, Mr. Waziri Idemudia and other stalwarts of the party.

The governor further noted that people in the area can attest to the developmental projects of the APC-led government in terms of construction of roads, renovation of schools and agricultural support.

in Nigeria is selection not election, if not, why would Dave Umahi in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) be campaigning for a murderous All Progressives Congress (APC) government that killed his own people.

“Why would Willie Obiano of Anambra State, a supposed Igbo man, be campaigning so viciously against Peter Obi his mentor and godfather?

We know the all-powerful Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is owned and run by Fulani cabal under the direct supervision of Aso Rock which they also own.

“Only INEC announced results are considered valid, so all it takes for a candidate to win is to be in the good books of the Fulani cabal running Nigeria and you are guaranteed success. Those

hoping that Atiku will sweep Biafraland because of the Obi factor are misguided because almost every governor in the Southeast is working for Jubril (Buhari).”

IPOB alleged that several other prominent Igbo sons were backing Buhari to win the presidential election, in a contest where their brother, Peter Obi, is a running mate to a major candidate, listing former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, and Arthur Eze as some of Buhari’s major backers in the zone. ”What should bother everyone more as I study the lives of Igbo elite is the emptiness of their mindless acquisition. After all the contracts Arthur Eze listed, I couldn’t trace any major

industry, successful business, philanthropy among others linked to him. What a shame.

Even Soludo of all people is working for Jubril (Buhari).”

Kanu said his group would not back down on the earlier declared election boycott, saying: “This current path we have chosen - the path of boycotting the 2019 elections - is a well-considered one geared to leaving no one in doubt that we mean business. We know that some people are wondering what IPOB expects to gain when it refuses to participate in elections.

“I am keenly aware that at first, the logic of a boycott makes little sense to many.

Some have said by participating in elections, IPOB will have a chance of helping to elect politicians amenable to self-

determination and ultimately a referendum. Well, that’s true but only in theory. In practice, experience has shown that votes hardly count in Nigeria; and where they may count, we have not yet seen any candidate willing to commit to the changes we demand such that the boycott could be reconsidered as a whole or piecemeal for such candidate.”

He also berated the Governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi, saying his recent allegation of IPOB threatening to kidnap him and other South-east governors was meant to incite the Nigeria Army against the group. He described the allegation as a very strong one, but stated that it has been proven that IPOB was not a violent organisation, and that it never planned such.

CELEBRATING VICTORY ...

L-R: Pioneer Captain Miccom Golf Club, Mr. Bode Adediji; Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mr. Benedict Alabi; Governor of Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola; and Founder Miccom Golf and Country Club, Ada, Prince Tunde Ponle, during the inaugural victory golf kitty, organised by committee of friends to mark the inaugural victory kitty for the governor and his deputy, at MicCom Golf and Country Club, Ada…recently

‘How We Spent Funds for Military Operations,’ Buratai Replies SERAP, Others Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has responded to the joint Freedom of Information request

by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Enough is Enough (EiE), and BudgIT requesting him to use his “good offices and leadership position to provide information on spending on military operations across the country, particularly in the Northeast.”

This development was disclosed yesterday in a statement on behalf of the civil society groups by SERAP’s Senior Legal Adviser, Bamisope Adeyanju. According to her, “the

bulky photographic and textual documentation with a cover letter dated December 24, 2018 was delivered to SERAP’s office last Friday by a military officer at around 11.40 a.m.”

The letter with reference number AHQDCMA/G4/100/4 and signed on Buratai’s behalf by Brigadier-General S.B. Kumapayi read in part: “The Nigerian Army (NA) has in recent time come under unrelenting public scrutiny by both private individuals and Non-governmental organisations over issues of appropriation of funds. The most recent being a call from your organisation for the Nigerian Army to explain how

funds appropriated for the NA under the administration of the Chief of Army Staff were utilised.”

“In view of the above, I am directed to forward the above-mentioned document to your office for your perusal and retention. Please accept the esteemed regards and assurance of the Chief of Army Staff.”

Adeyanju, on behalf of the civil society groups, said: “This is a joint FOI request involving EiE and BudgIT and not just SERAP. Therefore, our groups will carefully study the letter and documentation by Buratai to see if details of the information provided meet the requirements

of our request and then promptly respond to him, as appropriate.”

