TUESDAY 11TH FEBRUARY 2019

Cooking Gas Scarcity Looms as NIMASA Detains NLNG Vessel Bans waivers, commences clampdown on foreign vessels NNPC’s refineries record N137.5bn operational losses

Ejiofor Alike, Eromosele Abiodun in Lagos and Chineme Okafor in Abuja Nigerians may experience

scarcity of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), better known as cooking gas, following the detention of NLNG Limited’s vessel by the Nigerian Maritime

Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) over alleged violation of the Cabotage Act, THISDAY has learnt.

It was gathered that the

detention of ‘MT Navigator Capricorn,’ the only vessel that supplies cooking gas to Nigeria’s domestic market, has created supply crisis, leading

to a hike in the price of the product.

The maritime regulator yesterday also said it had commenced clampdown on

vessels that do not comply with the provisions of the Cabotage Compliance Strategy Continued on page 64

NJC Reconvenes over Onnoghen, Muhammad Today ... Page 8 Monday 11 February, 2019 Vol 24. No 8709. Price: N250

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Buhari: General Election, Democracy Threatened by Corrupt People You are jittery, says PDP Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Deji Elumoye and Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday raised the alarm that

both the forthcoming general election and democracy itself were under serious threat by activities of unnamed individuals, whom he alleged had channeled funds towards

Saraki asks Nigerians to reject outdated leaders on Saturday vote buying at the polls, appealing to Nigerians to give him yet another chance.

But reacting swiftly, the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the president

has failed his integrity test and has no moral rectitude to pontificate on corruption, having entangled himself and soiled his administration in corruption.

In fact, the PDP said, the president’s statement coming hours after the mammoth crowd that received its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in Kano, a

stronghold of Buhari, shows that he is jittery and fears defeat.

The party added that if Continued on page 8

Atiku’s Kano Rally Throws Open Buhari’s Northern Strongholds Massive crowds at Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna show PDP candidate has altered equation Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The mammoth crowd of supporters that attended yesterday’s rally of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano has further strengthened the growing forecast that the main opposition party’s flag bearer is in strong contention in areas hitherto believed to be strongholds of President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Buhari had won convincingly the massive voting North-west states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Continued on page 8

KANO STANDS WITH ATIKU… Unprecedented mammoth crowd of supporters at the rally of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano…yesterday

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NJC Reconvenes over Onnoghen, Muhammad Today CUPP raises the alarm over alleged FG plot to lock down NJC headquarters Tobi Soniyi in Lagos and Udora Orizu in Abuja The National Judicial Council (NJC) will reconvene today to consider the responses of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, and the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad to the queries issued to them by the council.

A council member who was not authorised to speak with the media confirmed to THISDAY that the meeting would take place

as scheduled.

The council had at its emergency meeting held on January 29 given both top jurists seven days to respond to petitions written against them.

A statement by the council's Director of Information, Mr. Soji Oye, said the decision to query the two senior jurists were taken during the emergency meeting held at the council's chambers in Abuja.

None of the lawyers, who had so far represented Onnoghen,

would volunteer information regarding his response to the query.

However, some council members were said to favour a decision that would lead to easing out the embattled CJN. Others are quick to argue that Justice Muhammad too should go having accepted to be sworn in by President Muhammadu Buhari in the absence of council's recommendation to the president.

A judge of Abia State High Court was punished in similar

circumstances when for no fault of his, the Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, appointed him acting chief judge of the state after the governor had illegally suspended the then chief judge.

At its January's council meeting, NJC elected Justice Umaru Abdullahi, a former President of the Court of Appeal as Interim Chairman to preside over the meeting. He will preside at council meeting today.

The council's statement issued in January read: "The

National Judicial Council held an Emergency Meeting today and considered four petitions filed at its Secretariat. The petitions are: Petition against Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, by Zikhrillahi Ibrahim of Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civil Education; Petition against Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad by Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative; Petition against Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad,

by Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; and Petition against Hon. Danladi

Yakubu Umar, Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal by Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative.

"Council referred the petition against Hon. Danladi Yakubu Umar to the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), which is the appropriate constitutional body empowered to deal with it.

"In line with its procedure, Council also forwarded the petitions against Justices W.S.N. Onnoghen, and I. T. Muhammad, to them for their responses.

legitimately available, including its numerical strength, in marching with millions of Nigerians across the nation to defend its votes, with the stiffest resistance, ever, against any infraction by the APC and the Buhari presidency.

The Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, made the call yesterday while addressing a press conference in Abuja.

He said: “You will particularly recall that on February 4, 2019, the PDP handed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a 48-hour ultimatum to make public the list of all officials and ad-hoc staff that will play any form of role in the February 16 Presidential election at all levels, for verification by stakeholders.

“That demand was predicated on our findings that the INEC leadership in deferring to directives by Buhari Presidency and the APC had collected lists of APC loyalists from APC state governors and candidates, across the federation to serve as electoral officials, including ad-hoc staff and returning officers at the polling units.

“You will recall that upon our demand the APC openly directed INEC to ignore the PDP and go ahead

with its compromised list.

Shockingly INEC leadership appeared to have obeyed the APC, ostensibly because of threats by the party to give its leadership the Onnoghen treatment if it fails to comply.”

Ologbondiyan noted that this was in addition to how the presidency has been importing mercenaries from Chad and Niger Republic to vote for Buhari and to unleash violence in the country upon his eventual defeat.

He said the party had also alerted of plots to manipulate the smart card readers so as to substitute biometric accreditation with manual verification and pave way for mass rigging and allocation of fictitious votes for Buhari.

Ologbondiyan stated: “From the foregoing, it is clear to all that the Buhari presidency and the APC are out to rig the election and that INEC is in clear deficit of the required will to conduct a credible, free and fair election.

“In this regard, the PDP charges all its members and supporters, in their millions, to politically occupy and become extra vigilant by closely monitoring all electoral activities around their polling centres.

“In this determination, the PDP is ready to confront the Buhari-controlled security forces and APC thugs, head to head, at all levels. For this, we charge our members and supporters to use every means available to them legitimately in a democracy to defend themselves and resist all acts of intimidation by the APC.”

Continued on page 69

ATIKU’S KANO RALLY THROWS OPEN BUHARI’S NORTHERN STRONGHOLDS Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa and Kano in the 2015 general election that saw him squaring up with the incumbent, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, making bookmakers to declare them his strongholds.

But with the advent of Atiku and his campaign, the large numbers of enthusiastic supporters that subscribed to his rallies have got analysts rethinking their permutations and giving the PDP standard bearer a winning chance in some of the states.

Atiku’s rallies in Jigawa, Kaduna and Katsina, the home state of the president, drew such an unprecedented crowd that some leading lights of the APC, THISDAY learnt, have expressed fears privately that Buhari might have shed a heavy weight.The situation is not markedly different in the North-east states of Bauchi and Bornu that were thought to be Buhari’s impregnable fortresses.

If anyone had any doubt that that was no longer the case, said one analyst, Atiku’s last week’s rallies in those states must have cleared such doubt.

Perhaps encouraged by the massive crowd, Atiku spoke glowingly of the failure of Buhari’s government, saying that it has brought the nation’s economy to its knees and must be punished for it.

The punishment, he said, should come in form of votes that would send its President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration out of office.

With all available spaces occupied by PDP’s followers at the stadium, 28 persons were said to have slumped at the event, while the huge crowd that flooded the stadium made it difficult for movement within the Kano metropolis, especially around the stadium.

People were seen lined up the streets, as early as 9am to welcome Atiku to the ancient town. As soon as he arrived in the city, the presidential candidate headed to the palace of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.

For a journey of less than 20 minutes, it took Atiku-led campaign team over four hours to get to the palace and another three hours to get to the stadium because of the human/vehicular traffic created by Atiku’s visit.

He was accompanied by the Director-General of the presidential campaign, Senate President Bukola Saraki; the National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; and former governor of Kano, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; among other key party’s leaders.

Until recently, Kano was a

Buhari stronghold, securing his highest number of votes, nearly two million, in 2015.

Kwankwaso, who was the governor of the state when this happened, is now in PDP. Speaking to PDP supporters, Atiku disclosed that if given the mandate on Saturday, he would support the renewal of agriculture and the economy, which according to him, are in shambles.

He said: "Are you going to vote for PDP? If you vote for PDP, the government will revitalize business and the moribund industries in Kano.

We will also boost agriculture.

"I will ensure that among my priorities would be the revitalization of agriculture, industries and commercial activities so as to boost the economy, which has been killed by the APC government."

Atiku noted that Kano, which used to be the centre of commercial activities in the North, is experiencing backwardness in business and commerce.

Also speaking at the rally, the PDP national chairman told the overwhelmed crowd that the Kano rally represents a revolution and a pointer that Kano people have reembraced PDP. Saraki said there is hunger in Nigeria, accusing the APC

government of bringing hardship on the people, saying there is need for Nigerians to vote out the government.

"Today, Kano people have spoken; and what we have seen in this unprecedented crowd today is that PDP has taken over Kano. People have agreed to vote for PDP. A vote for PDP and a vote for Atiku will put food on our table," the Senate president added.

In his address, former governor of the state, Kwankwaso said the mammoth crowd had sent a message to Aso Rock that PDP has already taken over Kano. ‘’Today, Kano people and particularly, the youths have shown that Kano is for PDP and Kwankwasiyya," he said.

Atiku, who was visibly overjoyed over the mammoth crowd, was clad on Kwankwasiyya red cap and white Babarriga to match.

Meanwhile, with six days to the presidential election, PDP has called on its members and supporters to use every legitimate means available to them in a democracy to defend themselves and resist all acts of intimidation by the ruling APC. The main opposition party said it has resolved to use, in full measure, all defence machinery

BUHARI: GENERAL ELECTION, DEMOCRACY THREATENED BY CORRUPT PEOPLE there is any person whose activities of corruption have become a threat to the coming election, it is the president, who is alleged to be financing his campaign with looted funds and surrounded himself with politicians indicted for corruption.

On his part, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, yesterday urged eligible Nigerians to come out enmasse on Saturday and vote out “out-dated leaders” in the country.

Buhari, who raised the alarm in a statement, said the only hope of progress for Nigeria was the fight against corruption, insinuating that any policy that does not have the war against corruption as its cardinal objective, will ultimately fail.

Buhari claimed forces opposed to the fight against corruption are making the war against corruption difficult, alleging that they deploy the corrupt resources at their disposal to complicate the fight in their desperate search for self-preservation and protection of both political and economic interests.

He said whereas he had not betrayed the trust vested in him thus far to confront corruption, insecurity, and economic challenges, the

most important of the three had been the fight against corruption.

The president claimed progress could not be made unless there is a decisive war waged against corruption, pointing out that it is only through the fight against corruption that economic growth could be guaranteed, infrastructure provided and education sustained.

He said: "On February 16th, Nigeria will hold a general election. Four years ago, the country experienced its first democratic transfer of power to the opposition since 1999.

The vote in a few days will be no less significant.

"As president, I have tried to judiciously exercise the trust vested in me to combat the problems of corruption, insecurity and an inequitable economy. All are important.

But amongst them, one stands above the others as both a cause and aggravator of the rest. It is, of course, corruption.

"A policy programme that does not have fighting corruption at its core is destined to fail. The battle against graft must be the base on which we secure the country, build our economy, provide decent infrastructure and educate the next generation.

"This is the challenge of our generation: the variable on which our success as a nation shall be determined.

But the vested interests at play can make this fight difficult.

By way of their looting, the corrupt have powerful resources at their disposal.

And they will use them. For when you fight corruption, you can be sure it will fight back.

"It even threatens to undermine February’s poll and – by extension – our democracy. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised concerns over laundered money being funneled into vote buying.

"This is the problem of corruption writ large. It illustrates how it lurks in all and every crevice of public life, manipulating due process in pursuit of self-preservation and perpetuation; protecting personal political and economic interests at the expense of the common good."

Buhari further claimed that those opposed to his administration's fight against corruption were opponents of its mission, reasoning that corruption erodes common trust and promotes inequality among people.

According to him, the more the federal government intensifies the fight against

corruption, the more resistant the scourge becomes, adding that whereas the government has shut the door against corruption, there are yet individuals warming up to reopen it.

He also said through the government’s anti-graft drive, huge sums of money had been repatriated, which he said had been deployed to infrastructure development, pointing out that more of such stolen funds are still in the process of recovery from foreign countries.

He said: "Corruption corrodes the trust on which the idea of community is founded, because one rule for the few and another for everyone else is unacceptable to anyone working honestly.

"But as we have intensified our war on corruption, so we have found that corruption innovates to resist the law. This is not the sole domain of those Nigerians, but the international corruption industry: the unsavoury fellow-traveller of globalisation.

"Once the enablers are let in – as they have been in the past – the greed of those they collude with grows. We have closed the door on them, but unfortunately there still remain individuals who are willing to open the windows.

"Concrete progress has been

made, but there is still much to do. We have repatriated hundreds of millions of dollars stowed away in foreign banks. These funds have been transparently deployed on infrastructural projects and used to directly empower the poorest in society.

"More is still to come from our international partners in France, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Yet the hundreds of billions sifted out of the country for the best part of this century promise more."

Buhari, who said high profile convictions had been secured, said lawyers raise objections to hinder judicial process, suggesting the need to revisit existing legal framework with a view to facilitating convictions.

Apparently giving account of his stewardship, Buhari said many ghost workers had been eliminated from government payroll and thus saving the nation whooping $550 million, adding that another $370 million had been recovered through the whistle blower policy.

The president, who stated that whereas the fight against corruption was a difficult task, it could yet be won, concluding his message with an appeal Continued on page 64

TOP GAINERS UACN FCMB FIDELITY MCNICHOLS LASACO TOP LOSERS UNIONDAC CORNERSTONE SUSNUASSURE

NGN NGN 0.80 9.20 0.18 2.15 0.20 2.40 0.03 0.36 0.02 0.31 NGN 0.03 0.27 0.02 0.20 0.02 0.22 CCNN 0.10 22.00 CHIPLC 0.02 0.29 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,440.00 Volume: 270.939 million shares Value: N4.418 billion Deals: 3,144 As at Friday 7 /2/19 See details on Page 37

% 9.5 9.1 9.0 9.0 6.9 % 10 9.0 9.0 9.0 6.4

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍŻËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

COMMENT

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

THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AND CLOUD OF GLORY Joe Adiorho urges politicians to be mindful of their utterances

T

he days of political reckoning are here. On Saturday, February 16, 2019, the nation’s citizens of adult age will be stepping out to exercise their power to install a new set of political leaders to govern them for the next four years in a popular suffrage.

Observably, political events and activities have heightened with the politicians and the two major political parties increasing the tempo of their campaigns to woo the electorates. It is natural that the parties especially the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should be crisscrossing the entire nation canvassing for support and votes in order to secure the mandate and legitimate authority to govern the country.

But the tension and the concomitant fear of political violence being generated by these activities is giving the nation goose pimples as the drum of war from the camps of the political parties is getting louder by day. The ruling APC, from the actions and utterances of its leading members is mounting a campaign that has all the trapping of desperation. They threaten, intimidate and put in great effort to cajole all their perceived enemies and opponents, even within their own ranks.

Not quite long ago Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Governor of Imo State told the nation that a war is raging in the country. He said that the ongoing war is unlike that of Nigeria and Biafra and warned that if nothing is done urgently to halt it, the nation will pay dearly for it.

But the most worrisome is the recent utterance of Malam Nasir el-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State who has issued death warrant to any intervening bodies in the governance of the country. He told the bewildered nation during the “NTA Tuesday Liveâ€? that “those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the person ‌ they will go back in body bags.â€? This by every standard a statement from a desperate mind laced with frustration. It must not be lost in us that the people he is threatening are the same people he ran to in 2015 and thanked for intervening to secure victory for APC, his party.

But come to think of it, what could be more intervening than those two governors of Niger Republic who led a troop of supporters from that country to attend President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign dressed in the APC’s attire in Kano State? Could it be that El-Rufai was not aware of this? I must say here that the most dignifying and reassuring event in the saga is the mild reaction of PDP, the main opposition party. It only threatens to pull out of peace accord signed by the parties ahead of the general election. And also the most gladdening aspect of the whole issue is that Nigerians and the international community rose in one voice to condemn the unguarded utterance of the diminutive governor of Kaduna State. The feeling of those in the PDP is that the cloud of glory is gathering and hovering over the party with a litany of endorsements and adoptions, both locally and internationally. The floodgate of adoptions was kicked open by the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) which came out early to adopt Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as their sole candidate.

Their belief is that the country’s presiding president has a high propensity of dictatorship and all hands must be on deck to manoeuvre him out of office before an irreparable damage is done to the corporate existence of

LET US REIN IN UTTERANCES AND ACTIONS THAT HAVE HIGH PROPENSITY TO GRAVITATE THE NATION TOWARDS POLITICAL VIOLENCE

the country.

What appears to be the most worrisome to the ruling party are the corporate and individual endorsements the PDP candidate is garnering even from most unlikely quarters as the election days draw close.

Besides attacking and trying unsuccessfully to discountenance and trivialize President Olusegun Obasanjo’s endorsement, APC fought hard and dirty to stop the United States of America from issuing Atiku a visa. The Information Minister, Mr. Lai Mohammed had called an international press conference to persuade US not to avail Atiku Abubakar, a citizen of his country that he swore to protect and defend, with a visa as that will amount to a tacit endorsement. That did not ruffle a feather as Atiku has gone and returned from America and more endorsements have been pouring in.

Just last week, the ethnic nationalities of the Northern Elder’s Forum (NEF) Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, the Afenifere, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Middle Belt Forum which had individually endorsed him earlier, came together and in a voice adopted Atiku as the presidential candidate of their various zone.

And just some days ago one of the most respected international magazine “The Economist� which predicted President Buhari’s victory in 2015 declared that Atiku would win the 2019 presidential election.

This has nudged the APC into an over drive that culminated in Malam El- Rufair vertiginous diatribe, issuing death threats to foreigners he perceived to be interfering. The government has also deployed 95 per cent of the nation’s armed forces into election duties. Intimidation has no higher height, Nigeria is not going to war. It is an election and this is not the first in the country.

The threats and harassment are unacceptable. The PDP has warned that if these threats and hateful speeches are not stopped, it might pull out of the peace accord. It has consistently demanded that the ruling party should conduct free, fair, credible and peaceful election devoid of rigging. The nation and its citizens ask for nothing more. The election that brought APC to power was adjudged free, fair and peaceful. If they cannot improve on it, they should not degrade it.

This is why all men of good will have with one voice condemned all the utterances that stoke the ember of political violence. It is in our best interest that we have a stable country.

The former Secretary General of the Commonwealth Chief Emeka Anyaoku came out to warn the federal government and President Buhari of APC to heed the warning of the international community to avoid returning to the pariah status that the nation exited in 1999.

Abdulsalami Abubakar, the former head of state had reminded us that the immediate past president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan said that his political ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

When such men of stature lend their voices to an issue of national interest, those concerned must pay attention to avert avoidable catastrophe. Let us therefore rein in utterances and actions that have high propensity to gravitate the nation towards political violence which might jeopardize the corporate existence of the nation.

PETROLEUM INDUSTRY OUTLOOK POST 2019 ELECTIONS Regardless of whoever emerges as the president, the Nigerian petroleum industry needs serious reform, writes Suraj Oyewale

I

n few days’ time, Nigerians will go to poll to elect the next president of the country. The main contenders remain the incumbent, Muhammadu Buhari, and former vice president, Abubakar Atiku. Despite the talk about diversification, it is highly unlikely that the country’s petroleum sector loses its relevance as the main driver of the country’s economy. In this essay, I attempt an analysis of the key issues affecting this critical industry and how the two leading candidates are likely to respond to them.

As it has been for more than a decade, the Petroleum Industry Bill remains the biggest regulatory issue in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. There was a significant progress in the bill in the last three years, and the progress was championed by the Eight National Assembly (2015-2019). The Bukola Saraki-led legislative arm of government broke the omnibus PIB into four different bills – the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill (PIFB), Petroleum Industry Administration Bill (PIAB), and the Petroleum Host and Impacted Communities Bill (PHICB). The PIGB, which sets out the institutional and regulatory structure of the industry as well as commercial participation by government, was sent to the president for assent in June 2018, but the president withheld his assent on certain grounds, chief among which was the proposal in the bill to have the Petroleum Regulatory Commission (PRC), the successor agency to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) as the principal regulator of the oil and gas industry, retain 10 per cent of the revenue generated by the

commission for its own operations. While there is a school of thought that believes that there is more to the presidential rejection than meets the eye, it is difficult to fault the reason stated by the president. The other three bills have not been sent to the president for assent, just as there has not been any public information on whether the National Assembly will revise the PIGB in light of the president’s concerns.

If Bukola Saraki, who is currently the Director General of the opposition campaign, returns as Senate President post-May 2019, it is highly likely that the PIBs’ traction continues. This will however depend on which president he is working with. It looks like the National Assembly is willing to incorporate the comments made by the president on PIGB. It is therefore highly likely that despite their political differences, a combination of Bukola Saraki-led Senate and Buhari presidency may still deliver the PIBs by the end of 2020 latest.

If Saraki does not return as Senate President and Buhari returns as President, there may not be significant divergence in the outcome. Saraki is most likely to be succeeded by an APC senator. From history, first-time senators hardly make it to highest seat in the Senate, it is therefore not out of place to expect the next Senate President to be a member of the Eight Senate. This will mean, with or without Saraki as head of the legislative arm, the PIBs may see the light of the day within two years of the Nineth Senate. This is because members of the Eight Senate have demonstrated commitment to the bills. The chance may be higher if the Senate President that replaces Saraki is from

APC like Buhari due to expectation of less friction between the President and the Senate leadership.

The PIGB provides for partial privatization of the successor companies to NNPC, Nigeria’s national oil company (NOC). PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar has vowed to privatize NNPC. Whether he meant full or partial privatization is not yet clear. The instrument Atiku wants to use to actualize this is also not yet clear. If Atiku means partial privatization, the PIGB under his presidency could move fast. If he means full privatization, then that contradicts what is in the current version of PIGB and calls for a major revision of the provisions. This may take time. An even extreme possibility is for the president to side-step the PIGB and use other tools for full scale privatization of NNPC, especially within few months into his presidency given the fervor with which he promised this, and his antecedent as a privatization czar.

While Buhari is slow to reforms (confirmed not just by actions so far but also by own statement as reported in the 14 December 2018 edition of The Punch, under the caption “We won’t rush petroleum industry reforms, says Buhari�), Atiku appears more reform-minded. The question will then be, on what template will he start? To continue with the various reform processes that are in various stages, even if too slow, or start all over again with own template?

Deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector is another key issue that will be impacted by the differing policy choice tendencies of the two presidential candidates.