“While we ascertain the level of compliance of the information provided, we welcome Buratai’s demonstrated commitment to the Freedom of Information Act by responding to our request, especially at a time when high-ranking government officials including the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh and Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola continue to exhibit blatant disregard for FOI requests by refusing to even acknowledge several of such requests.”

FG Has Repositioned NIMASA for Economic Growth, Says SGF The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, said the federal government has repositioned the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for economic growth.

As a result, he said the Nigerian maritime industry had become more attractive to foreign investors under

the watch of the current government.

Mustapha, according to a statement yesterday by NIMASA’s Head of Corporate Communications, Isichei Osamgbi, said this at the NIMASA Corporate Dinner and Merit Awards held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.

The SGF was said to have

been represented by the Minister of Budget, Senator Udo Udoma.

He said, “The DG and his team and the board are doing well in NIMASA. They have transformed the organisation.

I will also like to congratulate the Minister of Transportation because it is through his guidance and supervision that all these transformations have

taken place. He is an action man, somebody that makes things happen.”

In his address, the DirectorGeneral of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said the maritime industry remained the backbone of international trade and that the Nigerian maritime sector had made remarkable achievements in the last two years.

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

CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

Rangers Win in Maseru to Boost Chances of Qualifying for Group Stage Duro Ikhazuagbe

Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, Enugu Rangers, made a bold statement of qualifying for the money-spinning group stage yesterday when the Flying Antelopes defeated hosts Bantu FC of Lesotho 2-1 away in Maseru.

Rangers will consolidate the victory if they are able to secure another win at their fortress at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on January 20 with the overall winners advancing to the mini-league stage of the competition.

Top scorers for the Flying Antelopes, Bright Silas and Aguda Godwin were the scorers for the coach Olugbenga Ogunbote side who let in a late goal off the boot of 26-year old South African import, Lazola Jokojokwane.

Silas shot Rangers in front on 20 minutes after connecting beautifully with a Chidera Eze’ inch perfect cross while Aguda increased the lead on 87th minutes with another Chidera’ assist to send the travelling delegation into wild

jubilation inside the 20,000 capacity Setsoto Stadium in Maseru.

However, a little loss of concentration from the backline of the seven-time Nigerian league champions allowed the host to half the deficit as Jokojokwane scored from a tight angle on the 89th minutes.

Rangers Head Coach, Olugbenga Ogunbote, said after the encounter: “It was a great performance from my players but for the last minute loss of concentration. It will always get better”.

He however admitted that the Maseru team was not a bad team despite conceding defeat at home.

“I believe that Bantu is not a bad side but by the special grace of God we shall finish the job we have started here when we meet again in the return leg at home,” the coach noted.

Captain of the day, Godwin Aguda said after the crunch encounter, “I give God all the glory for this victory. I believe that God’s favour is upon us and we shall continue the good work in Enugu on Sunday.”

NPFL RESULTS

POSTPONED MATCHES

Akwa Utd 0-1 El Kanemi Enyimba 2-0 MFM FC Kano Pillars 1-0 Heartland Kwara 1-1 Sunshine Stars Nasarawa 1-0 Abia Warriors Plateau Utd 0-0 IfeanyiUbah

Rangers v Tornadoes Go Round v Kada City Lobi Stars v Katsina Utd Rivers Utd v Remo Stars Wikki v Bendel Insurance Yobe Stars v Gombe Utd

Okowa May Settle for Geo-tech Pitch at Stephen Keshi Stadium There are strong indications that Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, may direct the Delta State Sports Commission to regrass the Stephen Keshi Stadium turf in Asaba in a bid to address concerns raised by teams that have played at the natural grass arena, most especially the Super Eagles.

Since the commissioning of the stadium, some high profile games have been played there with the biggest being the Aiteo Cup final game that involved Rangers and Kano Pillars.

The NFF had after the Aiteo Cup final taken the Nigeria versus Uganda international friendly to the edifice, with Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr, and his players complaining about the turf which they described as more of a “rice field”.

The stadium is billed again to host the Nigeria versus Seychelles AFCON 2019 qualifier in March as well as Nigeria versus Egypt friendly.