Before the 2015 elections, Buhari strongly

questioned the fuel subsidy arrangement, which was one of the issues that irredeemably dented the image of his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan.

Despite attempting to coat it as “under recovery�, the current administration has not moved away from subsidy payment. In fact, it budgeted over N300 billion to fund subsidy in 2019. However, the all-comer racketeering part of the arrangement may have subsided. At the moment, only NNPC imports petrol into Nigeria according to government sources.

Full deregulation of petrol pricing has political backlash, at least in the short term, that any government will be wary of. It is unlikely that Atiku, despite having more free markets tendency, will also consider this option, especially as he would be careful not to trigger popular disaffection at the early stage of his government. Personally, I believe the eventual winner going whole hog on deregulation will not be a bad idea. This will also be helped by the fact that Dangote refinery is expected to come on stream next year which will mean less reliance on importation.

I think this will be a golden opportunity for deregulation to enter full gear. Let everybody sell at prices that work for them.

In any case, regardless of whoever emerges as the president post-February elections, the Nigerian petroleum industry needs serious reform. The current reforms need to be progressed with more pace and participation by critical stakeholders. Cooperation between the legislative and executive arms of government will play a key role in delivering these reforms.

Oyewale, a chartered accountant and public policy analyst, wrote from Lagos

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T H I S D AY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2019

EDITORIAL ASUU And The Temporary Reprieve It is in the nation’s interest that the latest agreement is honoured

F

ollowing the signing of a Memorandum of Action (MoA) with the federal government, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Thursday suspended the strike that has kept the campuses of public universities closed since 4th November last year. While the truce is commendable, the damage done by the long-drawn strike, like many before it, is irredeemable. How, for instance, would ASUU make up for lost time? And what will members of the academic community do differently now that they have resolved to go back to the classrooms?

There may be no statistical measure of the cumulative damage done to the system in the course of the ASUU strike, but it is evident that this strike has further undermined education, the bedrock of any society. Incessant industrial actions have indeed combined with inadequate attention to damage, almost beyond repairs, our institutions of higher learning. The hurried academic calendars which usually follow these all-too-frequent ASUU strikes allow for very little THE FEDERAL attention to serious GOVERNMENT NEEDS studies while underfunding the education TO UNDERSTAND THE PRIMACY OF CONSTANT sector has had collateral effects, such DIALOGUE AND KEEPING damaging that our universities TO AGREEMENTS have now become grotesque carcasses of their former glorious selves.

Dealing with the challenge requires more than seasonal strikes by the lecturers while the federal government also needs to understand the primacy of constant dialogue and keeping to agreements. As we also argued recently, strikes are sometimes justified by the fact that government officials, both at state and federal levels, have acquired a notorious reputation for responding to issues only when they have assumed crisis proportions. A more practical solution to this recurring problem is for both sides, particularly the federal government, to pay much attention to mutually entered agreements.

It is unfortunate that the federal government and ASUU had for several years been locked in running battles.

The consequences have been lengthy industrial strikes by the lecturers, with the attendant debilitating effects on educational development in particular and academic pursuits in general. Therefore, going forward requires other critical stakeholders in the education sector joining in the efforts to find a lasting solution to what has become a perplexing national challenge. But in doing this, the federal government must take the initiative so that we can collectively come up with ways to reposition tertiary education in our country.

While announcing the suspension of the strike, ASUU President, Dr Abiodun Ogunyemi, said the union “will not hesitate to review its position should government renege on the signed Memorandum of Action”. Against the background of so much talk about the implications of ASUU strike on the coming general election, we hope the agreement was not reached to buy time. Election cannot be more important than the future of our children as it should be clear to the authorities that there is no way we can develop our country until we revitalise key sectors like education.

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

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

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eanwhile, ASUU must also embark on soul-searching. A situation where Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, is joining others to boycott their strike should compel a rethink on their strategy. To the extent that commercialisation of academic grades and poorly written handouts, delayed dissertation and all manner of unwholesome practices have combined to dent university education in Nigeria, ASUU must also accept that it is complicit in the problem. Unfortunately, these are issues which seem to be of little or no concern to ASUU and that perhaps explain why the once-vibrant union that set the agenda for national discourse is now strike-obsessed and largely irrelevant.

Since what these strikes have done is to damage whatever remains of the credibility of tertiary education in Nigeria, it is important for the federal government and ASUU to find common grounds on the way forward.

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RESCUE NIGERIAN GIRLS TRAFFICKED TO MALI

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want to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to save Nigerians from slave auctions in Mali. There is urgent need to rescue more than 20,000 Nigerian girls trafficked to Mali. There is urgent need to protect Nigerian citizens from being sold into slavery. I want to describe the slave trade as a “sickening crime against humanity.” I am wondering why Nigeria is “indifferent”, despite being one of the most affected countries. This is a humiliation not just to Nigeria and Africa, but also to human civilization and the fundamental principles of human rights under the United Nations Charter. Malian government does not have the means or the commitment to crack down on the perpetrators as their hands are full, hence these people smugglers are killing, torturing, extorting and detaining migrants at will.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it is making efforts to rescue the girls trapped in different parts of Mali. Mrs Julie Okah-Donli, the Director- General of NAPTIP, who made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, said the victims were trapped in different parts of Mali, for prostitution. Okah-Donli said that the trafficked victims were discovered after NAPTIP sent a fact-finding mission to Mali last December

following some security reports. She said: ”We sent a fact-finding mission to Mali last month and the mission came with a report that about 20,000 Nigerian girls had been trafficked to different parts of Mali. Many of the girls said that they were deceived that they were being taken to “Malisia”, making it sound like Malaysia to work in hotels, restaurants, hairdressing salons and some other jobs. “Some of the girls arrived there in their school uniforms, meaning that they were kidnapped on their way to or from school,” she said.

The NAPTIP boss decried the living condition of trafficked Nigerians, adding that some of the girls were sold for N600, 000 and were made to service, mainly miners. “There are over one million Nigerians residents in Mali out of which about 20,000 are trapped into forced prostitution. The conditions are horrible; they are kept in shanties in the thick of the forest where they cannot escape and with the “madames” watching over them. Their job, mainly, is to service miners from other parts of Africa who are predominant in Northern Mali. They are bought for N600, 000 and they are made to pay back N1.8million or N2million within six months before regaining freedom and also becoming madams.”

Inwalomhe Donald, Bamako, Mali

SELECTING RECTOR FOR FEDERAL POLY, OKO

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e acknowledge the avowed commitment of this administration to curb corruption in our institutions.

The Governing Council of the Polytechnic, Oko in the selection of candidates for the post of Rector of the institution has deliberately abused the guidelines established by the Federal Ministry of Education, its supervisory ministry, in the selection and appointments of officials into institutions of higher learning in our country.

We recognise the fact that the guidelines which were established were made to be a compulsory templates that must be adhered to in making appointments into institutions to make sure those so appointed are in accordance with due process.

But the governing council of the Polytechnic, Oko in shortlisting three candidates for consideration as rector of the institution, abused the stipulated guidelines. For one, some of the candidates do not possess the requisite qualifications. The guidelines state that for a candidate to be considered for appointment as rector, he must have a masters or doctorate degree from a recognised institutions in any of the discipline offered in the polytechnic namely, science, technology, commerce, and management with 15 years teaching experience. Yet we have a situation where

some of those being considered for the position do not meet this requirement. Even more, some of them do not have the managerial experience required for the attainment of such a tasking position. Besides, the guidelines provide that there must be evidence of scholarly publications in reputable journals as well as presentation of papers at educational conferences, seminars and workshops.

In addition, some do not qualify by virtue of age.

This is because the guidelines stipulate clearly that for one to be qualified he must not be more than 59 years of age. Yet some of the candidates being considered are more than 60 years and some have not published any material in local or international journals.

We thought we have outlasted the period of business as usual, a time where stipulated guidelines are flouted with impunity. The Federal Ministry of Education which is the supervisory ministry must act fast and challenge this impunity.

We call on the Minister of Education to see to it that the right candidates are shortlisted and considered for the post of the rector of the polytechnic to show the world that the business as usual dispensation is gone for good.

This we believe will make the anti-corruption posture and fight of this administration endearing to all.

Comrade Shehu Ibrahim, Oko, Anambra State

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POLITICS

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

PRESIDENTIAL PODIUM

Holding Up the Promise for a Sustainable Nigeria Nseobong Okon-Ekong

for the aged and other vulnerable segments of the society to promote their wellbeing and avoid their abandonment or ill-reatment due to their inability to generate income for their upkeep

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rained originally as a geologist, Ahmed Buhari has since demonstrated competence as a business consultant, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist and a politician.

Buhari declared his interest to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on October 1, 2016.

With family and friends from all over the country, he does not conform to the idea of State of Origin. Born and raised in Kontagora, Niger state, Ahmed obtained his West Africa Secondary School Certificate (WASSC) from Command Secondary School Kaduna where he was able to acquire the much-needed military experience and attributes; discipline, persistence, efficacy, integrity, commitment and straightforwardness.

Upon the demise of his father in 1993, he assumed the responsibility as the father to his younger ones and a companion to his mother at the young age of 15. He acquired a B.Sc. degree in Geology from the Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger state in 2005. After the necessary National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he gained employment with an indigenous oil and gas company in Lagos state. Ahmed attended Cavendish College, London and bagged a Master’s Degree in International Trade and Marketing and then to Manchester Metropolitan University and got trained as a Geographic Information System and Spatial analyst.

He later joined the telecommunications industry and rose to the position of a Senior Business Development Manager.

In 2012, curiosity drove him to venture into what a long line of my family members have always been into; entrepreneurship, although in a more trendy approach. He started Skylar, Inc. a company focused solely on Information Technology (IT), networking, corporate branding, and Business consulting with staff strength of over 100 young people. The Ahmed Bee Foundation has been responsible and associated with social activities to support educational development in Nigeria.

The ‘Kids Can Code’ initiative, which targets young children in primary schools between the ages of 5 and 12. This activity ensures that young children are fully exposed to computer programming, software development, graphic designing and hardware assembling.

In 2016, the Ahmed Bee Foundation started the Coding for people living with disabilities.

In a bid to expose them to other sources of income albinos, people living with blindness, deafness and affected limbs are welcome to the facility every fortnight to acquire free training.

Ahmed is the founder of the Reformation Movement, an agenda that has awakened the consciousness of young Nigerians across Nigeria to embrace themselves regardless of all those things that divide Nigerians.

The organisation also focuses on educating young Nigerians on the need to be politically conscious and encourages youth participation in governance and democratic processes. He has also managed to imbibe the culture of volunteering in young people to start caring for the less privilege in the society.

Economic Policy Improvemen in the well-being of Nigerians is the ultimate objective of Sustainable National Party’s (SNP) economic policy. The goal is to make the basic needs of life accessible to every Nigerian. The focus would be to create a market-based economy driven by small and medium scale businesses and regulated by a reformed public sector. At the very foundation of the above objective of the party is the pursuit of a strong, virile and diversified economy built to stem rural urban migration through investment in modern agricultural methods.

Food Security Upon assumption of office, the SNP admin-

Wealth Creation Sustainable National Party has a strong commitment to the creation of wealth as remedy to poverty. This will be achieved through massive industrialisation and commerce.

We believe that there is a need for a cycle of wealth distribution that encompasses the entire country with no one left behind. We are also committed to developing a Nigerian state that guarantees continuous improvement in the living standards of its people by providing food security, shelter, healthcare services and potable water for all Nigerians and equitable access to social amenities, facilities, services and utilities.

Buhari

istration will declare a State of Emergency on Hunger. The SNP understands that the current level of public spending on agriculture is far too low. Therefore, the party will aim to increase the overall amount of budget on agriculture. This is of vital importance given the large role that agriculture plays in Nigeria.

The SNP administration will strive to reach its goal of food self-sufficiency. Less emphasis will be put on food imports and more on domestic supply to match the demand.

We need a productive work force and so we will order the immediate release of our green reserves to help crash down price of food in our market temporarily.

Agriculture Despite years of investment in agriculture development initiatives, Nigeria remains a country that cannot grow its own food and depends on massive importation of food items from less agriculturally endowed nations. The SNP has resolved to revitalise and modernize the farm settlement system to increase agricultural productivity, check rural-urban migration and make farming attractive as a profitable and prestigious occupation, to farmers and young school leavers.

The party will, under its agricultural scheme, embark on massive irrigation schemes by

The party will aim to increase the overall amount of budget on agriculture. This is of vital importance given the large role that agriculture plays in Nigeria. The SNP administration will strive to reach its goal of food selfsufficiency. Less emphasis will be placed on food imports and more on domestic supply to match the demand. We need a productive work force and so we will order the immediate release of our green reserves to help crash down price of food in our market temporarily

emphasizing small scale dams to provide irrigation water as well as promote aqua culture while equally stimulating agricultural research through a package of incentives to the universities of agriculture, as well as, other agricultural research institutions in Nigeria.

Stable Energy Supply An SNP government will bring bold, ethical and dynamic leadership to the development and management of the energy sector. Our goal will be to better manage our Oil and Gas resources by obtaining global standard agreements, rents and environmental terms with multinationals and local companies operating in the sector and enforcing strict energy efficiency standards and regulations for all operators in the sector. By so doing, the party will increase the capacity of our nation to refine petroleum products. We will also ensure delivery of time-bound targets in electricity generation, transmission, distribution and strict performance management to ensure the timely completion of new power projects.

Industrialisation Sustainable National Party will develop and fully implement an Industrial Master Plan for Nigeria towards the realisation of massive youth employment. This will be complemented by an enhanced policy on research, science and technology which align Nigeria’s higher education system to the country’s industrial development priorities.

Our Nigeria will be committed to addressing the problem of credit access and the attendant cost.

Empowering the Youth and Women The youths and women are one of the greatest assets that any nation can have because they are the future leaders and a precious investment for a country’s development.

Sustainable National Party’s policies will not only envision positive youth development, but will equally target youth empowerment in order to address the issues at stake.

The party will work to create a conducive atmosphere where everyone can grow and become role models to the young and old alike.

Empowerment forVulnerable Nigerians Sustainable National Party will protect the rights of people with disabilities, ensuring funding to empower Nigerians with disabilities to participate in all spheres of life. The party will provide social support

Insecurity One of the key issues faced by the Nigeria Police is poor information and communication capabilities. An average Nigerian Police man lacks the technology, skill, and organisation to effectively communicate on an operational level. Also, data management systems used by the police are moribund, outdated and inadequate. As a result there is a dearth of accurate crime statistics, proper evidence documentation, storage and forensic technology. Over the years the Police Force has acquired a reputation for holding prisoners without trial, arbitrary arrest, extortion, torture, use of excessive force and even murder.

As a result of failed policing, vigilante groups have arisen in various regions with their own agendas and mission. In addition, the military is stretched thin in its efforts to enforce order nationally and regionally. The challenge of accessibility to proper healthcare is perhaps the greatest challenge facing our physical security against illness, with less than 35% of the population currently being served, despite the establishment of the community health scheme. Infant and maternal mortality are unacceptably. the world continue to take the lives of our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and children.

Protection Of Lives And Properties Sustainable National Party will tackle crime and improve the security of lives and property through the consistent pursuit of economic and social policies that generate employment, foster cohesive communities and stabilize families. The party will also ensure the strategic reformation of the criminal ustice administration as well as upgrade and enhance law enforcement and security agencies including the judiciary.

Securing National Integrity The Sustainable National Party will pursue a foreign policy, guided by our interests as a sovereign nation and a developing economy with a focus to protect our territorial integrity and the welfare of Nigerians throughout the world, while simultaneously promoting our national interests. Our foreign policy undertakings will be routinely guided by the quest for concrete outcomes that are in the best interest of the overwhelming majority of our people. Sustainable National Party shall focus specially on the West Africa subregion because of the closeness of Nigeria’s historical and cultural ties to the peoples of the sub-region, the potentially easy-to, access large market for products and services of Nigerian firms that it represents, and the fact that instability in our immediate neighborhood could easily spill over into Nigeria. The Party will do more to engage the Diaspora to invest back into Nigeria. This the party will do by restoring their hopes in our systems through the adoption of global best practices in the conduct of government business and by leveraging their already proven interest in contributing to Nigeria’s development.

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STATE OF THE POLITY

Delta Presents Epic Battle Between Two Fierce Electoral Warlords

The Delta state governorship standard bearers of the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Chief Great Ogboru respectively, are set for an epic battle, writes Omon-Julius Onabu

Okowa

Omon-Julius Onabu

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ith the launch of their respective 2019 campaign councils and commencement of campaign by the state chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the gubernatorial candidates of both parties in Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Chief Great Ogboru respectively, are set for an epic battle between two fierce electoral warlords.

The recent launch of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2019 Campaign Council at the Unity Hall, Government House Asaba, left no one in doubt that the party is prepared for battle to maintain its stranglehold on power in the state, since the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in 1999. The unveiling of the key drivers of the campaign machinery showed clearly that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the PDP leadership in the state mean business and are determined to settle for nothing short of overwhelming victory.

Former Nigerian Information Minister, Prof. Samuel Oyovbaire, is the chairman of the PDP campaign council, former National Assembly member, Prince Ned Nwoko, is the Vice Chairman while a former leader in the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Funkekeme Solomon, is the Director-General of the campaign. The council also has legislators led by the Speaker of the state house of assembly, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Festus Ovie Agas, the politically revered former governor, Chief James Ibori as well as past deputy governors, including Prof Amos Utuama and Chief Benjamin Elue and Sir Simeon Ebonka. Practically, all former and present political office holders from the local government to the national level have equally been assigned various roles in driving the process expected woo majority of voters across the state to choose Okowa and other PDP candidates.

Nonetheless, to drive home the point made by the state party chairman, Kingsley Esiso that the entire campaign would a door-to-door affair, Okowa stressed that there was no duty for anyone at the Government House Asaba, thereby ruling out the so-called ‘eye-service’ in favour of diligent result-oriented contribution by individuals. Specifically, the governor charged that all the political actors, ‘’must go back and work earnestly in their respective units, wards and local government areas,’’ with tested hands to coordinate the collective efforts at the senatorial and state levels.

Moreover, the governor emphasised that ‘’our campaign should be issue-based,’’ saying the confidence of every party man or woman

Ogboru

should be boosted by his administration’s record of visible achievements in all the vital sectors of the local economy since its inception on May 29, 2015. To Okowa, since his government’s numerous infrastructural and other projects and programmes were equitably distributed and all-inclusive, the PDP members could step into every nook and cranny of the state to sell its candidates.

He stressed that no effort should be spared in reaching out to every resident in Delta State, including PDP deserters and members of other political parties, he said.

It is noteworthy that Okowa and the state party leadership emphasised the need for a peaceful approach to prosecuting the campaign. Perhaps, Okowa’s commitment to sustainable peace process is his most valuable selling-point in his re-elction campaign.

He had demonstrated that disposition in the handling of pockets of communal disputes in parts of the state, including the Alaja versus Ogbe-Ijoh feud.

Despite the fact that Okowa’s most visible opponent in the 2019 gubernatorial race, Ogboru, would pass for a sectional chauvinist, there seems to be a niggling doubt that his Orkar-coup-popularity has faded. Ogboru, as evident in his four previous attempts, arguably leans heavily on calculations that the Urhobo Nation, which has the highest population in the state, would vote for him massively as to swing the gubernatorial election in his favour. It is obvious from the posturing of his faction of the APC that Ogboru’s confidence has been doubled by both moral and financial support from the country’s government at the centre

Closely related to that is the fact that Okowa has enjoyed a convivial relationship with the traditional institutions; such that over 60 royal fathers could come together and unanimously put a stamp of approval on his second term bid, under the auspices of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers. At different levels, royal fathers in Delta north, central and south senatorial districts have similarly endorsed Okowa; the latest being traditional rulers and president-generals of development associations of Isoko ethnic extraction. As a matter of fact, Okowa did not have them placing their royal swords on is shoulder in such harmonious fashion during the 2015 election.

None of the governor’s predecessors, including Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, enjoyed this political luxury as they practically had running battles with the polarised traditional rulers.

Q1yOkowa did not enjoy the overwhelming support of traditional rulers in the state during the 2015 election.

Another major advantage for the governor, going into the election on March 2, is the unprecedented harmony within the state PDP. Whereas the loudest among the opposition parties is bogged down by factional crises, mumouring and litigation over alleged imposition of candidates, the PDP has Okowa as its undisputed governorship aspirant, the director-general, Funkekeme noted after the inauguration of the campaign council in Asaba.

He asserted that the situation in other parties, particularly in the APC, was everything but united and peaceful.

The apparently most pervasive sentiment across the length and breadth of Delta State is the unwritten principle known in local parlance as ‘’turn-by-turnism’’. It was introduced in 1999 by the political family within the PDP led by James Ibori. It simply states that a senatorial district may produce a governor for the constitutionally stipulated maximum two terms. Thus, Delta Central produced Governor Ibori (1999-2007); Delta South produced Governor Uduaghan (2007-2015).

Although, the rotational policy meant to promote equity was the brain-child of the state PDP, the entire political space in the state appears to be saturated with it, thus giving it a semblance of a widely accepted norm. Therefore, the PDP insists that equity requires that Okowa should complete the maximum two terms, which commenced in 2015, before somebody outside Anioma nationality (Delta North) could aspire for office of the state governor.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Delta State APC campaign council in Asaba, the APC presidential campaign spokesman for

the state, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, hinted that convincing the people to abandon the rotational power structure has become an uphill task for the party. Specifically, the erstwhile deputy national chairman of the PDP remarked that all attempts by him to persuade the leaders, particularly traditional rulers in Delta North had met a brickwall as the leaders appeared fixated on the issue of turn-by-turn principle of the PDP, against the “no-zoning� stand of the APC. Apart from star projects like the state job creation programme and refurbishment of Asaba International Airport, some jinxbreaking projects executed by the Okowa administration include the Old Benin-Lagos Road traversing Ika South and Ika North-East local government areas and the reconstructed Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba These have significantly raised Okowa’s electoral rating.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently commissioned the Old Benin-Lagos Road, the Keshi Stadium and other road projects, could not hide his excitement. He openly campaigned for Okowa’s reelection.

Yet, Okowa’s real political ace or ‘joker’ is his unprecedented state-wide town hall meeting, which saw the governor undertaking a comprehensive tour of all the local governments to interact with the grassroots comprising all segments of the society, including students, youths, women, farmers, traders as well as religious and traditional leaders. The town hall meeting in each local government was preceded by a day of visit

by Okowa to commission various projects executed by his administration and to inspect ongoing ones.