However, a decent source disclosed at the weekend that Gov. Okowa has been briefed on the concerns raised by Rohr and Super Eagles players, a situation that is making him tinker with the idea of going for a geo-tech pitch that would be topnotch.

“As we speak, Gov Okowa is toying with the idea of going for artificial turf if that would be the best option. He doesn’t want a situation where the Super Eagles would be complaining about the pitch of the stadium now that the NFF is making the place the new home of the team.

“This same pitch challenge is what is making the NFF take the Eagles to different venues across the country. The Governor may however seek NFF’s input to arrive at a final decision,” the source hinted on telephone from Asaba.

It was further learnt that Okowa is also impressed with the accolades the pitch at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba is getting from clubs and may settle for that kind of edifice.

Clubs that played in Aba at the just concluded NNL Super 8 were in cloud nine over the state of the Enyimba Stadium pitch which they declared is the best in the country.

The Enyimba Stadium turf was built by a Nigerian indigenous firm Monimichelle Sports Construction Limited.

The firm also constructed the Samson Siasia Stadium turf in Yenagoa that hosted the Aiteo Cup Women’s final.

Rangers will take on the Lesotho league champions in

the return leg slated for Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on

Sunday, January 20, 2019 with the aggregate winner qualifying

for the group stage of Total Confederation Cup 2018/2019.

Godwin Aguda of Rangers (left) here challenged by a USMBA of Algeria player during the early stage of the CAF Confederation Cup. With the win in Maseru, the Flying Antelopes are close to qualifying for the group stage of the competition

Obaseki Fetes Bendel Insurance, Tasks Team on NPFL Title rShowers team, supporters club with N30m Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

In appreciation of qualifying the state owned football team for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki at the weekend rewarded the Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin with N25 million.

The supporters’ club of the team also got N5million from the Edo State chief executive.

The governor who hosted the team at the Government House in Benin City, said the team has lived up to the challenge thrown at them at the unveiling of the re-branded club in 2018.

“I am happy for this new year’s present you have given me and the state. Nothing can be better than this. I asked

you to do your best and be promoted to NPFL, that you have achieved. For this feat and victory, I will give you N25 million.”

“The supporters’ club will get N5 million for doing a great job supporting the club all the way to victory,” Obaseki announced at the ceremony.

The governor promised that in addition to the cash gifts, the team will get a new bus, while the supporters’ club will also get one as well, noting, “These buses will provide comfort to the club and the supporters whenever they are traveling for matches.”

He charged the team to ensure that they put in their best to win the Premier League.

Obaseki, who rejected award given to him by the Edo State

Football Association, said, as governor, he doesn’t receive awards.

“I don’t receive reward for now, your award can’t be an exception. I will not receive it but will only receive it from you when you win the Nigeria Premier League this season.”

Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, who presented the players of the team to the governor, said that they were in Government House to inform the governor that they have fulfilled the mandate he gave them.

“You asked us to go to Aba to conquer and we went there and have achieved that feat by winning our three matches. We have gone around Benin City with the victorious boys and

they have been appreciated by the people of the state,” Shaibu said.

He urged for support for the team to spur them to win the NPFL, which is the new target given to them by the governor.

The team’s coach, Monday Odigie, thanked the governor and his deputy for the great support and encouragement, adding, “We thank Edo State Government, the players, fans and the media for this great feat. We will do our best to win the NPFL.” Bendel Insurance qualified for the NPFL after picking maximum 9 points at the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 Playoffs in Aba last week. It ended 11 years of Insurance in the lower division.

We Are Committed to CAF Awards, Football Growth, Says Aiteo One of the major sponsors of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aiteo Group, has expressed determination on their quest to make the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Awards better in the years ahead.

The Senior Manager, Corporate Communications in Aiteo, Ndiana-Abasi Matthew, who stated this at the weekend at the company’s office in Lekki, Lagos also added that the organisation would continue to contribute to

the development of football and sports in general on the continent and beyond.

Matthew said: “We are proud with our social responsibility role in the country because within a short time Aiteo is now noted worldwide as a big supporter of football.

“The CAF Award will get bigger and better in the years ahead and we are also going to make our presence felt better in all our sponsorship roles in Nigeria. Sport is a massive sector in the country especially football because

it is a unifying factor over the years.”

Aiteo Group, an integrated energy conglomerate, is the sponsors of the Federation Cup in Nigeria and the outfit is also footing the bills of national team coaches.

The outfit sponsors the CAF Awards which took place last year in Accra, Ghana and the second edition that took place last week in Dakar, Senegal.

“We are enjoying the partnership with the NFF and we also believe we are making Nigerians enjoy

the game better,” Matthew further added.

Meka Olowola of Zenera Consulting working with Aiteo Group also stated that so much was in stock for the lovers of the game in the years ahead.

“This is the beginning of an exciting year for the fans of football. Aiteo is committed to making the game better in Nigeria and Africa. We will have a retreat soon and after that we will roll out our sports calendar for the year,” Olowola concluded.

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Man Utd Beats Spurs to Make it Six Wins out of Six Under Solskjaer Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea produced a Wembley masterclass as interim manager Ole Gunnaer Solskjaer made it six wins out of six to damage Tottenham’s Premier League title ambitions.

Marcus Rashford’s low finish from Paul Pogba’s superb pass on the stroke of half-time stretched Solskjaer’s flawless start - but the Norwegian had De Gea to thank for a magnificent display as Spurs laid siege to United’s goal after the break.

The Spaniard made a succession of crucial interventions, 11 in total, including many with his feet, as Spurs tried in vain to avoid a defeat that makes their task of keeping pace with Liverpool and Manchester City even more arduous.

United showed great resilience to back up their early positive approach but it was De Gea who broke Spurs’ hearts by denying Harry Kane on several occasions, as well as Dele Alli and Toby Alderweireld.

The result leaves Spurs

nine points behind leaders Liverpool and United level on points with fifth-placed Arsenal as they revive their top-four hopes.

Elsewhere, two second-half goals gave Everton an edgy victory over Bournemouth that lifted them into the top half of the Premier League table.

Kurt Zouma powerfully headed in his first goal for the club from Lucas Digne’s cross following a corner in the 61st minute, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin added the second in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Everton had been outplayed in the opening 30 minutes but Bournemouth failed to capitalise on their bright start.

David Brooks hit the post when through one-on-one with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and had a strong penalty appeal turned down early on, while Joshua King also had a good chance saved.

Everton, who had not won any of their previous four home league matches, failed to have a first-half shot

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2019

Murray in Potential Farewell Match at Melbourne Park Andy Murray will play what could be the final match of his career when the Australian Open begins in Melbourne today.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray faces Spanish 22nd seed Roberto Bautista Agut not before 07:00 GMT. The 31-year-old Scot announced on Friday he will retire this year because of a hip injury.

“I can still play, but not to a level I’m happy playing at,” he said.

Bautista Agut, who beat world number one Novak Djokovic on his way to winning the Qatar Open last week, says he still expects a tough match, despite knowing Murray is feeling pain when he plays and could quit if he loses.

“Everybody knows when Andy goes on court he gives 100%. He has fought all his career and today’s match will be the same,” he said.

Defending women’s champion Caroline Wozniacki, seeded third, opens the night session on Rod Laver Arena - Melbourne Park’s main show court - against Belgium’s Alison van Uytvanck at 08:00 GMT. Swiss third seed Roger Federer begins his defence of the men’s title after that match, against Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin, who famously beat Djokovic here in 2017.

Second seeds Rafael Nadal and Angelique Kerber - both former champions - also play on Monday.

Murray is one of seven Britons opening their tournaments at Melbourne Park on Monday, with only women’s number one Johanna Konta playing on Tuesday.

Kyle Edmund, who has replaced Murray as the country’s highest-ranked man, meets former Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych at about 05:00 GMT in the match preceding Murray’s potential

farewell match on Melbourne Arena.

First-time qualifier Harriet Dart has the honour of opening up the tournament on Laver against fivetime Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova at 00:00 BST, while Katie Boulter and Heather Watson also have early starts.

Opening on the outside courts, Boulter plays Russian Ekaterina Makarova and Watson takes on Croatian 31st seed Petra Martic.