Of no less importance is the integrity boost the governor’s remarkably successful handling of two important national assignments for his party has obviously added to Okowa’s political clout. After successfully serving as chairman the PDP National Convention in Abuja, Okowa proceeded to again serve as Chairman of the party delegates conference in Port-Harcourt. Thus, he successfully midwifed the process culminating in the emergence of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakr as PDP presidential flagbearer.

Moreover, not only does the PDP in the state appear to possess the war chest to prosecute the 2019 electoral battle, its nearly 20 years as the dominant political party makes it undeniably entrenched with present and past political office holders on ground to complement the efforts of its primary party leaders across the state in an aggressive grassroots campaign.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍŻ, 2019

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08024557078, 08152447875

Íś Ëœ Í° ÍŽ ÍŻ ͡ MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

REPO 19.42 % ͯ͜˛ʹ;Ϲ

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

24.50% 15.25 % ͯ;˛͜͜Ϲ

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

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE

͹;͎˛ͯ͜Ϲ 0.57% 1.50%

YEAR TO DATE

3.70% 3.7%

EXCHANGE RATE N306.70/1US DOLLAR* ĚŠ

Quick Takes KPMG Nigeria Donates N2m to NOHI

ENHANCING EASE OF DOING BUSINESS

L - R: GroupVice President, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Sani Dangote; Senior Special Adviser to the President on Industry,Trade & Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah; World Bank Country Adviser to Nigeria on Doing Business, Cemile Hacibeyoglu; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (MPPUD), Mrs Boladele DapoThomas and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau, Mr Bode Agoro, at the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Lagos stakeholders’ forum on Ease of Doing Business reforms and launch of the Business Made Easy (BME) Nigeria campaign in Lagos‌recently

Nigeria’s Portfolio Inflows Rise to $1.32bn in January Obinna Chima Nigeria recorded significant increase in capital importation via foreign portfolio investors (FPI) in the investors’ and exporters’ forex window (I&E window) in January 2019, the FSDH Merchant Bank Limited has revealed.

In fact, FPI contribution in January stood at US$1.32 billion in January, accounting for 51.34 per cent of total inflows, the highest contribution since April 2018.

This was based on data obtained from the FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange and was attributed to foreign investors taking advantage of higher yields on fixed income securities.

Tthe Head of Research and Strategy at FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, Mr. Ayodele Akinwunmi, disclosed this while providing insights into

ECONOMY the firm’s monthly economic and financial market outlook released at the weekend.

Also, about N2.33 trillion was expected to hit the money market from various maturing government securities and disbursement from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) this month.

The firm estimated that total outflow of approximately N644 billion from the various sources, leading to a net inflow of about N1.68 trillion in the market this month.

FSDH Research expects the market to remain relatively liquid in February 2019.

This, according to Akinwunmi, may continue to necessitate the issuance of open market operations (OMO) to mop-up the liquidity in the system. “FSDH Research believes

the yields on the Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs) may increase further, particularly on the long end from the current levels. “NTB yields are likely to be influenced largely by the level of liquidity in the banking system, the short-term borrowing needs of the government, the need to maintain price stability and election considerations,� he explained.

In line with expectations of FSDH Research, the CBN continued with its tight monetary policy stance throughout January 2019 as it continued to mop up excess liquidity through the use of OMO. The goal is to curb inflation and maintain stability in the foreign exchange market. “This approach led to an increase in the yields on NTBs in January 2019 compared with December,� Akinwunmi said.

FSDH Research anticipated

that January 2019 inflation rate would drop to 11.40 per cent, from the 11.44 per cent recorded in December 2018. “We still however anticipate a hike in the inflation rate from June 2019 due to adjustments to the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and electricity tariff,� he added.

The National Bureau of Statistics would release the inflation report for January on Friday.

FSDH Research believes the CBN would continue to adjust its policies to keep yield above that inflation rate.

The firm stated that it observed downward movement in the external reserves in early February. This, it stated may be a pointer to demand pressure at the foreign exchange market, which may lead to depreciation Continued on page 24

FG Incentivises Passengers with Free Train Ride Sunday Okobi and Kasim Sumaina The federal government has offered a three-month free train ride to passengers on the completed section of the Lagos-Abeokuta rail project.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, while on a test ride from the Iju in Lagos to Abeokuta, Ogun State, at the weekend, revealed that the federal government was not inaugurating the project yet but to test run it.

According to him, “This is not a an inauguration of the project, we just decided to put the train on track to convey passengers for three months free of charge.�

According to the minister,

TRANSPORT “This is not the first standard gauge in the country; the first is Itakpe to Warri while the kaduna to Abuja is the second one.�

He stressed that the LagosIbadan rail line was a project that would continue to Kano State. “This is the first time I can see a people that federal project passed through their lands and they made no demands to disrupt the ongoing project.

And with this experience we made sure that the project is completed on time for the people’s benefit,� he said.

Amaechi added: “This train as from tomorrow will run on free ride for three months, I

will urge the operators to do two or three trips a day, so that more persons can go to work in the morning and return in the evening. “The trips will include one in the morning, afternoon and evening. But this train will be running from tomorrow free of charge. So those who want to go to work from Abeokuta to Lagos can leave in the morning and while returning will join the train at Iju to Abeokuta.�

He further observed that: “While we are working from Iju to Ebute Meta and to Apapa, we are also trying to build our stations and, in a year’s time we would have finished the stations. That way it will be easier to journey through to

Apapa,� Amaechi said.

Meanwhile, a little drama took place Nobel Laurel and dramatist, Prof. Wole Soyinka, said: “This place used to be my hunting ground and I have come to witness what my hunting ground was appropriated for, am so content. “For now, we are keeping our feet on the ground, looking at the opportunities for our small traders, commuters and others.�

On his part, Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, commended President Buhari for his efforts in developing infrastructure in Continued on page 24

KPMGProfessionalServices,oneofthe‘BigFour’ProfessionalServices ďŹ rms in Nigeria, recently donated about two million naira to the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi (NOHI), Lagos (popularly called ‘Igbobi’) to cater for patients’ surgeries and other medical expenses as part of its health initiatives. In addition, the ďŹ rm also presented gifts and hosted a party for the patients at the children’s ward.

VictorOnyenkpa,PartnerandChiefOperatingOďŹƒcer,KPMGinNigeria, said while giving his statement: “KPMG remains committed to ensuring a healthy population which is essential for the Nation’s economic growth, hence, nearly a decade ago, we developed and maintained strategic partnership with NOHI and have continually replicated same with some other local healthcare providers.â€? “We are inspired, by the lives impacted so far and are thankful for the opportunity to continue to make a dierence; we are driven to do more.â€? He continued. Victor Onyenkpa presented the cheque on behalf of KPMG Nigeria and Mrs. R.O. Adedoyin, Deputy Director, Admin, NOHI received same in proxy of the Medical Director, NOHI, Dr. Mustapha Alimi.

Indeed, it was a joyful celebration at the children’s ward as we had a children’s party which involved the distribution of gifts, face painting and singing to the children. We brought the KPMG dierence as we inspired conďŹ dence and encouraged the children.

Gloria Ibeziako, Head, People, Performance and Culture, KPMG in Nigeria,mentionedduringherremarks:“TheKPMGNigeriaHealthInitiative is absolutely amazing and being able to strengthen the hope of these patients proves that the initiative is fulďŹ lling its intended purpose, and truly, KPMG through its citizenship, is impacting lives and improving communities. It’s gratifying to be a part of this.â€?

Wi-Pay Launches Money Transfer Services

Wi-Pay Technologies has successfully tested its online platform and soon to be launched international digital money transfer services.

Wi-PayGlobal,thesistercompanyofWi-PayTechnologies,wasgranted an international Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in November 2016. Over that period the company has engaged in developing strategic relationships with some banks while it designed the operating platform and integrating with local banks in Nigeria and Ghana. “Our tenacity in the implementation process has ultimately culminated in this successful testing and we are quite excited about it,� Chairman and CEO of the company, Chamberlain Peterside, was quoted to have said. Upon launching the operation in early 2019, the money transfer services will initially focus on the UK-Nigeria and Ghana corridors as the company strives to expand its footprint to other West African countries. Against this background, the CEO explained that the company would seek to continue building strategic partnerships that can enable it terminate transactions in banks, via bank accounts or cash-outs across the region as well as through NIPOST locations in Nigeria. It is planned that upon full integration recipients also could be able to receive remittances in their mobile wallet and agent locations.

Wi-Pay said it is poised to oer innovation and multiple channels for terminating international remittance in Africa. “By recent data, over $23 billion was remitted by Nigerians in Diaspora, therefore Wi-Pay is well positioned to capitalize on this growing market,â€? he added.

Facebook to Open Content Review Centre

As part of its continued investment across Sub-Saharan Africa and commitment to safety and security on its platform, Facebook is opening a new content review centre in Nairobi, Kenya. In partnership with Samasource – one of the largest digital employers in East Africa and a leading social enterprise — the site in Nairobi would be Facebook’s ďŹ rst content review centre in Africa. It would employ approximately 100 reviewers by the end of the year, who will support a number of languages, including Somali, Oromo, Swahili and Hausa. Facebook’s Public Policy Associate for content, Fazdai Madzingira said: “Over the years, we have made signiďŹ cant investments globally, and locally in ensuring that people see the content they want to see, and are aware of what is and isn’t allowed on the platform. “That’s why we have a set of Community Standards and last year published the more detailed internal guidelines around these rules. We want Facebook to be a place where people can express themselves and freely discuss dierent points of view, whilst ensuring that it remains safe for everyone.â€?

“We have been able to achieve this level of safety because we have been monitoring and ensuring compliance to those regulations. We will rather have over regulation and a very good safety regime than to have no regulation or little regulation� �

DG, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,

Muhtar Usman

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BUSINESSWORLD NIGERIA’S PORTFOLIO INFLOWS RISE TO $1.32BN IN JANUARY

in the value of the naira. “This in the short-term is in line with our expectation.

The current position of external reserves continues to provide short-term stability for the value of the naira. However, the medium-term stability in the foreign exchange market will depend on the country’s foreign exchange receipts from both crude oil and non-oil products. “The 30-Day moving average external reserves increased by 0.13 per cent, from $43.12 billion at the end of December, to $43.17 billion at the end of January 2019,� it stated.

It pointed out that although there was a drop in the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) figures that the for January 2019, the drop was in line with the historical trend of low manufacturing activities associated with January.

The Manufacturing PMI stood at 58.5 points in January, from a four year high of 61.1 points in December 2018.

The Non-Manufacturing PMI also decreased to 60.1 points in January from 62.3 points in December.

FG INCENTIVISES PASSENGERS WITH FREE TRAIN RIDE

the state.

According to him, “The National Assembly has played his own role in providing the legislative framework within which the edifice can thrive and we are looking forward to how it will transform to jobs.�

Ashafa, noted that over 11,000 persons have been employed by the NRC, “there are about 2000 Nigerian students who are in China now studying various kind of engineering waiting for the period when they will take over from the contractors.�

In his remarks also, Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosu, noted that “today, history is been made as the project will open up opportunities within the community and its environs.�

Amosu said the project would bring about industrial revolution to the state and country at large, thereby competing with developed cities across the world.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Jonathan Eze

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Maritime)

NEWS

PenCom Boss Denies Alleged Pension Act Violation Ebere Nwoji

commission in acting capacity, pending assumption of duty by the appointed members of the executive management. “Consequently, we have in the commission since April 2017, only a transitional management run by career staff of the commission�.

Continuing in her defence, she said, “By virtue of Section 19(3) of the PRA 2014, the president has power to appoint the Chairman, the Director-General and Commissioners of the National Pension Commission, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The career staff of the commission absolutely do not have any role or influence on decisions taken by either the executive or legislative arms of the federal government in the matter of appointment to the board of

the commission. “It is, therefore, incorrect to allege that the current transitional management is stalling the appointment or assumption of duty of the new board members. “On illegal creation of additional directorates and appointment of more directors, thereby increasing the number from 10 to 17 directors. Section 30 of the PRA 2014 provides that the structure of PenCom shall comprise “divisions, departments and units as may be approved by the board from time to time.�

The current organogram of the Commission was approved by the board of the commission at its 46th meeting held on 12 June, 2015, with a structure of 5 divisions and 20 departments. “This structure subsists to

date and has not been altered.

Consequently, it is incorrect to state that additional directorates have been created by the Commission during the current transitional period,� Dahir-Umar stated.

On recruiting of managers, she said the commission has not recruited any additional General Manager since the beginning of the transitional period in April 2017 to date.

According to her, what happened was a normal and duly approved promotion exercise for career staff of the commission, where three Deputy General Managers were promoted to the grade of General Managers after duly satisfying the established criteria in accordance with the terms and conditions of their

employment. “The Ad-hoc Committee may wish to note that the report of the Annual Staff Performance Appraisal exercise, containing recommendations for promotion to General Manager and other grades, was approved by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on 18 April, 2018, in the absence of a functional board of the commission. This is consistent with the provision of Section 17(5) of the PRA 2014 and Section 9 of the First Schedule to the PRA 2014, as well as Mr. President’s directive of 16 July, 2015 to all MDAs whose boards were dissolved that issues requiring approval of boards should be referred to him for decision through the respective supervising ministries.

The acting Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Aisha DahirUmar has said the allegations levelled against the National Pension Commission (PenCom) by members of the House of Representatives were incorrect and unfounded.

Dahir-Umar, made this known during the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee Public hearing to investigate the activities of PenCom and alleged Violation of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014, held in Abuja recently.

In her response to the Ad-Hoc Committee over the allegation, she said members of staff and management team of the commission had always operated in accordance with the Act. She said the lawmakers were misled by a motion moved in the House on 29 November, 2018.

Speaking on the allegation of unduly creating an impasse in the matter of appointment and resumption of duty of the members of board of the commission, she recalled that following the dissolution of the erstwhile management of PenCom in 2017, along with the managements of 22 other agencies and parastatals, the federal government had announced the names of a new management team subject to confirmation by the Senate.

She said: “You will further recall that on 27 May, 2017, the federal government reconstituted the nominated team subject to senate confirmation. In the interim, however, the federal government directed the undersigned, as the most senior L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Great Anstar, Anslem Ezenwa; Business Development Manager, Philips Consumer Lifestyle, Mr. Jones Mgbolu; career staff of the commission, Chief Executive Officer, Macface Global Concept, Michael Eneekwechi and Partner Account Manager, Philips Personal Health, Justin Ugboro, to superintend the affairs of the at the Philips 2019 Reseller Conference, which held in Lagos...recently

ENHANCING RESELLER BUSINESS

NCAA, NIMC to Collaborate on Data Exchange Chinedu Eze The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Muhtar Usman, has disclosed that the agency was planning to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure that aviation personnel are properly captured in the nation’s database.

Usman, who expressed appreciation on the easy process of enrolling into the National

Identity Database (NIDB) by NIMC urged Nigerians to register and be identified as Nigerian citizens.

Usman stated this at the NIMC Headquarters in Abuja at the weekend, after he completed his enrolment for his National Identification Number (NIN).

The DG of NCAA expressed delight over the smooth enrolment process, stating that the National Identity Management Scheme (NIMS) was a laudable project by the federal

government to ensure that all Nigerians and Legal Residents are properly enrolled, identified and issued an identification number. “This is very important and must be taken seriously.

I implore all Nigerians to ensure they are captured into the Database in good time, so they can be issued their own unique number for identification even beyond the shores of the country,� Usman said.

He applauded the management of NIMC and emphasised

that countries across the world that embraced similar system have resolved issues of identity of its citizens, citing the United States of America as an example, where everyone is given a Social Security Number. Usman, further stressed that NCAA is an agency of the government built to regulate civil aviation activities in Nigeria hence, “It will help us in the area of verification as an agency of government responsible for licensing aviation personnel, as well as corporate entities that operate the aviation

services in Nigeria. “This is a commendable initiative and we hope to collaborate with NIMC, and key into the project to ensure that the data captured are properly exchanged, to see how licensed aviation personnel can be enrolled and identified for life. “In the USA, they have tied the Social Security Number with pilots/aviation personnel licenses because of the importance of having one standard data and NCAA can also do the same,� he added.

FG Seeks to Raise Domestic Gas Supply Capacity Sylvester Idowu in Warri The federal government has said it is pursuing aggressive growth in domestic gas supply capacity from the current 1.7bscfd to 5bscfd, in the medium term.

This growth was anticipated to come from seven critical gas development projects.

The Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, unveiled government’s gas plan at the inauguration of Egbaoma Gas

Processing Plant (EGPP), Ebedei community in Ukwani Local Government area of Delta State.

He disclosed that the gas pipeline infrastructure network system was equally being expanded, adding that, “this expansion includes the Obiafu-Obrikom to Oben (OB3) gas pipeline which is less than 5km to Egbaoma Gas Plant and can serve as a major evacuation artery of the dry gas produced from the plant to the market.�

Baru said the critical 2bscfd capacity OB3 gas pipeline was

expected to be completed by the end of second quarter, noting that “we are aware that within 50km from the processing plant and the OB3 pipeline lies proven reserves of 1Tcf from News cross Petroleum, Pillar Oil, Chorus Energy and Summit Oil that can support a 150mmscfd gas processing hub.�

He, therefore, urged operators whose assets were close to the PNG Gas Limited and the OB3 pipeline to collaborate and supply gas to maximise the plant’s capacity, access and com-

mercialise all existing flares and further develop the significant gas reserves of 1Tcf in the area.

The NNPC boss commended the Chairman of Owel-Linkso, Engr Charles Osezua, promoter of the Gas Train and a Director in PNG Gas Limited, for his drive for the development of the nation’s gas sector.

Osezua, in his address said the PNG Gas plant was capable of producing 35 million litres of LPG and 34 million litres of Propane daily and has provided over 500 direct and indirect jobs

for Nigerians with 60 percent of them from the Niger Delta.

He said the dream of the management of PNG Gas Limited was to produce 150 million litres of LPG daily. This, he however said was limited to 35 million litres for now, saying the company was working assiduously to expand the plant.

Osezua, urged the NNPC to create conducive environment for investors in the gas sector to achieve the federal government’s objective of reducing gas flaring in the country.

5 ) * 4 % ": t MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2019

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Unlocking Access to Finance Increasing access to finance for micro, small and medium scale enterprises will spur economic activities and bring about sustainable growth, writes Obinna Chima Micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) play a major role in most economies, particularly in developing countries. In fact, MSMEs contribute up to 45 per cent of total employment and up to 33 per cent of national income (GDP) in emerging economies, according to a report by the World Bank.

Estimates also show that 600 million jobs would be needed in the next 15 years to absorb the growing global workforce, mainly in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

However, access to finance is a key constraint to MSMEs’ growth and without it, many operators have been stagnating.

Overall, the World Bank report indicated that approximately 70 per cent of all micro, small and medium scale enterprises in emerging markets lack access to credit. While the gap varies considerably between regions, it’s particularly wide in Africa and Asia.

That is why improving access to finance for MSMEs and finding solutions to unlock sources of capital is crucial to enable their businesses grow and provide the needed jobs.

National Collateral Registry In pursuant of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) mandate on sustainable economic inclusive growth and financial inclusion, the apex bank in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) had established the National Collateral Register (NCR).

The NCR is a financial infrastructure that seeks to deepen credit delivery to MSMEs through enhanced acceptability of movable assets – equipment, machinery, vehicles, Keke – NAPEP, crops, livestock, account receivables, inventories, and jewelry – as collateral for loans by financial institutions.

It is a registry where security interests in moveable assets are registered after being used as collateral to obtain facilities from financial institutions.

NCR allows lenders to assess their priority interest in potential claims against particular collateral.

The objective, it was learnt, is to enhance financial inclusion in Nigeria, stimulate responsible lending to MSMEs, facilitate access to credit secured with movable assets, perfect security interests in movable assets, facilitate realisation of security interests in movable asset.

The key deliverable of the registry is to promote the acceptance of movable asset as collaterals for loans and contribute to economic growth and development of the country.

It was signed into law in 2017 by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during the period he acted as president.

Presently, a cumulative of 154,827 MSMEs have used movable assets valued at N1.561 trillion to obtain loans from financial institutions since the NCR was passed into law. The latest NCR report obtained by THISDAY had showed that a breakdown of the amount recorded between January 1, 2017 and December 19, 2018, put the value of the assets at N1.209 trillion; $1,142, 389,799.12 (N349,571,278,530.72) and â‚Ź6,080,004.36 (N2,121,921,521.64).

The report also revealed that of the 154,827 MSMEs that used their movable assets to obtain loans from financial institutions, 22,251 were female-owned MSMEs. It stated, “Considerable number of borrowers secured credit from financial institutions in 2018 using their movable assets as collateral. The high number of borrowers that secured credit in 2017 is attributable to the high participation of smallholder farmers under the CBN Anchor Borrower’s Programme using cross-guarantee as collateral. “During the year under review, there was an upsurge of lending using movable assets as collateral.

This is attributable to the increase in the number of microfinance banks on the NCR portal as well as increased participation of deposit money banks and non-bank financial institutions. Out of the total amount of N1,209,381,006,933. 90, a sum of N43,618,262,792.17 went to female MSMEs.�

In addition, the report showed that a cumulative of 16,349 searches were conducted by both financial institutions and the public on the NCR portal.

Also, there was an upsurge of searches conducted by financial institutions in 2018 due to their increased participation in the movable asset lending regime and continuous sensitisation to the users to ensure

they conduct searches to determine the level of encumbrances before undertaking any financial transaction.

Commenting on the milestone recorded in 2018, the report pointed out that during the year, 411 microfinance banks registered on the NCR portal as a result of intensive sensitisation campaign on the operations of the register carried out across the six geo-political zones of the country as well as other collaborative strategic enlightenment programmes. “During the period under review, the number of financial institutions that registered on the National Collateral Registry portal increased by 343 per cent, when compared with the 2017 figure which was 103 financial institutions. This was the result of the various aggressive education and awareness campaign on secured transactions in moveable assets conducted under the National Action Plan. “Also, during the period under review, the number of registered financial institutions that registered financing statements on the NCR portal increased by 89 per cent when compared with the 2017 figure which was 36 financial institutions.

This was the result of the various aggressive education and awareness campaign on secured transactions in moveable assets conducted under the National Action Plan,� it stated.

Some of the challenges faced included paucity of funds for sensitising the judiciary and Nigeria police on the legal implications of the STMA Act, 2017; the need for a driver to move NCR staff to strategic meetings and answer to financial institutions complaints where necessary considering the

But some SMEs don’t have ďŹ xed assets like buildings or land that banks can hold on to as collateral in the event of business failure. So the idea of movable collateral makes it easy to say, if you have a car, you can register it through the registry and the bank would take the car as collateral and register it in the registry

present location of the office; and low usage of the Collateral Registry System especially bank and reluctance of financial service providers to appreciate the benefits of Asset-Based Lending, among others.

CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had expressed satisfaction when the Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Act (otherwise known as National Collateral Registry Act) was signed into law by Osinbajo, saying it would help to expand access to finance for MSMEs in the country.

This, he said, was one of the cardinal objectives of the development finance function of the CBN. On the benefits of the National Collateral Registry, Emefiele explained that when he assumed the position of CBN Governor on June 3, 2014, one of his vision statements was to ensure improved access to credit to MSMEs. As part of efforts to achieve this, he disclosed that the CBN had to work with the IFC, an arm of the World Bank, to sponsor the bill on the Collateral Registry.

He pointed out that the NCR provides a legal framework under which banks can lend money to the SMEs. “Banks would naturally not lend without taking collateral because of the perceived risk of either non-performance arising from business failure. So, because the banks are in business not to lend their own money, but depositors’ money, they would want to be sure that whatever money that they lend to any person or corporate entity, is secured. “But some SMEs don’t have fixed assets like buildings or land that banks can hold on to as collateral in the event of business failure. So the idea of movable collateral makes it easy to say, if you have a car, you can register it through the registry and the bank would take the car as collateral and register it in the registry. “The registry would assign certain code numbers, which gives that bank exclusive charge over that car, so that in case there is failure, they can possess the car and with the legal framework in place, they would be able to sell the car to realise what they lent out as loan. “Similarly, if you are a hairdresser, the bank can take the hairdressing equipment, if you are a mechanic, they can take your mechanical tools, or any kind of business,� he explained.

To this end, Emefiele expressed optimism that with this law, Nigerian lenders would be further encouraged to loan to the SMEs, saying that the CBN in collaboration with the banks would soon start creating awareness on the benefits of the National Collateral Registry.

He, however, pointed out that the central bank and financial institutions under its supervision would raise the level of awareness on the NCR. “I believe once that is done, we would see the sustainable and inclusive growth that we are looking for. In Nigeria, we have close to 40 million SMEs. So, for us to be able to provide jobs for people, we need to encourage the SMEs to be able to access finance,� he added.

Ensures Transparency According to a World Bank report, transparency and priority are the core elements that make the existence of a collateral registry relevant and a sine qua non for SME financing.

It pointed out that there are two perspectives when financing the establishment or expansion of a SME—that of the debtor and that of the creditor.

On the one hand, companies require affordable credit—greater availability, an extended repayment period and lower interest rate. On the other hand, lenders must absorb the cost of capital, loan transaction costs and the risk of a non-performing loan. SMEs, in particular, often lack adequate credit history and proof of profitability.

In SME-intensive sectors such as agriculture, for example, entrepreneurs face particular challenges such as weather risks and market fluctuations. For this reason, banks require that collateral—ideally for the bank in the form of immovable property—is provided as a guarantee, the World Bank stated.

Nevertheless, the multilateral institution noted that efficient, secured transactions legal frameworks that allow for movable property to be recorded in collateral registries can support an increase in lending.

Furthermore, studies showed that banks tend to increase lending following reforms to collateral laws; this is especially important in emerging economies where information asymmetries prevail. “Registration that is easy, quick and inexpensive encourages parties to reveal transactions that they otherwise may have concealed. Documentation may unnecessarily complicate the creation of the security right, particularly if the document requests payments and the parties enter into small repeated actions,� it added.

Therefore, the introduction of a new collateral registry in the Nigerian financial system is expected to result in a significant economic impact in bank financing as studies had shown that, apart from increased access to credit, interest rates may drop and repayment periods can be extended owing to this initiative.

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Opanachi: No Bank Will Take Credit Risk for Political Borrowers The Development Bank of Nigeria was established in 2017, with the aim of alleviating financing constraints faced by micro, small and medium enterprises in the country. The Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Tony Okpanachi, in this interview speaks on the achievement of the bank one year after it commenced operations.

Goddy Egene provides the excerpts: The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) just marked its one year in operations, what has been the experience so far. Are the Participating Financial Institutions(PFIs), which you use as intermediaries not seeing this as another profit-making venture because lending rates have remained high. Besides, what has been the sectoral spread?

We are a wholesale institution so we encourage the financial institutions (DFIs) to go into different sectors. We are not excluding any sector, especially any sector that has growth and job creation potential benefit. In terms of the nature of our intervention, so far, what we have seen is that funds have been used for expansion, because we are encouraging longer tenure funding. That is the key differentiating factor of DBN. We encourage PFIs to give longer tenure long loans to MSMEs so that they have enough time to stabilise their business and begin to repay. So in the education sector, for instance, what we have seen is one or two taking DBN loans to build hostels, classrooms and laboratories. It is more like infrastructural lending and not for working capital. Now, if you talk about the on-lending and single digit interest rate, I have said that financial stability is one of the things DBN has to focus on and in doing that, in our pricing model, we want to put that into consideration. We are not an intervention fund. This is funding by a financial institution that is providing longer term fund. So the risks of the borrowers lie in the financial institutions. The PFIs also price the risk appropriately to determine what rate. But in our engagement with them, we influence to some extent how the rate will go. Remember they are the ones to give the credit risks, so we engage them. If you look at the difficulty of that segment accessing funds, not only about the pricing, but also stability and availability of the funds is key.

If you talk to most MSME operators, they will you tell you give me the money let me even see the money first. So, we work to encourage these financial institutions to lend to them and in encouraging them to lend to them, you must realise that they take credit risk and this should be priced appropriately. However, in the long-run, the strategy of DBN is how to see the continuous provision of the funding and be able to keep the pricing lower and on a sustainable basis. But the key thing for us is sustainability not just intervention once and then you run out funds and not be able to continue to lend on the long run. If you look around, it is the sustainable financing of that sector that has brought down interest rate and pricing because once the funding is there, you create competition even among the financial institutions. So, without being prompted, if you have option, you go to bank A and if it is charging you rate that is high, you can switch to another bank and this will bring down the pricing on the long run. However, if you look at the MSME segment very well, pricing alone is just one cost. There are so many other factors that affect their eventual cost. If you look at the study that has been done over time in terms what is key that affect MSMEs most, you will find out that the cost of funding is almost about the fifth item. There are so many issues that need to be dealt with for them to be able to breakthrough, even if you give them loan at one per cent there are so many other factors that affect them.

For instance, infrastructure and others, are

Okpanachi things that are being dealt with at the macro level. We should be not fixated on the issue of pricing because it is just one key. If you look at hierarchy of issues affecting that segment, pricing will be about number five.

A lot of them will tell you that availability is not even there. Two, most of them will tell you give me the money, I know how to price my products in such a way that I will still make my money. So, pricing is key and very important but that is not the only factor affecting overall operations in the sector.

From experience, commercial banks are set up for business, right? but they also know that as long there is competition, free market bring competition. And what determines which bank you go to is the one that gives you the best pricing. So, as long as we going

So, we work to encourage these ďŹ nancial institutions to lend to them and in encouraging them to lend to them, you must realise that they take credit risk and this should be priced appropriately

to create competition in the market and availability, then be assured there will be more sustainable pricing at affordable rates.

Commercial banks are not set up to fleece their customers and of course if they run customers out of business, they will not be there to do operate tomorrow. So, it is the pricing of whatever risk they are taking that will determine their eventual rate. DBN does not have any fear that the PFIs would want to take advantage of MSMEs because it is just that we provide an intervention fund and we give it out at particular rates.

However, we engaging with the financial institutions in terms of sustainable pricing.

But there is the fear that there could still be people who borrow these funds and divert the loan for political purpose?

I can assure that the way DBN operate, we are a wholesale financial institution. I can assure you that no microfinance bank or commercial bank will want to take credit risk for any political borrowers whom people think may come in to hijack the system.

Secondly, we ought to get to see who the end borrowers are. We also do monitoring and evaluation. We still go beyond to see if the money is being utilised as stated by the borrowers. So, I can assure that the fact these financial institutions do their analyses and assessments, we still do our part to ensure that the PFIs do not accommodate political borrowers.

Talking about guarantees, why do you have to float a separate company for this. How much loan have you given out so far, what has been the spread and what are you projecting this year?

You know, the business of providing guarantee is different from lending. This is the first time we want to set up such a company in Nigeria, a wholly credit guarantee company whose job will be to provide guarantee.

You have some in Africa but in Nigeria we don’t have any. Now, being a subsidiary also ring fences it from what DBN will do.

We can go on with our lending activities and also provide guarantees. For example, when financial institutions say their need is not funding but they want you to share with them, you have to have a specialised institution that can dissect that situation properly based on the risks involved. That is why a subsidiary is being set basically for that. It is going to be fully owned by DBN so that its objectives too are aligned with DBN’s overall objectives. That is one.

As you know DBN formally commenced lending operations in October 2017, to its first two PFIs, which were microfinance banks. But with a strong on-boarding exercise it carried out within the year, the bank currently has a total of 29 PFIs which include commercial banks at various stages CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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OPANACHI: NO BANK WILL TAKE CREDIT RISK FOR POLITICAL BORROWERS of engagement.

Our total disbursement in the first year was N31.364 billion, thus exceeding our year end projection of N30 billion. Total number of end borrowers stood at 35, 000 which also exceeded our year-end target of 20,000 MSMEs. Women accounted for 73 per cent of the end-borrowers of the DBN loans and they received 27 per cent of the total amounts disbursed.

In terms of how much we projected to do this year, we are hoping to do up to N70 billion. In terms of geographical spread, from what we found out, all the six geo-political zones have benefitted.

The beauty of our model, because we use financial institutions as intermediaries, they have locations all over the country. But in terms of coverage, some areas are higher.

From the first one year, we have seen that all parts of the country are being covered.

We are building capacity. For DBN, what we are beginning to do is first access to credit.

For example, for start-ups, how do you fund start-ups? They don’t have a track record.

So, we are building capacity to learn how to be able to encourage the PFIs begin to lend to start-ups on cash-flow basis and on alternative collateral they can take if there are challenges for MSMEs. That is the area of intervention we want to do in terms of capacity and you know that commercial banks already have several strategies to deal with lending. But were also telling them to go beyond the traditional lending and how to provide that services to MSME. In your areas of intervention, energy is not included. Also, how are you monitoring to ensure the risks are brought to lowest level?

Okpanachi As I mentioned before, it is not that the energy sector is excluded. The financial they give the money out we have a service institutions bring the request to us, we do level agreement (SLA) with them and know not dictate to them which sectors to lend when the money gets to the borrowers. So, to. What we have reported to you is what once they get the money, we know when they have brought so far. As we go on, those they will disburse. Therefore, the fear of who are in the energy sector will come and holding funds before they are disbursed out of 35,000 beneficiaries, about 80 per cent will be mitigated because we already know of them are micro. As more of them come, before it gets there and when it gets there, those who are comfortable to work in the we do our evaluation to find out the purpose energy, I am sure we will see them. So, the for which the funds were taken and it is energy sector was not excluded. We are it really used and if it is really making not sector specific. As long as you have the those impact. The impact will be felt in potential to create employment, potential years to come but we start our evaluation to empower and contribute to development immediately to put discipline to it. Funding and growth, DBN will fund you. We also from DBN has a purpose and that purpose know that some sectors have more growth must be there. We are strictly following that. potential. So as we go along, we encourage We have done only one year, but even at such sectors. In terms of monitoring, our that we have started our monitoring and model is that, we just give the money to evaluation. Beyond DBN itself, there is an the PFIs. What we do if they bring their independent consultant handling this and transactions, we know who the borrowers part of what they do is go out and find out are, we have their details, who they are and from the borrowers how has the money what they do upfront. So by the time we you got impacted livelihood. And some give the money to financial institutions and of those findings will help us to fine tune they on lend and we go again to monitor. what we are doing to ensure that there are We go directly to the institutions. Before no gaps.

Citi Launches Global Depositary Note Citi’s Global Issuer Services business, acting through Citibank, N.A. in its capacity as a depositary bank has announced that it has expanded its Global Depositary Note (GDN) product capabilities to the Ghanaian government debt securities.

Ghana is the 22nd country, globally, in which Citi facilitates access to local debt securities via its GDN depositary bank function, the international bank disclosed in a statement.

GDNs are a debt security version of the traditional equitybased depositary receipt (DR) structure, facilitating convenient cross-border access to local debt securities for broker dealers and institutional investors in the United States for qualified institutional buyers and outside the United States for non-U.S. persons.

GDNs represent particular local debt securities, replicating the characteristics of the respec-

tive local bonds while trading in US dollar terms and settling in Euroclear, Clearstream or the Depository Trust Company (DTC).

Citi launched its first GDN program in Peru in 2007 and has since expanded its product offering to contemplate debt securities issued in 21 additional countries, including the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile, Paraguay, Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica and Panama (in the Latin America region); Ghana, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Zambia, Uganda, Rwanda and Turkey (in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region); and Vietnam (in the Asia Pacific region). “We are delighted to extend our GDN depositary bank capabilities to Ghanaian government debt securities,� Head of Global Issuer Services at Citi, Dirk Jones said.

“The GDN program provides international investors with an additional mechanism through which to access the local bond market in Ghana.�

The government of Ghana is supportive of initiatives that are aligned with our objective to continuously develop the domestic capital market,� the Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen said. “The GDN product is an example of such an initiative, as it is designed to promote liquidity and investor diversification of government debt securities,� the statement added.

Citi is a leading provider of depositary receipt services. With depositary receipt programs in 62 markets, spanning equity and fixed-income products, Citi leverages its global network to provide cross-border capital market access to issuers, intermediaries and investors.

funds together to assist some sectors in those areas and can venture capital firms access your funds?

In terms of partnership, it is good a point.

But funding to the MSME sector is a different thing. DBN is not providing equity but some of them need to have equity, some of them need to have some angel investors coming into them. Foundations such as Tony Elumelu Foundation among others, can provide seed capital for them to start. But most businesses will also need debt component and the DBN loan will come in form of debt component.

So, the advantage of the DBN loan is that it will provide longer tenor which is almost equity because you are going to have it for about 10 years. And in some cases when you have a moratorium of 18 months, effectively you have 12 years’ tenor money. This is as close to tier-2 capital. So in working with these institutions we are going to see ones that have been provided seed capitals that they have started their business with but now need to expand their business or in addition to the little capital they have, they want to need to take debt to be able to take it to the next level. That is where the DBN funding will come in. In terms of data, we are going to carry out studies, for instance, the monitoring and evaluation we are doing, the information from there will be shared.

We are going to carry out specific studies in that segment. Beyond that, we are going to work with other partners, both local and international to help provide data. The idea is to provide enough information to financial institutions to encourage them to be able to lend to the sector.

How do you make sure that bank does not charge exorbitant rates?

Well, there is not cap on the interest rates that financial institutions give. But we have a visibility of the rates. Even without any caps, we see banks lend to some companies at 13 per cent. We have seen some lending at 16 per cent and some 18 per cent.

Is there provision for lending to associations such as cooperative societies?

For now, for you to be a PFI, you must be licenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and I don’t think cooperative societies have such registrations to access our funding directly. But as the business unfolds, there is the likelihood that we will expand, based on experience. But for now, the associations and cooperatives have to come through other financial institutions to be able to access the loans. Some of the loans we see through micro finance banks are associations. They come together and the banks do group lending to them.

What about partnership with some foundations? Are you looking at putting

What are the challenges and what is the level of non-performing loan(NPL)?

Talking about NPL, we have a zero-NPL because of our model. The NPL will come if the PFIs themselves fail or fail in their obligations. And given our strong criteria to be able to access our funds, so far we have not seen any NPL. The challenges in startups and wholesale institutions are obvious and we need partners. So engaging with partners to buy into what we are doing is one of the challenges. Some partners may not believe. The interesting thing is that now that lending has begun and they are seeing, we are getting more enquiries. The second challenge is the expectations on pricing. The single digit rate has been on their minds for some time when they see an institution like this, they expect that come through. Of course, pricing is key in terms of affordability, but accessibility and tenor are equally good and that is the strong point of the DBN. We were established to give long tenured loan. We have to let people know that pricing is not all and that is an initial challenge that we working on. The awareness itself about wholesale lending.

Foundation UrgesYouths to Decide their Future Hamid Ayodeji The Stephen Akintayo Foundation has organised a forum in Lagos, where youths were advised to decide their future by themselves.

At the event, the speakers stressed the need for Nigerians to be conscious of developments in their societies and to live up to their responsibilities as followers.

The founder of the foundation, Stephen Akintayo, said the forum was organised to ensure that citizens become aware of the fact that it is not solely the responsibility of the government to provide a better economic, social and political system, saying a collaborative effort was required by both the leadership and the followers. “Also, considering that the forthcoming general elections is almost here, it is expected of people to have gotten their personal voter’s card in other

for them to be able to vote for the candidates they believe can bring about development, instead of sitting back doing nothing or selling their votes to corrupt bidders. “The change we desire in the country begins with us being sincere to ourselves, it begins with us enforcing the change by holding the leaders accountable so they fulfil the promises they made and this has to do with the citizenship participation. “We as individuals become leaders, so if we are responsible as individuals it is easier for us to become responsible when we become leaders,� Akintayo said.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Imaginarium Global Creative, Ferdinand Ladi-Adimefe said: “There is an institutional framework for driving change and that is politics and governance.

Realising this made me rethink advocacy and go into politics by

running for the office of Federal House of Representatives, EtiOsa Constituency, Lagos. “Advocacy, no matter how powerful, is limited. Politics is here, so let us youths participate in it. If we want a society where people can produce, where our entrepreneurs can create, we will need to go back to the education sector and develop it from the primary level to the higher levels; helping our teachers support the creative system and multiple intelligence in children.’’ he added.

Meanwhile, an On Air Personality, Adenike Oyetunde, said she has met people, “who are not willing to change; people that will rather cut off their limbs just to become beggars on the streets, even when everything humanly possible is done to get them a prosthetic leg and empower them; you still find them back on the street begging about two weeks after.

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BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Banks Move to Boost Lending Nume Ekeghe Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Sunday Ehigiator In a bid to enhance access to finance, the CreditRegistry have disclosed that First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Access Bank Plc have committed N10 billion to be lent to firms that have good credit ratings.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, CreditRegistry, Mrs. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, disclosed this during the ‘an evening with CreditRegistry,’ that took place in Lagos at the weekend.

Sharrieff-Ayedun explained: “Two of our financial institutions - First Bank and Access Bank- have made pledges of N5 billion each, and the pledges are expected to continue to grow. “Our job at the credit registry is to ensure that we find those good borrowers and connect them to those lenders that are ready to give them credit. “The cost percentage of those

loans, and criteria, would still be determined by the banks, but they are now going to be getting from us credit worthy, good borrowers, that they can be able to consider much more quickly. “Our job is to be able to help each and every one in Nigeria, that is interested in getting access to credit. Now they can get fast and easy access to credit and that means that, we have to be able to help to determine if they are good borrowers, the kind of person who are going to be able to take a loan and honour those obligations.� “And if they are doing that and doing that consistently, more and more will be available for them through our business. “To be clear, we don’t give loans, but we enable credit worthy people to get access to credit through our partners. And right now, we

are looking at First Bank and Access Bank, who have jointly pledged N10 billion towards that, while we hope for other pledges to come.�

Ayedun, urged other banks to support the initiative by increasing credit to good borrowers, and urged consumers to “take advantage of the opportunity to get their credit history through CreditRegistry’s as that they can have access to loans provided by partner banks.

Speaking about the company, the Chairman of CreditRegistry Captain Adeyemi Dare said: “CreditRegistry Nigeria, officially registered and licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria as CR Services (Credit Bureau) Plc, is Nigeria’s preferred credit bureau. Our company, in strategic technical partnership with CreditRegistry Corporation USA (“CRUSA�), has laid the foundation for fraud-proof, large-scale consumer and small business credit in Nigeria.

L-R: Head, Trust Services, UTL Trust Management Services Limited, Ekom Umossoh; Secretary, Mrs. Bisi Adeyemi; Managing Director, Mrs. Olufunke Aiyepola; Director, Ms. Olawunmi Abiodun and Principal Partner, Aster Law Firm, Mr. Kalu Abosi, at the UTL Trustees launch of online will writing service in Lagos‌recently

MARKET INDICATORS

Access, Diamond to Reward Loyal Customers Diamond Bank and Access Bank that recently entered into a business combination deal have set aside offers to reward their loyal customers this Valentine season.

According to a statement, customers would be rewarded with loyalty points, cashback, free websites for SMEs, giveaways and lots more by simply carrying out one or more banking transactions or using the banks’ services from February 1 to February 28, 2019.

According to the Head, Retail Banking, Diamond Bank, Robert Giles, “as we come together to be stronger, we are using the ‘season of love’ to show our customers that we are here for them to help achieve their goals. “We don’t take our customers trust and loyalty for granted and on this Valentine, we will really show how much we care.

The bank will reward custom-

ers who subscribe to Xclusive Plus, reactivate their accounts by updating BVN, grow their balances or do more transactions on the mobile app or our USSD channel *426#. “We are also demonstrating our commitment to closing the financial inclusion gap by giving cash rewards for setting up and funding Diamond Y’ello accounts. We are giving away thousands of Gem points, so you can choose your own gift and helping small businesses set up their own website for free�.

Reiterating Giles’ statement, the Executive Director, Personal Banking Access Bank, Plc, Victor Etuokwu said, “the rewards to our customers this season of love is simply our own way of saying thank you to our combined customers at Access and Diamond banks for banking with us and welcoming them to the new opportunities as

we merge to serve them better. “Customers and delivering real benefits are at the heart of our decision to create one of Nigeria’s leading banks. The products and services that Diamond Bank customers enjoy, including its commitment to digital innovation, will continue unchanged and will be backed by Access Bank’s own commitment to customers, financial inclusion and sustainability, and the bank’s corporate expertise and strong balance sheet. “In the spirit of the season, we will reward every customer who spend a minimum of using their Access/Diamond cards at least 3 times a week on Access Bank and Diamond Bank POS terminals. “We will also reward the first 200 customers to perform funds transfer or bill payment on *901/ *426# daily with airtime too.

Mastercard Unveils Sonic Brand Setting a new tempo for brand expression, Mastercard has introduced its sonic brand identity, a comprehensive sound architecture that signifies the latest advancement for the brand.

A statement from the global company explained that wherever consumers engage with Mastercard across the globe – be it physical, digital or voice environments – the distinct and memorable Mastercard melody would provide simple, seamless familiarity. The news comes on the heels of the company’s recent transition to a symbol brand and is part of its continued brand transformation. “Sound adds a powerful new dimension to our brand identity and a critical component to how people recognise Mastercard today and in the future,� the chief marketing and communications officer, Mastercard, Raja Rajamannar said. “We set out an ambitious goal to produce the Mastercard melody in a way that’s distinct and authentic, yet adaptable globally and across genres. It is important that our sonic

brand not only reinforces our presence, but also resonates seamlessly around the world.�

To ensure the Mastercard melody resonates with people the world over, Mastercard tapped musicians, artists and agencies from across the globe, including musical innovator Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park.