British number three Cameron Norrie meets American Taylor Fritz not before 06:00 GMT, with qualifier Dan Evans bidding for a potential second-round match against 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer about 04:00 GMT. Dart, 22, won three matches in Melbourne last week to qualify for the main draw for the first time, landing her with a dream tie against her “idol” Sharapova.

The 31-year-old Russian, seeded 30th, won her maiden Slam at Wimbledon in 2004 when Dart was aged seven.

“She has been so successful in the game. There are many things why I look up towards her,” said the Londoner, who is ranked 131 in the world.

“I was pretty young when she first won Wimbledon, I have always looked up to her and it will be pretty cool to play her.”

Boulter, 22, says it is “incredible” to have gain direct entry to a Slam for the first time on the basis of her top 100 ranking, while 26-yearold Watson - who has won three WTA titles and is a former top 50 player - insists she still wants to achieve more in her career.

“The past couple of years have not been fantastic for me, I’ve scraped around and it is not good enough,” Watson, now ranked 108th, said.

on target for the second successive league game at Goodison Park.

They improved after the

break, with Richarlison having a shot cleared off the line by Nathan Ake and coming close with a header

from Gylfi Sigurdsson’s cross.

Bournemouth pushed hard for an equaliser in the final minutes, with Michael Keane

producing an excellent block to deny Dan Gosling before Calvert-Lewin sealed the three points.

Ashley Young and Jesse Lingard celebrating Rashford’s goal in the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur…yesterday

We’ll Raise the Stake of Sports in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu Pledges To ensure that youths dissipate their energy on profitable activities, effort would be geared toward raising the profile of sports to ensure that Lagos continues to be the hub of sports sector in Nigeria.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in Lagos, Mr Babajide SanwoOlu, who believes that huge opportunities exist in sports, pledged at the weekend to utilize the sector to empowers youths when voted into office.

“We know we have a huge

opportunity in sports and the youths are always very energetic to do sports. What we are going to do is to identify the sports where we have strength in and look for partners that we can work with.

“The government will build more facilities but we need the private sector for sports development to be sustained so that we can utilize the energy that I can see from all of the youths that are in Lagos, including those that wish to do athletics, football and any kind of sports. This will

be under our entertainment and tourism plans, that is where we have sports and we are going to be heavy on it,” Sanwo-Olu said this during the ‘Lagos Walk With Sanwo-Olu’ fitness exercise organised by 39142 Group in Lagos at the weekend.

He added: “As you can see, we are all here to pass on the message that ours is going to be a keep fit government which underscores the importance of staying healthy. Healthy living is what we will be propagating through sports. You know that is

only when you have a healthy environment that you have a wealthy state.

“We will work out a plan to have this walk initiative regularly when we get into government. It might not be every Saturday but we will have it in every part of Lagos. We will go round different locations, different divisions, and encourage people to come out and walk with us, so that they free themselves of little illnesses by exercising their body and, by walking, they will be able to think better,” he noted.

35 Gold, 13 Silver Label Runners Coming for Access Lagos City Marathon The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is attracting growing interest across the world each year and a testament to that is reflected in the number of high-profile runners competing for honours annually in Lagos.

For the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, as much as 35 Gold, 13 Silver and 12 Bronze Labelled Runners have already registered to be part of the event.

The General Manager for the Lagos Marathon, Yusuf Alli, expressed delight at the interest being shown by the big names to run at the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Alli noted that the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has surpassed the requirement for a Bronze Label and has done enough to earn even a Gold Label from the IAAF/AIMS. “This is fantastic, it is obvious that top runners across the world like the Lagos Marathon as they have been signifying their interests from

Kenya to even Australia,” Alli stated.

The former Africa record holder in the Long Jump event predicted that a new course record might be set at this year’s marathon due to the stronger field of athletes that would be

on parade.

“This year’s marathon will definitely be better than the previous ones, the quality of elite athletes coming have improved a great deal, so we are confident of a good show,” the Access Bank Lagos City

Marathon General Manager assured.

Among many other big names, David Barmasai Tumo from Kenya who won the 2011 Dubai Marathon will be competing at the 2019 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Andy Murray has served notice of retiring from tennis due to injuries

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T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY JANUARY 14, 2019

MONDAYSPORTS NPFL…NPFL…NPFL… NPFL…NPFL…NPFL… NPFL…NPFL…NPFL…

Enyimba, Kano Pillars in Flying Start to the New Season

rEl-Kanemi grabs first away win in Uyo Seven-time champions Enyimba got their 2018/2019 NPFL season underway with a convincing two-nil win over MFM FC Lagos at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Kano Pillars Football Club yesterday picked up a slim 1-0 win over visiting Heartland FC of Owerri to start their campaign on a winning note. The match which was played at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano was watched by large number of spectators.

Midfielder Sunday Chinedu scored the winner in the 16th minute, and in spite of their dominance Kano Pillars failed to add to their lead.

In Aba, Nelson Ogbonnaya gave Enyimba the lead on 13 minutes, before Abdulrahman Bashir sealed the win in the 54th minute.

Chukwuka Onuwa and Stanley Okorom were hoping to make their debuts, since joining from MFM during pre-season, but Enyimba head coach Usman Abdallah decided to keep faith with Austin Oladapo and Andrew Abalogu ahead of the duo.

The visitors handed debut to Michael Ohanu, who formed a formidable partnership upfront with Chijioke Akuneto and Akanni Elijah in a 4-3-3 formation. Ohanu joined the Lagos side from El-Kanemi Warriors.

Enyimba got the fixture to a rousing start just before the quarter hour, as Ogbonnaya rose highest to head home Nasiru Sani’s throw-in. MFM goalkeeper Emmanuel Nasamu

and his defenders lost out while trying to keep Chinedu Udechukwu in check, leaving Ogbonnaya free in the six-yard area.

The People’s Elephant would have doubled their advantage three minutes before the break, but Nasamu turned up this time, to deny Bashir from 15 yards.

The home side took firm control of the fixture with a second, nine minutes after the break. Bashir got to the end of Abalogu’s free kick to nod in from close range.

Midway through the second half, Abdallah withdrew Stanley Dimgba, to hand former MFM man Onuwa his debut, much to the delight of the home fans, who gave him a standing ovation.

Onuwa’s presence added bite to the home side’s attacking play, but Enyimba could not translate their dangerous attacking moves to further goals, as the duo of Stephen Chukwude and Thomas Zenke were wasteful late on.

MFM would have had a consolation five minutes to time, but Akuneto had himself to blame for deciding to go solo, instead of squaring the ball through to Ohanu, who had just the goalkeeper to beat.

Enyimba go top of Group A, after Kwara United and Sunshine Stars shared the spoils in IIorin. The four remaining fixtures in the group were postponed to a later date, due to continental engagements (Lobi and Rangers) and recovery time handed the newly promoted teams (Remo Stars and Bendel Insurance).

Edo: We Are Not Renaming Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Edo State Government has said unequivocally that there is no intention to rename the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

A statement from the Chief Press Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Comrade Ebomhiana Musa said yesterday that the name “Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium” remains because it is named after the revered late Dr Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia because of his unparallel contributions to sports development in the old Bendel State.

He added that it will be a disservice for any government to contemplate changing the name.

According to him, this clarification becomes necessary as some traditional and social media platforms misquoted the state’s Deputy Governor, Right Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu in a live interview

granted the Channels Television on Thursday night.

In the euphoria following the promotion of Bendel Insurance Football Club to the elite division of Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) after over a decade in the lower cadre, the deputy governor said the “Samuel Ogbemdia Stadium will be named the Home of Bendel Insurance FC.” This was misinterpreted to mean that the legendary Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium will be renamed “Bendel Insurance Football Club Stadium.”

Musa stressed that the present administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki is determined to return the lost glory of Edo State in sports development. “Basically, this is in line with the vision and mission of the late Samuel Ogbemudia for Edo State,” concludes the statement from the Deputy Governor’s office.

Kano Pillars’ Rabiu Ali (left) is challenged for ball possession by Ubido Julius of Heartland during their opening game of the 2018/2019 NPFL season at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano…yesterday. Pillars won 1-0

Messi Makes History with 400th La Liga goals Lionel Messi has become the first player to score 400 La Liga goals after netting against Eibar on Sunday.

The Argentine made it 2-0 when he netted for the Liga leaders at Camp Nou, extending his record as the highest scorer in the Spanish top flight’s history.