The result, a distinct and memorable melody with adaptations across genres and cultures, making it locally relevant while maintaining a consistent global brand voice, the company stated.

In addition, the use of varying instruments and tempos helped to deliver the Mastercard melody in several unique styles such as operatic, cinematic and playful as well as a number of regional interpretations. “With the introduction of the new visual identity in 2016 and our most recent evolution to a symbol brand, we are continually evolving to meet consumers’ ever-changing needs while maintaining the simple, secure and seamless experience people have come to expect from Mastercard. “Sound is our next frontier for brand expression and a powerful way for us to create an emotional and

culturally-relevant connection with consumers,� Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard, Beatrice Cornacchia said.

The Mastercard melody is the foundation of the company’s sound architecture and would extend to many assets, from musical scores, sound logos and ringtones, to hold music and point-of-sale acceptance sounds.

With voice shopping set to hit $40 billion by 2022, audio identities not only connect brands with consumers on a new dimension, they are tools enabling consumers to shop, live, and pay in an increasingly digital and mobile world. “Audio makes people feel things, and that’s what makes it such a powerful medium for brands. “With the explosion of podcasts, music streaming, and smart speakers, an audio strategy is no longer a “nice-to-have� for brands – it’s a necessity. A sonic identity — the audio calling card for a brand — is now just as important as a brand’s visual identity,� Co-founder and President, Gimlet, Matt Lieber said.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

NOVEMBER 2018 Money Supply (M3)

31,794,803.44

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

6,333,064.28

Money Supply (M2)

25,461,739.17

-- Quasi Money

14,773,076.98

-- Narrow Money (M1)

10,688,662.18

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,711,763.59

---- Demand Deposits

8,976,898.59

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

18,990,400.78

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

12,804,402.66

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,062,986.22

---- Credit to Government (Net)

2,980,229.66

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

7,093,619.43

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

-4,144,571.43

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

23,082,756.56

--Other Assets Net

-13,258,583.57

Reserve Money (Base Money)

2,100,129.91

--Currency in Circulation

2,100,129.91

--Banks Reserves

4,366,259.05

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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

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OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, 7 JANUARY 2019

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $61.57 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $62.30 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

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MARKET NEWS

Sanni Calls for Projection of Nigeria’s Investment Potential Goddy Egene The Group Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Africa Capital Group(EAC), Mrs. Toyin Sanni, has stressed the need to always project the investment opportunities in the Nigerian capital market in particular and the economy in general.

Sanni, stated this at the formal unveiling of her book titled: “Riding the Eagle – A Guide to Investing in Nigeria� in Lagos.

According to her, the book was a demonstration of her commitment to Nigeria as a country and an investment destination. “It is a book that is intended to showcase the multiple opportunities that exist in Nigeria for investment and to also steer investors through what you might call the minefields,� she said.

The CEO of Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema commended Sanni on her brilliant work and ability to

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combine the demands of being a CEO with the pressures of being a published author.

He described the book as a useful resource for those seeking to make profitable investment in Nigeria. “The book engages its readers in the simplest way to provide robust investment information. The coverage of various sectors for investment, particularly those sectors that require more investors such as refining, agriculture, power,

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healthcare is very key to any discerning investor,� Onyema said. Also, the Acting DirectorGeneral of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Mary Uduk hailed Sanni for her great analysis of the investment situation in Nigeria. “Riding the Eagle is a book which provides comprehensive and up to date relevant information on investing in the Nigerian market,� Uduk said.

Speaking on the book,

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Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, who was chaired the presentation ceremony, applauded Sanni for her works which positively impacted women.

She said: “The book is appropriate and timely for the current investment climate and a must read for all stakeholders in the investment sector.�

Alakija equally commended the EAC team for the extensive work done in putting the book together and further went on to

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state that she believes the book should be in every school as well as on all sale platforms to create easy and much needed access.

The Chairman of the event,Mrs. Folorunso Alakija also gave a speech, in which she applaudedMrs. Sanni for her works which positively impacted women. She said, “the book is appropriate and timely for the current investment climate and a must read for all stakeholders in the investment sector.�

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MARKET NEWS

Stakeholders Urge Regulators to Adopt Better Ways of Managing Ailing Banks Goddy Egene Capital market operators on Thursday urged Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to map out strategies aimed at managing ailing banks rather than outright liquidation.

They stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, while reacting to the liquidation of Fortis Microfinance Bank Plc. The operators said that CBN and NDIC should rather manager

the affairs of any distressed instead of resorting to liquidation in the interest of depositors, shareholders and economy in general.

The NDIC recently announced the official liquidation of Fortis Microfinance Bank and its branches nationwide.

The corporation in a statement posted on its official website assured insured depositors of the repayment of their monies. “NDIC, the official Liquidator of Fortis Microfinance Bank whose license was recently revoked, has concluded arrangement to close

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

the bank and its branches and pay the insured depositors. “We are therefore calling all depositors of the bank to visit the bank’s branches and meet NDIC officials for the verification of their claims, commencing from February 4, till February 8, 2019,�

NDIC said in a the statement.

However, commenting on the development, Malam Garba Kurfi, the Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds Limited, said that operators expected the apex bank and NDIC to manage the affairs

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 7Feb -2019, unless otherwise stated.

of Fortis Microfinance instead of liquidation.

Kurfi said that management of the bank’s affairs would have been better for the depositors and existing banks that have business relationship with Fortis. “Liquidation will affect the existing banks that have business relationship with Fortis Microfinance Bank which can extend to others banks,� he said.

Kurfi said that appointing a new management and resale of the bank would have been better for entire economy rather than

liquidation.

He, however, commended the management of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for being proactive in suspending the bank from trading in November due to non compliance to post listing requirements.

National Chairman, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mr. Boniface Okezie, lamented that shareholders remained the victims without any compensation.

According to him, Okezie

regulators must device another means of solving the problems in the financial industry instead of aggravating it through liquidation.

He said that regulators should have taken over the bank through bail out by appointing a new management to oversee its affairs instead of resorting to liquidation. “Our regulators must device another means of solving the problems in the financial industry rather than aggravating it most especially microfinance banks,�

Okezie said.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 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 0.85 0.86 1.71% ACAP Income Funds 0.62 0.62 11.18% 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 13.22% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.25 2.27 1.24% 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 102.32 103.04 1.12% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.25% 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 13.98% Paramount Equity Fund 11.64 11.94 -0.59% Women's Investment Fund 101.59 104.19 -0.95% 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 12.80% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 96.73 97.03 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 99.57 99.90 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.35% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.84 0.85 Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.14 1.14 1.94% 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 N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A 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 1,205.79 1,206.57 1.71% FBN Heritage Fund 144.61 145.86 0.84% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 14.14% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 115.46 115.77 1.38% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 115.42 115.73 1.59% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 150.15 152.35 0.10% 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 1.21 1.23 -1.10% Legacy Debt Fund 3.28 3.28 1.23% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.03 1.03 0.46% 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 2,959.74 2,988.65 -0.83% Coral Income Fund 2,796.34 2,796.34 2.10% 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 12.88% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 107.56 108.02 0.64% 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 13.43%

Vantage Balanced Fund 2.18 2.20 1.38% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 15.84% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 121.27 121.46 -2.92% 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 1.16 1.18 1.08% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,085.59 1,085.59 1.51% 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 11.38 11.46 -1.13% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.36% 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 N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 119.64 120.24 -0.88% 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 1.01 1.01 1.27% 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 2,336.45 2,350.94 3.14% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 191.54 191.54 2.05% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.95 0.96 0.53% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 250.12 250.16 3.22% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 162.50 164.30 -0.40% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.13% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,474.41 8,578.59 1.60% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.11 1.11 3.35% 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 N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 11.23 11.39 -39.53% Zenith Ethical Fund 12.36 12.48 2.67% Zenith Income Fund 20.87 20.87 8.38% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.87%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

5.95 118.46 51.87

-39.35% 0.14% 0.03%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.55 113.66 88.80

10.65 116.11 90.47

0.03% -3.09% 0.16%

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

4.22 7.13 14.70 12.74 147.89

4.26 7.21 14.80 12.94 149.89

5.37% -6.46% -1.65% 3.07% 3.01%

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.

40

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŻËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

CITYSTRINGS

ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™ĂœË? Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă? äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ 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 ͙͖͓͓͖͓͔͓͖͑͒

Reward for Hardwork Adibe Emenyonu writes that the year began on a good note for Mrs. Noragbon Osaru, a head teacher who got rewarded by the state government for her outstanding performance

R:L: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency, Isoken Omo; and Managing Director, Mixta Nigeria, Kola Ashiru-Balogun, during the commissioning of ďŹ rst phase of 100 housing units in Emotan Gardens Estate at Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State

I

n October last year when Mrs. Noragbon Osaru, the head teacher of Eniyan Primary School, Benin City, was being screened to participate in the digital training of teachers by the state government, she never had any inclination that she would pass the screening exercise.

At the end of the exercise, she scaled the hurdle and was enlisted among the 7,000 teachers to be given digital training under the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-Best) programme, an innovation of the Godwin Obaseki-led government to upgrade the standard of teaching and teachers in the state.

Unrelentingly, Osaru emerged the overall best teacher among her peers in the six weeks intensive course in digital technology, a modern technique of teaching/learning away from the old and analogue method.

Not only that, she also came the second best school administrator in Nigeria in a contest involving school heads across the country. Moved by this feat, Governor Obaseki gave her a car and N1million cash gift.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City after the reward, Osaru who pledged to do more for her pupils, in Emotan Primary School, dedicated the awards to Almighty God who singled her out for the honour by Governor Obaseki.

"I also dedicate the awards to my fellow teachers and pupils of my school and I am grateful to the Edo State Government that gave me the platform to teach. Our governor is a man of his words and I promise to do more for Edo pupils.

"I feel highly honoured by this rare reward from the governor who promised us months ago that he will reward hardworking teachers in the state. I am so happy to be favoured by his administration that believes in merit and hard work, she said.

Obaseki was not the only one that was showered with encomiums, as she also poured praises on the chairman of Edo State Universal Basic Education Board, whom she appreciated for implementing the governor's programme.

"I also wish to thank the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, who is implementing the governor's vision in the basic education sector with a high sense of professionalism.

"These awards are to all of us in our school; the teachers and pupils because I could not have

L-R (front row): Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Edo State best teacher and beneďŹ ciary of a two-bedroom apartment gift in Emotan Gardens, Mrs. Osaru Noragbon; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency, Isoken Omo; and Managing Director, Mixta Nigeria, Kola Ashiru-Balogun (back row), at the commissioning done the work alone,â€? she added.

On how she emerged the second best head teacher in the country, Osaru explained that the journey started in August, when she was screened alongside 17 other best head teachers and teachers representing the 18 local government areas of the state.

"I was interviewed and drilled by the officials of government who found me worthy after the assessment, to represent Edo State at the national level and I emerged second best school administrator in Nigeria.�

To her colleagues, she said: "I will advise other teachers in the country to be more committed to their duty. They should see their job as an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the country.

"The government cannot do everything, I do not wait for government to provide all the money to make things work in my school. Headteachers should be creative and make the best of the resources at their disposal."

Not done, the state government had also dazzled Osaru when last week it gave out a two-bedroom bungalow at the Emotan Garden Housing Estate. The gift coincided with the visit of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who handed the keys to the apartment to her when he commissioned the first 100 unit of housing during his official visit to the state.

Speaking at the ceremony which attracted top government functionaries, Osinbajo, while presenting the key and certificate for the twobedroom apartment to the recipient, said, "It is my pleasure to officially commission cluster one of the Emotan Gardens Estate for immediate occupation by the first occupant and the winner of EDOBEST programme.�

Welcoming the Vice President to the state and the estate, Governor Obaseki said: “This is cluster one of Emotan Gardens, whose foundation you laid a few months ago.�

Emotan Gardens is an initiative of the Governor

Godwin Obaseki-led government developed through a joint-venture partnership between Mixta Africa, a renowned real estate developer and Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development was signed in May 2018 with Mixta Africa, and had a delivery timeline of 12 months for the first phase. However, this was delivered well ahead of schedule.

Obaseki said the goal of Mixta Africa, the developer of the estate, is for subscribers to move into the property as soon as possible and that they inhabit a safe, serene estate that meets their needs. “The first 100 of the houses are ready for inauguration. As a government, we have bought 10 of the houses, while about 50 of the houses have been sold to the public,� he said.

Appreciating Obaseki's gesture, Osaru said she remained eternally grateful to the governor for singling her out for the gift of a house and other previous largesse.

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CRIME&SECURITY

Police Arrest Two for Drugging, Raping Girl

The suspects The Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command is investigating a case of rape reported against one Razaq Oluwaseun Oke, 28, and Don-Chima George, 25, of Dallankester Hotels, Lekki, Phase one Lagos.

Confirming the arrest of the duo, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer CSP Chike Oti said they drugged and then took turns raping the victim.

He said: “The duo allegedly took a girl, 23, to a club on Saturday, February 2, 2019, unknown to her that they had ulterior motive.

While at the club, they mixed the young woman's drink with

a substance that made her weak and almost unconscious.

"Satisfied that the drug was beginning to affect the victim, they quietly left the club with her to Dallankester Hotels in Lekki Phase one, owned by the father of one of the suspects named Don-Chima George.

"At the hotel, they took turns to rape her. As if that wasn't enough, they videoed the abuse.

When the victim woke up from the induced sleep, she confronted the suspects who denied having carnal knowledge of her. Not satisfied, she placed a call to her elder brother complaining that

she had been violated. “The brother immediately invited policemen from Maroko Division led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Isah Abdulmajid to the scene.

"On searching the suspects, the DPO recovered their phones and went through their video recordings where he saw a video of the suspects sexually abusing the apparently unconscious victim.

"The state Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohimi has directed the Gender Section of the Command to investigate and diligently prosecute the suspects to serve as deterrent to others".

Mixed Reactions Trail Allegations of Land Grabbing Ayodeji Ake Mixed reactions are presently trailing the Oju-Ile family in Ibeju Lekki Local Government over a land grabbing tussle, pitting family members against each other with the Ibeju Lekki Local Government Chairman and member of the family, Hon. Kemi Surakatu thrown into the mix.

The family secretary, one Oludaisi Rasak has accused Surukatu of allegedly conniving with estate agents to sell the family land.

In a brief chat with Rasak, he said the Oju-Ile family has been experiencing some level of impunity over the family lands ever since Surakatu assumed office of the chairman of Ibeju-lekki Local Government.

He further alleged that the local government chairman was using his position to intimidate, impose and harassing family members.

He said: "We are here at Okerekere at Bolounpelu Village where we discovered people clearing the family land without the knowledge of the whole family members. “And that is why we are here to know the truth about who is behind it. With me here are some of the family elders who can attest to the fact that, we did not sign any document to sell or for clearing purpose."

Talking about the landmarks, he said "This land we are talking about is over 600 hectares of land and out of it, Assets Resources Management (ARM) is claiming part of the land. “They said the land belongs to them. So, we had to take them to court to know how they acquired the land. And we have been in court since 2016. But to our surprise, we discovered that some people are still clearing in the name of ARM and also in the name of Landwey. “The truth is that the family never signed any agreement with these two companies. I am the secretary of the family and I have never signed any agreement with anyone.�

Buttressing his claim, he also said "After the court in 2016, the court adviced we settle the matter amicably with ARM. So we now decided to go into agreement for settlement but the agreement for settlement have not come yet. “While we are still waiting for the agreement of settlement, Shakiru Salami Baale of Bolorunpelu who was forcefully imposed as Baale of the community by honourable Semiu Kemi Surakatu connived with some people to start selling the family lands saying that nobody can challenge his authority and that whatever he says and do is final."

When contacted, Sukuratu

debunked the allegation of land grabbing, while stressing that he never connived with real estate agents nor was he involved in any sale of family land as claimed by the family secretary.

"The petitioner is one of the members of the family and one of us. I have never involved myself in the sale of land. I have never received anything since they have been selling. “All the document of land is in his possession , so how is it possible to sell the land without his knowledge. So all he has been saying are false. The petition is baseless except he can prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Everything is his custody so nothing can be done without his consent" he said.

Head of the family, Mr. Yakubu Adeniyi, also noted that although there has been a chieftaincy rift in the family, no family member was however involved in the sale of land without the family consent, adding that the petitions are false.

Another family member, Mrs. Iyabo Busari said the family was not pleased with false allegation of land grabbing by Oludaisi.

She said: “We are the owners of the land. He is the secretary and his accusations are false. No one has sold any land so he should stop accusing anyone of land grabbing, rather he should give the family what belongs to us.�

CRIME SITUATION REPORTS

SECURITY TIPS (PART 47) ...Security Tips for the Election Period r%P OPU BSHVF BCPVU QPMJUJDT JO QVCMJD If you belong to a particular political party and there is an argument about another political party, then it is important that you do not join in. This is so that you don't dabble into the argument that may lead to a fight. r "MXBZT HFU CBDL IPNF PO UJNF 5IF election period in various countries of the world, may be a time for violence to develop; therefore it is appropriate that you do not stay out late.As a matter of fact you have got to get home early. r%P OPU DSJUJDJTF BOZ QPMJUJDJBO FTQFcially in public: Do not attempt to criticise any politician of the opposition party in your community in public. This is because if you do, you might be stepping on the toes of opposition supporters who may want to be harmful. r%P OPU TVQQPSU PS XFBS QPMJUJDBM campaign uniforms to polling units: If you belong to any political party, it may be better that you do not wear political party uniforms or insignia. This is so that you do not attract the attention of opposition party members who may be irritated by it. More often than not these party members may be all out to injure others. r"MXBZT MJTUFO UP UIF OFXT 0OF of the ways to be security conscious during election time is to always stay abreast with issues. One of the ways to comfortably do this is by listening to the news always. r%PO U EJTDMPTF XIP ZPV XJMM WPUF for at the polls: During election period, people have different candidates they pledge allegiance to. Some of them go as far as QJDLJOH VQ B Ă HIU XJUI UIPTF XIP BSFO U in the same camp with them. Therefore it would do you well not to disclose whom you plan to vote for. r0ODF ZPV DBTU ZPVS WPUF HP TUSBJHIU home: One of the ways to stay secure during elections is by returning home after casting your vote. Staying back, for loitering with other supporters after casting your vote may be detrimental.

Although this is dicey as people are encouraged to protect their votes. r%PO U NPWF BCPVU XJUI IVHF DBTI expensive gadgets : If you have plans to move around with huge amount of cash during election, then you want to consider having a re-think, as this

is no time to do such. Miscreants take advantage of the period to rob people of UIFJS WBMVBCMFT "MTP EPO U NPWF BCPVU with expensive gadgets. You would be doing yourself a world of good, if you do not move around with expensive gadgets. This is so that you do not run into scoundrels who may want to rob you off them. r4UFFS DMFBS PG VOEFĂ OFE DSPXE *U JT very needful that you do not associate yourself with undefined crowd or group of people who take delight in analysing political issues and candidates in public. r.JOJNJTF GBNJMZ PVUJOHT *U JT JNportant that you minimize your family outings Outings during elections. This is because of the pockets of troubles which mayensueandwhichmakesyourfamily vulnerable to any attack. r4UPDL VQ ZPVS IPNF XJUI GPPE 5IF election period is a period that enforces the stay at home order. Therefore, it is vital to store up the house with all the food stuff and ingredients that are needed I'm order to avoid incessant outings to the markets and malls. r )BWF ZPVS EPDUPS T OVNCFS IBOEZ *G ZPV EP OPU IBWF B NFEJDBM QFSTPO T details handy, then you may want to know that you need to do this so that you can call whenever you need medical assistance during elections. r$BTU ZPVS WPUF PODF 0OF PG UIF ways that you may be fermenting security trouble is when you decide to vote twice or more. There may be other party candidates that may want to get violent with you. So vote for your candidate just once. (In any case, this renders your vote a nullity with the card reader) r%PO U UBML SFDLMFTTMZ BU UIF QPMMT 5P be safe, it is forbidden to talk recklessly at the polling unit about any candidate or the election process. Doing this may attract some grave consequences. r $FMFCSBUF JO B DJWJM NBOOFS *G BGUFS the elections your candidate wins, then it is important that you celebrate in a civil manner. It is no time to begin to paint the town red in a lavish style. Remember, that some folks who are in support of the opposition may not be happy. %PO U QBSUBLF JO FMFDUJPO WJPMFODF Do not put yourself up to be used by politicianstoperpetrateelectionviolence.

This is because some opposition people might as well be lurking in the dark to harm those who do this.

Source: Unknown

KNOW YOUR POLICE OFFICERS Behold the New Lagos CP, Zubairu Muazu The new Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Zubairu Muazu, resumed duty on February 8, 2019, at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, as the 35th Commissioner of Police in the state.

He enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a cadet assistant superintendent of police on March 15, 1988, and was trained at the prestigious Nigeria PoliceAcademy,Annex, Kaduna, from March 15, 1988 to August 1989.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a Master of Science degree in Policy and Strategic Management.

CP Zubairu Muazu is a member of the elite Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos. Other academic qualifications of the Commissioner of Police include a master's degree in International Law and Diplomacy, Postgraduate Certificate in Corruption Studies and Advanced Diploma in Public Administration.

Until his recent posting, he was the Commissioner of Police in charge of Interpol, Force CID Annex, Lagos.

He has also held various command positions such as, Commissioner of Police (Admin) Department of Finance and Administration, Police Force

Headquarters, Abuja, Commissioner of Police, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), FHQ, Abuja, Commissioner of Police, Niger and Akwa Ibom states.

The new CP is bringing with him, wealth of experience garnered over the years of selfless service to the nation.

He wishes to assure the good people of Lagos State, round-the-clock security while warning criminal elements to change their ways or have the police to contend with.

He therefore seeks the cooperation of all in the fight against crimes and criminality as security is everybody's business. He added that he would build on the achievements of his predecessors in the office.

Muazu

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MONDAY, ͹͹˜ ͺ͸͹΁ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

FG’s Technical Advisory Committee Report on Minimum Wage Ready Obinna Chima The report of the Technical Advisory Committee on National Minimum Wage that was inaugurated by President Mohammadu Buhari has been finalised and is ready for presentation to the president this week, barring any unforeseen circumstance, THISDAY has learnt.

A source in the presidency, who disclosed this to THISDAY yesterday, said members of the committee have notified the president of their preparedness to submit the report.

“The report is due early this week. The committee has notified the presidency that the report is ready. It is an advisory committee

to optimise revenue and to ensure that the implementation is shortlived. The committee was asked to explore everything possible and they were given a one-month mandate which elapsed today (yesterday).

“So, when it is submitted, the president would have to study it and either accept or reject the recommendations by the committee or issue a white paper,” she explained.

The president had last month inaugurated the Technical Advisory Committee on National Minimum Wage.

The committee is headed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane.

Rewane According to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, the task of the technical committee was to identify additional sources

of revenue to pay the minimum wage and the consequential salary adjustment that would follow.

Udoma had also explained that the committee would, among other things, identify additional sources of revenue to ensure that the government could meet the increased costs that would arise from the implementation of a new minimum wage without affecting government’s ability to meet the other obligations, particularly with respect to the ambitious infrastructure development plans of the current administration.

The minister had explained that whenever a new minimum wage bill is enacted, there are demands for some wage increases even from

those already earning more than the new minimum wage.

Udoma had said, “All these salary increases will impose additional costs on the government. Therefore, the committee is expected to make suggestions as to how the government can raise additional revenues to ensure that the government can still meet its expenditure on other services such as education, health, infrastructure and other important functions of the government, after paying the increased salaries.

“The committee is expected to, amongst other things, look at how to get additional revenues so that as our wage bill goes up, we

are able to increase our revenues to ensure that our spending on capital projects, our spending on basic infrastructure, our spending on health, our spending on education and others is not reduced.

“In short, the committee is to advise on ways to ensure that notwithstanding the increase in payroll costs, there continues to be adequate funding for other government activities. This is not just for the 2019 fiscal year. The federal government had approved N27, 000 as the new national minimum wage, which was rejected by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other trade union groups in the country.

out to vote and bringing your friends and relatives who have PVCs out to vote next Saturday will be your answer.

"It is not enough to tweet about this government or share WhatsApp broadcasts, the time has come for all Nigerians to take their future in their hands and vote for visionary leaders, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and the PDP slate of candidates, who are promising a better Nigeria and are ready to make Nigeria work again.”

He called on Nigerians who have collected their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) across the nation to ensure that they come out to vote in massive numbers on February 16, 2019, adding that with a high voter turn-out, the results of the election cannot be manipulated.

The Senate president also called on all young Nigerians of voting age to see the coming elections as test of the strength of their numbers, adding that with 51 per cent of the voters on the register being youths, they make up the most crucial voting bloc.

“To the young people of our nation, I want you to know that you cannot afford to just sit on the side-line any longer.

All across the world, young people like you are deciding who will lead their nations.

“The youth of Nigeria have an opportunity this time around to become the deciding factor.

“I have read a lot of comments about young people saying that they won’t vote because their votes do not matter and that people want to rig the election. Here’s my answer: If you vote, they can’t rig! “The more people that come out to vote, the less likely it is for those that want to manipulate the results to do so — it’s a simple mathematics.

It is the numbers of registered voters who failed to come out and vote that the riggers seek to manipulate in inflating votes for a candidate or group of candidates.”

Saraki urged them to take this election seriously, saying together they can make history by saving Nigeria’s future.

NAVIGATOR CAPRICORN, which is a LPG carrier, has been approved for contravening sections of the Cabotage Act. The vessel, he stated, was first boarded in October 2018 and all infractions of Cabotage non-compliance were noted and communicated accordingly to the charterer/Owners representatives with a 90 days’ grace period to comply.

"The 90 days expired on January 31, 2019. It is noteworthy that the owners made undertaking to remedy the notable infractions when the vessel was issued a detention warning in October 2018.

"While NIMASA is currently engaging the owners and charterers of the vessel on the need to comply with the laws of the land, MT NAVIGATOR CAPRICORN has been moved to Lagos Anchorage to allow space for other LPG vessels to discharge at the NOJ Jetty, "he said.

Peterside had recently led the agency officials to meet with the Oil Producers Trade Sector (OPTS) in Lagos where he urged industry players to draw up a five-year strategic plan for the cessation of application for Cabotage waiver and also pursue the utilisation of Nigerian-owned vessels for marine contracts.

In August 2018, NIMASA had introduced a new Compliance Strategy for Cabotage Implementation in Nigeria to ensure full implementation of the Cabotage Act, 2003 to secure jobs for

qualified Nigerians in the maritime sector.

The agency via a Marine Notice suspended considerations for applications of grant of waiver on manning for prescribed categories of officers in vessels engaged in Cabotage trade.

BUHARI: GENERAL ELECTION, DEMOCRACY THREATENED BY CORRUPT PEOPLE to Nigerians to give him yet another four years and avoid returning the country to the path of corruption which he said Nigeria had left.

"A Yoruba proverb states that only the patient one can milk a lion. Likewise, victory over corruption is difficult, but not impossible. We must not flounder in our resolve. I know many Nigerians would like to see faster action. So do I; but so too must we follow due process and exercise restraint, ensuring allegation never takes the place of evidence; for that is not the Nigeria we should wish to build.’’

He said his administration has changed the way the nation tackles corruption, saying the choice before voters is whether to continue forward on the testing path against corruption or do revert to the past, resigned to the falsehood that it is just the-way-things-are-done.

Your Presidency Reeks of Corruption, PDP Tells Buhari

But reacting to the president’s statement, the major opposition party said last night that Buhari has failed his integrity test and has no moral rectitude to pontificate on corruption, having entangled himself and soiled his administration in corruption.

It said that if there is any person whose activities of corruption have become a threat to the general election, it is the president, who is financing his campaign with looted funds, while surrounding himself with politicians indicted for corruption. ‘’The PDP, out of respect for the Office of the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, had severally refrained from calling out President Buhari on his various indictments for corruption even during his era as a military ruler,’’ PDP stated in a statement signed by its spokesman, Ologbondiyan.

It said: ‘’A clear reading of Mr. President’s statement today shows that he is not yet aware

that Nigerians have decoded his mastery of concealments of corruption in his presidency and are no longer interested in his failed self-acclaimed fight against corruption. ‘’President Buhari presides over the most corrupt and incompetent administration in the history of our nation, for which Nigerians are very eager to go to the polls on Saturday to vote him out of office.’’

PDP further argued that if the President were to be aware, he would have discovered that his ‘’entire surrounding reeks of moral, institutional and integrity corruption.’’

It said clinical examples can be drawn from his campaign council, saying Nigerians are aware that not a few members of this council have been indicted on malfeasance bordering on corruption PDP asked, ‘’Is it not strange, therefore, that President Buhari who wants Nigerians to perceive his administration as fighting corruption, will cast a net into the ocean and

bring out only corrupt people to run his campaign?’’

Saraki Asks Nigerians to Vote Out Out-dated Leaders With the presidential/ National Assembly election less than one week away, the Senate President Saraki has urged eligible Nigerians to come out en-masse and vote out out-dated leaders in the country.

Saraki, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, said with what Nigerians had experienced since 2015, they must be prepared to choose competent leadership over out-dated leadership.

According to him, “We have all seen how the last four years have gone. It is time for Nigerians across the nation to choose economic growth over poverty; choose security over the growing and fast spreading insecurity; and choose competent leadership over leadership that is outdated.

“If you have ever questioned if Nigeria can be better, coming

COOKING GAS SCARCITY LOOMS AS NIMASA DETAINS NLNG VESSEL introduced last year, to ease the implementation of the Cabotage Act of 2003.

The vessel, which brought 13,000 metric tonnes of LPG to Lagos from NLNG’s Bonny Island plant in Rivers State, was detained for about 10 days by NIMASA at the NOJ Jetty at Apapa after it had discharged its product.

NLNG brought in the new vessel to replace ‘MT Gas Providence,’ which used to supply LPG to the domestic market.

THISDAY’s investigation revealed that the new vessel, which started operation in the country in 2018 brings in LPG every two weeks to Lagos for the licensed off takers appointed by the NLNG to distribute LPG to the domestic market.

However, the refusal of the maritime regulator to allow the vessel to sail back to Bonny Island to continue its two-weekly voyage to Lagos, created supply crisis.

The development, it was learnt, has already led to a hike in the cost of cooking gas in the country.

For instance, a 20MT tanker of LPG, which cost N3.7 million before the crisis, was selling for N4.15 million at the weekend, while a 12.5kg LPG cylinder, which cost N3,200 was selling for N3,800 in some places in Lagos at the weekend.

LPG marketers who spoke to THISDAY confirmed that the supply of the product was facing some threats with the

arrest of major vessel supplying the product by NIMASA in the last one week.

According to one of the marketers, the vessel, which is on lease to NLNG since last year, has been having a running battle with NIMASA over its operations in Nigeria, being a foreign vessel.

The marketer said: “The issue got to its peak last week with NIMASA detaining the vessel at the NOJ, one of the berthing space specially dedicated at the NNPC-owned jetty at Apapa “The vessel that berthed at the jetty about 10 days ago had finished discharging gas to major gas depots in Apapa, including NNPC, NIPCO, as well as 26 off takers of NLNG last weekend and was billed to sail away before NIMASA detained it.”

However, after series of negotiation between NIMASA, NLNG and key stakeholders in the LPG sector, the vessel was moved to safe anchorage to allow other operators access to NOJ Jetty, which is a very strategic berthing space at the Apapa jetty THISDAY gathered that the NOJ is very key to LPG supply in Nigeria as it is the only jetty available for berthing of LPG vessels in Apapa axis where over 80 per cent of the entire LPG supply into the country is delivered to depots.

A top official of NIMASA, who spoke to THISDAY at the weekend, said the vessel was detained due to non-compliance with the Cabotage Act as it

affects foreign vessels.

He explained: “Under the Cabotage Act, all foreign vessels operating charter services in Nigerian waters are supposed to have a certain number of Nigerians on board as part of its crew.

“However in the case of the detained vessel, it was not having Nigerians on board, which runs contrary to our laws.”

But an official of NLNG told THISDAY on condition of anonymity that the company was aware of the provisions of the Cabotage Act, which stipulate that Nigerians must be on board foreign vessels operating in the country.

He, however, added that the safety standard set by NLNG for the vessel was too high that it would be difficult to get Nigerians with such high expertise to man the vessels.

“The safety standard set by the vessel owners and the NLNG is too high and it will be difficult to get Nigerians with such high expertise. NIMASA’s position is that we should even train Nigerians to acquire such skills but training Nigerians will take a long time,” he said.

“With the intervention of stakeholders, NIMASA released the vessel to sail away to the Bonny Island but the supply dislocation will not normalise until after the elections. In fact, the vessel will not be available until after the elections and this will create scarcity in the market,” he added.

The vessel, it was gathered,

is on charter by NLNG for upward of about two years.

NIMASA Ban Waivers, Commences Clampdown on Foreign Vessels Meanwhile, NIMASA has stated that it has commenced clampdown on vessels that do not comply with the provisions of the Cabotage Compliance Strategy introduced last year, to ease the implementation of the Cabotage Act of 2003 in Nigeria.

In a statement yesterday, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said the agency would no longer encourage the application of any form of waivers under the Cabotage Act, particularly from the oil firms operations as such do not help the growth of the Nigerian maritime sector and economy at large.

He said: “our laws forbid foreign vessels operating in our territorial waters save for compliance with the Cabotage Act. There shall be no sacred cow when we commence clampdown on erring vessels.

“We want to increase the number of Nigerians who participate in the marine aspect of your business and we are working closely with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to have a joint categorisation of vessels operating under the Cabotage Act in order to ensure the full implementation of the Act.” Already, he said a detention order for a Motor Tanker, MT

NNPC’s Refineries Record N137.5bn Operational Losses The three refineries operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna, made profit only once in the last 13 months and recorded a consolidated trading losses amounting to N137.489 billion, a monthly operations and financial report from the corporation has disclosed.

Obtained by THISDAY yesterday in Abuja, the report, which was for the month of November 2018, was posted on the official webpage of NNPC. It showed that except for April 2018, when the refineries posted a consolidated trading surplus of N6.321 billion, its operational records in the other 12 months were all losses.

For instance, figures on the financial performance of the refineries between November 2017 and November 2018, indicated that in November 2017, they posted a deficit worth N11.144 billion; in December 2017, it was N11.095 billion; and then at the turn of the year 2018, they posted a consolidated loss of N13.586 billion.

Continued on page 69

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NEWS

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

Shun Electoral Violence, Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Urges Stakeholders Akinyemi advises Nigerians to welcome foreign observers Shola Oyeyipo in Abuja The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) has identified peaceful elections as panacea for growth and development that must be rigorously pursued, and urged the government and other stakeholders to avoid post-election crisis after the forthcoming polls.

This was the conclusion of a one-day conference on ‘Peaceful Elections and National Development’ held last Thursday in Abuja.

Also, a former Minister of

External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has warned against violence in the forthcoming elections and urged Nigerians to welcome foreign observers to monitor the elections.

According to the communiqué released yesterday, the participants at the Conference chaired by former Head of State of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), called on stakeholders in the general election in Nigeria to play by the rules and avoid utterances and actions that may

Bill Clinton to Deliver Keynote at the Signing of National Peace Accord The National Peace Committee, mindful of the importance of peaceful elections and non-violent transfer of power, has invited former President Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States of America and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Baroness Patricia Scotland, to visit Nigeria from February 12 to 13, 2019 ahead of the Nigerian presidential election.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the Head of Secretariat, National Peace Committee, The Kukah Centre, Father Atta Barkindo, both President Clinton and Baroness Scotland will deliver goodwill messages at the signing ceremony of the “National Peace Accord”, which will hold at Abuja International Conference Centre on 13 February.

The National Peace Committee had engaged various stakeholders in preparation for the 2019 general election.

The statement added that President Clinton would also hold meetings with President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice-President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar. “As we move into Nigeria’s national elections, the threat of unrest has to be

taken seriously. Both Guests of Honour enjoy enormous respect in Nigeria and beyond and we look forward to his counsel and advice to help Nigeria navigate through what will hopefully be a peaceful and fair electoral cycle.

“The National Peace Committee is grateful to the Kofi Annan Foundation for supporting this process, and, after 2015, again supporting free and fair elections in Nigeria,” the statement said.

The NPC has engaged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security services, 91 registered parties, the media and civil society organisations. Also considering some of the challenges faced, the Committee organised the 1st signing of the National Peace Accord on December 11, 2018 to support peaceful campaigns and political rallies.

Following from this, the Committee, led by former Nigerian Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has organised the 2nd signing of the National Peace Accord which would be held on February 13 (tomorrow), at the Abuja International Conference Centre.

precipitate violence.

The group also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies on the need to be professional and non-partisan in the performance of their duties.

“The government of Nigeria should ensure the security of lives and property as enshrined in the nation’s 1999 constitution before, during and after the 2019 general election.

“African leaders and politicians should refrain from labelling opponents as liars, looters and enemies, as such unsubstantiated name-calling could trigger violent reactions.

Efforts should be made by national governments, civil society organisations and community leaders in Africa to prevent post-election crises; “Regional and sub-regional organisations like the African Union and ECOWAS should encourage and promote good

governance by establishing a reward system for exemplary leaders in Africa,” the communiqué reads.

While participant were unanimous in their agreement that inclusive and peoplecentred leadership should be the focus of national governments in order to mainstream peacebuilding in the course of governance, having underscored the nexus of violent conflicts and underdevelopment, African leaders were also advised to resolve conflicts through peaceful means.

The communiqué urged the foundation itself to leverage on the vision of its founder, former Nigerian president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, in developing programmes to promote the conduct of peaceful elections and democratic consolidation in Africa.

The well-attended event attracted 550 participants, which included former

heads of state, members of the diplomatic community, development partners, the ECOWAS Commission, Nigeria Police Force, academia, civil society organisations, media, women and youth leaders.

The conference theme, which underscored the link between peace and national development, was applauded as timely, given that the Nigerian Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in a few days.

Meanwhile, a former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has warned against violence in the forthcoming elections.

Akinyemi in a statement yesterday, appealed to political leaders and their supporters to shun violence, hate speeches and be committed to ensuring credible elections.

He also advised Nigerians to welcome foreign election observers as against the

suspicion that they would interfere with the outcome of the elections.

Specifically, Akinyemi warned against a repeat of what happened during the 1964 parliamentary elections.

“Since I have been monitoring elections in Nigeria, I cannot remember any elections that filled me with so much dread and trepidation as these forthcoming elections. Not even the riotous 1965 federal elections. And we all know what that led to,” he said.

“As a scholar in international relations, I cannot but bring to the attention of Nigerians the significance of the latest development in Venezuela where the international community under the United States has accorded recognition to the opposition leader as the alternative president as their reaction to what it perceives as a flawed election.

Continued on page. 67

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS...

Okowa Mourns Former Mid-Western STRENGTHENING Africa’s richest man and President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (left), and Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, during a courtesy visit by the business mogul to the IG at Force Headquarters, Abuja…recently Region Military Gov, Ejoor Sylvester Idowu in Warri Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa last night described the death of a former military governor of the defunct MidWestern State and former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General David Ejoor (rtd) as a great loss to Nigeria and the state.

Okowa, who expressed sadness over the demise of the 87-year-old Ejoor, who was COAS from 1971 to 1975, said the former military governor, a senior chief in Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, fought for the country’s unity, particularly during her trials.

The first indigenous Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) died yesterday in Lagos after a brief illness.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu,

condoled with the Ejoor family of Ovwor-Olomu, Olomu the king and Urhobo Nation over the demise of the former general.

He stated that the news of Ejoor’s death has left him devastated, especially when Nigeria needs his wise counsel especially as the country goes into another round of elections.

The governor added that he was consoled by the fact that the departed former Chief of Army Staff would remain immortal and never to be forgotten in the history of Nigeria.

According to the governor: “As Deltans we are extremely proud of the outstanding contributions of Gen. Ejoor to the Nigerian Army where he first served as the Governor of Mid-Western Region State from January 1966 – August 1967, first Nigerian Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) from January 1969 – January 1971 and later as Chief of Army Staff from January 1971 – July 1975.

INEC Loses 5,987 PVCs, 297 Ballot Boxes to Plateau Fire Promises to reprint burnt PVCs Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lost 5, 987 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and 297 ballot boxes following a fire outbreak at its office in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, which was completely razed down.

However, following the fire incident that occurred at the Qua’an Pan LGA office of the electoral body in Plateau State and that of lsiala Ngwa South LGA office in Abia State, the commission has promised to reprint burnt PVCs and other election materials.

Head of Media, Publicity, and Voters Education of the Commission, Mr. Osaretin Imahiyereobo, who confirmed

the incident, lamented that the fire incident has caused a serious setback in the preparations for thegeneral elections in the LGA. He said a drunken security man was said to have caused the outbreak leading to a complete loss of; 5,987 PVCs, 297 voting cubicles, 297 ballot boxes, 14 generator sets (one 7KVA and 13 5KVAs), two file cabinets, election forms, Presiding and Collation Officer’s stamps, 850 mats for RAC centres, office equipment, among others.

He said, “The security man allegedly put fire in the obsolete materials evacuated from the store to give room for the other materials expected from the state office. The security man, who ran to the divisional police station to report the incident,

was said to have put off the earlier fire on the obsolete materials but unknown to him, the fire didn’t go off completely.

The situation was aggravated by the high wind in the area. ” He added that it was too early to suspect any sabotage.

Osaretin said that a management team of the commission, led by the Administrative Secretary, Mr. Gbadamasi Rasheed, went to the scene of the fire outbreeak to have on-the–spot assessment of the incident, adding that the new Commissioner of Police to the State, Mr. Isaac Akinmoyede, was also on ground yesterday morning to assess the situation.

Meanwhile, following the fire incident that occurred at the Qua’an Pan LGA office of the electoral body in Plateau State and that of lsiala Ngwa South

LGA office in Abia State, the commission has promised to reprint burnt PVCs and other election materials. The electoral body has also assured that the fire would not affect the conduct of the elections.

In a statement issued yesterday by its National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye, the commission said it had notified the Acting Inspector General of Police of the emerging trend of the burning of the LGAs of the commission close to the conduct of the elections.

The commission also revealed that all relevant security agencies have been requested to arrest and bring justice, persons or groups involved in the attacks on the offices of the commission.

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NEWS XTRA

Leah Sharibu Not Dead, FG Reassures Family demands her release before February 19

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The federal government has again reassured that Leah Sharibu, the teenager abducted

by Boko Haram terrorists, is not dead.

However, despite this reassurance, her family has asked the federal government to ensure the release of their daughter before February 19, which will mark exactly one year of her abduction.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described as absolute fake news of the reported death of abducted Dapchi school girl.

He said the rumour of Sharibu’s death, which surfaced just a few days to the presidential election, was another ploy by the political opposition to tarnish the image of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and

exploit primordial sentiments ahead of the polls.

According to him, “It is absolutely fake news. There is nothing like that,” the minister said. “I think it is part of the opposition’s strategies to throw everything at the administration and at the president. I think everyday, they are realising the hopelessness of their position.

“Everyday they are amazed by the support the President is receiving from every part of the country and they have decided that they are going to spread falsehood, inflame passion and make this election a MuslimChristian affair or North-South affair, but people are not listening to them,” Mohammed said.

Meanwhile, the family of Leah Sharibu has petitioned the federal government to ensure the release of their daughter before February 19, which will mark exactly one year of her abduction.

On the night of February

19, 2018, the 14-year-old Leah Sharibu was kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists from her school, Government Girls Science and Technical Secondary School in Dapchi, Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State alongside 111 other girls.

All of the girls who survived

the kidnap were later freed by the Boko Haram sect except Leah, who reportedly refused to denounce her Christian faith.

Her mother, Mrs. Rebecca Sharibu who was all tears at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, called for the release of her daughter as promised by the

federal government.

She pleaded that President Muhammadu Buhari should do everything possible to ensure the release and safe return of Sharibu.

The distraught mother, who spoke in Hausa, recounted that President Buhari spoke

with her on phone and gave her his assurance of Leah’s release, which was backed up with the visitation of a highpowered federal government delegation that had three ministers led by the Minister of information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.

Presidency Confirms Eight Deaths in Buhari’s Taraba Rally Chinedu Eze The federal government has confirmed that at least eight people died during President Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection rally in Taraba State.

The Presidency attributed the death to a stampede caused by overcrowding at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in the state capital, Jalingo.

In sympathy to the deceased, the federal government yesterday dispatched a team to Jalingo to condole with the government and people of the state over the deaths.

The team was led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, accompanied by the Governor of Adamawa, Mohammed Jibrilla Bindow, a Borno Senator, Ali Ndume; Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello, Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Ali Pantami, and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

At the Taraba Government

House, where the team was received by Governor Darius Ishaku, Mr Mustapha, speaking on behalf of the president, lamented the sad loss of eight people during and after the rally, promising that they would not die in vain.

“President Buhari will continue to focus on public good and welfare of the people. The eight people would then not have died in vain,” the SGF said.

“They represent the good of our people and country.

They wanted good governance as symbolized by President Buhari, so they turned out to welcome him at the rally.

As we go to the polls, let’s exercise the civic responsibility with zeal, but also with decency and restraint. The country is our own, and we must preserve its oneness,” he said.

Responding, Governor Ishaku expressed “sincere gratitude and thanks to Mr. President for promptly sending a delegation to condole with us,” adding that the people of Taraba were grateful for the show of concern.

South-west Ulamas Back Buhari’s Second Term Bid Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Religious leaders from all the states in the South-west region have thrown their weight behind the second term bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking in Ibadan, Oyo State, the National Chairman, National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Mr. Muktar Abdallah, yesterday said the developments brought to the country by President Buhari since the inception of his administration in 2015, has put him in good stead to be re-elected. He also said the President deserved the support and special prayers of those who wished the country well.

Abdallah said this at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council Town Hall Meeting with South -west Ulamas, held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Present at the meeting include the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Dauda Makanjuola; the Chief Imam of Oyo town; Head of Department, Arabic Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. Kamil Oloso; and Chairman, Muslim Community of Oyo State, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, among others. The religious leaders from all the states in the region while throwing their support for President Buhari, said his administration has performed very well to turn things around positively for the country.

Abdallah said while the President cannot be said to be infallible, one quality that has continued to endear him to Nigerians is his honesty, saying “whether you like him or not, no one can say he is corrupt.”

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Oshiomhole Holds Crucial Meeting with APC Gov Candidates, State Chairmen APC alleges plot by PDP to launch fake news against Buhari Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Ahead of Saturday’s presidential election, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has held a strategy meeting with the party’s governorship candidates and state chairmen to prepare them for the electoral contest.

This is coming as the APC Presidential Campaign Council has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and agents of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, of plotting to unleash series of fake news to scare voters from voting for President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Isa-Onilu, the party said it used the opportunity

to assess performance at the various campaign rallies ahead the presidential poll on Saturday.

Speaking at the meeting Oshiomhole said the party’s national leadership identified the state executives represented at the meeting as an important grassroots base that will work and ensure the party’s victory in the presidential, governorship, National and State Houses of Assembly elections.

Oshiomhole however cautioned against complacency, adding that the party’s victory in the coming elections is assured judging by the continued support of the electorate and the unprecedented achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

He urged party members and leaders not to be distracted by the

daily falsehood and propaganda by the opposition PDP ahead of the elections which he said was a fallout of the infamous Dubai meeting.

THISDAY gathered that as part of strategies to ensure a firm grip of affairs on Saturday, the party may be deploying all governorship candidates to serve as agents at the collation centres.

Meanwhile, the APC Presidential Campaign Council has accused the Peoples Democratic Party and agents of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar of plotting to unleash series of fake news to scare voters from voting for President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement issued by the Director of Strategic Communication of the APC Presidential Campaign Council,

Festus Keyamo, the party said the first in the series is the audio clip of a supposed “nurse” of President Buhari telling voters that the President is sick and cannot govern for another four years.

Keyamo alleged that two of such fake news in the series have already been released through PDP proxies and nameless individuals.

According to Keyamo, the first is an audio clip of a supposed “nurse” of President Muhammadu Buhari telling voters that the President is sick and cannot govern for another four years.

“The second fake news released is on the purported death of Leah Sharibu. This is a lie from the pit of hell as the federal government’s effort to set her free has reached an advanced stage.”

NIM Gives Buhari Seven-day Ultimatum to Reinstate Onnoghen The Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM), a member of the ‘Third Force’ group, has given President Muhammadu Buhari seven-day ultimatum to reinstate the embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The group, in a statement by its Director of Media Bureau, Mr. Debo Adeniyi, warned

Buhari that failure to do so would lead to an unprecedented mass action from the third force movement and its allies until the President rescinded his decision.

In the NIM, jointly led by Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Dr. Abduljalil Tafawa Balewa, said it viewed Onnoghen’s suspension and his immediate

replacement as against the norms of democracy.

The group said the CJN’s suspension was also a threat to “the feasibility of the 2019 general election, as well as as desperation to compromise all relevant institutions of state ahead of the 2019 elections.

“By this statement, we wish to put President Buhari on a

strong notice that at the end of seven days from today, if President Buhari fails to reinstate the CJN, we shall be compelled to mobilise a coalition of the Nigerian civil society and leaders of conscience across the country to confront the Buhari regime with an unprecedented mass action to save Nigeria’s democracy.”

Buratai Denies Meeting with President, INEC over Rigging

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Buratai, has denied meeting with President Mohammadu Buhari and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged plans to rig the presidential election slated for Saturday.

In a statement issued last night, the army chief cited “unsubstantiated” media reports quoting a former official of the

All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, who alleged that such a meeting between him, the President and INEC officials took place.

Buratai, in the statement said no such meeting took place.

“The Nigerian Army (NA) notes with dismay the unsubstantiated story published by dailypost.ng on February 19. The publication carried allegations by one Timi Frank, that a purported nocturnal

meeting took place between the President and Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the COAS as well as some members of INEC and the President’s cabinet, to rig the forthcoming presidential election”.

“Whilst such an absurdity can be imagined to come from a known disgruntled person like Timi Frank, who has severally tried to malign the person of the COAS, the subsequent lackluster

move by Daily Post to publish such unfounded tosh without investigation tells a lot about the reputation of the tabloid”, the statement said.

It further noted that “the deluded Timi Frank who claimed he had incontrovertible evidence provided by sources in the know about the alleged nocturnal meeting “however could not substantiate his accusations with any reasonable facts besides his concocted hogwash”.

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Appeal Court Sets Aside Contempt Judgment against First Bank’s Chairman, MD Akinwale Akintunde The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, has set aside the

decision of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, which convicted, the Chairman of First Bank Nigeria Plc, Pastor

Kaduna PDP Kicks as DSS Arrests Campaign Spokesman John Shiklam in Kaduna The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State has condemned the arrest of the Director, Media and Publicity of the party’s Campaign organisation in the state, Ben Bako, by the Department of State Services (DSS).

He was arrested on Saturday night and whisked to Abuja after honouring an invitation by the DSS office in Kaduna.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Kaduna, the Deputy Director General of the party’s Campaign Organisation, Danjuma Bello Sarki, accused the DSS of partisanship, alleging that the arrest was masterminded by Governor Nasir el-Rufai.

Bako was arrested following alleged video clips where he was alleged to be making inciting comments during the PDP campaign rally last week in Kafanchan, Jama’a Local Government Area of the state.

In the video, Bako was alleged to have urged party members to deal with anyone that will work against the PDP during the elections.

Spokesman of the PDP in the state, Abraham Catoh confirmed the arrest in a telephone interview with THISADY yesterday, saying that Bako was invited by the DSS in Kaduna on Saturday

over his comments during the campaigns in Kafanchan and was taken to Abuja after hours of questioning.

But addressing a press conference, Sarki said Bako had dutifully honoured the invitation of the DSS as a law abiding citizen and was kept incommunicado for several hours before he was whisked to Abuja in the late hours of the night.

He said the party was aware of plots by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to frame charges of “hate speech” against 150 prominent PDP chieftains with a view to arresting and detaining them before the elections.

“We are very much aware that long before now, the ruling APC in Kaduna State, under the leadership of Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has penned down a long list of influential PDP members in the state for intimidation, arrest and detention over spurious charges few days to the general elections,” Sarki said.

The PDP leaders being targeted for arrest, according to him, includes a former National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi; former Governor Mukhtar Yero; the State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Felix Hassan Hyat; and former state chairman of the PDP, Audi Yaro Makama, among several others.

Nigerian Airports Record 15.2m Passengers, 227,834 Aircraft Movements Chinedu Eze The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said a total of 15.2 million passengers passed through Nigerian airports in 227,834 aircraft movements in 2018.

This was revealed in FAAN’s 2018 Annual Report obtained yesterday by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

The report posted an increase of 2.5 million passengers from 12.7 million passengers recorded in 2017 representing 19.11 per cent increase.

It also revealed an increase of 27,068 from the 200,766 aircraft movements recorded in 2017 representing 11.48 per cent increase.

According to the report, 11.02 million passengers travelled within the country (domestic), while a total of 4.2 passengers traveled into and out of the country (international) through the airports during the period under review.

The data further showed that 182,924 domestic and 44,910 international flights were operated across the nation’s 22 airports during the period.

The total cargo movement, according to FAAN, stood at 245.89 million tonnes per kilogramme compared to the 169.50 million tonnes per kilogramme recorded in 2017.

The statistics also indicated

that 174.91 million tonnes per kilogramme arrived in the country through the airports, while 70.89 million tonnes departed during the year.

The report on the four major airports in the country showed that Murtala Muhammed Airports, Lagos, (Domestic and International Wing) recorded the highest passengers and aircraft movements during the period.

The data indicated that Lagos airport recorded 6.7 million passengers comprising 2.8 million on domestic routes and 2.9 million on the international routes. The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja recorded 4.6 million passengers comprising 3.7 million on domestic routes, while the international routes recorded 941,182 passengers.

FAAN also disclosed that Port Harcourt International Airport recorded 1.14 million passengers comprising 1.05 million domestic passengers and 92,050 international.

Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano recorded 567,537 passengers comprising 398,266 domestic and 169,271 international passengers.

The monthly breakdown showed that 1.1 million passengers comprising 572,006 arrivals and 583,779 departures in 17,112 aircraft movements were recorded in the month of January.

Ibukun Awosika, and the bank’s Managing Director, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, for contempt over judgment debt of N17 billion.

The appellate court voided the decision of the Federal High Court on the grounds that the lower court judge erred in law when it convicted the bank bosses for contempt premised on the allegation of breach of an undertaking.

Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos had found Awosika and Adeduntan guilty for the refusal of the

bank to release N17 billion plus interests that First Bank allegedly guaranteed to pay the community on behalf of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited in respect of the judgment debt against SPDC in an oil spill suit filed by the community.

The judge in his judgment of June 6, 2018 sentenced them to three months of imprisonment but suspended the sentencing till September 6, 2018 to enable the bank and its officials to purge

themselves of the contempt The court had in a judgment ordered First Bank Plc to pay Ejama-Ebubu community of Ogoni in Rivers State the sum of N17 billion bond guaranteed by the bank on behalf of Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDC). But First Bank Plc refused to obey the order of the court, forcing Justice Ibrahim Buba to commit the 1st to 3 defendants to jail for contempt.

In a substantive suit, 10 indigenes of Ejama community

in Ogoniland, had through their counsel, Lucius Nwosu (SAN), sued Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Netherlands; Royal Dutch Shell Plc, United Kingdom; and SPDC for oil spills that allegedly occurred when Shell operated in the community at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

Dissatisfied with the decision of Justice Buba on their conviction for contempt, the bank chiefs through their lawyers led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), filed an appeal.

21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY…

L-R: Administrator, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Dr. Ike Adinde; Chairman, DBI Governing Board, Titi Omo-Ettu; Deputy Managing Director, Huawei, Kelvin Yangyang; Sales Director, Huawei, Nihinlola Fafore; and Media Manager, Huawei Emmanuel Adegbite, at the inauguration

FG Saves $550m from Removing Ghost Employees President Muhammadu Buhari has said nearly $550 million has been saved from identifying ghost employees from the federal government’s payroll.

The president revealed this in a special write-up, which he released in Abuja yesterday.

He said more ghost workers would be removed.

Buhari also expressed

optimism that more money could be recovered through the whistle-blower policy as over $370 million had been returned since its launch in 2016.

“More ghost workers must be removed from government payroll (almost $550 million has been saved from identifying phantom employees),” he said.

“More can be recovered

through our whistle-blower policy ($370 million has been returned since its launch in 2016).

“More is still to come. But, together, we shall prevail over corruption.”

He, therefore, enjoined Nigerians, particularly the electorate to make a wise choice in the forthcoming presidential

election by way of re-electing the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) to sustain and improve on the ongoing crusade on corruption.

He reassured that due process would continue to be followed in the fight against corruption even though his administration had changed the way of tackling corruption in the country.

Degema People Declare Support for Wike’s Re-election Leaders and people of Degema Local Government Area (LGA) have declared that they will work round the clock to ensure the reelection of Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

The leaders spoke at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign rally at Degema yesterday, where they said all structures of the party have been

energised to deliver Governor Wike in the 130 polling units of the area.

They said that key projects have been executed across Degema Local Government Area to improve the living condition of the people.

Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, described Wike as a true leader who is Kalabari

friendly.

She hails from the area.

She said the Rivers State governor has blessed Degema people with key projects.

She thanked Governor Wike for keeping faith with her as his running mate.

“Since the creation of Rivers State, no woman has been deputy governor. In your tenure, you

made it possible for a woman to be deputy governor”, she said.

She said that Degema people have decided that they would use their permanent voters cards to re-elect Governor Wike.

The PDP candidate for Bonny/ Degema Federal Constituency, Farah Dagogo said Niger Delta people believe Wike as an exceptional leader of the region.

FG PAYS $5.4BN PARIS CLUB REFUND TO STATES “This is promoting regime change by another route. This is the beginning not the end of the Venezuelan nightmare. Nigeria should by all means avoid a repetition of the Venezuelan nightmare in Nigeria.

“Therefore, I appeal to the political leaders to call on their supporters to eschew violence and any undemocratic behaviour during these elections. We should avoid hate speech not just know but in our political system.

“Political leaders should

commit themselves publicly and loudly to free, fair and transparent elections.

“This is the time for our leaders to commit themselves and their supporters to accepting the result of the elections if the results reflect the true wishes and intentions of the voters.

“In case the elections are not free, fair and transparent, the loser should commit himself to using the tribunals and courts for redress, even though the judicial system is imperfect and

under stress now.

“Above all, there should be no recourse to violence whatever the provocation.”

He also advised Nigerians to welcome foreign election observers as against the suspicion that they would interfere with the outcome of the elections.

“As someone who has led electoral observer teams to other countries for over a period of 40 years, I welcome and Nigeria should welcome the presence of the observer teams.

They perform a useful role in elections all over the world,” he said.

“Finally, the United States, the European Union, the International Criminal Court, in other words, the international community have put us on notice as to their expectations.

It is in our own good to listen to them.” The international community has repeatedly tasked the federal government to ensure a process that would herald free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections.

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Clark: Why We Endorsed Atiku Deji Elumoye in Abuja Ijaw leader and Convener of Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, has taken a swipe at those who said he and other South-south group collected money to endorse the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, saying he supported the endorsement because of Atiku’s commitment towards restructuring Nigeria.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an apex Igbo socio-cultural group; Afenifere, a socio-cultural organisation of the Yoruba, and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), were among the five groups, which endorsed Atiku last week.

The spokesman of President Muhammadu Buhari campaign, Festus Keyamo, had described

the endorsement as a fraud while some of the president’s supporters said it was based on financial inducement.

But speaking at a meeting with some South-south leaders who paid him a visit at his Abuja residence at the weekend, Clark said the former vice president was sincere about pursuing the restructuring course.

He expressed disgust over the allegation, adding that he could feed the family of those claiming he was bought over.

“Our message is that if you want to restructure Nigeria you are our man, if you don’t want to restructure then you not a man. Those who said we have taken money from Atiku to take this position, fail to realize that I can feed them and their households,” he said.

“Our salvation is with the restructuring of this country.

President Buhari said if we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us but I am saying if we don’t restructure this country, this country will not survive “Without restructuring, we are endangered species, we are dying out. This country belongs to all of us and the moment we begin to feel we are not important in this country, it means we are slaves.”

Clark said the report of the committee on restructuring chaired by Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto State Governor, and the one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chaired by Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna State, are similar to the report of the 2014 national conference.

NJC RECONVENES OVER ONNOGHEN, MUHAMMAD TODAY “In view of the gravity of the matters involved, council abridged the usual response period from 14 to seven working days for the justices to respond.

“Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen and. Justice I.T. Muhammad, recused themselves from the meeting. Consequently, Council elected Justice Umaru Abdullahi former President of the Court of Appeal, as interim chairman to preside over the meeting.”

CUPP Raises the Alarm over Alleged Plot to Lock Down NJC Headquarters Meanwhile, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has again raised the alarm on an alleged plot by the federal government to use security agents to lock down the National Judicial Council (NJC) Headquarters and intimidate members at their resumed sitting today.

It also claimed that it was in possession of purported draft resolution of the council allegedly handed down to its Acting Chairman, Justice Abdullahi, for possible adoption at the end of the meeting of the council today (Monday) The coalition alleged that the government was working with acting CJN Mohammad to manipulate the NJC meeting after majority of members allegedly refused to be compromised to support the removal of Justice Onnoghen.

The CUPP spokesperson, Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, said they obtained credible intelligence with evidence that a combined team of security agents has been approved by the presidency to

cordon off the venue of the NJC meeting scheduled for today as they proceed to consider the answers to the queries issued to the CJN and Justice Mohammad.

He said: “The operatives have been handed instructions that they should do whatever is necessary to ensure the NJC indicts the CJN and set Justice Tanko Mohammad free from all allegations.” He also alleged that an Assistant Inspector General of Police and another very senior officer from the Department of State Security (DSS) are to coordinate the operation.

He said: “The security agents are to claim that there is intelligence of a possible breach of security which would warrant the increased security.

They are to coax, coerce and show some members their unfavourable security reports to get them to do the bidding of the government.”

This latest decision, he said, was informed by the fact that the federal government is aware that the Nigerian opposition has obtained further evidence to prove that the removal of Justice Onnoghen from office

by Buhari is merely for political purpose, having failed in a bid to recruit the CJN to support the APC and use the office of the Chief Justice to unduly favour the party and the president in the post-2019 Supreme Court election petition appeals.

He added: “Knowing that they do not have anything on the CJN, they have resorted to strong arm tactics, intimidation and harassment. The factional CJN Tanko Mohammed is

now yielding the office of the CJN to the executive to manipulate the NJC meeting for his own personal gain and to reap the fruit of the illegal forced suspension of Justice Onnoghen.”

The CUPP urged Nigerians to keep vigil over the venue so that the last hope of the common man is not conquered.

Accuses Abdullahi, presidency of conniving to retire Onnoghen Also, the CUPP has claimed that it was in possession of purported draft resolution of the NJC allegedly handed down to the Acting Chairman of the council, Justice Umaru Abdullahi, for possible adoption at the end of the meeting of the council today (Monday).

It alleged that the compromised draft resolution contains the decisions that the suspended CJN, Onnoghen be forcibly retired, while Justice Tanko Muhammad be confirmed and his name recommended to the President for confirmation as the substantive CJN. The CUPP spokesperson, Ugochinyere, at a press conference in Abuja, said the draft also contained the defence for Justice Muhammad that as at the time he made himself available in the Villa to be sworn in as acting CJN did not have much of a choice as security operatives were detailed to bring him to the Villa on his way from the mosque, and that he was only told why he was brought to the Villa when he was already in the Council Chambers.

COOKING GAS SCARCITY LOOMS AS NIMASA DETAINS NLNG VESSEL The refineries continued their loss-making trends in February 2018 with a deficit of N8.055 billion; and N11.889 billion in March before turning around their fortunes in April to record a profit of N6.321 billion which was the only profit they ever made within the period.

Returning back to their loss-making inclinations, the refineries in May 2018 recorded their heaviest deficits with N20.081 billion netted in their books; N14.510 billion was again recorded against them in June; N10.449 billion in July; N10.793 billion in August; N6.972 billion in September; in October, it was N9.326 billion; and then N9.585 billion in November 2018.

With regards to capacity utilisation, the NNPC report

noted that in November 2017, it was a combined efficiency of 5.81per cent, it rose to 26.99 per cent in December of the same year, and then dropped to 10.89 per cent in January 2018.

In February 2018, it rose slightly to 13.94 per cent; in March, it rose again to 14.41 per cent before sliding by more than half to seven per cent in April; and rising again to 20.12 per cent in May; 20.66 per cent in June; and then nosediving to 4.83 per cent July; and 3.02 per cent in August.

In September and October 2018, all of the corporation’s refineries had zero capacity utilisation indicating they perhaps produced nothing within these two months. They then picked up to a meagre 0.67

per cent capacity utilisation in November 2018.

Also, the report noted that their yields efficiency based on Crude Distillation Unit (CDU); Catalytic Reforming Unit (CRU); and Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC), the Port Harcourt refinery had the highest with 88.73 per cent, followed

by Warri refinery which had 83.24 per cent, and then Kaduna refinery with 40.87 per cent over the period.

Over the period, the report equally stated that the refineries produced 842,109,103 litres of petrol and 406,065,675 litres of kerosene, out of the 20,084,584,883.64 litres of petrol and 601,483,991.02 litres of kerosene consumed in Nigeria.

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

NPFL: MFM FC Fight Back to Stay on Top of Group A r IfeanyiUbah, Heartland share points in Okigwe Duro Ikhazuagbe

Plaudits for Match-day 8 of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) belong to MFM FC. The church team did not just rally back from two goals down against Niger Tornadoes to win 3-2 at the Agege Stadium to retain the top position of Group A, former players of the Olukoya Boys were also winners in Aba and Jos. Embattled Tornadoes had raced to two goals lead in the first ten minutes of the clash at the Soccer Temple.

Peter Abashuga and Jonathan Osondu produced the two goals that stunned MFM FC back to life.

However, Abisoye Olawale ensured that the visitors did not take the two-goal advantage into the second stanza as he pulled back one on the stroke of half-time. New boy in the fold, Michael Ohanu, justified his coming on board the church team by netting the equaliser in the 52nd minute.

NPFL MATCHDAY 8 MFM FC 3-2 Tornadoes Plateau 1-0 Go Round Enyimba 1-0 Remo Stars Kwara Utd 1-0 Wikki Pillars 3-1 Yobe Stars El-Kanemi 1-0 Abia Warriors Heartland 1-1 IfeanyiUbah

Chuks Kenedium grabbed the winner late into the stoppage time to send MFM fans into delirious celebration.

MFM is seating pretty on top Group A with 15 points from seven matches. They are clear five points clear of second placed Enyimba. Katsina United and Rivers United make up the top four of Group A. Despite sharing points with Heartland, IfeanyiUbah and El Kanemi Warriors are joint leaders on same 15 points while the Imo State owned team is third.

In Aba, former MFM player, Onuka Chukwuka grabbed the lone winner for Enyimba in their 1-0 defeat of Remo Stars.

That win for the People’s Elephant has now pushed the Aba team to the second spot of Group A. Elsewhere in Jos, another former MFM FC player, Jesse Akila ensured that Plateau United ended a run of 10 NPFL games without any win with a 1-0 defeat of Go Round FC. Akila scored the winner in the 77th minute from an assist by substitute Bernard Ovoke.

The Oriental Derby at the Okigwe Township Stadium between Heartland and FC IfeanyiUbah ended in a 1-1 scoreline. Joshua Akhabue gave Heartland the lead on 16 minutes, while Chijoke Alakwe equalised for the visitors in the 38th minute.

In Ilorin, Kwara United

defeated Wikki Tourists 1-0 with Segun Alebiosu hitting the winner from the spot in the 25th minute while Kano Pillars were 3-1 winners at

the Sani Abacha Stadium against Yobe Desert Stars.

Veteran Rabiu Ali, Chinedu Sunday and David Ebuka scored the goals for the Sai

Masugida. Philip Auta scored the consolation goal for Yobe Desert Stars from the spot three minutes from time.

Abia Warriors suffered first

defeat in three games following a 1-0 loss to El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri. Sunday Anthony grabbed the winner 12 minutes from time.

CATCHING ‘EM YOUNG…

Over 1,200 boys and girls took part in the Coaching Clinic which held at the Campos Mini Stadium on Lagos Island at the weekend.

Facilitators of The Match: Africa XI vs Naija Legends are aiming to use the game celebrate the sports achievements of the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on April 26, 2019

Oshoala Scores First Goal for Barcelona Nigerian forward, Asisat Oshoala, has hit the ground running at FC Barcelona after she scored her first goal for the Spanish club on her debut yesterday.

She came off the bench in the second half and hit target after 63 minutes.

Barcelona won 4-0 at Rayo Vallecano.

They are now three points

behind leaders Atletico Madrid on 54 points from 20 matches.

The Super Falcons star debut had been delayed by tiredness caused by a lot of travelling to join her new

club. She is on loan from her Chinese club.

Oshoala has previously played in England with Liverpool Ladies and Arsenal Ladies.

Ola Aina Grabs Winner as Torino Cricket World Cup Arrives Nigeria Today Defeats Ekong’s Udinese in Italy Ola Aina had to wait until his 22nd appearance for Torino in all competitions before opening his goal-scoring account for The Maroons.

The Nigeria international scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in Torino’s 1-0 win against William Troost-Ekong’s Udinese at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino yesterday afternoon.

Ekong, who was deployed in the centre of a three-man defence, was culpable in the first goal scored by Aina in a Torino shirt as the wing-back was left unchallenged before planting a brilliant header beyond goalkeeper

Juan Musso.

The Chelsea loanee has now tallied two goals in 74 first-team appearances cumulatively for Chelsea, Hull City and Torino.

Aina has been in the form of his life since transferring to Torino and only CD Leganes defender Kenneth Omeruo is better ranked in the CIES form rankings in the last three months.

The 22-year-old’s goal yesterday was his first in 400 days as he last found the net in a competitive fixture while wearing the jersey of Hull City against Blackburn Rovers on January 6, 2018.

The International Cricket Council has confirmed that game’s World Cup trophy would arrive Abuja, Nigeria at noon today to begin a three-day Tour of the country as part of the build up to the 2019 World Cup. Nigeria despite not being eligible to participate in the World Cup in the United Kingdom later in June, has been picked as one of the countries that the World Cup would visit, in recognition of her growing interest in the game.

President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Professor Yahaha Ukwenya, who was

elected the head of the body in June 2017, said he and his team could not have thought about this 18 months back, when they assumed leadership, “I believe we have communicated to the world, how passionate our team is, in several ways, and, how ready we are to grow the game in these few months that we have run Cricket as a new board, that was what earned us this,” he said.

The trophy would be hosted in Abuja and Lagos. While in Abuja, it will be received by the Honourable Minister of

Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, and visit some iconic places like the Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Cultural Centre and the Katampe hills; in Lagos, it will be received

by Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and also displayed at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval on Lagos Island.

“The tour of the World Cup Trophy is presently the biggest activity in the game of cricket, the world over, and Nigeria has been placed on that map by sheer effort of the dedicated people that make up the leadership of the

Nigeria Cricket Federation.

This is the first time the World Cup Trophy is coming to this part of Africa. It is indeed an honour,” the NCF Vice President, Uyi Akpata, said.

“We have a lot people in the cricket community that have been yearning to have a taste of World Cup Trophy and we are working out a very fair ground that would be inclusive for all the groups represented in our diverse community in Nigeria, both students, diplomatic community, professionals, enthusiast and sports fans,” he added.

Man City Decimates Chelsea to Go Top

rAguero equals Shearer’s hat-trick record

Sergio Aguero celebrating his record-equaling hat-trick in the 6-0 crushing of Chelsea…yesterday

Sergio Aguero was Manchester City’s hat-trick hero again as it returned to the top of the English Premier League in scintillating style by outclassing Chelsea at Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool’s win against Bournemouth meant Pep Guardiola’s side needed victory to return to the summit, albeit having played one game more.

And their job was done after a sensational opening burst brought four goals in the first 25 minutes as Chelsea were left bedraggled, humiliated and on the receiving end of their worst defeat since they lost 7-0 at Nottingham Forest in April 1991.

The rout started after four minutes when Chelsea were

caught napping by Kevin De Bruyne’s quick free-kick which left Raheem Sterling to fire in at the far post before Aguero, who had already missed an open goal, curled a magnificent right-foot finish past the stretching Kepa Arrizabalaga from 25 yards.

Chelsea’s embarrassment was symbolised by Ross Barkley’s inexplicable header straight to the feet of Aguero to poach his second and Ilkay Gundogan capped that early blitz with a low drive.

Aguero completed his hattrick from the penalty spot after 56 minutes following Cesar Azpilicueta’s foul on Sterling, his 15th treble for City and a record-equalling 11th in the Premier League, an honour

he shares with Alan Shearer. It was also his second in successive home games after his hat-trick in the 3-1 win against Arsenal.

Sterling then piled on the agony for Chelsea with the sixth, turned in from six yards after David Silva’s threaded pass released Oleksandr Zinchenko down the left.

If Liverpool answered questions with their win over Bournemouth, City’s response here - and in the last week - has been even more emphatic.

Guardiola’s reigning champions faced a key week after their shock loss at Newcastle United with potentially hazardous home games against Arsenal and Chelsea, and a rearranged trip to Everton.

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

NPFL: MFM FC Fight Back to Stay on Top of Group A r IfeanyiUbah, Heartland share points in Okigwe Duro Ikhazuagbe

Plaudits for Match-day 8 of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) belong to MFM FC. The church team did not just rally back from two goals down against Niger Tornadoes to win 3-2 at the Agege Stadium to retain the top position of Group A, former players of the Olukoya Boys were also winners in Aba and Jos. Embattled Tornadoes had raced to two goals lead in the first ten minutes of the clash at the Soccer Temple.

Peter Abashuga and Jonathan Osondu produced the two goals that stunned MFM FC back to life.

However, Abisoye Olawale ensured that the visitors did not take the two-goal advantage into the second stanza as he pulled back one on the stroke of half-time. New boy in the fold, Michael Ohanu, justified his coming on board the church team by netting the equaliser in the 52nd minute.

NPFL MATCHDAY 8 MFM FC 3-2 Tornadoes Plateau 1-0 Go Round Enyimba 1-0 Remo Stars Kwara Utd 1-0 Wikki Pillars 3-1 Yobe Stars El-Kanemi 1-0 Abia Warriors Heartland 1-1 IfeanyiUbah

Chuks Kenedium grabbed the winner late into the stoppage time to send MFM fans into delirious celebration.

MFM is seating pretty on top Group A with 15 points from seven matches. They are clear five points clear of second placed Enyimba. Katsina United and Rivers United make up the top four of Group A. Despite sharing points with Heartland, IfeanyiUbah and El Kanemi Warriors are joint leaders on same 15 points while the Imo State owned team is third.

In Aba, former MFM player, Onuka Chukwuka grabbed the lone winner for Enyimba in their 1-0 defeat of Remo Stars.

That win for the People’s Elephant has now pushed the Aba team to the second spot of Group A. Elsewhere in Jos, another former MFM FC player, Jesse Akila ensured that Plateau United ended a run of 10 NPFL games without any win with a 1-0 defeat of Go Round FC. Akila scored the winner in the 77th minute from an assist by substitute Bernard Ovoke.

The Oriental Derby at the Okigwe Township Stadium between Heartland and FC IfeanyiUbah ended in a 1-1 scoreline. Joshua Akhabue gave Heartland the lead on 16 minutes, while Chijoke Alakwe equalised for the visitors in the 38th minute.

In Ilorin, Kwara United

defeated Wikki Tourists 1-0 with Segun Alebiosu hitting the winner from the spot in the 25th minute while Kano Pillars were 3-1 winners at

the Sani Abacha Stadium against Yobe Desert Stars.

Veteran Rabiu Ali, Chinedu Sunday and David Ebuka scored the goals for the Sai

Masugida. Philip Auta scored the consolation goal for Yobe Desert Stars from the spot three minutes from time.

Abia Warriors suffered first

defeat in three games following a 1-0 loss to El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri. Sunday Anthony grabbed the winner 12 minutes from time.

CATCHING ‘EM YOUNG…

Over 1,200 boys and girls took part in the Coaching Clinic which held at the Campos Mini Stadium on Lagos Island at the weekend.

Facilitators of The Match: Africa XI vs Naija Legends are aiming to use the game celebrate the sports achievements of the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on April 26, 2019

Oshoala Scores First Goal for Barcelona Nigerian forward, Asisat Oshoala, has hit the ground running at FC Barcelona after she scored her first goal for the Spanish club on her debut yesterday.

She came off the bench in the second half and hit target after 63 minutes.

Barcelona won 4-0 at Rayo Vallecano.

They are now three points

behind leaders Atletico Madrid on 54 points from 20 matches.

The Super Falcons star debut had been delayed by tiredness caused by a lot of travelling to join her new

club. She is on loan from her Chinese club.

Oshoala has previously played in England with Liverpool Ladies and Arsenal Ladies.

Ola Aina Grabs Winner as Torino Cricket World Cup Arrives Nigeria Today Defeats Ekong’s Udinese in Italy Ola Aina had to wait until his 22nd appearance for Torino in all competitions before opening his goal-scoring account for The Maroons.

The Nigeria international scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in Torino’s 1-0 win against William Troost-Ekong’s Udinese at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino yesterday afternoon.

Ekong, who was deployed in the centre of a three-man defence, was culpable in the first goal scored by Aina in a Torino shirt as the wing-back was left unchallenged before planting a brilliant header beyond goalkeeper

Juan Musso.

The Chelsea loanee has now tallied two goals in 74 first-team appearances cumulatively for Chelsea, Hull City and Torino.

Aina has been in the form of his life since transferring to Torino and only CD Leganes defender Kenneth Omeruo is better ranked in the CIES form rankings in the last three months.

The 22-year-old’s goal yesterday was his first in 400 days as he last found the net in a competitive fixture while wearing the jersey of Hull City against Blackburn Rovers on January 6, 2018.

The International Cricket Council has confirmed that game’s World Cup trophy would arrive Abuja, Nigeria at noon today to begin a three-day Tour of the country as part of the build up to the 2019 World Cup. Nigeria despite not being eligible to participate in the World Cup in the United Kingdom later in June, has been picked as one of the countries that the World Cup would visit, in recognition of her growing interest in the game.

President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Professor Yahaha Ukwenya, who was

elected the head of the body in June 2017, said he and his team could not have thought about this 18 months back, when they assumed leadership, “I believe we have communicated to the world, how passionate our team is, in several ways, and, how ready we are to grow the game in these few months that we have run Cricket as a new board, that was what earned us this,” he said.

The trophy would be hosted in Abuja and Lagos. While in Abuja, it will be received by the Honourable Minister of

Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, and visit some iconic places like the Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Cultural Centre and the Katampe hills; in Lagos, it will be received

by Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and also displayed at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval on Lagos Island.

“The tour of the World Cup Trophy is presently the biggest activity in the game of cricket, the world over, and Nigeria has been placed on that map by sheer effort of the dedicated people that make up the leadership of the

Nigeria Cricket Federation.

This is the first time the World Cup Trophy is coming to this part of Africa. It is indeed an honour,” the NCF Vice President, Uyi Akpata, said.

“We have a lot people in the cricket community that have been yearning to have a taste of World Cup Trophy and we are working out a very fair ground that would be inclusive for all the groups represented in our diverse community in Nigeria, both students, diplomatic community, professionals, enthusiast and sports fans,” he added.

Man City Decimates Chelsea to Go Top

rAguero equals Shearer’s hat-trick record

Sergio Aguero celebrating his record-equaling hat-trick in the 6-0 crushing of Chelsea…yesterday

Sergio Aguero was Manchester City’s hat-trick hero again as it returned to the top of the English Premier League in scintillating style by outclassing Chelsea at Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool’s win against Bournemouth meant Pep Guardiola’s side needed victory to return to the summit, albeit having played one game more.

And their job was done after a sensational opening burst brought four goals in the first 25 minutes as Chelsea were left bedraggled, humiliated and on the receiving end of their worst defeat since they lost 7-0 at Nottingham Forest in April 1991.

The rout started after four minutes when Chelsea were

caught napping by Kevin De Bruyne’s quick free-kick which left Raheem Sterling to fire in at the far post before Aguero, who had already missed an open goal, curled a magnificent right-foot finish past the stretching Kepa Arrizabalaga from 25 yards.

Chelsea’s embarrassment was symbolised by Ross Barkley’s inexplicable header straight to the feet of Aguero to poach his second and Ilkay Gundogan capped that early blitz with a low drive.

Aguero completed his hattrick from the penalty spot after 56 minutes following Cesar Azpilicueta’s foul on Sterling, his 15th treble for City and a record-equalling 11th in the Premier League, an honour

he shares with Alan Shearer. It was also his second in successive home games after his hat-trick in the 3-1 win against Arsenal.

Sterling then piled on the agony for Chelsea with the sixth, turned in from six yards after David Silva’s threaded pass released Oleksandr Zinchenko down the left.

If Liverpool answered questions with their win over Bournemouth, City’s response here - and in the last week - has been even more emphatic.

Guardiola’s reigning champions faced a key week after their shock loss at Newcastle United with potentially hazardous home games against Arsenal and Chelsea, and a rearranged trip to Everton.

Monday February 11, 2019

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MISSILE US to FG “The US does not have an anointed candidate or a political party for the elections. Nigerians must work hard to ensure that the elections are credible like the 2015 elections.� – United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, debunking the rumours that the US has endorsed a candidate or party for the general election

ATEDOPETERSIDE GUEST COLUMNIST

Things Fall Apart, But is the President Aware?

A nap Foundation has commissioned opinion polls for every presidential poll and many governorship polls since 2011.

The results of the extensive polls conducted, on our behalf by NOI Polls, for the 2019 presidential elections indicate that respondents who were undecided and/ or unwilling to disclose their candidate (the undecided) at the time of the poll (end-January) were a whopping 38% of the total voters’ sample. The poll findings confirm that President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Atiku Abubakar (Atiku) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are clearly in a two-horse race, as all other presidential candidates polled embarrassingly insignificant numbers.

The gender split of the Undecided between women and men is 49:29. The geographical split of the Undecided is also uneven - it is highest in the South-east (SE), South-west (SW) and South-south (SS) zones with Undecided votes of 53%, 49% and 45% respectively. Conversely, the North-east (NE), North-west (NW) and North-central (NC) zones were at the lower end of the spectrum with Undecided votes of 22%, 25% and 35% respectively.

Voter apathy is strongest in the SE zone where only 61% of the electorate say that they have given some consideration to the forthcoming elections, followed by SS (73%) and SW (79%). In the NW, NE and NC Zones, the comparable statistics are 87%, 83% and 80%. This is unsurprising, because a choice of two elderly Northern Muslim candidates in 2019 might have alienated quite a few in the South.

That PMB actually had an overall lead in our polls is cold comfort for his supporters because further analysis confirms that only approximately one-third of the electorate nationwide claimed to be certain to back his candidacy. Atiku was lagging behind PMB, but the fact that the Undecided votes are concentrated outside the two zones where PMB is strongest (NE & NW) must give Atiku cause to believe that PMB’s lead might not be unassailable after all.

The respondents to our detailed poll tell us that top six reasons for backing PMB are:- Continuity (28%), fight against corruption (13%), integrity (13%), improving security (12%) helping the poor (8%) and preferred choice (6%). Only 2% of PMB’s backers are doing so because they expect a “better economy�.

Meanwhile, top six reasons for backing Atiku are:- Change in governance (39%), better economy (20%), better governance (11%), preferred choice (8%), past political records (7%) and restructuring (5%). But then both “Continuity� and “Change� have been defined poorly by PMB and Atiku respectively and so they mean different things to different voters.

That only 2% of his own supporters expect a better economy from PMB is understandable. Records show that in every

Buhari

single year that PMB has been in office as Head of State (including 1984), he managed to bequeath a reduction in real income per capita on the populace. In effect, his rule or reign through the years has been virtually synonymous with increased poverty levels.

If PMB’s strength was supposed to be plugging leakages from the federal government purse and, if his political opponents are supposed to be “looters�, it is hard for some to understand why the national economy often performs better when supposed looters are in charge. The answer to this puzzle lies in the structure of the Nigerian economy; all three tiers of government combined now account for only 8.54% of National Aggregate Demand as at 30 June, 2018 (latest figures available).

Conversely, the private sector now accounts for a gigantic 91.46% of Aggregate Demand.

These are statistics that many business savvy people have sensed intuitively and that is why more and more businesses have stopped bothering to supply goods and/ or services to the phenomenally corrupt government sector.

It is not the plugging of government sector leakages that really jumpstarts economic activity. Rather, it is the institutionalisation of an enabling business environment that stimulates all-round business confidence and new investment activity from the private sector that generates economic growth.

Buharinomics (if there is any such coherent thought or body of logic over and above random and irrational/wild actions) is unpopular because it concentrates unduly on 8.54% of the economy (government sector), whilst neglecting and/or punishing and bashing or brow-beating the much broader 91.46% of the economy (private sector).

The biggest negative of Buharinomics is allowing rogue and/or lily-livered and incompetent regulators to harass innocent private sector businesses as they try and shake them down for unwarranted and horrendously large fines by peddling falsehoods against them. The business community then takes fright and investors

flee thereby sending the economy into a tailspin. A recent case in point was the preposterous $8billion allegation against MTN. This is where PMB’s kitchen cabinet have let him down terribly. An old man relying on an Official Deputy or his Chief of Staff as his right hand men is normal and permissible/expected. Supplanting or subverting these responsible officials via undue deference to a coterie of nepotistic and/or shady influencers who exercise real power without responsibility in the President’s name is PMB’s Achilles Heel.

Discerning Nigerians do not want a “De Facto� President (or two) who never come out of the shadows to subject their archaic ideas to public scrutiny and debate.

It could all have been so different for PMB. All he had to do was execute an anti-corruption drive systematically without bias or favour, uphold the rule of law e.g. release the brutalised Shiite leader and stop rogue regulators from harassing the private sector. Then, many would have ignored the fact that Nigeria, under his watch, now leads the world in extreme poverty rankings and also threatens to become the illiteracy capital of the world, measured in terms number of school age children that are not in school.

Curiously, the best descriptions of PMB’s failures come from his family, friends and loyalists. They are the ones who told us everything that we feared but were unsure about e.g. that he is not in charge, but is controlled by 2 or 3 men, or that his anticorruption drive is jaundiced because he uses insecticides on his political enemies whilst applying deodorant on his own equally guilty associates and friends. By bastardising the anti-corruption drive, the heads of the security agencies did Buhari a great disservice. Party faithful who publicly invite the biggest rogues to come over to APC (and many obliged) in order to enjoy immunity poisoned the waters further and make us wonder if our president (supposedly high on integrity) is really aware of what is going on around him.

Meanwhile, the strongest arguments against Atiku were also those that were bandied around by some of his new friends who were his erstwhile political enemies. All of a sudden, they would have us forget everything bad that they told us before about Atiku.

To hold off the Atiku challenge, PMB needs substantial votes from sections of the country that he has indirectly and needlessly told he can never trust to head sensitive security posts. Meanwhile, at election time, the cabal/kitchen cabinet have taken a temporary back seat, whilst leaving the “untrusted� to lead from the front. The cabal are presumably waiting in the wings to take over and dominate proceedings once again if victory is achieved. If the baboons locked the monkeys out from the dinner table for long periods, when the monkeys were still required to lead the re-election campaign, it is unclear why the monkeys

would be let back in after a second and final term is secured.

PMB’s campaign has been beset with missteps and personal blunders. Even when interviewers chose to inexplicably handle him with kid’s gloves he managed to misunderstand basic questions and/or to commit one gaffe after another on the campaign trail, thereby portraying himself (to Undecided and swing voters) more like a patient in need of help/sympathy, than a political icon/strongman.

Atiku has not taken full advantage of PMB’s missteps either. When PDP’s rickety campaign platforms are not collapsing on account of overcrowding, they have often projected a song and dance spectacle that may be fun to watch for sycophants, but fails to convince the huge army of undecided/ swing voters that the change Atiku promises will be in the right direction. Projecting an air of “business as usual� is in my humble opinion a needless gamble that needs to be corrected.

In the belief that every Saint has a past and every Sinner, a future, Atiku would sound more convincing if he was bold enough to admit that he is a past sinner who is now “born again� - a later day economic reformer that is no longer interested in perpetuating past errors which include a measure of profligacy. He could then dare anybody without sin to come forward and throw the first stone. Tough statements on what he will no longer tolerate and the portrayal of a lean and professional team around him would probably be more reassuring and appealing to the Undecided than the monotonous carnival atmosphere that currently trails him.

So, PMB is in the lead, but Atiku has momentum because of some recent important endorsements and also on account of the fact that the bulk of the Undecided reside in the four zones where PMB is weakest.

In the final week before the presidential elections, the APC faces a “Catch 22� situation.

They can hide PMB away to ensure no more embarrassing public gaffes and gamble that Atiku (even with a powerful closing campaign) will still not catch and overtake PMB or they can send PMB out on a final push on the campaign trail and risk more gaffes which may create further doubts in the minds of the huge army of undecided voters and tilt them towards Atiku. Wheeling PMB out without allowing him to speak is a terrible option. A case of dammed if you do and dammed also if you don’t?

Meanwhile, our selected governorship polls show APC leading PDP in Kano and Lagos States, but with PDP leading APC in Rivers and Sokoto States. Full details of all these poll results will shortly be made available on the Anap Foundation website. r "UFEP / " 1FUFSTJEF JT UIF 'PVOEFS BOE 1SFTJEFOU PG "OBQ 'PVOEBUJPO B OPO QSPĂ U PSHBOJTBUJPO UIBU JT DPNNJUUFE UP QSPNPUJOH HPPE HPWFSOBODF 5XJUUFS !"UFEP1FUFSTJEF

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