Incredibly, Messi only took 435 games to get to his 400th goal, scoring an average of 0.92 goals per game.

His record looks set to stand for many years to come, as Aritz Aduriz is the next top scorer to be currently playing in La Liga with 157 goals in 422 games.

The strike makes Messi the second player to have scored 400 goals in any of Europe’s top five leagues, reaching the milestone in 63 games fewer than Cristiano Ronaldo did, and he has now nearly doubled Alan Shearer’s Premier League record of 260 strikes.

The 31-year-old’s first goal came back in 2005 against Albacete when he was just 17 years of age and was assisted

by Barca and Brazil legend Ronaldinho, who scored 70 league goals for the Catalan club in 145 appearances.

Among his 400 finishes have been 83 braces and 31 hat-tricks, helping to put him 89 goals ahead of the league’s second top-scorer Ronaldo.

Next on the list is Telmo

Zarra, who played for Athletic Bilbao from 1940 to 1955, with 251 efforts. He is followed by Mexican Hugo Sanchez with 234 and Real Madrid legend Raul with 228.

Messi’s dominance has not been confined to the league though, and in all competitions he has scored 575 goals.

That gives him a colossal lead over Luis Suarez, who is the second-highest active scorer for Barca with 166 tallies.

Osun ‘ll Use Sports to Maximise Tourism in Osun, Says Governor Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has expressed his administration’s commitment to develop tourism using sports.

He also promised to support sports so as to properly harness the potentials in the sector.

The governor spoke at the weekend during the ’Inaugural Victory Golf Kitty’, organised in his honour and that of Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, at the MicCom Golf and Country Club in Ada. Deputy Governor Alabi is a golfer.

The event was attended by dignitaries including, Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba AbduRashed Olabomi; The Founder of

MicCom Golf Club in Ada, Prince Tunde Ponle; Captain of MicCom Golf Club Alhaji Akeem Afolabi, among others.

Oyetola, who described tourism and sports as lucrative sectors, said his administration would spare no effort to reinvigorate the sectors for the benefit of the state and her citizens.

He promised to invest in the two sectors as part of efforts to encourage diversification of the economy.

Oyetola said the initiative would complement investment drive of his administration and to stimulate the economy

through job creation and wealth generation.

He noted that the initiative would be tailored towards improving the state\’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Governor Oyetola encouraged youths on the need to take maximum advantage which his administration would be created at making life worthwhile for all particularly the young ones.

He commended the organisers of the event for using their resources to boost sporting activities particularly golf sport in the state.

‘As you all know, tourism is

one of the area encouraged by governments all over the world and sport tourism is one of it.

‘That is why in the state of Osun, we encourage soft tourism through sports, especially at Ada Golf Club, the club that produced the best golfer in Nigeria today, Mr Sunday Olapade from here in Ada. ’Golf, I ‘m aware is a game of gentlemen and women all over the world. It’s a game you don’t need to be an expert to start but once you begin to understand the basics of wings, rules and etiquettes, you begin to enjoy the game and get passionate about it’, he added.

Odion Ighalo on Barcelona’s Radar Nigeria international Odion Ighalo has emerged as a transfer target for Barcelona who are looking to bolster their attacking options, according to Sport.

The Camp Nou giants are looking for a replacement for Luis Suarez following the departure of Munir El Haddadi to Sevilla and imminent exit of Denis Suarez.

Meanwhile, Ighalo is in

search of top-flight football following Changchun Yatai’s relegation from the Chinese Super League last year.

Southampton, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have been linked with the 29-year-old.

Turkish Super Lig club Antalyaspor have asked Chievo about the availability of midfielder Joel Obi, Sky Sport Italia reports via Aspor.

Obi only moved to Chievo from Torino in the summer but has seen playing time limited by series of injuries.

The Scorpions are reportedly interested in taking the 27-yearold, scorer of a goal in 11 Serie A outings this term, on loan until the season.

Similarly, West Ham United are close to agreeing a £10million bid for Pedro

Obiang to move to Fiorentina, SkySports report.

The deal would see the Equatorial Guinea international return to the Italian top-flight on a four-and-a-half contract with the Violets, four years after he left Sampdoria for England.

Obiang was an 82ndminute substitute in the Hammers’ 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday