Bank, PDP kick against CBN's policy

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62462

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

UNPAID SALARIES: CORRUPTION: NLC factions unite Buhari descends against debtor govs on civil servants 4 9

WAR AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING

Banks, PDP kick against CBN's policy •See pull-out inside

•Importers divert businesses to neighbouring countries •CBN explains rationale, as Naira bounces back

By Gabriel Omoh, Babajide Komolafe & Henry Umoru

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AGOS—BANKS and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have kicked against the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to bar foreign currency deposits into domiciliary accounts.

The PDP described the decision as illegal, unlawful, void, archaic and communist in nature, stressing that the President should be reminded that as a country, Nigeria was in a democracy and not military administration as in 1984.

A senior bank treasurer and executive member of Financial Market Dealers Association of Nigeria, FMDA, also described the

policy as a knee-jerk

Continues on Page 5

Mr & Mrs RESCUED—Some of the 178 Boko Haram captives rescued by troops of 21 Brigade of the Nigerian Army along Aulari in Bama axis of Borno State. Those rescued include 101 children, 67 women and 10 men.

COLUMNISTS: Removing the JAMB and jam from admissions •P.41

Dogara’s expensive Papa has a new bag of debts price for peace •P.40 •P.42

50 Boko Haram killed as troops repel attack on Borno village 8

2 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

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Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 3

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4—Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Unpaid salaries: NLC factions unite against debtor govs •Wabba faction meets Wednesday for decisive action “It must also be on record that modest proposal is based on the we will not accept the unstable macro-economic •Ajaero faction issues August end ultimatum environment, naira devaluation

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

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EADERS of the two factions of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, have put aside their differences to fight against state governors owing workers’ salaries and other benefits, saying “we are united and on the same page on this issue and will collectively fight to ensure that these governors pay workers their earned wages and benefits.”

While the Ayuba Wabba led faction will be meeting on Wednesday to take a decisive action on how to force the debtor governors to pay workers their salaries and other unpaid benefits, the Joe Ajaero faction has given the governors till the end of August to pay or face unprecedented industrial unrest.

Speaking to Vanguard, Wabba said he had spoken to some of the leaders of the other group (Ajaero faction) and that there was no doubt that they were on the same page on the issue concerning workers’ welfare and that there would be collective action against the debtor governors. According to him, there would be a joint meeting of his faction’s Central Working Committee, CWC, and National Executive Council, NEC, on Wednesday where state councils would give them first hand information on the true position of things in their states.

Taking of decisions

informed

He said that besides few states like Osun, which were obvious, Congress needed the state councils to give the actual situations for informed decision to be taken, saying “what he have discovered is that it is not a question of shortage of funds that prevented some of these governors from paying workers’salaries, but that they used their funds for 2015 elections. The financial situation is not as bad as being portrayed by these governors hence it not a general thing among the governors. Take for example the case of Plateau State, the former governor was busy awarding bogus contracts which put the state in this terrible situation. The same thing as Bauchi. In Plateau, the new government has met with our leaders on how to address the issue.”

Wabba said his leadership had met with some state governors including Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, who confirmed that the financial situation in the states was not as bad as being portrayed by the debtor governors. He lamented that in their wisdom, the debtor governors decided not to prioritize payment of workers’ salaries and other benefits for less important things.

“We have decided to summon a joint meeting of CWC and NEC to get a first hand information from our state councils. We are very concerned about the situation because it is very serious.

A worker deserves his wage. We will meet on Wednesday to decide how to collectively address the situation. It is no longer going to be a state by state action where a state would declare a strike and suspend it without achieving much. The good thing about this is that we are united on this. We have spoken to some of the leaders of the other group (faction) and we are on the same page on this matter. We are going to collectively address it because an injury to one is an injury to the other. So, we are going to handle all the states collectively and not individually.”

blackmail of economic crisis not to negotiate a new minimum wage deal for Nigerian workers.

We will resist every attempt to make Nigerian workers the sacrificial lamb of the profligacy and maladministration of politicians. We are, therefore, putting this administration on notice that five year tenure of the national minimum wage has ended and we are putting before the new administration a proposal of N90,000 for negotiation with the Federal Government and Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA. This

and the high rate of inflation. If there is any reason Nigeria is yet to fulfill her development potentials, it is corruption that is responsible for that. With over 150 billion dollars stolen and stacked away in foreign banks all over the world, we need not search further the reason for the perennial decay and the sorry state of critical infrastructure in our dear country.

It is natural, therefore, to support the effort of President Muhammadu Buhari to seek international support to ensure repatriation of our stolen wealth.

“Beyond recovery of the stolen wealth, the present Administration must endeavour to review operations of the anti corruption agencies such as Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, with a view to strengthening them and making them come alive to their statutory functions of averting, discovering and punishing corruption and other related crimes in our society. There is the urgent need, too, to carry out reforms in our justice system such that corruption cases can be quickly dispensed with.

Wasteful disposition of state governors Wabba also dismissed claims by some governors that the bailout was not meant for the payment of salaries and other allowances owed workers, saying “the bailout is for the payment of salaries and other allowances. We will not tolerate or accept a situation where the fund is diverted to other uses without first clearing the backlog of salaries and other workers’ benefits.”

In the same vein, the Joe Ajaero faction of NLC which held its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Port Harcourt Rivers State, lamented that the greed and wasteful dispositions of state governors prevented the governors from living up to their responsibilities of paying workers’ salaries and allowances as at when due.

Ajaero told Vanguard that the issue of unpaid salaries and other benefits to public workers by some state governors featured prominently during the NEC meeting and it was resolved that if at the end of August, the affected state governors failed to pay, industrial action would be declared against them.

He said, “the greed and wasteful dispositions of state governors have put this delicate and intricate balancing of income, consumption and production in a state of disequilibrium. It is unfortunate that many states cannot pay salaries in the first instance. It is even more inconceivable and definitely unacceptable that after the timely intervention of Mr. President, salaries of workers are still not paid in full as many states still owe many months of salary arrears. If this continues till August, we will mobilize all private sector unions for solidarity strike action in affected states until arrears of salaries and allowances are paid.

From left: Assistant Editor in-chief, News Agency Of Nigeria, NAN, Mr Suleiman Tola, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, IHVN, Dr. Patrick Dakum and Deputy Editor in-chief, Mr. Victor Idem, at the NAN Forum in Abuja, yesterday

LP blames Nwanyanwu over hand over of certificate to NLC

By Chris Ochayi

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BUJA— A FACTION of the Labour Party, LP, has disagreed with the former National Chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, over his reasons for handing over of the Certificate of Registration of the party to the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, describing the action as contemptuous.

The faction’s lawyer, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN, said in a letter addressed to the factional President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, that the receipt of the certificate was faulty as it had been reported missing by Nwanyanwu when he resigned from the party before the 2015 general elections to join the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Ekomaru in the letter dated July 31, told Wabba that the party on November 19, 2014 had sued those parading themselves as the National Caretaker Committee of the party with same Nwanyanwu being the fourth claimant in the suit pending before a Federal High Court Abuja and which hearing had been adjourned by the court till September 30, 2015.

The letter said, “We are to inform you that before now the Labour Party had reported to the

Police that their certificate of registration is missing because Dan Nwanyanwu after leaving the party told the National Chairman of the party that the certificate of registration was missing. In the build up to political activities leading to the 2015 General Elections, Nwanyanwu, for reason very personal to him left the Labour Party and joined the presidential campaign team of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“The whole world by your press coverage on both electronic and print media on July 30, 2015 is now aware that the NLC factional president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, is now in custody of the certificate of registration of the Labour Party.

What Nwanyanwu handed over to you yesterday (Thursday) as the certificate of registration of labour party is a stolen property because Nwanyanwu is no longer a member of Labour Party.”

Addressing newsmen on the matter in Abuja, factional National chairman of the party Alhaji Abdulkadir AbdulSalam, lamented that Nwanyanwu who organised the National Convention that brought the present leadership, NWC, of the party would be the one to try to destroy it.

Delta gov not controlling DESOPADEC funds —Okiemute

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HE Special Assistant on Political Matters to Delta State Governor, Chief Akigho Kent Okiemute, has refuted the claims that the governor was interested in controlling the funds of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development C o m m i s s i o n , DESOPADEC. Okiemute said the allegations in a paid advertorial were baseless and advised Deltans to disassociate themselves from such faceless individual or groups that are spreading rumours because of their vested interest.

He said what Governor Okowa did when he assumed leadership was to check all the institutions, parastatals and commissions of the state governor, adding that this was to enable him to commence the developmental strides he promised during his campaigns.

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 —5

POCKET CARTOON Besides the provisions of the law, the PDP declares this administration’s archaic communist economic agenda as unworkable and unsustainable.”

Naira bounces back

VISIT: From left, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Bishop Margaret Idahosa, and Bishop Obianke Udume, Bishop of Anioma Bishopric, during a courtesy visit by members of the Church of God Mission International to the Governor in Asaba. Photo: Nath Onojake.

Banks, PDP kick against CBN's policy Continues from Page 1 measure, which was not sustainable, adding that banks’ decision to stop dollar deposits into domiciliary accounts was in protest of the new policy.

In a statement signed, yesterday, by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party said that President Buhari’s regulations of the foreign exchange transactions in Nigeria where the administration was making it impossible for

honest Nigerians to engage in free trade and regulate their personal activities as guaranteed by the constitution, was clearly an agenda to illegally impose a communist economic regime on Nigerians.

The party noted that the absence of an economic team at the moment, especially in the third month of the administration, was leading the country into economic quagmire and doldrums.

The statement read: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wishes to

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO I believe that personal leadership is the major prerequisite for living life. Personal leadership is taking full responsibility for the creation of your future and the shaping of your destiny. It is the basic awareness and consciousness that the output of your life is largely dependent on the quality of your input which has to be intentional. I like how the Persian poet Rumi put it; he says “ why should I be at the bottom of the well when a strong rope is in my hands?” One of the greatest mysteries in life is that a man is held captive in prison while the keys to the locks are right in his hands only covered in dust.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

“Success is peace of mind which is direct result of self- satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming” John WoodenWhen you do work that you have a passion for, that you really love, everything counts beautifully.

Each one of us has had this experience at some time in our lives. We get involved in something, and forget the world around us. Maybe it’s writing a story, or a book, or a painting, or handling a project.

Maybe it’s pursuing your interest or hobby and work.

You get so deeply involved with it, that suddenly you look up and discover with startled surprise that hours have slipped by in just minutes! That happens when you do work that you really and truly love.

Find work that you love, and you won’t have to work another day of your life. Do what you’re good at.

When you’re good at it, you don’t want to give up.

Even difficulties become challenges to be conquered, not barriers to keep you down.

So you’ve carefully picked the kind of work to do – work that you’re passionate about, that you’re good at. Does this mean that everything will now automatically run smoothly and without trouble? The only difference – and it’s a big one – is that you’ll be better able to cope with the challenges and more likely be successful at whatever you do.

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bring to the notice of President Muhammadu Buhari that the apparent absence of an economic team in the third month of his administration is leading the country into economic quagmire and doldrums.

“In the past, we had given examples of the devastating effect of lack of an economic team and a clear-cut fiscal policy by this administration as evidenced in the lull and painful decline in the stock market, spiral rate of inflation, the disastrous outing of the government team in bilateral talks during the recent visit to the United States of America and the shambolic state of our economy at present.

“This confusion has been extended to operations and regulations of the foreign exchange transactions in Nigeria wherein the government is making it impossible for honest Nigerians to engage in free trade and regulate their personal activities as guaranteed by the constitution, and this is clearly an agenda to illegally impose a communist economic regime on Nigerians.

“The most disturbing aspect of this communist economic agenda is the illegal and unlawful attempt to repeal the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Monitoring And Miscellaneous Provisions Act, otherwise known as Decree No 17 of 1995 and replace it with unilateral imposition of new regulations.

“This Act remains the subsisting law regulating the operations of domiciliary accounts in Nigeria and by its provisions therefore, Nigerians are empowered to freely open and operate domiciliary accounts.

"As such, any enactment and or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are deemed void. Thus, the recent foreign exchange transaction restrictions by this government are illegal, unlawful and void.

Meanwhile, the tough monetary policy stance of the CBN on the exchange rate of the naira has started yielding result as the local currency appreciated weekend to a band of N225 to N230 to the dollar, compared to N240 to the dollar at which it sold in the last few weeks.

The apex bank had barred 41 items from access to foreign exchange. It had directed that as from August 1, all foreign exchange transactions in any Bureau de Change must have the BVN of applicants as foreigners were said to have invaded the nation’s foreign exchange market.

Banks last week, in a bid to stem the increasing trend of the dollarisation of the economy, started rejecting deposits of foreign currency in local banks.

Forex dealers attributed the naira’s gain to excess supply of the greenback in the market, even as it looked like a lot of speculators would lose out in the new trend.

It was gathered from the CBN that commercial banks that currently had dollars in excess of $1 billion in their vaults, have started taking desperate measures to mitigate currency risk.

Bureaux de change (BDC) operators disclosed that banks have stopped accepting dollars because they have too much cash in their vaults.

As a result of the development, banks have been rejecting dollar deposits into domiciliary accounts, but customers are allowed to withdraw cash from their accounts.

“The reason the banks have too much cash is due to speculation and money laundering. A lot of people have been speculating against the naira and amassed so much cash.

"Then there are those who have been amassing dollars obtained illicitly and want to launder them."

Banks protest

A senior bank treasurer and executive member of Financial Market Dealers Association of Nigeria, FMDA, who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, said the decision by banks to stop accepting foreign currency deposits into domiciliary accounts was in protest of the new policy.

He said: “There was no official communication from CBN that it would no longer collect dollar cash from banks. The whole thing started when two or three banks took their dollars to the CBN for swap on Thursday, and the CBN rejected the cash.

"As a result, banks now found themselves with huge volume of dollars that are practically useless to them. To protest this development, banks have stopped accepting foreign currency deposits across the counter into domiciliary accounts.

"The reality is that accepting such deposits is useless to banks. They cannot trade the currency and they cannot transfer it. So it is useless.”

He said the new CBN policy implied that everybody who wanted to deposit into domiciliary account was a money launderer, which was not possible.

“This negates the purpose of banking. It is a knee-jerk policy, which is not sustainable, though it might force appreciation of the naira in the parallel market in the short term.’’

Importers divert businesses to neighbouring countries

President, Association of Bureaux De C hange

Operators of Nigeria, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, told Vanguard that the policy had started impacting negatively on the economy as importers had started diverting their businesses to neighbouring countries.

He said the protest by banks had, however, started impacting negatively on the economy.

"The surplus dollars in the street market is unavailable to the local importers as they cannot transact with it through their bankers.

The neighbouring countries are having a field day mopping up the excess cash dollar liquidity, a very cheap rate for the use of their imports to the detriment of the local importer.

"Our local importers divert the payments of their imports to those neighbouring countries.

The local importers also divert their consignments to the ports of the neighbouring countries.

"The current market situation is enabling business activities to in the flourish

neighbouring countries,” he said.

CBN explains rationale for policy

Although the CBN did not officially announce the new policy to banks, it on Saturday issued a press release, titled: “Renewed Vigilance to Prohibit Illicit Financial Flows in Nigeria’s Banking System.”

The release, signed by Ibrahim Muazu, Director C o r p o r a t e Communication, CBN, stated: “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) notes with concern a recent report by the Global Financial Integrity group, which ranks Nigeria as one of the 10 largest countries for illicit financial flows in the world.

“Although we do not have an independent confirmation of this assertion, the report estimates that about US$15.7 billion of illicit funds go through our system annually."

It added that "CBN will increase its vigilance to ensure that Nigerian banks are not used as conduits for illicit fund flows, especially in foreign currencies.

“We note and applaud that in line with global best practice, Nigerian banks have started to curtail the acceptance of foreign currency cash deposits, much the same way as customers in other countries cannot just walk into banks and make foreign currency cash deposits without proper documentation.

“We wish to assure all citizens seeking foreign currencies for legitimate personal and/or business interests that there remains ample opportunity to do so within the law. The CBN’s Foreign Exchange Rules have many windows for accessing foreign exchange for legitimate business as well as for personal commitments."

6—Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Suspected ritualists kill woman, abandon corpse in Abeokuta

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA— SUSPECTED ritualists have killed a 23year-old woman, simply identified as Sitira, and abandoned her corpse at a dump site at Olomoore junction in Abeokuta metropolis, after allegedly severing her right arm.

The corpse of the victim was identified by one of her relatives, who was at Lafenwa Divisional Police headquarters, where her remains was initially taken by the police rescue team.

Vanguard gathered that the victim was suspected to be one of the commercial sex workers plying their trade within Abeokuta metropolis.

Findings have shown that the deceased and a missing friend were allegedly thrown off a moving SUV at Olomoore refuse dump site located along Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway.

The dump site was notorious for harbouring ritualists in the past.

When Vanguard got to the scene, ladies items, including pants, brassieres, ladies’ armless wears, lip sticks, powder kits, nail paint and a pack of cotton wool littered the ground.

A middle-aged woman, Esther Adewuyi, who claimed to be a relative of the deceased, said the deceased had been living with her mother in Iberekodo area of Abeokuta North Local Government after the death of her only child almost two year ago.

She said Sitira was an hair stylist apprentice, and was last seen in their house around 10p.m. on Saturday, where they discussed plans for her graduation.

LAGOS FIRE DISASTER: Dead children begged mother not to lock them in

By Evelyn Usman

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HE three siblings, Christiana, Feranmi and Pelumi, who were burnt to death in the fire that engulfed some shops at Mechanic village, Oke-Afa, Isolo area of Lagos State, would have escaped death last Thursday, had their mother granted their wish.

The children, as gathered, begged their mother to take them with her, when she was leaving at about 10p.m., promising the children that she would be back by 11.30p.m.

According to a woman, who claimed to have been with the children’s mother at the time, Pelumi, 6, passionately begged his mother not to lock them inside. Their mother was said to have bought them biscuits and bobo drink, and then left.

However, she did not see them alive again as the 2.30a.m. fire burnt them to death. The children’s mangled bodies were reportedly discovered close to the door with the eldest’s hand on the door handle apparently trying to open the door.

Since the incident occurred, most of the shops around have remained under lock and key except a beer parlour, close to the burnt shops.

Investigation by Vanguard revealed that the woman, who is now on the run, was first married to a man, but divorced him after having four children for him.

The estranged husband was said to have taken two of the children, leaving Christiana and Feranmi in their mother’s custody.

Thereafter, she reportedly got hooked to her present husband who resides in Ejigbo area, whom she had two children for.

Her husband was said to have given her two shops. She used one for sales of provisions and salon operation, while the other served as bedroom. Report had it that she usually locked the children in the shop any time she went out.

Lebanese kidnapped in Niger

By Wole Mosadomi

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INNA—A Lebanese construction worker with Enerco Nigeria Limited has been kidnapped at Ekila village, along Tegina- Minna road in Niger State.

The victim, Mr. Rody, was said to have been kidnapped by heavily armed gunmen at about 4.30p.m. while he was travelling to a construction site with some staff of the state’s

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Ministry of Works.

In the vehicle with the Lebanese were the driver of the company’s Hilux van, Isaiah Entait, and two staff of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development, Hamidu Usman and Salihu Mustapha, respectively.

A distressed call was said to have been made to the police and when the patrol team got to the scene, the Lebanese had been kidnapped.

zShe went to visit lover who didn’t want children around—NEIGHBOUR

zPolice silent on role in incident

REMAINS OF THE DAY: The scene of the fire incident.

A neighbour’s story

A resident, Mr. Gbadamosi Lawal, said: “Her husband was devastated when he visited on the day of the incident. He was too shocked to speak to anyone.

Everyone thought she went to his house.

“But what we heard was that she went to her present lover’s place. Her present lover said he did not want any man’s child

in his house, which was why any time she went visiting him, she locked the children in the shop.

“On that day, she went with the youngest child, who is about three years old. Everybody is angry with her. In fact, I do not think she will come anywhere near here because she may be lynched.”

Meanwhile, Lagos State

Police Command seems to be silent on the fire incident alleged to have been triggered by a head-on collision between a LT 27 bus being chased by a team of policemen, and a 14seater stationary commercial bus.

Report had it that a team of policemen, suspected to be from Ejigbo Division, chased the LT 27 bus loaded with jerry cans filled with petroleum product.

Newlywed robbed, one killed, many injured in Imo

By Chidi Nkwopara & Chinnso Alozie

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WERRI—A gang of masked dare-devil armed robbers, weekend, unleashed terror on a bridal train at Mgbuishii in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, killing the video cameraman and injuring others, including the photographer.

Vanguard gathered that the newly-wed couple (names withheld) were at Chimezie Catholic Parish, Mgbuishii, for the solemnisation of their wedding and were on their way back to Owerri for the reception when masked men suddenly jumped out of the nearby bush and attacked the bridal train.

A villager, who spoke on grounds of anonymity,

identified the dead video cameraman as Mr. Isaac Ezirim and the wounded photographer was Mr. Julius Ashigbu.

An eyewitness said: “The hoodlums first attacked the vehicle conveying the bride and groom. Although the bullets hit the video cameraman and the photographer, the driver of the vehicle sped off.”

It was also gathered that having missed their target, the masked hoodlums descended on all the vehicles coming behind the couple.

“The hoodlums robbed the friends and relations of the couple of cash and other personal valuables, including telephone handsets,” the witness said.

A close friend of the couple told Vanguard that the wedding, which was held at

the home of the groom, was going well until the bridal train started moving to Owerri for the reception.

“This ugly incident took place on the outskirts of Mgbuishii, a sleepy rural community that is now getting notorious for all manner of serious crimes,” a source lamented.

It would be recalled that about a year ago, Vanguard exclusively reported how scores of women from this community demonstrated at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, not only to complain about the lack of security in the area, but also how their children mindlessly raped them.

The fear-stricken women equally refused to go home after the protest until their host, Archbishop Anthony J. V. Obinna, arranged police escort that led them home.

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015—7

From left— Mr. Olusegun Akinola, FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS, FRSC, Director of Special Marshals and Partnership, Anambra State; Mr. Rindom Kumven, Delta State FRSC Sector Commander; Mr. Ben Osaka, Co-Ordinator, Special Marshals and Partnership in Anambra; Dr. Sini Kwabe, National Co-ordinator of Special Marshals and Partnership, and Mr. Sunday Ajayi, Anambra FRSC Sector Commander, after the inauguration of Special Marshals under its Special Marshals and Partnership programme in Anambra, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Cleric nabbed for child trafficking

Woman dies from dog bite in Ondo, owner in police custody

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—A 55-year-old woman, Florence Aladenoye, has been bitten to death by a dog at Alade Idanre area of Ondo State.

The dog's owner, Afolabi Olafingbesote, 69, has been arrested by the police.

Men of the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, CIID, of the State Police Command have waded into the matter.

Vanguard gathered that after the deceased was bitten by the dog, she was rushed to five different hospitals, but was finally referred to the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owo, when her condition became critical, where all efforts by the medical personnel to save her life proved abortive.

Vanguard gathered that the deceased, a neighbour to the dog’s owner, was going on an outing when the dog pursued and bit her, then immediately turned back and went home.

A police source said that the owner of the dog admitted that it had not been treated for rabbies in recent time.

Police spokesman, Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the incident, said the owner of the dog was in police custody and that he had made useful statements.

According to him, the remains of the deceased have since been deposited at General Hospital mortuary in the town for

autopsy.

He, however, stressed the need for owners of dogs and other domestic animals to

3 dead as expelled OPC members disrupt Kwara monarch's anniversary

By Demola Akinyemi

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LORIN—THREE members of Oodua Peoples’ Congress, OPC, were feared killed weekend at Agbamu in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State following a violent clash between members protesting their expulsion from the group and other members.

Five others, who sustained severe injuries, were said to be receiving medical attention in a private hospital at Agbamu.

Vanguard gathered that the incident occurred at St. Paul Anglican Primary School, Agbamu, venue of the 10th year anniversary of the coronation of Arigbamu of Agbamu, Oba Samuel Olusola Dare.

National Coordinator of OPC, Otunba Gani Adams, was reportedly present at the occasion, while members of OPC recently expelled in the state were said to have seized the opportunity of his presence

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KURE—THIRTY-SEVEN suspected criminals, including kidnappers, fraudsters, cultists and armed robbers, were, weekend paraded by Ondo State Police Command.

Also, over 214 motorcycles have been impounded by the state police command for flouting the suspension order

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to seek his intervention.

Vanguard gathered that they had mobilised for a protest, a development that reportedly angered members of the state and local chapters, who were also in attendance in large numbers and a clash ensued.

Policemen at the venue were said to have been been caught unawares, as the OPC members engaged in a gun battle and guests scampered for safety, leading to the abrupt end of the ceremony.

... as one dies in NURTW, RTEAN clash

By Demola Akinyemi

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LORIN—ONE person was killed yesterday and 20 others injured as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, engaged themselves in a battle for supremacy in Offa, Kwara

State.

Police have arrested no fewer than 10 persons in connection with the fracas that also witnessed the vandalisation of many cars. The secretariat of one of the unions was torched.

Calm has, however, returned to the ancient town at press time as policemen were seen in strategic locations at Offa,

Police parade 37 suspected criminals in Ondo

By Dayo Johnson

always ensure that they were treated, adding that investigation into the matter was in progress.

placed on the operation of Okada in Akure metropolis by the state government over destruction of its facilities during protest.

State Police Commissioner, Isaac Eke, said in Akure that they would be arraigned in court after investigations.

Giving the breakdown of the suspects, Eke said 25 of them were cult members; five, armed robbers; four kidnappers and

one fraudsters, among others.

Suspected kidnappers of the former chairman of Cocoa Association of Nigeria, CAN, Segun Adewunmi in Akure, and 82-year-old Madam Theresa Akindeji at Okitipupa, were also paraded.

Kidnapper of Mrs. Akindeji, Sunday Omojugba, 30, who collected N3 million ransom, was arrested in his house at IluTitun area of the state.

searching suspected vehicle drivers, passengers and passers-by.

Vanguard reliably gathered that the rift was prompted by a disagreement between the two unions on the way of conveying the students of Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, going on internship to Ondo, Ekiti and other neighbouring states.

Contacted, spokesperson of the state police command, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed that one person, who received deep machete cuts in the neck, had died. Okasanmi added that police had arrested 10 persons already assisting them in their investigations.

A member of the state House of Assembly from the area, Alhaji Hassan Oyeleke, also described the incident as unfortunate, saying Offa was reputed for its spirit of fraternity and brotherhood.

By Esther Onyegbula

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Lagos-based pastor (names withheld) has been arrested over allegation of child trafficking.

He was arrested by officers of Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Command, following the allegation that she helped a 24-year-old lady, Benedicta Okolo, to process an e-passport with false identity.

Benedicta and the said pastor visited Alausa passport office where the officer in charge, Mr Joshua Ajisafe, first discovered the discrepancy.

The Comptroller of Immigration, Lagos Command, Mrs Justina Ahmadu, said: “Benedicta is a victim of a trafficking ring. But our eagle-eyed officers noticed the discrepancies in her biodata.

“She lied to the passport officers that her name is Miss Karem Rachel, but investigation showed she is Benedicta Elejo Okolo.

“Following her confession, we arrested her facilitator, a pastor, and we have handed the suspects to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person, NAPTIP. “Okolo said she met one Mr. Charles Arinze and his sister, who claimed that they reside in Dubai, on social media.

“Following their interaction, Okolo was invited to Lagos where she met one Agnes Chinyere, who later took her to a herbalist where hair from her private part, armpit, head and her blood were taken by the herbalist.

“They took her the next day to the airport with a proxy passport where she was refused departure. She was, thereafter, asked to meet the said Pastor.”

8—Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

50 Boko Haram members killed as troops repel attack on Borno village zAs sect kills scores, sets houses ablaze

By Kingsley Omonobi & Ndahi Marama

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AIDUGURI — ABOUT 50 Boko Haram terrorists were killed between Friday night and Saturday when the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, in a combined effort with the ground troops of the Nigerian Army, successfully repelled an attack on Bita village by the terrorists.

This came as suspected members of the sect, Saturday evening, invaded Malari village of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, killing scores of residents after setting ablaze houses.

A statement from NAF Headquarters, signed by Air Commodore Dele Alonge, said: “The Air Force, using its Alpha Jet, provided combat air support to the ground force to attack the insurgents where they were observed to be mobilizing (mopping up), to carry out a deadly attack on the village.

“Consequently, a large number of the insurgents were killed and several others injured.”

Military sources, however, confided in Vanguard that scores of the terrorists estimated at about 50 members were killed in the air and land offensive, while several others ran into the bush for safety.

According to the sources, the NAF Alpha-Jets conducted an armed reconnaissance along BitaGwoza road and through Yamtege, Hamdaga, Dure and Pulka.

“The NAF will continue to give all necessary support to the ground force through its intensified and persistent efforts in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East until all portions of Nigerian soil are safe and free from the insurgents," Alonge said.

Sect kills scores, sets houses ablaze

Meanwhile, suspected members of the sect had on Saturday evening invaded Malari village of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, killing scores of residents and setting ablaze houses.

The insurgents, according to sources, also looted food items and loaded same into some vehicles they snatched from the village before they fled into Sambisa forest.

The incident, according to a reliable security source, came at a time troops had been combing some strategic points of Sambisa to confront terrorists in their hideouts.

Fleeing residents of Malari village told Vanguard that the insurgents were not many in number as they came into the community with three motorcycles

fully armed with AK-47 rifles and petrol bombs, but noted that because of fear from armless residents, the attackers wreaked havoc as they shot at anyone on sight, including fleeing residents.

Sources in Maiduguri, particularly those who reside along Tashan Bama road and University of Maiduguri, said yesterday morning that they saw military patrol vehicles conveying the dead and injured

to undisclosed hospital in Maiduguri.

Another source from Mairi ward of Maiduguri metropolis, who gave his name as Aliyu Musa, told Vanguard on phone that he sighted many members of the civilian JTF and troops heading towards Konduga at about 10am, yesterday.

“I was at the main road leading to Konduga when I saw many vehicles conveying troops and civilian JTF, and when I became

inquisitive, I learned that they were heading to Malari village to rescue the victims of Boko Haram attack which took place in the community on Saturday evening,” Musa said.

Contacted at press time, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Tukur Gusau, in a telephone/text message, told Vanguard: “I will get back to you.”

The Police Commissioner, Mr. Aderemi Opadokun, did not respond to a text message sent to his cell phone at press time.

VISIT: Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State (right) and Commander, Nigerian Army, One Brigade Command, Sokoto, Brigadier-General Chikezie Ude, during a visit by the governor to the army formation, yesterday.

RCCG convention: Prepare for unprecedented breakthrough, Adeboye tells participants

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By Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona

AGOS— THE General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has enjoined all participants at the church’s annual convention, which begins today with the ordination of deacons/ deaconesses at the Redemption Camp on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, to prepare themselves for unprecedented breakthrough and a new level of walk with God. The church’s 63rd convention billed to run for one week is expected to attract Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and other anointed ministers of the gospel from local and international circuit.

In a welcome address to the thousands of people who defied yesterday’s downpour in parts of the country on their voyage to the camp, Pastor Adeboye urged them to remember to obey all camp rules and be at the right place at the right time, while assuring them of an encounter with God again as “He decrees goodness, mercy, favour, and healing into your life.”

The text of the welcome

message read in part: “The Lord has preserved us to see another convention of His church and to participate in the blessings that he alone can give. We, therefore, welcome you to the convention of The All-Sufficient God. This year ’s theme holds lots of promises for all of us who will participate in all the proceedings and our lives will be imparted in ways we have never imagined.

“The All Sufficient One has enough blessings to give all His children because there is no shortage in His storehouse. He appeared to Abraham as the El Shaddai, the One who is more than enough (Gen 17:1), and He is still the same till this moment.

During this convention, He will release His all-sufficiency concerning all your longawaited miracles and you will become a testimony in the name of Jesus.

“The All Sufficient One rules by decrees. He commanded light where there was darkness and darkness had no option but to take its leave (Gen 1:3). He commanded ravens to feed Elijah and they did not miss their way (1 Kings 17:4-6). He is the One who calls those things that be as though they were

(Romans 4:17) and He has not changed. You will encounter Him again as He decrees goodness, mercy, favour, and healing into your life.

"He spoke to the sea and the waves and there was peace. He will speak into your situations and you will have new experience of fulfillment. He spoke to the emptiness of a widow and she became an oil merchant, and her disgrace was turned to abundance. Get ready for a deluge of miracles.

“His promises cover every aspect of your life – spiritual, physical, emotional, financial and material. Zacchaeus was rich but he needed something money could not buy. He sought the attention of Jesus (Luke 19:2-8). Salvation entered his house, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the whole world visited him and his past was washed away.

There will be salvation galore during this convention.

"It is the opportunity you have been waiting for in order to make peace with God. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, did not visit Shiloh in vain. She returned with her bundle of joy.

You will be the next in the line."

Court stops SEC, BGL's public hearing on violations of market laws

By Peter Egwuatu

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AGOS — THE Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, yesterday, disclosed that it has postponed the public hearing of its Administrative and Public Committee, APC, involving BGL Plc and others over violation of capital market laws.

The commission, in a statement, stated that it was empowered under Sections 13(n), 45, 303 of the Investments and Securities Act(ISA) 2007 and Rule 598 of its Rules and Regulation to protect the integrity of the capital market against all forms of abuses by investigating and sanctioning persons who violated the provisions of the act and the rules and regulations made pursuant thereto.

It stated: “Section 310(1) of the ISA and Rule 599(1) of the SEC Rules and Regulation empowers the commission to set up the SEC Administrative Proceedings Committee (APC) to hear complaints on alleged violations of securities laws governing the market. Pursuant to these powers, the APC was scheduled to hold on August 4 and 5, 2015 to hear SEC APC/01//2015 Rivers State Ministry of Finance & 31 others vs BGL Plc & 31 others.

“The commission’s attention has, however, been drawn to an ex parte order obtained by the Plaintiffs/Applicants in SUIT NO: FHC/L/CS/ 1050/2015 BGL PLC & 12 ORS VS SEC & 2 ORS directing that parties maintain the status quo.

"In view of the said order, the general public, concerned parties and stakeholders in the Nigerian capital market are, hereby, informed that the Securities and Exchange Commission Administrative Proceedings Committee hearing in SEC APC/01// 2015 RIVERS STATE MINISTRY OF FINANCE & 31 OTHERS VS BGL PLC & 31 OTHERS scheduled to hold on August 4 and 5, 2015 at SEC Head Office, Abuja, has been postponed to a date to be announced later.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015—9

By Clifford Ndujihe & Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA— DISTURBED by the rot and thriving corruption in the civil service, which has cost the country trillions of naira, President Muhammadu Buhari has taken his anti-graft war to the sector.

He has ordered that all outstanding audit queries which had piled up over the years be resolved within the next 30 days.

Confirming the presidential directive, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the unanswered audit queries sounded unsavoury to the President who, on hearing it, expressed his displeasure.

An audit query is the request for an explanation by the Auditor-General of the Federation over improprieties discovered in the AccountantGeneral of the Federation’s report. The report is done quarterly.

By law (Civil Services Reorganization Decree No. 43 of 1988), the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation supervises the accounts of federal ministries and extra-ministerial department; collates, presents and publishes statutory financial statements of account required by the Minister of Finance; conducts routine and in-depth inspection of the books of accounts of federal ministries and extraministerial department to ensure compliance with rules, regulations, policies, and internal audit guides; investigates cases of fraud, loss of funds, assets and store items and other financial malpractices in ministries/ extra-ministerial department; ensures revenue monitoring and accounting; provides a system for the monitoring of the accounts of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies and ensures timely submission of all financial statements to the Auditor-General of the Federation.

If the Auditor-General is dissatisfied with the reports, he issues queries. Audit queries are also used to check fraud as the ‘ghost workers’ phenomenon.

Over time, an avalanche of these queries have not been answered, a development that has created a huge tunnel for graft through unaccounted e x p e n d i t u r e s , misappropriation and miscalculation of funds running into trillions of naira.

The measure is used to check unspent budgets, which are expected to be returned to the treasury.

Following the disappointing manner the queries were handled, President Buhari

C M Y K

VISIT: Immediate past governors of Lagos and Rivers states, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (middle) and Rotimi Amaechi (right) during a courtesy visit to Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka (left) at his Abeokuta residence.

Corruption: Buhari descends on civil servants zOrders resolution of outstanding audit queries within 30 days zInsists fresh queries must be answered within 24 hrs zIgbo leaders want Siemens, Halliburton scandals, past govts probed zGbagi disagrees with calls to probe Obasanjo’s regime directed that any civil servant who failed to answer audit queries within 24 hours, henceforth, would face a disciplinary action.

These are part of the marching orders Buhari gave the Auditor-General of the Federation, Vanguard gathered.

The orders followed the discovery of a plethora of unanswered audit queries which spanned a long period of time, running into years, under previous administrations.

Era of impunity is gone Garba Shehu stated that President Buhari was irrevocably committed to tackling administrative and bureaucratic corruption headon.

He said: “The era of impunity is gone. The President is taking the war on corruption to the civil service.

He is not happy that standard operating procedures and financial regulations are no longer being observed as they should.

"President Buhari will ensure that public officials and civil servants in the service of the Federal Government pay a heavy price from now on for

violating financial regulations or disregarding audit queries.”

He added that the President was determined to put an end to the present situation in which, rather than respond to legitimate audit queries, violators of financial regulations in the Federal.

Government resort to threatening, bribing or mounting other forms of social pressures on auditors.

“On his watch, President Buhari wants to see firm action against those who violate extant financial regulations, not the prevarications and shenanigans that went on in the past in the form of endless probes and public inquiries,” the Presidential spokesman said.

Probe Siemens, Halliburton, other scandals, Igbo leaders urge Buhari This came as Igbo leaders on the plank of Igbo Leaders of Thought, ILT, led by Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN) urged President Buhari to extend his probe of past administrations to 1999.

However, the call to extend the probe beyond the Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was opposed by former Minister of State for

Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, who argued that late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and Jonathan should have probed the former President Olusegun Obasanjo regime, if they had any issues with his government.

Commending President Buhari over his anti-graft war and calling on all Nigerians to support the crusade in the interest of the country, the Igbo leaders, however, said that making the probe extensive will lead to a "change that will endure."

In a statement by Evangelist Elliot Uko, Deputy Secretary, ILT, founder, Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, and Leader, South-East Democratic Coalition, SEDC, the Igbo leaders said: ‘’The promise of change to the ugly manner things have been done in our country for decades, inspires hope among the citizenry.

"Talk about probe, prosecution and the eventual return of looted funds to the coffers of government is a wonderful, exciting and a most welcome idea.

"President Buhari’s corruptfree image goes a long way here to inspire hope and confidence that this exercise will help send the necessary

signal to public officials, that the era of mindless looting and siphoning of public funds is over.

"We support the probe, prosecution of looters and return of all stolen common wealth of Nigerians over the years. We also ask our countrymen to support this needful and timely exercise.

"But we have two worries: Firstly, we plead that the exercise be totally free of political vendetta as that would taint the credibility of the whole exercise. Secondly, we wonder why the exercise would be restricted only to the immediate past regime. Does that mean that the notorious Siemens and Halliburton bribery scandals have been rested forever?

"Are we saying that the glaring corrupt cases of 19992007 are closed cases? Is it morally right to target only the last regime while exonerating the 1999-2007 sleaze-infested regime? Will the deliberate isolation of the last regime alone for probe not give the impression of a political vendetta? Why is it so compelling to look away and leave out the 1999-2007 era?

"We conclude by pleading with our countrymen to support the probe because corruption remains one of the four great problems facing our country. Others are ethnicity and nepotism, religious bigotry and the mother of all problems: unjust political structure.

"It is important we thoughtfully appraise the impact of singling out only one regime for probe and prosecution while giving others a clean bill of health.

"The exercise must not be seen as political and divisive, as the essence and noble goal will be lost. If the change we profess is real, then false starts must be avoided.’’

Buhari has no business probing Obasanjo’s regime —Gbagi Opposing the extension of the probe to Obasanjo’s administration, Gbagi said: "Whatever was done in 1999, there was a president before this president. It was the duty of Jonathan to have probed the government that he took over from. Buhari has no business going to a government which is not backto-back with him. The Jonathan administration is back-to-back with him.

"Whatever negativity there was with regards to the Jonathan’s government will have effect on the Buhari government. Buhari cannot be going to the 1999 regime.

What concerns him by law and every fact of life is the Jonathan's government."

10 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

INSURGENCY: APC chieftains meet U.S. congressmen in Lagos

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State yesterday led top chieftains and lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to receive a delegation of US Congress, led by Congressman Darelle Issa, where he said that the state is the citadel for growth and development of Nigeria.

Speaking at an interactive session with the US delegation at the Lagos House, Marina, where issues bordering on deepening democracy, trade relations and tackling Boko Haram insurgency were discussed, Governor Ambode said the US democratic experience was one that would be beneficial not only to Lagos, but also to Nigeria.

The Governor commended the US government for its role in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the 2015 general elections, saying that the country has benefitted from their democratic credentials.

“The parliamentary structure that we have is synonymous with what is obtainable in the US. APC as a party is the first in the history of Nigeria to unseat an incumbent government and we want to imbibe the tenets of democratic values”, the Governor said.

Governor Ambode also told his visitors that the state leverages on its population and cosmopolitan nature and perhaps the most buoyant economy in West Africa.

“I want to let you know that you are in the commercial capital of Nigeria, Lagos, which represents the future citadel of entrepreneurship in this country.

As we speak, the population is nearing 21 million of which four million are actually middle class.

We’re the fifth largest economy in Africa and our GDP has hit $131billion, more than 42 African countries put together”, he said.

He said the thrust of his administration is to touch as many lives as possible and make life easier for residents, saying that the state government is committed to pursuing this ideal in the next four years.

To achieve this, the Governor said his administration is ready to entrench moral leadership, saying that it would latch on to the experience of the US to better

the lot of its people.

“As we proceed, the party is committed to learning the best ideals of democracy and that’s where I want to take this advantage to learn from you. We want to be transparent, we want to be credible, we want to bring a leadership to the table that is open, we want a government of inclusion, we don’t want to leave the people behind.

Lagos is more like New York because it is a cosmopolitan state where the largest concentration of foreigners live.

So it’s important that everyone is carried along, we’re committed to that”, he said.

He listed the areas of collaboration the state government wants to improve upon to include security and trade relations.

Earlier, Congressman Issa Darelle, a Republican, explained that though America could be viewed as possessing high democratic values it was also striving towards perfection of democracy, urging that rather than emulate the American democracy, Nigeria should strive to better the America experience.

He also urged Lagos State to as a matter of urgency,

PRESENTATION: From left; Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Rahamon Bello; GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr Phillips Oduoza; and Deputy Vice Chancellor, UNILAG, Professor Duro Oni during the formal presentation of N52.9m endowment for the UBA Professorial Chair of Finance to the University of Lagos, held at the university campus, Akoka, Lagos.

Lagos PDP restates call for Fashola’s probe ...There’s nothing to probe – LASG

By Dapo Akinrefon

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AGOS—FOLLOWING an alleged huge debt burden of N418.2 billion left behind by former governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola, the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has restated its call on the state government to probe the Fashola administration.

But the state government has dismissed the possibility of probing the administration, saying there is

Redeemed Church starts 63rd convention

By Sam Eyoboka & Olayinka Latona

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ENERAL Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has enjoined all participants at the church’s annual convention which begins today with the

collaborate with the Federal Government, in tackling issues of insecurity issues in the country, especially the Boko Haram menace, saying the fight could not be left alone for the government at the centre to handle.

Among those in attendance at the interactive session include members of U.S Congress, Carolyn Manoney, Sheila Jackson Lee and Blake Farenthold, Chairman, Lagos APC, Otunba Henry Ajomale (right), Women Leader, South West APC, Mrs. Kemi Nelson (3rd left), Acting U.S Consul General in Lagos, Ms. Dehab Ghebreab (2nd left) and the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, House of Representatives and State Assembly lawmakers from Lagos, among others.

ordination of deacons/deaconesses at the Redemption Camp on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, to prepare themselves for unprecedented breakthrough and a new level of walk with God. The church’s 63rd convention billed to run for one week is expected to attract Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Oshinbajo and other ministers of the gospel.

nothing to probe.

This indication was made known to Vanguard by a source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

When Vanguard asked whether the Fashola administration would be probed, the source simply said “it is not possible, that is not on the card.

We are in the same party which does not put it on the card for now.”

The PDP expressed concerns over why the former governor was not being investigated by his successor, Akinwumi Ambode.

While calling on Ambode to immediately commence the probe of Fashola’s eight years administration, the PDP also said that the APC administration is still on the start block, making promises, when it ought to have hit the ground working to fulfil already made promises.

The party’s spokesman, Mr Taofik Gani, described the situation as “bad omen for any meaningful development in the coming four years of this administration.”

Ejigbo–Ikotun road rehabilitation begins

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS State Government has commenced rehabilitation work of the road linking Ikotun and Ejigbo, in old Alimosho Local Government Area.

The Lagos State Governor Akinunmi Ambode, during an unscheduled visit to Ikotun-Ejigbo road a fortnight ago, directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, in collaboration with Lagos State Public Works Corporation, LSPWC, to move to the site within seven days to fix the road.

The LSPWC moved to site at the weekend and commenced the de-silting of drainages along Oke-Afa and Ejigbo area to ensure free flow of stagnated water and discharge from domestic use.

Though, the commencement of the rehabilitation resulted into hectic traffic on the axis, LSPWC officials have assured of speedy completion with consideration for quality job delivery.

However, the scrapping of failed sections on the road is ongoing in readiness for full rehabilitation.

Heavy duty construction equipment has since been mobilized to the site by the corporation. Also, site trucks, milling machines, tractors, and graders have also been moved to site.

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 11

Ooni is alive, Oodua Chief Priest insists

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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SOGBO—THE Chief Priest of the ancient town of Ile-Ife, Chief Olajide Farotimi Faloba has described as untrue the news of the demise of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade.

He also described a report (not in Vanguard) that the remains of the foremost royal father had been secretly brought home as untrue insisting that the monarch was still alive.

Speaking with Vanguard yesterday at the Ile Oduduwa, an ancient grove believed to have housed the first Ooni of Ile-Ife, Chief Faloba debunked the reported arrival of the monarch’s corpse, saying Ooni was hale and hearty in the United Kingdom.

The Chief priest, who spoke in Yoruba language said: “I just came from the Ooni’s palace and there was nothing that showed that he (Ooni) is dead. If truly such happened, there would be restriction to the palace, the palace gate will be shut, market will be closed and all trees in the town would be cut down; these are part of signs that Ooni has joined his ancestors.

“In fact, Ooni’s son, Adegbite is having his weeding in Lagos as we speak. Thus it did not show any sign of mourning. If the rumour is true, we (himself and other chiefs at the grove) should be the ones to announce it. We are the owner of our culture, we are the owner of Oba Sijuwade. ''Obaship in Ife kingdom is sacred and should be handled as such,”, he added.

The Yoruba paramount ruler reportedly gave up the ghost in a London Hospital in the United Kingdom after a brief illness last Tuesday, but Ife chiefs have persistently debunked the report.

When Vanguard visited the palace yesterday to confirm whether the remains of the monarch had actually arrived, the

By Gbenga Olarinoye

O

VISIT: Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State (right), Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga (left) and Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Boboye Oyeyemi (middle) during Oyeyemi's visit to the governor in his Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, office...yesterday. palace was desolate as only the gate keeper was sighted.

People were also seen moving freely in and out of the palace with little restriction.

When journalists were allowed into the palace, there was nobody to speak with.

When asked why the palace was desolate, Chief priest contended that it was because of Ooni’s absence and the fact that it was a weekend.

Activities remain normal

Business and social activities in Ile-Ife continued as usual yesterday as people were seen carrying out one activity or the other without any hindrance.

When Vanguard visited the town yesterday, places like Lagere, OAU campus, Mokuro, Ilare and others witnessed beehives of activities.

Some of the residents who spoke with Vanguard feigned ignorance of the king's demise.

Shops at various locations including drinking joints and

A group, The Cradle Youths, has urged indigenes of Ile-Ife not to be anxious over the circumstances surrounding the health of Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade Okunade II, saying that Traditional Council knows the right thing to do.

The co-ordinator of the group, Mr. Kunle Elusayo, in a statement yesterday commended the Traditional Counci,ladding that there are traditions to be followed when issues like this occur.

He explained that “only information circulated by the traditional council should be followed, arguing that they have a customary law regulating eateries within the city remained the selection of who becomes the open to customers. next Ooni, if the need arises”.

Commercial drivers and motorcyclists popularly known as okada riders were busy plying their routes in and out of the city.

‘’If truly such happened, there would be restriction to the palace, the palace gate will be shut, market will be closed and all trees in the town would be cut; these are part of signs that Ooni has joined his ancestors.’’

Successor: Traditional Council must follow 1979 declaration – Youths

Afenifere condemns ACF’s stance on confab

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—THE Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere weekend frowned at the position of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, on the implementation of the national conference by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Last week the ACF said the North had no faith in the report and advised the President to ignore it.

But the Secretary General of the Afenifere, Basorun Sehinde Arogbofa pleaded with the President not to accede to the position of the ACF in the interest of a true federalism.

Arogbofa spoke with newsmen shortly after he was conferred

EFCC invites judge over petition against Aregbesola

with the title of the Asiwaju of Oka Akoko in Akoko South West local government area of Ondo state, the first history of the town.

Arogbofa wondered why the Northern leaders in the ACF are capitulating now despite the fact that ”leaders from northern part of the country were not left out in the conference.''

He said that the North was well represented at the confab and called on President Buhari to find time to read it.

The group expressed optimism that the reports will be implemented without delay if President Buhari finds time to read it.

According to him, the report contains so many

recommendations that could turn around the country positively.

The group Secretary urged President Buhari to discountenance the ACF advice in the interest of the nation.

“Unless Arewa is now telling us that highly placed Nigerians like Alhaji Kumasi, Tanko Yakasai and some former governors from the area are no longer from the north, because they recognize them as good people from the north.

“Except the ACF wants to tell us that the Northerners that attended the confab did not represent the interest of the north, that is when they can advise the President to ignore the confab reports.

SOGBO—THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC may have yesterday summoned Justice Oloyede Fololahanmi of Osun State Judiciary over her claims in the petition sent to the anti-graft body, it was gathered.

Justice Oloyede, had in a 39-page petition to Osun State House of Assembly, copies of which were also sent to both EFCC and ICPC, accusing Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his deputy, Mrs Titilayo LaoyeTomori of financial mismanagement of the state’s resources.

The judge in the petition demanded Aregbesola and his deputy's impeachment for allegedly committing constitutional breaches.

The seven-man committee set up by the house of assembly headed by Akintude Adegboye, completed its findings last week.

Justice Oloyede however shunned the panel when she was invited to come and defend her petition, but was represented by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

12—Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Oil spill ravages Delta communities .... Fears over burst NNPC gas pipeline

By Emma Amaize & Perez Brisibe

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GHELLI—OVWOR, Oteri, Adjekota, Otor-Egor and other immediate surrounding communities in Ughelli North and Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State are currently constrained as a result of a massive oil spill from a vandalized gas pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC. A security source in the area, told Vanguard that the damaged spot on the pipeline, is located in Oteri community and was damaged Friday morning.

Confirming the incident when contacted yesterday, Mr. Zino Onaemo of Tezino Nig. Ltd., the company in charge of Pipeline Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering Project for OML 26 and OML 30, said that according to intelligence reports received, the pipeline was hack-sawed by some vandals who are currently on the run and have been declared wanted by security agencies.

He added: “The pipeline in question is a 10-12 inches gas flow line conveying products to a gas reserve.”

Meanwhile, residents of the affected communities have cried

out to the Federal Government and management of NPDC to fashion out ways of protecting oil facilities in their communities, stressing that they were on the receiving end in the incessant vandalization of these pipelines.

Similarly, an Nigeria National Petroleum

Corporation, NNPC, gas pipeline, running from Escravos -Warri Petrochemical and Refining Company, WRPCLagos, has cracked at Opuedebubor creek in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State.

Since the incident, last week, fear has gripped residents of the

community, who told Vanguard, weekend that NNPC officials have not visited the ruptured pipeline since July 24, when it occured to effect repairs.

President of Tebubiri Youths in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Mr. Mike Itima, said that the community chairman, Mr. Fredrick Braye, had appealed to the villagers to avoid the spot and remain calm until government intervenes.

GROUND BREAKING: Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, laying the foundation stone of the Motor Spare Parts Dealers ultra modern market, Mr Maxwell Anuonye, Chairman, SPAT Limited ( left) and Board Chairman, Greater Port Harcourt, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, during the ground breaking of SPATMART Centre in Port Harcourt.

Buhari petitioned over Delta govt, community face off

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ARRI—EKPAN community in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, has petitioned President Mohammadu Buhari to prevail on the state government to refrain from alleged “undue interference” in the appointment of Community Liaison Officers, CLOs, to major companies doing business in the community.

In a Save Our Soul, by Silver Ofugara, Chairman, Ekpan Development Committee, Pa William Ujara, eldest man, Famous Etawhene (Men’s Leader) and Madam Ekpokpone Tanofor, the community said there was looming crisis, if the situation was not checked, as it will affect the entire Nigeria in view of the contribution of Ekpan to the nation’s economy.

“Ekpan used to be volatile.

However, the prevailing peace for the past five years was shattered on July 3, when the Secretary to the State Government, Ovie Agas, ordered corporate bodies to suspend appointments of

CLOs made by the community and replace them with CLOs whose tenure elapsed June 11 until further notice.”

The state government, the petition noted, was aware that CLOs in Ekpan run a three year tenure, describing the SSG’s

GOV POLL: Group alleges plot by APC to

rubbish Rivers REC

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—A rights group, Niger Delta Watch for Democracy, NDWD, weekend, raised alarm over an alleged plot by the leadership of the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, to use the Department of State Service, DSS, to rubbish and indict the state Resident

Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Gesila Khan over the conduct of the governorship poll in the state.

The group noted that though the APC decision to file a petition before the Election Petition Tribunal was a constitutional right of all political parties, it decried the plot to malign and bring to public domain unfounded allegations of fraud against Mrs.

I'm learning to survive in private sector appointment weekend, at the 2015 lecture — SEN IMOKE “There is nothing special about series of his Bridge Leadership

C

By Emma Una

ALABAR—SENATOR Liyel Imoke, the immediate past governor of Cross River State, has said he was learning the ropes on how to survive in the private sector which he once was a major player before his foray into politics as the sector has evolved so much during his absence.

Senator Imoke in Calabar,

action as a slight on the community and the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM, Abe 1, whose follow up interaction with an alleged understanding reached at the SSG’s office with police in attendance failed to change the government’s position.

Foundation for Young Enterprenuers, said: “When you occupy public office, everybody believes you are a robber or you have looted and because of such perception, holding public office becomes a challenge, yet since we are in a morally bankrupt society, people still disturb me even now to help them get political

me because if you look at my school records, I doubt if you would find A’s there but I was determined on what I wanted to do. I was just an average person but I learn from everyone even from young people since am now out of public sector into private sector, I have to learn the ropes again because the sector has evolved so much while I was away to the public sector."

Khan.

NDWD in a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State by its President, Edwin Ebiowe, alleged that preliminary investigation showed that the APC leaders in Rivers State had recruited defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, with unfounded and frivolous allegations in order to smear her profile and image over the just concluded governorship election in the state.

He said:, “We have also observed with dismay the desperation and negative influence of the APC leaders, former governor, Rotimi Amaechi and their cohorts to vent their anger and bitterness on the REC over the party abysmal loss at the polls during the just concluded general elections in Rivers State.”

Dickson's aide quits

Y

By Samuel Oyadongha

E N A G O A — F O R M E R governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare has resigned his appointment as the General Manager of Bayelsa State Transport Company under the Governor Seriake Dickson administration.

Amgbare, a relation of the first civilian governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyesiegha, was appointed General Manager of the state transport company by the Dickson administration in 2012 but resigned his appointment on Friday to join the All Progressives Congress, APC. He is rumoured to be interested in contesting the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Amgbare in an interview in Yenagoa said that his decision to return to the fold of the APC was due to the inability of Governor Dickson to allow him interpret the progressive and pragmatic development vision in the state transport sector.

Group lauds Buhari on Boroh's appointment

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ARRI—CENTRE for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment of Brigadier-Gen Paul Boroh (rtd) as the new coordinator, Amnesty Programme, describing it as a well deserved appointment.

CEPEJ, in a statement by its coordinator, Sheriff Mulade, said: “The appointment of Boroh as the coordinator of the Federal Government amnesty programme is a round peg in a round hole because Boroh is an acclaimed peace-keeping and conflict management expert, and the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre, NAPKC, Kaduna.

“We believe that going by his experience in security and peace, he will make significant contributions to the security situation in the country and consolidate on the relative peace and security in the Niger Delta."

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 13

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14—Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Gov Ikpeazu tasks NSCDC on pipeline security, child trafficking

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—ABIA State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has called on officers and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to intensify effort at securing the nation’s petroleum pipelines.

The Governor also charged them to clamp down on child traffickers whose illicit business seems to be thriving in the state.

Governor Ikpeazu gave NSCDC the charge, weekend, when the new commandant of the Corps in the state, Dr Benito Eze paid him a courtesy call.

While commending the corps on their operations against pipeline vandalism in the state, the Governor advised them to share intelligence with other security agencies and the state government to ensure adequate protection of the NNPC pipelines as well as in fighting child

trafficking.

He also pledged to partner with the corps and support them in enhancing their operations in the state.

Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Benito Eze requested for the state Government’s continued logistic support to enable his command

My problem with ‘dissident’ ASUU members—MOUA VC

NIMASA redeploys

directors

T

HE ACTING Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro has approved the redeployment of some senior management staff of the Agency.

The exercise has Mr. Ibrahim Jibril as the Director of Administration and Personnel Services department, Mr. Felix Bob Nabena is Director of SERVICOM, Mr Olayemi Abass takes over as the Head of Financial Services department, Mr. Suleman Abdulsalam is the Ag. Legal Adviser, Mr. Mohammed Sani is the Head of Procurement department while Hassan el-Yakub is Head of Cabotage Department.

Similarly, Hajia Lami Tumaka is now the Deputy Director/Head of Public Relations, Aisha Musa has been redeployed to Head the Western Zone, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi is Deputy Director, Maritime Guard Command, Mr. Dele Ejekuko is in charge of zones in the DG’s office and Mr. Eric Orji is the Acting Registrar of Ships.

carry out effective patrol of the NNPC pipelines in the state.

Eze disclosed that the command recently rescued over 80 pregnant girls from child traffickers and pledged that they would continue to discharge their duties in accordance with the law.

By Anayo Okoli

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COMMISSIONING: Warri South-West Local Government Council Chairman,Hon. George Ekpemupolo(3rd from left) commissioning the Kokodiagbene Community Town Hall, while Kokodiagbene Community Chairman, Sheriff Mulade; Secretary of Warri South-West Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Golly; Leader of Warri South-West Local Government Council Legislative Arm, Hon. Dennis Erebo; Chief Emmanuel Ekpetipu (right), and Hon. Blexson Omadoye, Vice Chairman of Warri of the council, look on.

Ugwuanyi inaugurates Advisory C'ttee on economic survival

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—ENUGU State governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, weekend, inaugurated a 15-member State Economic Advisory Committee with a mandate to chart a road-map for

economic survival in tackling the economic challenges facing the State due to paucity of funds.

Inaugurating the committee, the governor said that “the challenges are the direct fallouts from the negative developments in the oil sector and consequential drops in allocation from the Federation Account and paucity of the State IGR (Internally Generated Revenue) informed our decision to constitute the committee and entrust it with the task of helping to reposition and reinvigorate the economy of the State”.

He therefore called on all well-meaning Enugu people resident both at home and in Diaspora to come up with necessary advice, information or any assistance to the committee that would help facilitate theirassignment.

Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Professor Obiora Ike, the VicarGeneral of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve and promised that they would live up to expectation, noting that Enugu State has all it takes as a people to achieve the common good, welfare and overall security of its people.

Earlier, Governor Ugwuanyi had said that “Enugu State government has concluded that the committee would assist us in investments promotion, mobilization of funds, increased internally generated revenue, IGR, and establishment of industries.”

MUAHIA—THE Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Prof. Hillary Edeoga has said that he was being attacked by some members of the University’s ASUU, whom he described as ‘dissidents’ because he brought changes that prevented them from ripping-off the university.

According to Edeoga, the aggrieved ASUU members were fighting back at him for effecting some changes which affected them by removing them from their former positions, an action he said was for the best interest of the university.

Edeoga who spoke to journalists shortly after commissioning 11 brand new 2014 Toyota Corolla model cars procured for deans of some faculties, explained that the gesture was to assist them do their jobs better.

Commissioning the cars, the Vice Chancellor however, warned the deans against misuse of the vehicles, saying that they must be used strictly for official purposes.

“These cars are

By Peter Okutu strictly for official use. They are to ABAKALIKI—EBONYI serve as pool State government has vehicles, they are earmarked N12.5 billion for not to serve as the rehabilitation and personal vehicles reconstruction of ten urban and not for domestic roads within Abakaliki, the use”, Edeoga state capital. warned.

In an interview with Dismissing his newsmen, weekend, the critics who accused state Commissioner for him of wrong Works, Engr. Fidelis doings, including Nweze, noted that the state embezzlement of government was desirous N300 million, the of rehabilitating all major vice chancellor roads and streets within the described the Abakaliki metropolis and allegation as beyond to ease vehicular “laughable”, movement within the city.

He said that the first pointing out that the phase of the roads would annual budget of the cover 200 kilometres as it university was would be executed on hardly up to such direct labour basis. amount.

The roads include: He said rather Gunning, Obiri, Nkaliki than misappropriate (leading to the State House the university ’s of Assembly), Udemezue, funds, he has Udensi to Ebebe junction, worked hard to raise Uzanna, new market, the internally Ogoja, among others. generated revenue He said: “You can see that of the institution majority of the roads within with which a lot of the city are in very terrible infrastructure has conditions and government been provided for has taken it upon itself to the school. rehabilitate them.

He also denied Government is embarking the allegation that on rehabilitation and he awarded reconstruction of 10 major roads after which we will contracts for move to the next phase. building 10 hostels “The cost of the first to only one phase is about N12.5 billion contractor, saying and it covers 200 kilometres that the contracts of roads. And the contracts were given to ten are awarded on direct companies. labour,” he said.

Ebonyi to spend N12.5bn for reconstruction of 10 urban roads

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015—15

Probe Siemens, Halliburton, other scandals, Igbo leaders urge Buhari

By Clifford Ndujihe IGBO LEADERS on the banner of Igbo Leaders of Thought, ILT, led by Professor Ben Nwabueze have commended President Muhammadu Buhari over his anti-graft war and called on all Nigerians to support the crusade in the interest of the country.

However, they told the president not to limit his probe of past administrations to the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan government, noting that making the probe extensive will lead to a ‘’change that will endure.’’

In a statement by Evangelist Elliot Uko, deputy secretary, ILT, founder, Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, and Leader, South East Democratic Coalition, SEDC, the Igbo leaders said: ‘’The promise of change to the ugly manner things have been done in our country for decades, inspires hope among the citizenry. Talking about probe, prosecution and the eventual return of looted funds to the coffers of government is a wonderful, exciting and a most welcome idea. ‘’President Buhari’s corrupt-free image goes a long way here to inspire hope and confidence that this exercise will help send the necessary signal to public officials, that the era of mindless looting and siphoning of public funds is over. ‘’We support the probe, prosecution of looters and return of all stolen common wealth of Nigerians over the years. We also ask our countrymen to support this

E

N U G U —

CONTROVERSY surrounding the alleged forgery of the Senate rule prior to the inauguration of the 8th Senate is still raging as the police high

command has been criticized for delay in the prosecution of the suspects connected with the purported forgery.

The backlash came from a rights group, Centre for the Vulnerable and the Underprivileged, Centrep, who warned that any

1999 – 2007 are closed cases? Is it morally right to target only the last regime while exonerating the 1999 – 2007 sleaze-infested regime? Will the deliberate isolation of the last regime alone for probe not give the impression of a political vendetta? Why is it so compelling to look away and leave out the 1999 – 2007 era? ‘’We conclude by pleading with our countrymen to support the probe because corruption remains one of the four great problems facing our

country. Others are ethnicity, nepotism, religious bigotry and the mother of all problems: unjust political structure.

"It is important we thoughtfully appraise the impact of singling out only one regime for probe and prosecution while giving others a clean bill of health. ‘’The exercise must not be seen as political and divisive, as the essence and noble goal will be lost. If the change we profess is real, then false starts must be avoided.’’

UNVELING: From left – Stella Nnadi, Deputy Head, People Outsourcing; Peju Nkemneme, COO, Workforce Group; Foluso Aribisala, Director, Workforce Group & COO, Workforce Institute; Bolaji Olagunju, Lead Consultant and CEO, Workforce Group; Chinelo Ume-Ugochukwu, GM, Workforce Group, and Aigbe Igunma, GM, Workforce Select, during Workforce group, formerly Workforce Management Centre, unveling of its new corporate identity following an organisation-wide transformation initiative in Lagos.

INEC office burnt down in Abia

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

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He added that the fire would have burnt all the buildings, but for the timely intervention of the council workers who quenched it.

“We came back from church and saw a thick smoke around the INEC office.

Before we could know what to do, security men had cordoned off the area. The fire nearly spread to the Education and Social Development buildings before it was put out.”

When our correspondent visited the council headquarters at about 4.35p.m, men of the Counter Terrorism Unit, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, mounted security in the area, even as people strolled in to see the rubbles.

BA—UNKNOWN persons have burnt down the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia State.

According to eye-witnesses, the incident, which occurred at about 1.00p.m. yesterday, razed the entire building, including the store and Electoral Officer’s office.

A resident in the staff quarters at the council headquarters at Mgboko, who declined to have his name on print, told attempt by the police to Vanguard that they saw thick smoke adopt political solution in emanating from the INEC office and raised resolving the issue would alarm, which attracted passers-by. amount to compounding felony.

Senate Deputy President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who is at the centre of the storm, said recently in Enugu that he was not under investigation by the

By Austin Ogwuda quizzed the former Chief of police.

Staff, during Chime’s era, According to him: “I am Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo and sure you are seeing and ENUGU—THERE is former Managing Director hearing what they say in apprehension in Enugu as the media. Most of those key officials in the of the Enugu State Housing Corporation and currently, things are certainly not true. immediate past the State Chairman of No police are investigating administration led by me, because there is Governor Sullivan Chime Peoples Democratic Party, nothing to investigate. It is have gone underground in PDP, Mr. Ikeje Asogwa.

Unconfirmed report said only APC and their media a bid to escape possible that the embattled exthat are investigating. What arrest by Economic and governor Chime had since is happening in the Senate Financial Crimes travelled out of the country is purely Senate affairs and Commission, EFCC. while other former will remain as that," he The anti-graft agency had commissioners are on the maintained. in the past few days run as EFCC operatives

ALLEGED FORGERY OF SENATE RULE: Rights group tasks IGP

By Austin Ogwuda

needful and timely exercise. ‘’But we have two worries: First, we plead that the exercise be totally free of political vendetta as that would taint the credibility of the whole exercise.

"Second, we wonder why the exercise would be restricted only to the immediate past regime.

Does that mean that the notorious Siemens and Halliburton bribery scandals have been rested forever?

"Are we saying that the glaring corrupt cases of

Apprehension in Enugu as EFCC goes after ex-commissioners

…whereabouts of ex-Gov Chime unknown from Abuja swooped on Enugu.

There had been hue and cry over whether or not to investigate the former administration and at the heat of the debate, Mr. Ray Nnaji petitioned EFCC and went further to file an application before the Federal High Court seeking for an order of mandamus to compel EFCC to prosecute Chime over alleged financial impropriety.

16 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 THE crisis in the House of Represen-tatives, was finally resolved on Tuesday last week when the leadership of the House bowed to the demands of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to install its preferred candidates as principal officers.

This made it possible for the Speaker, Hon Yakubu Dogara, to announce Honourables Femi Gbajabiamila as the Majority Leader, Baba Jibrin (Deputy Speaker), Alhassan Doguwa (Chief Whip) and Pally Iriase (Deputy Chief Whip). The Speaker and his group had, during the crisis, insisted that the remaining posts in the House should be shared in such a way as to enable all the six geopolitical zones in the country to have a sense of belonging.

But the ruling party, with the backing of President Muhammadu Buhari, insisted on having its way, and in so doing, and for the first time since 1999, a ruling party could not accommodate one of the geopolitical zones of the country, the South East, in sharing the offices of the House of Representatives.

We encourage both the president and the

NASS: No w TTo o Business Now ruling party to henceforth endeavour to ensure that all parts of the country are carried along, not only in the sharing of public offices, but also in the distribution of our nation’s commonwealth. The principle of federal character, which is enshrined in the Constitution, must be reflected at all times, and this must be done without regard to the voting pattern of any section or group. This is necessary for the peace, stability and unity of this country.

Besides, the strident insistence on “party supremacy”, we hope, will not tamper

with the independence of the federal legislature as this will not augur well for democracy and good governance.

Now that calm has returned to the National Assembly, we urge the federal lawmakers to focus their attention on the work for which they were elected. For two months, our democracy ran without the input of its major guardian and guarantor, the legislative arm. This made it possible for events that had grave consequences for our democracy and good governance to crop up unchecked. A lot of work waited for legislative attention.

The legislature should quickly ensure it screens and approves the nominations of the Service Chiefs from the president. It must enquire into the Directorate of State Services (DSS) “invasion” of the homes of the former National Security Adviser, retired Col Sambo Dasuki and determine the propriety of Hajiya Amina Zakari remaining as the “Acting Chairman” of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) even after the expiration of her tenure.

The NASS must work hard and recover lost grounds.

OPINION Driving desirable 'change' in the power sector

By Dan Aibangbe

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LECTRICITY, globally, is to national development what blood is to the human body. It’s a major stimulant and the bedrock for enhanced productive capacity. So fundamental is electricity that it is indispensable to our daily living.

Unfortunately, challenges in this critical sector appear to have defied all logical solutions in the Nigerian context. At the onset of the new democratic dispensation, the readily available excuse was the long neglect of the sector by successive military juntas in terms of developmental expenditure and maintenance in budgetary allocations.

Today, one and half decades into democratic rule, the story remains the same.

Government expenditure in the sector has not been encouraging, with just about 10 billion dollars, out of which 8 billion dollars came from the National Integrated Power Project, NIPP. That means, direct government expenditure in the troubled power sector in all of these years is just 2 billion dollars despite the huge amount of money at the disposal of the Nigerian government. It’s not surprising that Nigeria has only earned herself less power availability, massive job loss and spiraling unemployment, loss in public collaterals to private entities and massive deindustrialisation.

Twenty five years ago, Nigeria’s power generating capacity was about 6,000

megawatts. This fact, will, no doubt, shock many Nigerians and throw up the question, “how did we get to this sorry state?” The answer is not farfetched. Infrastructural decay, sheer negligence and corruption are the major factors.

At this point in history, it’s crucial and urgent that we take a critical look from outside into the black box called the Nigerian Power Sector. Aviation experts are quite familiar with this procedure after each crash.

So we can borrow this analogy from them to chat the path for this discourse.

In trying to put into perspective where we are today, we also need to borrow from the experience of countries that are similar in terms of population, level of development and natural resource endowment. India, for example, generates as much as 950,000 megawatts for a population of 1.2 billion people. That’s about 850 kilowatts per person.

South Africa currently generates 40,000 megawatts, with additional 11,000 megawatts to come on stream for a population of about 50 million people. That comes to 900 kilowatts for each person. In Nigeria, we have 3,000 megawatts and sometimes less for the consumption of 180 million people. Comparatively, this goes to one kilowatt for 45 people. What this implies

The choice facing us is procure our gas at open market rate

is that the average power available to a single individual in other countries is what 45 Nigerians share. To make it clearer, if this was food, the meal available to one person elsewhere is what 45 people will share in Nigeria. Obviously, these 45 people will become emaciated and probably die of hunger. This is exactly what is happening to our industries and which also impacts on our unemployment rate.

In terms of technology, Nigeria is also highly deficient. The old hydro-power stations were constructed in the seventies by foreign engineers. Presently, the gas driven thermal IPPs are based on foreign technologies like those of China and Germany. Our transmission technology too is foreign, although our local engineers have made considerable in-roads in the areas of servicing and maintenance. Only recently has the Nigerian government developed the necessary partnership for training power sector engineers and manpower, when the existing manpower gap had become too obvious with the unbundling of NEPA. The most reliable component of our power generation mix today is hydro due largely to the natural resources of the Niger River and other rivers. This has afforded us the development of backbone generating infrastructure such as Kanji and Shiroro Dams. Unfortunately, this model of power generation is not scalable and has long gestation period, unsuitable for the Nigerian situation, which has become urgent. The other model which is the Thermal generating type, infinitely scalable and of relatively low gestation would have been the ultimate solution, considering our comparative

advantage in the sourcing of gas for such plants. Nigeria is endowed with expansive deposit of hydro-carbons such as natural gas and coal. In the last 15 years, Nigeria has invested the huge sums of Dollars mentioned earlier in pursuit of this apparently beneficial model. The challenges which have stunted the success rate are systemic in terms of corruption and the economics surrounding the procurement and stable delivery of input raw materials such as gas. Nigeria is one of the top ten gas producers in the world. Yet, natural gas is not under the control of the power sector. There are three conflicting interests contesting for the use of Nigerian gas: the international market, the domestic market and the energy sector. Here lies the problem.

Because the Nigerian gas production sector is firmly under the control of the multinational oil companies, their focus is to satisfy the international market. The Nigerian regulator, the NNPC appears not to have been empowered with the right political will to assert its full influence in securing adequate supply of gas for the energy sector. These are market forces playing out and resulting in the underproduction of the NIPPs and other thermal generating plants.

The supply chain of gas has been subjected to high levels of corruption by the cabals operating Nigeria’s oil sector. The choice facing us as a nation is to confront the corruption system head-on or procure our gas at open market rate and seek other less competitive fuel for our thermal stations. * Mr. Aibangbe, energy consultant, wrote from Abuja.

AUGUST 3, 2015

Importers shun Onne, take cargo to nearby countries zOver alleged monopolistic practices

BY GODWIN ORITSE

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IGERIAN importers of oil and gas cargoes have carried out their threat to divert cargoes away from Onne Port as they now consign their goods to ports of neighbouring countries and then move them into Nigeria.

It will be recalled that the last administration had ordered that all oil and gas cargoes be consigned to Intels Logistics terminal in Onne, Rivers State, a development some importers kicked

against, saying charges at Onne were too exorbitant for them.

The importers threatened to divert their cargoes to ports of neighbouring countries if government did not rescind its decision.

FG frowns at arbitrary charges, undue delay at ports The Federal Ministry of Transport last week said that arbitrary charges and undue delays had become key problems militating against port concession exercise.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transport, Mr Mohammed Bashar, made the disclosure in Lagos in a message to a one-day conference on Review of Port Concession Agreement.

Ports were concessioned to 26 private terminal operators in 2006, among which Intel is one. Bashar, who was represented by the Director of Shipping in the ministry, Alhaji Sani Galandanshi, said the challenges of port concession included arbitrary charges, undue delay to cargo clearance. He said other challenges were abuse of the concession

WALMART: Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) and President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Europe, Middle East, Africa and Canada, Shelley Broade when he received a delegation of Walmart Incorporated last Thursday. Walmart, employing 2.2 million people in 28 countries is berthing in Nigeria.

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agreement and other general oppressive tendencies as observed by stakeholders.

“It is these negative tendencies, and to address them that in February 2014, the Federal Government appointed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the Interim Port Economic Regulator. The Port Economic Regulator was established for effective regulatory regime in Nigerian ports for the control of tariffs, rates, charges and other related economic activities. The interim regulator will address the negative impact of the port concession activities on the economy and realise the optimal benefits derivable from port reform.

“The regulator will as well carry out other related incidental activities,” Bashar said.

The permanent secretary said the conference would critically analyse areas of ambiguity, duplication of contractual obligations and failure to clearly separate responsibilities and accordingly, proffer solutions.

Bashar said the conference would go a long way in the realisation of dividends of port concession by all parties. He, however, explained that port concession had had positive improvements in the quality of port services, infrastructure development, improved safety of cargo and increase in cargo throughput. Bashar said the concession was meant to create efficiency and quality of service rendered at ports and encourage investments in the port sector through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

He said concession was meant to reduce costs of doing business at the ports, increase revenue generation for government, create employment and promote competition in port services.

Also speaking, Mr Benjamin Dikki, Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), said the concession operation in Nigeria was basically the efforts of both the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the BPE. Dikki said the failure of the passage of

Continues on Page 18

18 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Cover

Vocation and technical education – a key to improving Nigeria’s development. Part 3

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PRESS CONFERENCE - From left: Principal of Vocational Training Centre, Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB) Mr.Sola Ogunsiji; Chairman Executive Council, Asiwaju Fola Osibo; Past Chairman, Chief Olu Falomo and Member Executive Council, Barrister (Mrs) Tomi Ladejo at the Press Conference on the upcoming 10th White Cane Day and Public Enlightenment Programme of FNSB Vocational Training centre in Lagos.

Importers shun Onne, take cargo to nearby countries Continued from Page 17 the Port and Harbour Bill and Transport Commission Bill led to the establishment of Port Economic Regulator to checkmate the activities of both the terminal operators and other stakeholders.

Mr Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), called on key players to come together to review the concession agreement periodically. Bello said that NSC was primarily concerned with seeing reduction in the costs of doing business in Nigerian ports. The executive secretary expressed NSC’s readiness to transform the ports through its new port order which revolved around introduction of electronic platform.

However Oil and gas importers now bring heavy materials meant for oil and gas industry through the Port of Cotonou in Benin Republic.

Confirming the development, a staff of the Commercial and Marketing department of the port, Mr. Oladele Romare who spoke passable English told Vanguard that there has been an increase in the volume of oil and gas cargoes imported

by Nigerians in the port.

Romare added that most of these cargoes are finally trucked to Nigeria through the Seme border.

Speaking in similar vein, Mr. Toure Nurudeen who tried to arrange a meeting between our reporter and the Director-General of the C M Y K

Cotonou port said that Nigerian importers are one of their biggest customers.

He also said that cargoes belonging to Nigerian importers are treated with dispatch.

Efforts to reach the DirectorGeneral of the port, Mr. Samuel Batcho was futile as he was said to be away when Vanguard got to his office in Cotonou.

The Comptroller of the Seme Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS), Ndalati Mohammed said that importers have the right to consign their cargoes to any port of their choice. He explained that most of these cargoes are so large that it is practically impossible to move them by road. Mohammed further said that some are also urgently needed that they are air-freighted to their point of use.

“What we are more concerned about is that duties are paid since they are

Why do you have to force people to take their cargo to Intels so that they can charge them in dollars, and not only that, their charges are 300 times more than regular charges in other ports

dutiable.”

He, however, confirmed that some drill pipes come through the border and if there is no reason to stop them they are allowed to come. Also speaking on the development, President of the Nigerian Association of Licensed Customs Agents, (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu said that importers now freight their cargoes through ports of other countries because they refused to be blackmailed into using the Oil and Gas terminal in Onne.

ANLCA, which decried government’s moves to grant such monopoly, has said that it would instruct its members and principals who handle oil and gas cargoes to henceforth direct their vessels to ports of neighbouring countries and use trucks to move such cargoes into Nigeria.

Shittu said: “What they (former administration) have done was very irresponsible.

What they did was create a monopoly that is anti-people, and not in the interest of the economy.

“Everybody should have a choice of where they want to take their cargoes to. “The government concessioned the ports, all of them (concessionaires) signed the same documents. Why do you have to force people to take their cargo to Onne so that they can charge them in dollars, and not only that, their charges are 300 times more than regular charges in other ports.”

According to the association’s leader, “ We

n entrepreneur is a person who makes plans for a business or a piece of work and gets it going. Anyanwuocha (2001) observes that the entrepreneur is the chief co-ordinator, controller and organizer of the production process. The entrepreneur combines other factors of production (land, capital and others) in such a way as to obtain maximum production of goods and services at minimum costs. In order to effectively enhance occupational skills in the present day, entrepreneurs need also to acquire information and communication technology knowledge and skills. Mkpozi (1996) observed that a country that is developing and manufacturing its own goods either from Hi-Tech or small/medium scale industries using indigenous skills and exports some of those goods to other countries is usually economically stable. This could be better achieved through the acquisition of entrepreneurial and occupational skills in technology and vocational education.

Individuals with technical and vocation skills and good knowledge of ICT are characterized by self-reliance, self-employment and fit properly into today’s technical, entrepreneurial and business world.

The entrepreneur should therefore possess technical skills, ideas and management skills which are necessary for the success of the venture.

One of such skills is information and communication technology which is characterized by employee empowerment and involves the making of unskilled and semiskilled workers to be skilful and functional in today’s world of work. It also involves the development of task oriented team of workers who no longer depend on individual managers for all their decisions to achieve targets. Technical process re-engineering are also required to redesign technical work processes, jobs, organizational structure, management system, and also in process designs using in manufacturing industries.

These components of ICT have great implications for the enhancement of entrepreneurship education in technology and vocational education field of work. According to Azuka, Nwosu, Kanu and Agomuo (2006), classroom behaviour must align with ICT- driven environment which is constantly shaping and re-shaping the work place and consequently, what is learnt and how learning takes place.

There are various numbers of opportunities for technology and vocational education graduates with entrepreneurship skills in ICT driven technical and vocational education environment. These opportunities exist in various forms for the enhancing entrepreneurship skills. Nwabuona (2004) views entrepreneurship education as the identification of the general characteristics of entrepreneurs and how potential entrepreneurs can be trained in management techniques needed for effective performance of persons for long time survival of an organization after the acquisition of occupational skills. Therefore, the roles technology and vocational education in enhancement of entrepreneurship skills is to identify and equipped graduates with critical wealth of skills, technical knowledge, and a good measure of self-confidence using information and communication technology competence.

The entrepreneur should therefore possess entrepreneurial and management skills which are necessary for the success of the venture.

Ogalanya in Nwabuona (2004) identified entrepreneurial skills to include managerial or administrative skills, job/technical skills, human relations skills, innovative/enterprising skills, competitive skills, communication skills, conceptual/planning skills, supervisory/guidance skills, according skills, investigation/problem solving skills. Ohakwe (2003) observed entrepreneurial skills as banking transactions, internet concepts and skills, internet websites knowledge and skills. An adequate knowledge of these concepts, skills and internet competences certainly is an asset to technology and vocational education graduates in today’s ICT driven world.

Information Communication Technology The Information communication technology (ICT) is a fast growing new technological era. The ICT is entering fast in Nigeria both in education and in the job market but still in its infancy. The ICT has opened global job market where people with competence can do jobs sitting in their own house anywhere in the world without going to or attending the work place (Alam, 2009). ICT is very important and as rightly observed by UNDP Human Development Report 2001 (UNDP, 2001) Marketing New Technologies Work for Human Development, more information can be sent over a single cable in a second than in 1997 was sent over the entire internet in a month. They also observed that the cost of transmitting a trillion bits of information from Boston to Los Angeles has fallen from US$150,000 in1970 to 12 cents today.

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 19

BY STEPHEN ONYEIWU

I

t is atypical for an American president to invite a nascent African head of state to the White House, especially less than one month after the latter’s inauguration. To some observers, therefore, US President Barack Obama’s invitation of his Nigerian counterpart, Muhammadu Buhari, for a White House parley scheduled for July 20 would seem to be an aberration and a surprise.

But an analysis of both leaders’ circumstances suggests that such a meeting is a no-brainer.

Economic and war legacies Obama’s stimulus strategy Buhari and Obama were deficit is now less than half of elected during a period of what it was when Obama first focused on “shovel-ready ” economic turmoil and distress. took office. Obama has also projects that created jobs almost When Obama was elected in significantly reduced the instantaneously, as well as on 2008 the US economy was in presence of American troops in programs that delivered dire straits and reminiscent of Afghanistan and Iraq. In a immediate cash to Americans. contemporary Nigerian sense, he has virtually fulfilled The projects and programs infrastructure, economy. With unemployment all his election promises well include rate hovering around 10%, the ahead of the end of his education, health, renewable energy, tax incentives, US economy was losing presidential tenure. unemployment benefits and Stimulus versus austerity 800,000 jobs monthly. Budget Given the striking similarities other social welfare provisions. deficits were spiraling, Shortly after Obama’s in both leaders’ circumstances, pushing the country’s debt stock to unsustainable levels. Buhari would do well to borrow inauguration, Americans began Like Buhari, Obama not only Obama’s economic “magic to receive stimulus cheques in met an empty treasury but was wand”. If he does, he’ll be their mailboxes or get temporary also saddled with a whopping surprised to learn that Obama tax relief. As an unapologetic debt burden of about US$10 turned the US economy around proponent of “Middle Class trillion – or 72% of GDP. Both not through austerity measures, Economics” – the notion that a presidents also inherited but by spending more. A few virile middle class is a sine qua expensive and drawn-out wars days after his election, Obama non for a robust economy – much which they pledged to end. appointed Harvard economist of Obama’s stimulus money went Ending the wars in and former Treasury secretary Afghanistan and Iraq was a Larry Summers as his chief major mantra in Obama’s economic adviser. At the same election campaigns in 2008. In time he announced his Buhari’s campaign a major intention to launch an platform was the promise to economic stimulus programme end the scourge of Boko at a scale never seen before in Haram. Just as Nigerians the country. Obama justified the clamoured for change during stimulus programme by the last elections, Americans referring to the severity of the desperately wanted change in economic challenges he 2008. When people clamour inherited. Despite push-backs for change, they’re taking a big from Republicans in Congress, he managed to implement a risk.

But, looking back, many stimulus programme worth Americans would say that the almost US$1 trillion. His risk they took in 2008 was strategy was predicated on the well-calculated. The US premise that the way to economy has rebounded. resuscitate the economy is not Unemployment has fallen from through belt-tightening, but via 10% in 2009 to the current level expansionary fiscal and of about 5%. The US budget monetary policies.

Lessons Buhari can learn from Obama about managing a tough economy

Like Buhari, Obama not only met an empty treasury but was also saddled with a whopping debt burden of about $10 trillion – or 72% of GDP

to middle-class Americans.

Buhari should resist belttightening Though Buhari has yet to formally unveil his economic blueprint, he should resist the temptation of embarking on belttightening as an end in itself.

His administration appears to be drumming-up the need to reduce the cost of governance.

While this is an unassailable proposition, he should be circumspect about what he intends to cut.

In the process of cutting costs care should be taken not to jettison investments and projects needed to enhance the country’s productive capacity.

Buhari should consider increasing spending in sectors, projects and programmes that boost the economy, generate employment and promote inclusive growth. These sectors include infrastructure, labourintensive manufacturing, agroprocessing, health and education.

Nigeria is arguably a country where a massive economic stimulus programme is urgently needed. It has a large stock of human and natural resources that are grossly underutilised.

The informal sector is bloated, with millions of underemployed youths. Most of Nigeria’s graduates are unemployed or engaged in menial jobs.

Meanwhile, there is a huge infrastructural deficit that can be partly filled through public

works projects executed with direct labour. These projects would provide temporary employment to unskilled workers, enabling them to gain experience needed for permanent jobs.

Domestic borrowing can fund stimulus in Nigeria Buhari has the pedigree to shepherd a massive stimulus programme. He’s known to abhor profligacy, which means that stimulus money will be spent prudently. He detests graft and corruption, which implies that stimulus funds won’t disappear. This depends on whether Buhari will be able to prevent those around him from corruptly enriching themselves – something his predecessor failed to do. Like Obama, he cares deeply for the downtrodden, which suggests he’ll focus stimulus spending on job creation and economic empowerment.

Some may wonder how the Buhari administration could possibly finance stimulus spending. After all, he has inherited an empty treasury and faces dwindling oil revenues and a volatile global oil market. But Nigeria could follow the example of Asian countries that financed their stimulus programmes through domestic borrowing (mainly by issuing government bonds).

Borrowing money domestically in one’s own currency is not nearly as problematic as external borrowing.

Stephen Onyeiwu is a Professor of Economics at Allegheny College, Culled from Conversation Africa.

Cover

Importers shun Onne, take cargo to nearby countries Continued from Page 18 have started our campaign also to call for the boycott of Onne port facilities. In addition, we are prepared to take our oil and gas goods through Cotonou. If that discrimination is going to happen, then we go through the border. “It is very unfortunate because Intels have been a problem and it is like a country of its own.

That is because the promoters held the last government by the jugular. It is very unfortunate,” he said.

An official of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council who refused to have his names in print told Vanguard that the Council was discussing the matter with the management

of Onne Port.

The official also said that the government does not support the issue of monopoly, adding that the matter will be resolved in no time.

The President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Ms Ify AkereleAnozodo told Vanguard that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to consign all oil and gas cargo to Onne was not a wise decision adding that it must have been politically influenced. Akerele-Anazodo also said that if the trend was allowed to continue, it will definitely affect the Local content project the government embarked upon years ago.

She said: “Besides,

operators of Onne Port had said that it was not going to create a monopoly but assist the growth of the local capacity.

“I am very baffled and I want to appeal to the Buhari-led government to reverse the decision so as to allow the growth of the local oil and gas

It will be more costly to import these categories of cargoes through the port of Cotonou as importers will pay duty in that country as well as in Nigeria

and maritime industries.”

In his reaction, former Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Maritime matters, Mr. Oyeleke Oyewole said that creating a monopoly at Onne will not be in the best interest of both the Nigerian government and its businessmen.

Oyewole added that it will be more costly to import these categories of cargoes through the port of Cotonou as importers will pay duty in that country as well as in Nigeria.

He opined that it was wrong to compel businessmen to consign their cargoes to a particular port.

On the implication of the development, the President of the National Council of Managing Directors of

Licensed Customs Agents, (NCMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero said that Nigeria has lost its international freight component to Benin Republic.

He explained that importers of such cargoes will pay the shipping charges, terminal handling charges and other sundry charges to the Benin terminal operators.

Amiwero also said that Nigeria has also lost its employment opportunities to the ports of neighbouring countries. All Nigeria gets from this deal is that importers will pay for transit from Benin to Nigeria adding that government made a mistake by directing all oil and gas cargoes to be consigned to a particular logistics base despite earlier directives that importers are free to consign their cargoes to any port of their choice.

C M Y K

20— Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Business & Economy

PSC Solar introduces hybrid inverter power plant

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SC Solar UK Limited, solar panel manufacturers and total solar electricity systems integrator, in partnership with Tesvolt of Germany has introduced 500KWh LiFePo4Mn amalgam power plant. The company is a multinational manufacturer of high quality German made Xantra brand super pure sine wave inverters from 1.5KVA to 50KVA. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of PSC Solar, Dr. Patrick Owelle and Tesvolt Executives, Frank Braun and Mathias Zdzieblowski in an interactive session disclosed that orders for 40 units of the large utility scale power plants from local governments, industrial and business customers in Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Togo and Niger are currently being produced.

Said Dr. Owelle: “We are currently bringing advanced technology electricity power plants to the market place and soon, there will be no more excuse for citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Togo and Niger to groan in darkness.”

He further explained that this system can provide power to over 100 residential homes at absolutely no cost other than the initial acquisition cost.

“These units are excellent for estates, large apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, churches and mosques, government buildings etc.,” he stated, adding: “Although the power plant on display is 500KWh, we have the capacity to produce systems as small as 7KWh and as large as over 1Mwh.”

NCAA threatens to publish names of debtor airlines

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he Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has threatened to publish names of airlines who had not been remitting the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) to the authority. NCAA, in a statement by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr Fan Ndubuoke, in Lagos, said the airlines were also not remitting Cargo Sales Charge (CSC). It gave the erring airline operators a 30-day ultimatum to comply with the directive on remittance of the outstanding payments.

C M Y K

Africa50 raises USD 830 million for infrastructure

BY OMOH GABRIEL

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igeria and 19 other African countries in collaboration with the African Development Bank, AfDB have set up $830 million infrastructure funding facility.

The facility known as Africa50, is a new and innovative infrastructure investment platform promoted by the African Development Bank. It held its Constitutive General Assembly on the 29th of July 2015 in Casablanca, Morocco.

According to AfDB, twenty (20) African countries and the African Development Bank have subscribed for an initial aggregate amount of $830 million in share capital.

The founding African countries of the facility are Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, The Gambia and Togo.

AfDB said that while this first closing was available only to African countries, it is anticipated that the second and subsequent closings will be available not only to African countries that are yet to invest in Africa50, but also nonsovereign investors both in Africa and outside Africa.

The second closing is

expected before the end of 2015. Speaking at the event, Dr. Donald Kaberuka, President of African Development Bank and current Chairman of the Boards of Directors of Africa50, said “the large presence of African States and their financial commitments are a

testimony to a shared vision to find new ways to accelerate the provision of infrastructure.

Africa50 will be a step change for infrastructure financing and development in Africa”.

Africa50’s raison d’être is to mobilise long-term savings within and outside Africa for the

FORUM - From left: Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria receiving the award for Africa’s Telecommunications Company of the Year from Ms. Carol Abel, Governor, Central Bank of Seychelles at the 6th African Business Leadership Forum & Awards 2015, which held at the Hilton London Metropole, United Kingdom.

financing of commercially viable infrastructure projects across Africa. Through an integrated approach, Africa50 will invest in African infrastructure projects at scale along the entire project finance value chain leveraging its innovative Project Finance and Project Development windows.

The strong expression of commitment today by the African countries is a necessary first step towards attracting institutional investors, including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, insurance companies and other sources of long-term finance around the world. Africa50’s medium term capitalization is projected to reach $3 billion.

During the Constitutive General Meeting, Africa50’s founding members signed the articles of incorporation, which enshrine the highest standards of corporate governance.

Africa50 is headquartered in Casablanca, Morocco. A headquarters agreement was signed with the Kingdom of Morocco that confers upon Africa50 a range of privileges and immunities similar to those enjoyed by the African Development Bank. Other decisions taken at the meeting included the appointments of the members of the Boards of Directors of the Project Finance and Project Development vehicles and also the appointment of KPMG as external auditors.

Compel oil companies to employ Nigerians, PTDF tells FG

BY MICHAEL EBOH

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he Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, has called on the Federal Government to compel both local and international oil companies (IOC) operating in the country to employ Nigerian oil and gas professionals.

Speaking at the Close Out seminar of the 2012/2013 Annual Oil and Gas research Grant competition in Abuja, Executive Secretary of the Fund, Mr. Femi Ajayi, lamented the fact that after excelling in their studies and having undergone rigorous and world class training in both local and international institutions, majority of the professionals ended up without jobs.

According to him, the

Federal Government should put in place measures that will ensure that both local and international oil companies engage indigenous professionals, especially scholars of the PTDF scholarship scheme.

He said, “The issue is not just competence and capability, there is also the need for political will among the IOCs and the government.

We cannot rely on the goodwill of the IOCs when it comes to the issue of employing of our people; they have to be compelled to do it.”

He emphasized the need for all stakeholders in the petroleum industry to contribute their quota towards ensuring that indigenous professionals are gainfully engaged and also that the funds and efforts expended in training these professionals are not futile.

“When we train all these people, give them the research competence and the experience that they have, there is the issue of getting them gainfully engaged locally.

‘There are certain roles that government should play and the role that the private sector needs to play; everyone needs to play their individual roles, because at the end of the day, if we put so much money to train these people, yet it does not lead to domestication of some of these things that we want domesticated, it means we are just spending money, we are not getting the results,” he noted.

Ajayi, however, commended the federal Government for setting up the Nigerian Content Development Management Board, NCDMB, urging the government to empower the

agencies and others to deliver on the mandate.

Continuing, he said, “There is no running away from funding, training, research and development. It is not by accident that the most technological advanced countries in the world, they have the best communication systems, they have the most reliable power systems, they have the most efficient transport systems, and it is not by accident. So if you want any of these things, you must fund training, you must fund research and development.”

Also speaking, Mr. Taiye Haruna, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, commended the PTDF for its role in growing capacity and ensuring manpower development in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 21

Business & Economy body. He, however, said that for commerce and trade to thrive, there was the need for the introduction of an international accepted standard for assessing the quality of products made in Nigeria.

According to him, the project will soon be presented before the Federal Executive Council for adoption as a policy.

PRESS CONFERENCE - From left: Manager, Corporate Communications, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Patrick Olowokere, President/Chairman, Institute of Directors OF Nigeria, (IOD), Mr. Yemi Akeju and Otun Eesa of Osogboland, Chief Moshood Aremu at a press conference to announce the forth coming Osun Oshogbo festival held at the Institute of Directors, Lagos

National Quality Infrastructure Project will boost competitiveness — UNIDO T he

United Nations I n d u s t r i a l Development Organisation (UNIDO), says that the National Quality Infrastructure Project (NQIP) will boost the competitiveness of the Nigerian economy in the international market. The project was designed to put in place necessary infrastructure and international regulatory framework that will create global acceptance of Nigeria’s products and services.

The Chief Technical Advisor of UNIDO, Dr Charles Malata made this known in Abuja.

“The main objective for the National Quality Infrastructure Project is to boost competitiveness of the Nigerian economy vis-a- vis the international markets. And all the work that is being done under the project is aimed at improving the competiveness of the local industry. On one side, what we are trying to do is ensure that the commodities

that are produced can meet the best international standards, best international practices that are there.“ Some Nigerian products were disallowed from entering some international markets due to poor standards and quality.

Malata said that though there were Ministries, Departments and Agencies saddled with the responsibility of ensuring standardisation of products in Nigeria, there was still the need for an internationally accepted

Malata stated that when adopted, the policy would also ensure the safety and health of consumers who consume the various locally produced products in the country.

“While doing that, we take recognition that we have a national market as well, and therefore, we need to ensure that the safety and health of the consumers at the local level is also protected,“ he said. The policy is also expected to ensure accuracy and reliability of the outcomes of tests carried out on local products. He said that the NQIP was being funded by the European Union (EU) and would be implemented in different out puts.

‘He said: ‘We have established a National accreditation body, we are about to set up a National Metrology Institute. We have organised the private sector so they can also establish certification and inspection bodies which deals with issues of quality, and we are at the moment running programmers to raise awareness on consumers’ issues.“

Unpaid fees: LG grounds Guinness operation in Benin

BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

O

perations at Guinness Nigeria Benin plant has been paralysed by officials of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, LGA of Edo State, who mounted a blockade at the entrance to the brewery compound over unpaid fees.

The blockade stalled exit and entry into the premises for a few hours.

The blokade was led by Mrs. Itohan Ogbeide,Chairman, IkpobaOkha LGA, who claimed that Guinness Nigeria have been obstructing the local government from collection of fees from third party logistics companies engaged in the provision of haulage services.

Mr. Kingsley Imade, the Plant Manager at the Brewery later held a meeting with Mrs. Ogbeide, following which the blockade was lifted and operations at the Brewery resumed. Before departing the

brewery, Mrs. Ogbeide however issued an ultimatum to Guinness Nigeria to comply with her directive on or before Wednesday, 29 July 2015, or face further disruptions to its business operations.

Responding, Sesan Sobowale, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, said: “We are taken aback by this unlawful disruption of our activities ostensibly to blackmail the company to assume the role of an agent for revenue collection from the logistics services providers.

According to him, “the blockade is also in violation of a subsisting court order restraining the local government from mounting blockades at our premises and demanding levies allegedly payable by these companies from Guinness Nigeria.”

Continuing, he stated: “Guinness Nigeria Plc is a responsible, law abiding corporate citizen and has operated its business

peacefully for several decades in Benin City.

While we continue to explore options for peaceful and legal resolution of this issue, we are also consulting our legal advisers to protect our business against further unlawful invasion of our business premises,” Sobowale said.

In addition, he said: the invasion of our business premises which we witnessed yesterday has become

We are taken aback by this unlawful disruption of our activities ostensibly to blackmail the company to assume the role of an agent for revenue collection

recurrent, and we have had to call the attention of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to this practice

by Ikpoba Okha local government officials. The Comrade Governor was emphatic about the local government having no business blocking our business premises in a bid to collect third party levies. His Excellency acknowledged Guinness Nigeria as the second largest employer of labour in Edo State, after the state government, and a major private sector contributor to internally generated revenue.

“As a law abiding corporate citizen, Guinness Nigeria Plc hereby appeals to the leadership of the local government to act in compliance with applicable laws. We understandour responsibilities, and always act lawfully and with integrity in every aspect of our business."

28 ships containing petroleum products, foods, expected in Lagos ports

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wenty-eight ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods, are expected to arrive Lagos ports from July 30 to Aug. 8. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated this in its daily publication - ‘Shipping Position’- made available to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos. According to the document, the ships would arrive with rice, bulk malt, buckwheat, frozen fish and palm olein. It noted that other ships were expected with general cargo, containers, petrol, diesel and bulk gas. The document explained that 11 other ships had arrived the ports with petrol, diesel, base oil, and general cargo; waiting to berth.

LCCI Agric sector decries N1trn annual spending on food importation

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hairman, Agriculture and Non-Oil Sector, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries, LCCI Mr Wale Oyekoya, has decried the nation’s annual spending of N1 trillion on importation of foods. Oyekoya lamented the development in an interview in Lagos while reacting to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s report on spending on food per annum.

According to him, it is alarming that such an amount is being spent on food importation per annum while only a meagre sum is being given to local farmers. Some of the foods imported are rice, wheat and poultry products.

“Is it a shame that the Federal Government is spending so much on foods that we can easily produce in the country.

This act is just killing the economy as it is a clear means of siphoning money out of the country. This is some of the reasons why the dollar is going up and will not appreciate if nothing is done about it,” he said. Oyekoya said the incumbent administration should look into the plight of farmers with the aim of solving their problems.

22 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Corporate Finance

Standard Chartered wins Global Finance best consumer digital awards

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tandard Chartered Bank has dominated Global Finance Magazine’s 2015 Best Consumer Digital Bank Awards in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, winning 17 country awards and 6 regional awards.

Speaking about the accolades, Karen Fawcett, CEO of Retail Banking Standard Chartered stated that, “We are delighted that Global Finance has recognised our industryleading digital banking capabilities. What is central to our efforts is creating convenience for our clients, so that they have access to banking anytime, anywhere and using whatever channels they prefer. Ms. Fawcett continued that, “We have invested heavily in technology and have been infusing a strong digital service culture among our staff. By beingdigital by design, our digital processesare end-toend,so that clients have access to the same, seamless experience and high quality of service, whether they engage with us through mobile, online, phone banking, at the branches, or ATMs.” Dominating this year ’s awards, Standard Chartered was awarded Best Consumer Digital Bank in 17 countries namely, Asia Pacific (Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea), Africa & Middle East (Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe) and Europe (Jersey).

In the Regional awards category for Africa & the Middle East, Standard Chartered won for the Best Website Design and the Best Information Security Initiatives. In the Regional awards category for Asia Pacific the bank won Best Online Deposit, Credit and Investment Product Offerings, Best Bill Payment & Presentment, Best in Mobile Banking and Best Mobile Banking App. Award organisers,Global Finance selected winning banks based on the criteria: C M Y K

BVN: Investors exempted from extra charge for signature, biometric verification

By PETER EGWUATU

I

nvestors in the Nigerian capital market have been excluded from paying extra fee for biometric and signature verification in the process of keying into the automation of capital market activities.

Mr. Niyi Ajao, Executive Director, Technology and Operations, Nigeria Inter – Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) disclosed to Vanguard that arrangements were reached by Central

Bank of Nigeria, CBN , Securities and Exchange Commission SEC an NIBBS to ensure that investors do not incur extra charge as the market moves into full automation processes.

According to him “The issue of taking what does not belong to you has ended today with the launch of this e-dividend portal. No investors would be charged for signature and mandate verification. Also dividend can be paid into savings and current account under financial integration

scheme.

For the investors in the Diaspora, an arrangement is

The SEC is committed to zero tolerance of unclaimed dividend, hence the need to launch the edividend portal

ANNIVERSARY - From left: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Managing Director, Lafarge Africa WAPCO Operations , Mrs. Peju Adebajo at the 25th anniversary of the coronation of the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo, in Ogun State

Companies under FMCG sector record decline in profit for first half

By PETER EGWUATU

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ompanies within the Fast Moving Consumer Goods, FMCG sector have recorded decline in profits as economic pressures continue to grow.

Unilever Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc and other companies appear to be affected by the economic pressures experienced within the first half of the year as shown in the results sent to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. This is occasioned by persistent fall in consumer disposal income while purchase preferences shift to accommodate the rising prices in petrol and a consequent rise in the price of transportation and energy requirement. The positive trend which characterized the Nigerian economy in the last decade took a downward turn with the slump of global oil prices in 2014. This trend

continued into the first and second quarter of 2015 and was further escalated in Q2 by a lull in the retail market in March and April.

While the country’s general economic outlook within this period grossly affected the financial status of several businesses, many predict that the economy will settle last quarter of this year as the new administration settles down and the country has a clearer direction on government policies Unilever Nigeria Plc profit decline in its half year 2015 financial statement accounts.

While overall results declined, the business improved performance in overheads with a decline of 4 per cent from the last quarter, and interest cover declined in the half year 2015.

Unilever Nigeria was not the only company worst hit, Nigerian Breweries half-year pre-tax profit declined to 8.5 per cent same period from last

year to N30.39 billion, while total revenues grew by 7.2 per cent to N151.61 billion.

Underlying topline for Nigerian Breweries was down by close to 6 per cent .Transnational Corporations half year results showed a 35.6 per cent decline in pre-tax profits and a drop in revenue from N21.21 billion to N20.25 billion same period from last year.

The financial sector is also not left out, as many release their results, majority of the banks have cited the slump in oil prices and bad loans as the main reasons for the poor performance half year 2015.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc reported a two digit decline in its profits, posting pre-tax profit of N9.537billion in the first half results – 52 per cent down from N19.94 billion same period 2014. Post tax profit is 40 per cent lower than same period last year, down to N9.695 billion from N16.184 billion.

being put in place where the registrars can provide their portal online for them to register and thereafter the Know Your Customers, KYC will be concluded by the banks.”

Addressing newsmen in Lagos during the launch of the e-portal dividend held after the second quarter Capital Market Committee, CMC meeting, Director General of the commission, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo said: “ The SEC is committed to zero tolerance of unclaimed dividend, hence the need to launch the e- dividend portal where investor can download the e-dividend mandate form and register through their respective registrars. So, the issue of unclaimed dividend will now be a thing of the past as the commission in collaboration of NIBSS, CBN, Central Securities Clearing System, CSCS collaborated to launch the e-dividend portal that would enable investors get their dividend paid into their savings and current accounts respectively.”

Commenting on the rising unclaimed dividend which hovers around N70 and N80 billion, he said “The commission had tried in the past to solve the issue by recommending Unclaimed Dividend Trust Fund, but for some stakeholders who were not comfortable with the proposed Fund, which they feared could not be managed effectively kicked against it when the matter went to the House of Assembly. “ However, Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA has stated that unclaimed dividend becomes status barred after 12 years and such money should be returned to the companies that declared it. But, it should be noted that Investment and Securities Act , ISA has given the SEC the power to make rules pertaining to market issues and where are there are conflicts with CAMA, the ISA supersedes. So, the commission has stated in its rule that after 15 months that dividend is declared, any unclaimed dividend should be returned to the company that declares it rather than waiting for 12 years. The SEC had directed all registrars of public companies to return all unclaimed dividends, which have been in their custody for fifteen (15) months and above, to the paying companies. Registrars are required to file evidence of remittance with the

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 23

Corporate Finance Stories by EGWUATU

PETER

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he Securities and E x c h a n g e Commission (SEC), has disclosed that the processes associated with the use of physical certificate in the nation’s capital market would be concluded in December 2015.

Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC confirmed to Vanguard that a committee charged to look into the issue of dematerialisation has reached an advance stage in its report, adding that by the end of this year, the use of physical share certificate will come to an end.

Dematerialisation is the process of replacing paper certificates with electronic records at the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS).

According to Gwarzo, SEC is currently working with all stakeholders in the market to conclude the process this year. We have also commenced public enlightenment programme to reach out to all states of the federation to enable investors to comply with the process.

“The process is ongoing, we are doing a lot of public enlightenment to facilitate

Use of physical certificate ends Dec 2015 — SEC easy take off as we also advice investors to key into the process,” Gwarzo said.

He disclosed that SEC had already instructed registrars to notify shareholders to choose a stockbroking firm of their choice in readiness for full dematerialisation.

Gwarzo also said that with the process, shareholders forms already with the CSCS

would be passed to the registrars, after which the registrars will notify the CSCS the broker’s choice of the investor.

On the 10-year capital market master plan, Gwarzo said that the commission had already set up an advisory council that would review the report and make amendments where necessary.

“We have the list of advisory council and the CMC has given us the mandate to select 10 to 12 people and very soon, we will come out with the list. The t the committee’s work is purely advisory and they are to interface with the judiciary and National Assembly. The council will interface with the people working out the initiative and the master plan will be concluded this year,” the Director-General said.

LAUNCH - From left, Bola Onadele Koko, MD/CEO, FMDQ OTC PLC; Roger Gifford, Former Mayor of London & Chair, UK-Delivery Group, Emerging Capital Markets Taskforce (ECMT); and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, President, Nigerian Stock Exchange & Chair, Nigerian-Delivery Group, ECMT, during the cocktail reception and launch of the inaugural report titled - Nigerian Capital Market: Legal & Regulatory Review and Recommendation, in Lagos.

Honeywell Flour Mills posts N1.4bn profit H

oneywell Flour Mills Plc has reported a profit before tax of N1.4 billion for its audited full year financial results for the period ended 31st March, 2015. Sales for the financial year, 1st April, 2014 to 31st March, 2015 totalled N49 billion; an 11 per cent decline relative to N55 billion achieved the year before.

The pressure experienced in the top line reflects the intense competition around price war going on in the industry and the falling naira.

Honeywell Flour Mills also recorded Profit After Tax (PAT) of N1.1 billion for the same period under review. Other key performance indicators were more positive: finance costs reduced by 35 per cent and total assets rose 6 per cent to N67.9 billion on the company’s balance sheet.

The company in a statement attributing the challenging results to several factors including the Apapa traffic gridlock and declining infrastructure around the

ports. Roads leading to and from Apapa have effectively become car parks. Truck parking facilities around the ports that should have been completed years ago seem to have become abandoned projects. These problems have compromised our logistics efficiency by frustrating the prompt loading of products resulting

The company’s customers, suppliers, haulage partners and staff demonstrated great courage, loyalty and commitment during these challenging times

in longer loading turnaround times and reduced stock turnover.

In the statement, Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola, the Managing Director of the Tincan-Apapa based foods processor, lamented the economic loss arising from the falling naira, the perennial chaotic traffic and debilitating condition of the roads leading in and out of Apapa. According to him, the company ’s customers, suppliers, haulage partners and staff demonstrated great courage, loyalty and commitment during these challenging times. He noted that it takes, on an average, eight (8) hours for customers to access or exit the factory.

Added to these, is a rise in dollar denominated input costs. Costs of wheat and spare parts have been rising because of the falling Naira to forex rates. These challenges coupled with weakening macro-economics of the country, means it takes much longer to factor such cost increments into product

prices.

Going forward, the company plans to build on some successes recorded in the last financial year, such as the wide acceptance of its new flour brand: Honeywell Composite Flour (HCF) which contains 10 per cent High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF).

HFMP will continue to evaluate opportunities to increase use of local inputs in its portfolio that helps it to reduce its exposure to forex volatility.

Management is implementing new initiatives to improve outbound logistics and service delivery including the operation of offsite warehouses and optimization of its 24-hour loading programme. HFMP is also taking a leading role in the engagement of the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders to find immediate and long term solutions to the traffic problems in Apapa.

Berger Paints urges FG to tackle exchange rate volatility

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erger Paints Nigeria Plc has urged the Federal Government to address the issues of exchange rate of the naira to foreign currencies, infrastructural deficit, multiple taxation and enforcement of enabling rules by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in order to create the much-needed enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer , Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, Mr. Peter Folikwe , who gave the advice, appraised the Nigeria’s operating environment and proposed operation of consumer advocacy as a strategy to promote culture of quality products among manufacturers.

In response to media enquiry, Folikwe explained that quality products were a necessary condition for competitiveness in the global market and it enhances consumers’ loyalty and higher turnover. According to him “Nigeria would compete more favourably in the global market if we leverage on consumer advocacy approach whereby consumers of products are enlightened that while inferior products appear cheap, they are actually more expensive than quality products in the area of durability and utilitarian value.”

“The real sector is the major sector that can drive economic growth and development. But in Nigeria, the sector has consistently suffered a setback in the scheme of things. The sector is bedeviled with myriad of issues which include infrastructural deficits such as bad road, epileptic power supply, multiple taxation, naira exchange rate volatility and the extent to which the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is actually tracking and sanctioning those who compromise standard in their product quality. All these increase production cost and force producers to pass the cost to consumers who are already struggling with weak purchasing power.

Government should address these issues without further

24 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Banking & Finance

The naira case against fuel subsidy Access Bank appoints Belo-Olusoga as chairperson

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ccess Bank Plc has appointed Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga as Board Chairperson, effective from July 31st.

She succeeds Mr. Gbenga Oyebode MFR, who retired as a director and Chairman of the Bank from the same date.

In a statement announcing the appointment, the bank said, the retirement of Mr Oyebode follows his successful completion of the maximum term limit as prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Code of Corporate Governance for Banks and Discount Houses in Nigeria.

The appointment of Mrs BeloOlusoga follows a thorough selection process by the Governance and Nomination Committee of the Board led by Mr. Emmanuel Chiejina, a Non-Executive Director.

Mrs Belo-Olusoga joined the Board of the Bank in November 2007 as a NonExecutive Director. Until her recent appointment, she was the Chairperson of the Credit and Finance Committee and member of the Board Committees on Audit, Governance and Nomination, Risk Management and Remuneration.

She was formerly an Executive Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and was at various times responsible for Risk Management, Corporate and Commercial Banking and Transaction Services and Settlements. She is a graduate of Economics from University of Ibadan and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigerian and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

Commenting on the appointment, Olabode said, ‘I am glad that Mrs BeloOlusoga will be succeeding me as Chairperson. Her significant board experience; knowledge of our dynamic industry and personal qualities will be highly beneficial to Access Bank’.

On her part, Belo-Olusoga

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

T

he 2015 annual seminar for finance correspondents and business editors organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) provided another opportunities for journalists and economic experts to assess developments in the nation’s foreign exchange market in the last 12 months.

The theme for the seminar, “The Impact of Crude Oil Prices on External Reserves and Exchange Management in Nigeria” was informed by the declining crude oil prices from over $100 to $56 per barrel in the last 12 months, leading to decline in the nation’s external reserves and over 20 percent devaluation of the naira as well as the various policy measures introduced by the CBN to manage the situation.

According to Akinsowon Dawodu, Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Citi Bank Nigeria and Bismarck Rewane, Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Financial Derivative Company, what happened in the last 12 months has been the trend since the early 1970s when oil overtook agriculture has the country’s number one foreign exchange earner.

Oil dependence

“The exchange rate generally mirrored the movements in oil prices as a result of Nigeria’s reliance on oil”, Rewane noted.

“Oil accounts for over 90 percent of foreign exchange revenue. As a result Nigeria experiences exchange rate stability in period of high crude oil prices while there is volatility and reserve depletion visible in period of low oil prices”, noted Dawodu Similarly, Moses Tule, Director, Monetary Policy Department, CBN, explained that, “A rapid fall in crude oil prices threatens Nigeria’s macroeconomic stability because foreign exchange earnings, government revenue and domestic money supply are largely dependent on receipts from crude oil exports. For the CBN, falling prices pose concerns for external reserves, inflation and the exchange rate of the Naira.

Lamido Yuguda, Director, Reserve Management Department, CBN, also explained that due to its impact on the external reserves, the price of crude oil also influence inflow or

outflow of foreign investment (capital) in or out of the country.

“A robust level of external reserves provides confidence to the international community that the country can meet its international obligations, hence, the higher the level of external reserve holdings by a country, the more capital it will be able to attract.

“Thus when crude oil prices were high, and external reserves were high, foreign investment inflow was high but when reserves are low due to decline oil prices, foreign investment flows out of the economy,” he explained.

This overdependence of the economy on crude oil for foreign exchange earnings, according to Tule, is aggravated by the country’s huge demand for imports. He said these two factors combined together makes management of the exchange rate of the naira, challenging for the CBN. “The best CBN can do when there is decline in crude oil prices, is to manage the situation to minimize the impact of the economy”, This, he said, is the rationale for the various measures introduced by the CBN since November last year, including closure of the official foreign exchange market (Retail Dutch Auction System or RDAS) and the exclusion of 41 items from access to dollars in the nation’s foreign exchange market.

How to value the naira

Dawodu and Rewane however averred that more needs to be done to minimise the impact of crude oil prices on the economy and the value

of the naira.

Dawodu for example, though commended the closure of the RDAS, saying it is another step towards a floating exchange rate regime, he averred that the CBN needs to complement this by reducing the frequency of its intervention in the interbank market. “CBN should reduce intervention in the foreign exchange market to achieve policy credibility, he said. He added that though empirical evidence on the effectiveness of intervention on exchange rate stability are mixed, the impact of CBN intervention on exchange rate level is often short-lived and increase volatility.

“CBN should be selective in its interventions and be frugal with the use of the reserve.

RDAS closure is the first step toward a complete liberalization of the foreign exchange market. Autonomous market needs to be opened to allow flexibility in exchange rate movement. Investors will remain wary until this is done.

However, it might be happening a few years too early as the market depth is not enough to absorb the total yearly demand. Economic transformation must precede total liberalization”, he added.

Rewane on his part averred that the issue is not the value of the naira but determination of the value of the naira. “The CBN needs to put in place a framework for determining the value of the naira that is transparent and credible. All the various exchange rate policy measures since the introduction of SAP in 1986 revolve around this problem”, he said.

He noted that today Nigeria has a currency crisis, because the price of the naira and

value of the naira are at tangents. This, he said is because, adjustments to the exchange rate of the naira in response to declining crude oil prices, and reserves are usually delayed. This delay, he argued always result into severe adjustment or devaluation of the naira as experienced in the last 12 months.

He noted that presently, the naira, using the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) exchange rate model, should be trading at N186 to the dollar, implying that the nation’s currency is undervalued.

“Using the PPP formula, the true value of the naira should be N186.75. The difference between this rate and N230 (as obtained in the parallel market) is the fear factor. The naira will not appreciate to N186 because of: The inflation/interest rate differential and Speculative pressure,” he said.

Fuel subsidy must go

In addition to the need for timely adjustment of the

Continues on Page 25

The subsidy is a number; the subsidy system is a system that breeds corruption, get rid of the subsidy system and then the number will be an efficient number

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 25

Banking & Finance

The naira case against fuel subsidy Continued from page 24 exchange rate, Rewane also pointed out the need to address leakages in the foreign exchange market. He said the two major sources of leakages are exchange rate subsidy and fuel subsidy, adding that while the closure of the RDAS/ official market has eliminated leakages from exchange rate, the federal government

must complement this by removing the fuel subsidy. Fuel subsidy, he noted, constitutes 30 percent of Nigeria’s import bill, adding that by remove subsidies, aberrational demand (for dollars) pressure will disappear in the foreign exchange market, and reduce import bill of bogus demand by 15 to 20 percent.

Rewane noted that though President Buhari seems not disposed to removing fuel subsidy, he averred that removal of subsidy is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’.

“The truth is that refineries were producing before subsidies were introduced. Subsidies are a gap between the price and the cost. Even

if you produce at the refineries and you are selling at below the cost of production, then you create a subsidy.

“Subsidies are distortionary: first of all, get rid of the system so it doesn’t breed corruption and if there are no subsidies, with the price of oil today at $52 per barrel, this means that you might actually find that the

price of petrol may be lower than what it is today.

“So there’s no question – and let us separate the issues – the subsidy is a number; the subsidy system is a system that breeds corruption, get rid of the subsidy system and then the number will be an efficient number,” he said.

He added that the removal of fuel subsidy is critical to how much

the naira would trade against the dollar in the coming months. He noted that though notable international organisations like the Bank of America, Recap and Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) have predicted further devaluation of the naira, to between N215 per dollar and 235 per dollar in the next six to 12 months, the possibility of these predictions coming to pass will be determined by government’s decision on the removal of fuel subsidy. “The reality is, if crude oil price falls below the present level, another adjustment (devaluation) of the naira will be imminent.

The adjustment will be minimal if fuel subsidy is removed, the adjustment will be minimal but if fuel subsidy is maintained, the adjustment will be severe”, he warned.

Visa promotes security features of Chip & PIN cards

By Providence Obuh

V

isa, a global electronic payment company has launched a campaign to create awareness about the security features in the Chip and PIN card.

The card is also known as EMV card. As opposed to magnetic stripe technology, a chip is difficult to crack. An important aspect of the EMV card is its use of dynamic data where each transaction carries a unique stamp preventing the transaction data from being fraudulently reused, even if the data or the card is stolen, this saves banks and consumers from losing money through fraud.

Speaking at a media brief on card security week campaign in Nigeria, , Business Development Leader, Visa West Africa, Mr. Emezino Afiegbe, said that the campaign is intended to raise awareness among cardholders on the security features.

C M Y K

26 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Homes & Housing

How to obtain loan from NHF scheme Real estate among top Nigeria’s growth sectors - UN

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eal estate has been identified as one of the two leading growth sectors in the Nigerian economy, along with with Information and Communication Technology (ICT), according to a recent data by the United Nations (UN).

Head, Poverty and Trade Department, UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Mr Patrick Osakwe disclosed this recently in Lagos. He said that real estate, as well as information and communication technology, in conjunction with the financial services sector have the capacity to drive economic growth, if well harnessed.

Osakwe spoke against the backdrop of the recent Annual Report on African Development by UNCTAD, which has been presented to the public in 15 African countries. “In Nigeria, the fastest growing sectors would be real estate, as well as Information and Communications technology.

That is peculiar to Nigeria, among others, and these sectors are suffering from a level of deficit that needs to be addressed, to maximize their potential.

UK mortgage lending jumped in June

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ortgage lending in the UK bounced back in June following the election as home buyers continued to take advantage of a home loans price war.

Bank of England figures issued last week showed the number of home buyer mortgages approved by high street banks rebounded to 66,582 in June. Loan approvals for house purchases had dipped to 64,826 in May from a 14-month high of 68,051 in April. A mortgage price war has been driving rates to record lows, and the figures also coincided with the traditional spring home-buying season.

Howard Archer, UK economist at consultancy IHS Global Insight, said: “While mortgage approvals in June were modestly below April’s peak level, they were nevertheless at the second highest level since March 2014. They were also up 12.3 percent from November’s 17month low.”

C M Y K

By YINKA KOLAWOLE

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he National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme was established by Act 3 of 1992 to enable Nigerians in all sectors of the economy, particularly those within the low and medium income levels who cannot afford commercial housing loans to own houses.

But what are the criteria needed and the procedures required in order to be able to secure loans under the scheme?

Eligibility To be eligible for the NHF loan, a contributor must be above 21 years old, and must have contributed to the Fund for a period of not less than six months. He/she must apply through a registered and duly accredited mortgage loan originator, e.g. a Primary Mortgage Bank (PMB), who packages and forwards the application to FMBN. For individual borrowers there must be satisfactory evidence of regular flow of income to guarantee loan repayment.

How to apply Except for institutional borrowers who can apply for the loan directly from Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), individuals can only apply through a duly licensed and accredited Primary Mortgage Bank (PMB) of their choice and not directly to the FMBN. Loan applications are also to be obtained from the same PMB. Formal sector Open a savings account with a registered PMB, with at least six months consecutive contributions prior to application. Have satisfactory evidence of regular flow of income to guarantee the loan.

Other requirements to process NHF loan include: Completed

prescribed mortgage loan application form; Photocopies of title documents; Current valuation report on the proposed house to buy or bills of quantities (BoQ) for the house to build and; Three years tax clearance certificate. Others are: Evidence of NHF participation; Copy of pay slips for the previous three months and; Equity contribution or personal stake of 30 percent, 20 percent or 10 percent depending on the loan amount applied for loans of 15 million, N10 million and N5 million, respectively. Also required are: Letter of consent to mortgage to chosen PMB; Offer Letter/ Acceptance and Allocation letter (in case of government projects). In case of registered self employed applicant, a copy of Articles and Memorandum of Association and a copy of Certificate of Incorporation as evidence of employment status must be submitted.

Informal sector Workers in the informal sector can also benefit from the NHF scheme via the informal sector cooperative housing loan scheme (Coop Loan Scheme).

The Coop Loan Scheme was designed to accommodate nonsalaried informal sector Nigerians to join the NHF scheme through co-operative societies and avail themselves the opportunity to own houses.

The loan facility under the scheme could be accessed in one of two ways, namely: Cooperative Housing Development Loan (CHDL) or Co-operative National Housing Fund Loan (CNL).

The CHDL enables a cooperative society that has acquired a plot of land to develop houses for allocation to its members. The parcel of land will have title in the name of the society which will act as the facilitator on behalf of its members in the loan transaction and which would facilitate construction of the housing

Individuals contributors can only apply through a duly licensed and accredited PMB of their choice and not directly to the FMBN

•An Estate in Ibadan

US mortgage lenders deny 72% borrowers from federal programme M

ortgage lenders in the US have been accused of rejecting 72 percent of struggling borrowers from a federal program aimed at creating more affordable monthly mortgage payments so owners can keep their homes.

Christy Romero, Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), a federal bailout enacted in 2008 to protect the U.S. and financial firms from a financial tsunami, said this in a quarterly report to Congress.

According to the report, Citigroup Inc. has rejected 87 percent of applications for TARP’s Home Affordable Modification Program

unit. Document required for CHDL include: Certificate registration of the Co-operative society; Bye laws of the cooperative society; Detailed Profile of the Co-operative Society and; Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Society signed by the chairman and the Secretary, authorising it to borrow.

On the other hand, the CNL window offers an individual cooperative member mortgage loan to buy a housing unit developed through the Cooperative Housing Development Loan or to renovate an existing one.

Documents required to be submitted by a cooperative society, on behalf of its cooperators (under CNL) are: Evidence of membership of Cooperative society; Evidence of NHF registration and up-todate NHF contribution. Others are: Completed CNL application form; Two passport photograph; Prove of ownership of the object land / property; A guarantee from the cooperative society to which he/she belongs and; Certificate of registration of the Cooperative society.

(HAMP), which aims to make mortgages more affordable by changing terms, such as interest rates and loan duration.

It added that J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. rejected 84 percent of applications, Bank of America Corp. has rejected 80 percent while Ocwen Fianncial Corp. has rejected 70 percent.

“There is a massive lost opportunity for an emergency program designed to help homeowners through the crisis if only 20 percent to 30 percent of families seeking help from HAMP actually get into HAMP,” Romero said.

Moreover, the U.S. Treasury Department’s requirements for

lenders to explain why borrowers were rejected “do not give a clear picture of why homeowners were denied,” the report said. Also, the report noted that officials have found that lenders have “wrongfully denied” borrowers from entering HAMP. “Persistent problems and errors in the application and income calculation process (lenders calculate a homeowner ’s income) have historically plagued homeowners seeking HAMP assistance, and continue to do so,” the report said.

The watchdog said Citi “has had one of the worst records of non-compliance” with

Treasury ’s guidance for reviewing applications, failing to meet benchmarks in most reviews. “Citi is the only large active lender that has ever been rated as needing ‘substantial improvement’ with respect to denial determinations,” the report said.

A Citi spokesman said the company has “consistently addressed issues” in quarterly performance reports, “and has fully implemented corrective action plans to remedy them.”

A J.P. Morgan Chase spokesman said the company has earned a relatively high compliance score in recent quarters. “We believe today’s reported findings are based on an inaccurate analysis of Treasury data, and that both HAMP and our participation in HAMP have helped to achieve the program’s goals,” he said.

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 27

Insurance

Centre for insurance to bridge knowledge gap in industry – Daniel Stories by ROSEMARY ONUOHA

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HE Centre for Insurance and Financial Management Studies (CIFMS) is a value addition to the quest to better position the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) in the insurance industry and herald a new era of improvement on services rendered by the institute.

Former Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Fola Daniel made this assertion at the commissioning ceremony of the Centre in Lagos last week.

Daniel said that the commissioning marks a watershed in the history of not just the institute, but the entire insurance sector, while noting that the landmark accomplishment symbolizes growth and key to future success of the sector.

He said, “As the education arm of the industry, this is certainly a step in the right direction towards the attainment of the CIIN mandate which is to breed and certify insurance professionals in the country, a pre-requisite for individuals to qualify as insurance practitioners.

“Let me advise that as you bask in the euphoria of this accomplishment, you should not lose sight and focus of the big task ahead. The knowledge gap in the industry remains

high just as professional indiscipline.

This is unacceptable. It calls for all hands to be on deck if we are to attain the professional height and standards we all crave to enable the industry occupy its rightful position in the fore front of the financial services sector.”

Daniel stated that as a prudential regulator, the quality and technical capacity of insurance practitioners in the country is a major concern to the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, stressing that NAICOM will continue to support efforts at ridding the profession of indiscipline and non adherence

to rules and ethical standard.

“It is our desire in NAICOM to superintend over an insurance industry that is flourishing, financially strong and viable but with the right mix of professionals,” he stated.

In a welcome address, President/Chairman of Council, CIIN, Mr. Bola Temowo, said “Although the College is being commissioned today, work on the remaining phases of the project will continue.”

He however appealed for more contributions from individuals and corporate organisations who would find

the Centre a worthy channel to express their belief in the development of a world-class College of Insurance in the country.

According to Temowo, the College relies on patronage of its programmes by the industry, adding that is to ensure that it makes use of its income generation capability for the financing of parts of the remaining phases of the project.

The completed structures at present are the administration block; 50 room students hotel; syndicate rooms; lecturers’ lodge; rector ’s lodge; restaurant and 10 chalets.

COMMISSIONING – From left: Rector, Centre for Insurance and Financial Management Studies, CIFMS, Mrs. Yeside Abiodun Oyetayo; Chairman of Juli Insurance Brokers, Mr. Wole Adetimehin; Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel; President of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Mr. Bola Temowo; Chairman of CIFMS and MD/CEO Nigerian Reinsurance, Lady Isioma Chukwuma, during the commissioning of CIFMS in Ogun State.

Mutual Benefits restates commitment to wealth creation for stakeholders G

ROUP Managing Director of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Mr. Akin Ogunbiyi has said that the company will continue to create wealth and value to all its stakeholders going forward.

Ogunbiyi who stated this at the company’s stakeholders engagement meeting in Lagos last week, noted that they had put in place a sound risk mitigation strategy, increased its businesses and reduced debt, adding that the company remains a strong, well capitalised and profitable leading brand in the Nigerian insurance industry.

Ogunbiyi said, “The unique and dynamic posture of Mutual Benefits Group is to directly impact on GDP by progressively evolving business activities and strategic partnerships around unique insurance services. We touch all facets of the economies of our catchment countries, in our

genuine desire to alleviate poverty.”

According to Ogunbiyi, Mutual has successfully carved a niche for itself in its ability to secure patronage of tailor-made insurance products by making customers feel genuinely impacted on and looked-after in what they are offered as valueadditions. “We make them feel good about our value-offerings, about the process, and the Mutual Benefits Brand”, he added.

Speaking further, Managing Director of Mutual Plc, Mr. Segun Omesehin said that the company’s innovative activities are driven across seven key platforms namely; widening or deepening access to relevant insurance products, awareness of the value-delivering benefits of these products through knowledge and patronage, evolving innovative and new distribution channels, working with the Mutual Benefits

Microfinance Bank to identify appropriate bancassurance businesses, micro-insurance and takaful insurance (islamic compliant insurance), as well as promoting insurance generating investments and strategic partnerships.

Omesehin said that the two cardinal objectives of Mutual Benefits are to bring tailormade value-adding insurance services to the doorstep of citizens and at the same time, promote a new era of using retail outlets to deliver insurance services to every nook and cranny.

Omesehin said, “Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc., a Nigerian company with fullfledged but affiliate companies in Liberia and Niger Republic, is one of the big players in the African insurance market. An enhanced private-sector initiative, Mutual, thrives on impacting positively on all

facets of the economy and the various income brackets through value-addition with tailor-made insurance products as the unique offerings.”

The Managing Director stated that the kernel of Mutual Benefits’ impressive growth is strict adherence to the company’s core values and they pride themselves as unrepentant sticklers for leadership, professionalism, knowledge, continuous training and ethical practice.

He said, “As a result of the recapitalisation exercise of 2006/2007, Mutual Benefits came up with the “Wind of Change”, our terms of engagement with stakeholders in fostering insurance as a vital financial instrument for national development through, repositioning and deliberate change in strategy; clear and compelling brand promise; superior and memorable services; clear, as well as competitive differentiation.

STI partners Yudala as official insurer

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overeign Trust Insurance Plc, STI, has entered into partnership with Yudala, an online and offline retail chain in Africa, as the official insurer to the organisation in Nigeria.

The partnership, just like many others that have been emerging in the insurance landscape in recent times is seen by many as a welcome development that will help engender the growth of retail business in the insurance industry.

In a statement, STI noted that as the official insurer to Yudala in Nigeria for all online transactions and offline purchases in the different outlets spread across the country, it is expected to provide All Risks Insurance Cover to indemnify customers of Yudala in respect of any product purchased from either the online or offline retail platforms. The scope of cover is expected to include damage to and/or electronic breakdown of any item so purchased. It is an open-cover policy which means customers of Yudala can have their purchased items insured for one year on an on-going basis.

At the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding both parties acknowledged that the partnership would help engender a great deal of trust and confidence on the part of customers as they will be guaranteed of getting genuine products from the retail chain as well as adequate cover for their assets from a reputable insurance company in the country.

Chairman of Zinox Technologies and the brain behind Yudala, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh assured prospective shoppers of Yudala that they will be getting real value for their money for whatever product is purchased from any of the Yudala platform.

Ekeh said, “I will love to see a lot of this business partnership as that of Sovereign Trust and Yudala emanate from our shores from time to time as it would help keep alive the entrepreneurship flame in driving the Nigerian economy and beyond. It is indeed a union that I am so much pleased, is seeing the light of day.”

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28 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Interview

‘We havn't raised cement price in five years’ — Hoddinott

BY FRANKLIN ALLI

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r. Peter Hoddinott is the new Managing Director of Lafarge Africa PLC, a member of LafargeHolcim. He spoke to Vanguard on what led to the merger of the two companies, the opportunities for stakeholders in the new group globally and locally, among other issues.

Excerpt:

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n July 15, 2015, Lafarge Group of France and Swiss Holcim announced successful completion of their $40 billion merger into a new company. Why the merger?

There are many reasons for that but the key ones that brought these two great global companies together are that both companies have similar corporate philosophies- delighting customers; they have similar market capitalisations or market values in the stock markets; both had a long history of similar shareholders performance and, strong balance sheet and expertise. The merger will create platform for growth, unrivaled excellence, and a platform for the development of employees, suppliers, communities, and shareholders.

With the merger, what is the position of LafargeHolcim in the global cement industry?

It’s really big. We are in 90

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countries and with 115 thousand employees, 350 million tons of cement capacity and the number one in aggregate and cement, the company is set to transform the global construction industry.

With the merger with Holcim, does that also translate to a change with the brands?

That is a great question.

But nothing is happening right now; the brands will continue for the time being.

It is something we are working on.

What advantage is the synergy going to bring to Nigeria?

The first one is development. We believe there is going to be opportunities for doing

We will create a stronger company that is able to make a more solid investment in Nigeria and be able to better able to assist in delivering more affordable housing as well as support for socioeconomic progress through corporate social responsibility activities.

better with costs.

A very simple example is, today, there is cement we transport from Ewekoro and Sagamu to the Port at Calabar; that was because we were competing with Unicem but now that with the merger it makes a lot of sense for the Calabar plants to supply those customers and for us in the West to withdraw. This would save money and logistics costs. The second area has to do with the high cost of our plants: here , it is very interesting to bring together two companies like Lafarge and Holcim; there are many things that Lafarge do and has developed over the last 180 years which are very good practices but Holcim does not do them, and so right now a team has been formed which comprised Lafarge going to study Holcim’s ex-operation and in return, Holcim’s team is coming to study ex-Lafarge operations to study the efficiencies and output of the mills that have run down and we expect improvement to come from that. The third is, in Nigeria, Unicem has been buying local goods and services and also buying a few from overseas. The exLafarge Africa units in Unicem, Ashaka, Ewekoro and Sagamu have been doing the same thing . In most cases, the price is paid by Ewekoro and Sagamu, Unicem and Ashaka or vice-versa.

The merger will have a positive impact on the on-

•Hoddinott going consolidation of the Nigeria operations under Lafarge Africa as Unicem, AskaCem, Atlas, WAPCO operations in Ogun, as well as the Readmix sites across the country will now be integrated as a member of LafargeHolcim in Nigeria.

We will create a stronger company that is able to make a more solid investment in Nigeria and be able to better able to assist in delivering more

affordable housing as well as support for socioeconomic progress through corporate social responsibility activities.

So by bringing them together, we should be able to achieve a lot.

The fourth area is that Lafarge Africa is a very large listed company with good credibility.

One will expect us to be able to provide financing and all that.

Will this bring about reduction in cement price?

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 29

Interview been working very hard to develop solutions for people that have less resources to build their own affordable houses. We have given access to more than six thousand families for low cost construction and we are working hard with the Ministry of Works to develop solutions which are affordable, using local materials for construction.

We are also developing durable solutions for roads construction like concrete wall because of the intricacies of the weather conditions in Nigeria. It can last 20, 30, 50 years.

One of the issues affecting cement pricing in Nigeria is the high cost of production, and getting the cement from the plants to the markets.

So, by investing in infrastructure five years ago, we have been able to reduce the logistics of transport cost and that in turns has reduced the price of cement to consumers.

How much does your Nigerian operation contribute to the group’s global sales?

Africa and Middle East represents 18 per cent of the total group and Nigeria is appropriately 1/6 of that; it is something around 3 to 3.5 per cent of the total group’s 27 billion Euro turnover in 2014.

What are the challenges you anticipate while steering the company in Nigeria?

Well, I like to count my challenges on the fingers of one hand. Unfortunately, as I come to Nigeria, I may have to use my both hands and feet as well. The first biggest challenge is, there is a huge move by Lafarge Africa to improve health and safety and working on the care of individuals.

This is something that I have seen right from my earliest stay as an Engineer and later on working in business; and it is

The price of cement today is lower than five years ago when there was importation of bulk cement for bagging.

And the idea is that by increasing the production here in Nigeria we will be capable of having much more stable pricing situation on cement.

That is the objective of the backward integration policy in the cement sector. Of more importance is to reduce the cost of construction for Nigerians and for that we have

Lafarge Africa has a combined current cement capacity of 12 million metric tonnes, which is expected to grow to 14.5 million metric tonnes by 2016 and 17.5 million metric tonnes by 2017 and 20 million metric tonnes by 2020.

undeniable that we can do a lot more in the future. The trend had been set by Guillaume Roux, the outgoing Managing Director and his team and everybody recognises we can do a lot more in care, health and safety of the people. For me that is first major challenge.

The second is the development of people.

What I have seen in the very short time I have been here is incredible team that Guilluame has put together – very energetic, very intelligent, and dynamic.

The challenge in front of us is understanding and translating this into great result for individual, the company, Nigerians and shareholders and our contribution to the global business. That is my ambition. By doing that, am very confident that the other challenge on my other hand and feet will be dealt with because it is only through great people that you really achieve great results against the challenges. The third area I would mention is on cost.

I’d mention it earlier just very briefly in respect of logistics costs. Within our plants and our operations, the cost of operation is very high, especially for energy.

There is need to use the very best practices around the world to reduce cost, typically it is around 30 to 40 percent cost. Nigeria has huge amount of biomass and a huge of other opportunities to convert what is not currently used by the country into useful energy. This will result into a lower cost and a win-win for the community, the environment and for us.

What is the total output of your cement operations in Nigeria and future outlook?

WAPCO with three cement plants in Ogun state is doing 4.5 million metric tonnes, 1 million metric tonnes in Ashaka Cement Gombe state; 2.5 million metric tonnes in Unicem in Cross Rivers state and a terminal in Atlas Cement Rivers state. In Nigeria, our plan is to double the capacities of WAPCO, Ashaka and Unicem over the next four to five years and it is critical to mention that we are completing the doubling of Unicem which should be coming on stream next year and that will add another 2.5 million tonnes; we are doing the same at AshakaCem, and that is how we get to doubling of the size. We are having another expansion in the south west of roughly the

same size. With operations in South Africa 3.6 million metric tonnes, Lafarge Africa has a combined current cement capacity of 12 million metric tonnes, which is expected to grow to 14.5 million metric tonnes by 2016 and 17.5 million metric tonnes by 2017 and 20 million metric tonnes by 2020.

of gypsum and are not aware gypsum is affected by the policy. 100 percent of our raw materials are sourced locally and it is just a few gypsum and we get it from Ashaka and Unicem and we import a little bit for Ewekoro and Unicem.

That is one of the advantages of the backward integration in the country.

Manufacturers are bitterly complaining of the new CBN forex policy. How is it affecting your operations?

We are not importing much

What is the update on your embedded power projects?

Our power plants are capable of producing more than we can use; the works are being done in phases.

First to sell the excess to the communities, we are going to make it available and we want to make the power plants bigger through Wasilat, IFC and other parties to build a 220MW plants.

We are very much on course and we hope by the fourth quarter of this year we should be able to start to sell the excess capacity to the grids. We have started building the equipment to be able to sell to the grids and we have started discussions with gas supply companies; we are also progressing to the second phase which will take us couple of years before we can get the full megawatts.

Nigeria has huge amount of biomass and a huge of other opportunities to convert what is not currently use by the country into useful energy. This will result into a lower production cost and a winwin for the community, the environment and for us.

30—Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

E-commerce Stories BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

AutoBox targets car owners, dealers with genuine auto parts

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nline auto parts solution provider, AutoBox has restated its commitment to supplying genuine car parts to millions of Nigerian car owners.

Autobox said it has over the past months, in her bid to serve its ever growing customer base as well as reach out to yet-tobe reached car owners, continued to innovate and find ways to crack the tough terrain of car repair in Nigeria.

With support from Cocreation hub, it has grown its user base, network of reputable parts dealers, as well as improve its offerings to Nigerian car owners.

“Over the past months we have come to understand that Nigerian car owners don’t want to just buy parts, but want to fix their cars. This has made us transit from a solely ecommerce platform to a platform for car owners to fix their cars without stress, to match the yearnings of Nigerian car owners,” said AutoBox in a statement.

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nline vehicle marketplace, Carmudi.com has said that Nigerian used cars remain the best selling cars online, as about 2,400 Nigerian used cars are sold through the platform monthly.

Carmudi’s Head of Operations for Africa, Mohammed Iyamu told Vanguard that of the 3,000 Nigerian used cars that are listed on the website monthly, 80 per cent are sold.

He said: “Carmudi has a total of 3,000 Nigerian used cars on site, the 3,000 being an average number which sits there on a monthly basis. At the end of every month we do a check on majority of these cars and find out that they are sold. We upload an average of 200

Over 2,000 Nigerian used cars sold monthly through online marketplace Nigerian used vehicles every week, which brings us to 800 vehicles a month on an average. We keep in touch with every single seller on a monthly basis and records show that over 80 per cent of these cars are sold. This brings us up to 2,400 sold Nigerian used cars in a month.”

He added: “Given that we do not record total sales on the website, I cannot give a conversion on total sales, however I can tell that Nigerian used cars sell faster and more because they are affordable and every Nigerian wants to own a car because we do not have standard transport systems.”

Founded in 2013, Carmudi

operates in Nigeria and nineteen other countries in emerging markets, offering buyers, sellers and car dealers the platform to find cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles online.

Last month Carmudi Nigeria said it recorded a 30 per cent increase in total visits, particularly in iOS visits where it saw over 700 per cent growth since it was launched in February, 2015.

The online marketplace which is backed by African Internet Group also said it has attracted 6.4 million monthly visitors during the second quarter of 2015, a 17.6 per cent increase over Q1.

The vehicle marketplace also

Wecyclers wins N11m Case Foundation prize for start-up pitch

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agos-based Wecyclers, a startup that recycles waste in Nigeria, has won the

‘Pitch for Lagos’ start-up pitch event held last week at Cocreation Hub, Lagos.

The start-up won the $55,000, about N11 million, beating other eight pre-selected start-ups including: Aella Credit, BudgIt, Queens of Africa, Callbase, Eve and Tribe, Jekalo and Lizzie’s creation.

Wecyclers offers convenient household recycling service using a fleet of low-cost cargo bikes. The company said it is powering social change using the environment by allowing people in low-income communities to capture value from their waste.

According to Wecylcers, “We aim to build a low-cost waste collection infrastructure while raising general awareness on the importance of recycling for environmental sustainability and social welfare gained from reduction in pollution and diseases like malaria.”

The sponsor of the event, Case Foundation, owned by AOL cofounder, Steve Case and wife, Jean Case have been touring Africa and Wecyclers are most recent in the list of impact investment by the company into Africa in the days since the start of the Global Entrepreneurship summit that held in Kenya last weekend.

CONFERENCE - From left: Convener, Role of Women in Emerging African Democracies (ROWEAD), Mrs Adaobi Alex-Oni; Iyalode of Egbaland, Iyalode Alaba Lawson; Experience Centre Manager, Heritage Bank, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Mrs Nkiru Chigbo and Guest Speaker, Barrister, Margaret Nkem Onyema Orakwusi, during the ROWEAD 2015 in Lagos and sponsored by Heritage Bank.

recently named a new head for Carmudi Nigeria, Amy Muoneke who told journalists that Carmudi will continue to innovate to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the growing e-commerce trends in the country.

She also disclosed that some auto dealers in the country are being inspired by the new auto policy to start local production of cars in Nigeria.

She said: “E-commerce will keep growing. We have started a segment where we do interviews with CEOs of car dealerships. The one we just concluded was with the Chief Executive of Lanre Shittu Motors, Mr. Lanre Shittu and I asked him what his stake was on the new auto policy, and he said that most of them have started making moves to start manufacturing vehicles locally.

So a lot of these dealers from what we understand have already started making progress towards manufacturing because just like any set up, we have to comfortably sustain ourselves before we can grow. So a lot of these auto dealers are making moves towards making investments that will help towards manufacturing some of the things they need to start local production.

“Everyone is channelling towards ecommerce and it will keep influencing the way people buy things. E-commerce will continue growing because every sector of the economy now has started investing in ecommerce. This is because ecommerce provides easy access to information and convenience. And in a country like Nigeria where it is difficult to move around, the convenience that e-commerce offers cannot be overestimated.”

Konga increases marketplace commission by 3% O

nline marketplace, Konga.com has increase the commission payable by merchants selling on the Konga marketplace by 3 per cent. From July, merchants will now pay basic 3 per cent commission, about N200 for every item sold and up to 15 per cent for some other categories.

Konga’s Director of Marketplace, Kunle Ogneye told Vanguard in an exclusive interview in Lagos that the increase has become imperative in order to sustain the value proposition that drives the marketplace.

He said: “The N200 is going to be the basic commission.

This means that no matter what the item is, we must collect at

least N200. Basically it is the cost of doing business. We feel that the value proposition is strong enough that the sellers will embrace it. Before now, we charged one to nine per cent, depending on the category of the item but now we have increased it by three to fifteen per cent.

“To cope with this development, we encourage sellers of affordable products to bundle their products. For instance, instead of selling one pencil, a merchant should sell a pack of ten pencils. We feel that we are now in a stage of our growth cycle where there is need to support some of the additional services that we are trying to bring into the market to ensure sustainability.”

He added: “Some of our merchants have expressed concerns but again we feel that the value proposition is there.

But even with the increase, we are not the highest. And we have given our sellers enough time to be comfortable with it.

This has nothing to do with the devaluation of the naira. It has always been planned that at some point this year, commission will have to go up.”

Also commenting on the role that Konga’s separate logistics arm, The Konga Express has played in the success of the marketplace, he said the logistics arm has played a significant role in the success being recorded on the marketplace, noting that without efficient logistics

infrastructure, e-commerce will not thrive.

He said: “It is true that we do not have the equivalent of a royal mail or a USPS but we did partner with some of the larger courier companies in the beginning and the service was not what it could be, so we realised that that was a problem we need to solve on our own and we have put in a lot of investments to make that happen and that has really helped to make the process seamless. Logistics is the key.

It is the key determining factor for success at the end of the day.

It is not how fast or slick our website is. It is being able to physically get products into the hands of the customers when and where they want it.”

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Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 31

E-Commerce

New Horizons takes two students to Microsoft's global contest

CEREMONY - From - Seye Ogunwole, National Sales Manager, Honeywell flour mills plc; Mr. Rotimi Fadipe, Executive Director, Supply chain and Mr. Lanre Jaiyeola, Managing Director, Honeywell flour mill plc, at the 27th Honeywell flour mills baking school graduation ceremony in Lagos.

STORIES BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

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ew Horizons Nigeria will be sponsoring two students from its partner schools, Doregos Private Academy and Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls plus a school teacher as chaperon to the 2015 Certiport Microsoft Specialist and Adobe Certified Associate competition taking place in

Texas, USA. The winners are Miss Aisha Toki of Doregos Private Academy who emerged the national winner of Adobe Certified Associate Photoshop Competition and Miss Afopefoluwa Laja of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, national winner of Microsoft Office Word Specialist Competition.

The two of them emerged the winners after very rigorous

competition held at New Horizons Centre Lagos in June this year where they sat for real time online test in various aspects of ICT. New Horizons will pick all the bills on behalf of the two kids and one chaperon for this competition.

They are to represent their schools and Nigeria in the Worldwide Championship in Dallas Texas, USA where they will be competing with other

national champions from 90 countries with a total of 400,000 participants in Europe, America and Asia from 9th – 12thAugust, 2015.

This will be the fifth year in a row that New Horizons will be sponsoring Nigerian kids to feature in this most important global ICT competition. New Horizons for the past ten years have been at the forefront of repositioning Nigeria through the instrumentality of ICT, with the chief aim of making Nigeria become an ICT export nation as against being a consumer nation that she is presently.

According to the CEO of New Horizons, Mr Tim Akano, “The most viable solution to Nigeria’s current economic crisis is to reposition its economy now that the prices of crude oil keep falling from an oil dependent nation to an ICT producing nation like Israel, South Korea and India. But this can only happen if we give our kids quality ICT education from Primary school to university.

“This is why for the past ten years, New Horizons Nigeria has taken it upon itself to champion this noble cause by focusing on massive ICT education across board. We are committed as a company to help Nigeria produce more people like Chinedu Echeruo - the Nigerian born ICT professional based in the US who sold his company to Apple for $1billion.”

Hotels.ng boss, 4 others to speak at Start-up Africa Summit

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hief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s hotel booking platform, Mark Essien will speak at the maiden edition of Start-up Africa Summit billed for 28th and 29th October 2015 at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

Other speakers billed for the event include: Founder/ Managing Partner of Adlevo Capital, Yemi Lalude, CoManaging Director, African Courier Express, Tunde Kehinde, Swiss Investor and African entrepreneur, York Zucchi and Managing Director, MEST Incubator Neal Hansch.

The summit which has the theme ‘Scaling up to critical mass’ is being organised by CITC Global Consulting, Customer Passion Point Limited (CPPL) and Zoom Runner Technologies, a New

York-based Africa-focused technology company, The summit is also expected to feature panel discussions, policy advisory, start-up contests and angel investment seminars.

According to the organisers, “The event aims to promote the activities of aspiring entrepreneurs in Nigeria by giving them an opportunity to learn from start-up veterans, providing a platform for

budding entrepreneurs to showcase their start-ups, facilitating a dialogue between entrepreneurs and policy makers on how to boost entrepreneurial growth.”

MyQ emerges winner of 2015 Seedstars World Lagos pitch

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yQ, a mobile app that provides queue management and ticketing services for transporters in Nigeria has emerged the winner of Seedstars World Lagos pitch, held last week in Lagos.

Nigeria’s technology news platform, Techcabal reported that the win now qualifies the Abuja-based start-up to compete at the global finals of Seedstars World which will

hold in Switzerland by February, 2016 where they will compete for $500,000, about N100 million investment prize.

At the Lagos pitch, Talentbase, a start-up that helps SMEs manage their Human Resources and payroll with a mobile/web application came second while Nerveflo, a content distribution and monetization infrastructure came third.

The Seedstars Lagos event was held in partnership with Stanbic IBTC, Lagos Startup Week, Co-creation Hub, taxi hailing app, Uber, Simple Pay and Enspire Incubator.

The Seedstars World pitch tour continues in Accra where another set of start-ups will pitch on August 5 at the Impact Hub Accra for a chance to compete at the global finals.

Uber to invest $1 billion in India expansion push to more cities

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ber Technologies Inc. said it will invest $1 billion in India to expand into more cities as the ride-hailing application company targets to hit 1 million trips per day in the next six to nine months.

The company will spend the money on developing new products and payment solutions, and other uses, Amit Jain, who was appointed in May as president of Uber India, said in an e-mailed statement. The service is growing 40 percent monthon-month in its largest market outside the U.S., he said.

“India is one of Uber’s big priorities, along with China and uberPOOL,” Jain said, referring to the company’s carpooling program. “All three have the ability to significantly improve people’s lives, as well as build a great business.”

The plan to step up investments in India comes as ride-hailing applications see opportunities in a country where public transportation services in most cities and towns haven’t kept pace with the needs of a growing population.

Samsung drops $10bn in market value

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luggish sales of Samsung Electronics Co.’s Galaxy S6 smartphones helped trigger a share decline that wiped more than $10 billion from its market value in July — almost twice the capitalization of local rival LG Electronics Inc. The stock dropped 6.6 percent this month as the world’s biggest smartphone maker posted its fifth straight profit decline and said it would cut prices for its new high-end devices less than four months after their debut. The Suwon, South Korea-based company also warned of slowing growth in the device market and tepid demand for memory chips.

Samsung’s global smartphone market share fell more than 3 percentage points in the second quarter amid surging sales of Apple Inc.’s iPhones and tougher competition from Chinese vendors including Xiaomi Corp. It misread demand for the S6 models released in April, failing to produce enough three-sided screens for the Edge while the regular version struggled against the bigger iPhones.

32 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

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Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 33

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34 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Tax Matters

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his article clarifies the FIRS’ position on what constitutes ‘trade’ or business for tax purposes. In accordance with the Companies Income Tax Act (CITA), and the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), any trade is subject to tax under CITA and PITA, even if that trade is carried out by friendly societies, co-operative societies, charitable and ecclesiastical organizations, or trade unions. .

CITA states that “any trade or business for whatever period of time such trade or business may have been carried on” shall be subject to Companies Income Tax (Sec 9(1)(a)). The profits of certain institutions are exempt from tax under CITA, but only in so far as such profits are not derived from ‘trade or business’ (Sec. 19(1) (a, b, c, e)). This means that the profits of any organization that are derived from ‘trade’ shall be subject to Companies Income Tax. This raises the question, what exactly constitutes ‘trade’?

A definition of the word ‘trade’ cannot be found in Nigerian tax legislation although an attempt was made in PITA. The interpretation Section of the Fifth Schedule of PITA defines “trade or business” to mean “trade or business or that part of a trade or business the profits of which are assessable under this Act”.

However, the issue has been addressed in several legal cases, the rulings of which provide some legal certainty regarding how the courts interpret the word (see Section 2). In line with these rulings, ‘trade’ can be regarded as “the business of buying and selling or bartering goods or services”.

Furthermore, the one-off nature of an activity in no way invalidates that activity as constituting trade. This interpretation matches the approach in other jurisdictions, namely the UK and USA (see Section 3).

Case Law in Nigeria

Although no explicit definition of ‘trade’ exists in the law, the issue has been addressed in several legal cases, the rulings of which provide some legal certainty regarding how the courts interpret the word. The most important case is that of Arbico Ltd v. FBIR, {1996} 2 All NLR 303. The plaintiff in the dispute, Arbico, had acquired a plot of land, erected a building, and sold the property at a profit.

The company was subsequently assessed for tax on the proceeds of the sale of property The Company objected to the assessment on the basis that the transaction was a one-off and therefore did not constitute ‘trade’. The case was ultimately settled in the Supreme Court. In the ruling the Court laid down two important axioms: C M Y K

What constitutes ‘trade’ for tax purposes The weight to be attached to each badge will depend on the precise circumstances.

FIRS Position

Firstly, that the word ‘trade’ should be interpreted in its widest sense, in accordance with its common everyday meaning; Secondly, that an isolated one-off transaction can still constitute a “trade”.

In line with the ruling of the Supreme Court, the following definition seems to capture the common meaning of the word ‘trade’. Trade is “the business of buying and selling or barter in goods or services”(taken from Black’s Law Dictionary, Eighth Ed. (2004)).

Treatment in Other Tax Jurisdictions

In considering what constitutes ‘trade’ for tax purposes it is useful to consider how the issue is addressed in other jurisdictions.

In the UK, as in Nigeria, there is no statutory definition of the word ‘trade’. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) relies on case law to formulate a working definition.

HMRC states that “Usually, trading involves the provision of goods or services to customers on a commercial basis”. As in Nigerian case law, “Simply because a venture is a one-off or occasional does not mean that it will not be treated as trading for tax purposes”. It is interesting to note that although the HMRC definition employs the notion of ‘commercial basis’, HMRC explicitly states that whether or not the profits of an activity are ultimately used for charitable purposes is not relevant for the determination of whether or not that activity constitutes a trade.

In the USA, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employs a similar approach to HMRC. IRS regards ‘trade’ as including “any activity carried on for the production of income from selling goods or performing services”. It is interesting to note how IRS treats the trading activities of

an organisation that also carries out tax exempt activities. IRS states that “an activity does not lose its identity as a trade or business merely because it is carried on within a larger group of similar activities that may, or may not, be related to the exempt purposes of the organizations.

In other words, a single organisation can undertake both exempt activities and trading activities. This implies that an organisation cannot argue that none of its activities constitute ‘trade’ just because it undertakes some exempt activities.

Badges of Trade

In 1955 in England, the Royal Commission on the Taxation of Profits and Income in reaction to whether a statutory definition of trade was necessary, said that “each case must be decided to its own circumstance (1955 Cmnd.9474 para.116) and suggested badges of trade” which they considered to be the major relevant considerations that will facilitate in determining whether any profit is a taxable trading profit or not. Badges of trade refer to certain indicators that may be used in determining the factual question as whether an activity is trade or not. Case law has expanded it to 9. The badges of trade are: •Profit seeking motive. An intention to make a profit supports trading, but by itself is not conclusive.

•The number of transaction.

Systematic and repeated transactions will support ‘trade’. An isolated transaction may also constitute a trade.

•Existence of similar trading transactions or interests.

Transactions that are similar to those of an existing trade may themselves be trading.

•Changes to the asset. Was the asset repaired, modified or improved to make it more easily

saleable or saleable at a greater profit?

•The way the sale was carried out. Was the asset sold in a way that was typical of trading organizations?

Alternatively, did it have to be sold to raise cash for an emergency?

•The source of finance. Was money borrowed to buy the asset? Could the funds only be repaid by selling the asset?

•Interval of time between purchase and sale. Assets that are the subject of trade will normally, but not always, be sold quickly. Therefore, an intention to resell an asset shortly after purchase will support trading. However, an asset, which is to be held indefinitely, is much less likely to be a subject of trade.

•Method of acquisition. An asset that is acquired by inheritance, or as gift, is less likely to be the subject of trade.

These ‘badges’ will not be present in every case and of those that are, some may point one way and some the other.

The presence or absence of a particular badge is unlikely, by itself, to provide a conclusive answer to the question of whether or not there is a trade.

In the USA, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employs a similar approach to HMRC. IRS regards ‘trade’ as including “any activity carried on for the production of income from selling goods or performing services”.

A definition of the word ‘trade’ cannot be found in Nigerian tax law. However, the issue has been addressed in several legal cases, the rulings of which provide some legal certainty regarding how the courts interpret the word. In line with these rulings, ‘trade’ can be regarded as “the business of buying and selling or bartering goods or services”.

Where one or more of the criteria on the badges of trade apply, FIRS will treat such transaction as trade.

Furthermore, the one-off nature of an activity in no way invalidates that activity as constituting a trade. This interpretation matches the approach in other jurisdictions, namely the UK and USA. The following decided cases are relevant in this regard: i. In the case of Marlin Vs Lowry (1955)3 All ER 48; 11 TC 297), a person without previous knowledge of linen trade bought a surplus stock of aeroplane linen from government which he sold to the public in small lots. He engaged employees for the repackaging and embarked on sales” promotion through extensive adverts and campaigns. It was held that he was trading. ii. In Murray Vs I.R. Comrs (1951, 32 TC 238), where a timber merchant who bought standing timbers in two plantations and could not cut them due to labour cost, sold the rights to cut the timbers to meet his indebtedness. He was assessed to tax on the profit from the transaction. He contended that the sale was a capital transaction since it was not in the normal course of his business but it was held that the transaction was part of his normal trading as a timber merchant. iii. In Burge Vs Pyne (1969, All ER 467), a club proprietor providing facilities for bar, dancing, cabaret, fruit machines and gambling, appealed against the inclusion of his winnings in his assessment. The appeal was dismissed on the ground that the winnings formed part of his regular income from the trade of running the club.

From the foregoing and in accordance with the provisions of CITA, any friendly society, cooperative societies, charitable and ecclesiastical organizations or trade unions that carry out trade as defined and described above would be liable to tax on income derived from such trade.

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 35

he story by Nduka Chiejina, Assistant T Nigeria in deep economic trouble Editor, went on to point out that “Two weeks after sharing tax proceeds from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, the three tiers of government yesterday shared a larger amount of cash from the Federation Account for the month of June than they did for the month of May 2015.”

With all due respects to my colleagues in the media, this is a story for the front page of every newspaper and headline news on electronic media. For those who have lately rained maledictions on the governors of Nigeria in general, and inexplicably Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state in particular, it might give them a pause for reflection on the true state of the nation’s economy.

Without defending the governors against charges of profligate spending, the published allocation for June goes a long way towards sustaining the point that the fault is not entirely their own – irrespective of political affiliation, APGA, APC or PDP. Incidentally, the fault does not belong entirely to the Federal Government under Jonathan either. A lot of what has happened could be traced to our faulty federal system, as will be explained later and to external factors which are totally out of their control. The majour source of our current problem lies in the federal government assuming sole responsibility for determining the benchmark of price and volume of crude exports on which the annual budget is based,

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“FG, states, LGs share N518.5bn for June” THE NATION, July 25, 2015 p 66

exclusively reporting the revenue generated without verification by the two other tiers of government, states and Local Governments, and declaring whatever the FG wanted as gross revenue, distributable revenue and Excess Crude revenue. It was a “Father knows best” system which had landed us in trouble.

The states, from the 1970s, when crude became the mainstay of the economy, not just now, had been administered by mentally lazy people – both as Governors and Commissioners of Finance— without exception. Otherwise, why should states which depend on revenue from crude for up to eighty (80) per cent or more of their revenue allow the FG alone to determine all the parameters mentioned above? Why should the FG alone determine the benchmark, export volume, gross revenue and distributable income without checks and verification by the states? The Governors of states, up till now, had managed their relationships like members of a religious group based on faith in which the leader is totally trusted. “Faith”, meanwhile, “is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.” (Elton Trueblood, in VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS, p 55).

Unfortunately for the States and LGs, the trust had been totally misplaced as the current

controversy over the disappearance of US$2bn from the Excess Crude Account, ECA, had demonstrated. That there is a dispute at all is clear proof that the states and LGs now have started to exercise doubt – which should have been there all along.

That no small group of individuals can be trusted with funds belonging to others had been the verdict of history. That is why there are independent or external auditors to verify what those in charge declare.

Politicians, who should know themselves better than others

The theft of states and LGs share of aggregate revenue, which started under Obasanjo, reached its peak under Jonathan

should have been the last people to allow the fraud-prone system foisted on us by the military since 1967 till today to continue. The result, which should take some, but not all, the heat from the governors, is shown below between the allocations to states in 2006 and today 2015.

In July 2006, the aggregate to states was N196.26bn when the price of crude was under US$45 per barrel. In June 2015, nine years after crude oil at US$56-60 per barrel, “Mrs Anastatia Nwaobia, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, said the sum of N449.68 was shared…the states shared N111.04bn.

For further reference the states’ allocations in July 2006, were as follows: Abia, N3.96bn; Adamawa, N3.53bn; A/ Ibom, N14.44; Anambra, N3.61bn; Bauchi, N4.10; Bayelsa, 13.16bn; Benue, N3.8bn; Borno, N4.1bn; C/River, N3.98; Delta, N15.8bn; Ebonyi, N3.0bn; Edo, N4.2bn; Ekiti, N3.08bm; Enugu, N3.3.29; Gombe, N3.15bn; Imo, N4.37bn; Jigawa, N3.92bn; Kaduna, N4.29bn; Kano, N5.55bn; Katsina, N4.30bn; Kebbi, N3.3.59bn; Kogi, N3.5bn; N3.12bn; N5.49bn; Nass, N2.99bn; Niger, N3.90bn; Ogun, N3.45bn; Ondo N6.95bn; Osun, N3.33bn; Oyo, N4.19bn; Plateau, N3.0bn; Rivers, N23.25bn; Sokoto, N3.72bn; Taraba, N3.4bn; Yobe, N3.39bn; Zamfara, N3.53bn.

No state will collect anything close to that now.

The year 2006 was two years after Obasanjo and OkonjoIweala imposed the ECA on the states and the Federal Government commenced robbing the states blind. In 2006-7 US$1316bn was withdrawn from ECA for POWER PROJECT which has not seen the light of day till now.

Thus today, states are receiving less than they did in 2006 –long before the minimum wage reached N18,000 per month and exchange rate escalated from N150 to N220 per US$1.

The first question we must answer is, how was it possible that states received N196bn in allocation in 2006, and a mere N111bn in 2015? The astonishing answer is: the Federal governments of Nigeria under Obasanjo, Yar ’Adua and Jonathan had increasingly kept more than their own share of the revenue as a result of which the states are being pauperized. The theft of states and LGs share of aggregate revenue, which started under Obasanjo, reached its peak under Jonathan. Between 2004, when ECA started and today, the states and LGs might have been robbed of close to a trillion naira because they were careless enough to allow the FG to determine everything about crude oil.

Now we are all in trouble as crude prices plummet to US$40 per barrel next year. The only silver lining in the horizon is the fact that we would never again have Okonjo-Iweala and Obasanjo in charge of the national purse.

36 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Micro-Finance

Employee engagement crucial to business development – Accenture

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ccenture’s finding has shown that employee engagement in form of incentive is crucial to any business aiming to have utmost productivity and growth.

Mrs. Ronke Akpata, Human Resources Department, Accenture, maintained that employees’ engagement is a workplace approach designed to ensure employees are committed to achieving organisational goals, values and motivated to contribute to overall success.

She said, “Productivity will follow a greater satisfaction in the workplace, as employees would have most of their needs meet in a holistic manner and be much more productive for the organization as well as willing to go that extra mile.

It is easier to retain a wellmotivated employee as key to long term business success as they would help to uphold the culture in place and optimize the training and skills acquisition expenditure. It will also reduce cost of employees’ turnover and acquisition, as those with lower engagement are four times more likely to leave their jobs than those who are highly engaged,” she said.

Alleviating poverty via bio-rights – WI approach Stories by PROVIDENCE OBUH

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E T L A N D S International (WI) is assisting some communities in Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta Communities in alleviating poverty and sustaining their wetland ecosystem services via an incentive system such as BioRights.

Bio-rights is a micro credit finance mechanism that combines poverty reduction and environmental improvement (restoration and conservation), while WI provides funding to local communities to be actively

involved in environmental conservation and restoration activities in return for the support to refrain from unsustainable practices.

To improve livelihood and sustain the environment, WI disbursed funds through Wetland Micro Finance Bank, Warri, Delta State to 25 Sustainable Livelihoods and Biodiversity Project (SLBP) beneficiaries in Obiayagha community in Ughelli South Local Government Area in June 19, 2015.

More funds were given out through Equator Micro Finance Bank, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State to 14 SLBP beneficiaries in Abobiri Community and 21 SLBP

beneficiaries in Opume Community both in Ogbia Local Government respectively on 23 and 24 of the same month.

Meanwhile, micro-credits are converted into definitive payments upon successful delivery of conservation and restoration services at the end of a contracting period just as the conservation actions through Bio-rights have economic and environmental benefits not only for local people but at the global level as well.

For instance, replanting mangrove forests can increase fish stocks locally while storing carbon that helps limit climate change globally. Bio-rights is thus able to bridge the gap between local and global interests.

MAMA 2015: Patoranking bags Best New Act

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atrick Nnaemeka Okorie, known as Patoranking, is the winner of “Best New Act Transformed by Absolut” category at the MTV Africa Music Award (MAMA) 2015.

The event took place at South Africa’s Paradise City in Durban, celebrated successful African musicians and achievers who have made the most impact on youth culture throughout the year.

The keenly competed Absolut Vodka category - ‘Best New Act Transformed by Absolut’ showcased new talents with the essence of innovation and creativity which is at the core of Absolut vodka DNA. The category won by Patoranking, featured five nominees from South Africa, Angola, Nigeria and Ghana with the aim to drive exposure for new talents outside their countries and help transform artist careers.

Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, Mr. Sola Oke, said “We are very happy to be part of the MAMAs and it has been a great day for African talents with Nigeria leading the lights.

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•Beneficiaries of Wetland International bio-rights fund

Easing SMEs’ access to capital markets A 2015 study by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) found that access to financing can be difficult for any business, but particularly for small and medium enterprises.

Some of the IOSCO recommendations to make it easier for SMEs to access capital markets include: Regulators should eliminate disclosure obligations that are of less value to SMEs and lighten listing requirements to lower the minimum free float, revenue, market capitalisation, among others and lower registration and listing fees for SMEs; SMEs that have no plans to go public should be able to access capital markets through private offerings that require no prospectus or offering documents or alternatively a backdoor listing, which involves a private SME acquiring a publicly listed company; Regulators must ensure retail investors have confidence without putting too many burdens on SMEs. To strike the right balance, regulators could require SMEs to disclose less, but the information that is

disclosed should highlight the investment risks base can make it difficult to sell SME shares, introducing a market-making system may help.

To protect the integrity of the SME market, policymakers should consider introducing provisions that would allow an SME to grant another company the option to buy its stock as a prelude to an acquisition. Such a lock-up provision would ensure that management remains committed and that securities issued are appropriately valued; Regulators and policymakers should organise promotional campaigns, public seminars, and conferences to explain the benefits of capital markets and increase public awareness of the need for SME financing.

Policymakers could consider setting up a website to inform, educate, and assist SMEs and investors, including publishing periodic analyst reports for SME securities; To ensure that SMEs comply with regulations, policymakers should consider establishing a team that answers SME questions and monitors compliance.

Funding, monitoring, zero tolerance will enhance schools – Bellina

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O enhance quality of students and improve educational standard, Bellina Schools have called on the Federal Government to ensure adequate funding, monitoring and zero tolerance are adopted in schools.

The call was made at the Valedictory/Prize Giving Ceremony Class of 2014/2015 for Bellina Schools, (that is Bellina college, Nursery and Primary Schools).

In a separate interview, the School Administrator and the Principal, Mrs. Kenechukwu Ifeoma and Mr. Kola Ishola, told Vanguard that there is a need to build teachers capacity both in service and formal training, adding that workshops and seminars at home and abroad will give the necessary exposure.

According to Ifeoma, “The government needs proper monitoring and also funding of the schools, if you go to most public schools it is dilapidated and many people will not want to be recognised with such schools without good class rooms and laboratories. So it will be difficult for students to learn in such environment.

“The government need to put in more fund into the education sector, motivate the staff and monitor them, once this is is done, you will find out that they will produce good products but when all these things are not done, you never can tell what the products of such schools will be or look like. Some secondary schools graduates can not write their names, some cannot express themselves in English and it borders us as teachers.

Speaking on the school, she said, “For us as a school, we are contributing our quota because we have not changed our standard, instead it has gone even higher and we try to imbibe all the innovations, we introduce new things to make it interesting for the children. We found that technology must come into play in all we do, that is why you see our students with iPhones, iPad and all those gadgets. We try as much as possible to inculcate all these in our system in order to make it interesting and we also put a control so that they do not abuse its use.

“Government should monitor what happens in schools, is not as if we don’t have good hands but the good hands are not adequately motivated and also they are not monitored properly to ensure they harness the potential in them,” she said.

Ishola added that Nigeria has good schools despite parents taking their children abroad for study.

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 37

Economy

Mixed result in economic policy outcome in July STORIES BY EMEKA ANAETO, ECONOMY EDITOR

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esults of major economic policy actions so far in the third quarter 2015 have indicated a mixed outcome in the first full month post execution.

At end of July last weekend Vanguard investigations show a significant accretion to foreign reserves with a 7.7 per cent rise to USD31.3 billion, up from USD29.1 billion a month earlier.

The external sector results show a de-acceleration (positive reversal) of the rate of decline in this important economic indicator by 6.5 per cent age point (from 15.8 per cent to -9.3 per cent).

Also the exchange rate which had witnessed a serious bashing of the Naira value in the parallel market segment at beginning of the quarter following the new policy measures has recorded major rebound with the exchange rate mounting down from the high point of N245/ USD1.0 to about N242/ USD1.00 before recording a massive crash of 7.4 per cent to N225/ USD1.00 last alone.

At the interbank segment of the forex market exchange rate has remained stable at average N199.10/US$1.00 while at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official exchange window it also remained stable at N197/ USD1.00.

Financial market analysts posit that consequent on the recent CBN policy excluding 41 items from the list of items valid for accessing foreign exchange from all segments of the market, a further drop in visible and invisible imports forex utilization in the country should be expected in second quarter/ half year as well as full year CBN reports on the external sector performance.

This is on the back of the quantum of forex utilization statistics of the excluded products, estimated at 20 per cent of total forex utilisation by banks in the previous quarter.

It is therefore clear that while the CBN’s tightened regulations have attracted some criticisms from various economy observers

as well as some immediate backlashes in market indicators, the country’s external reserves seem to have been re-routed to the path of accretion.

Although the CBN suggested it was a measure taken in a bid to encourage local production of these items, economy observers opined it was more of a fallout from the unyielding measures taken to preserve the external reserves.

In the week ahead, financial analysts expect rates to remain stable at all the segments of the foreign exchange market while pressure at the parallel market may soften as activity in that segment of the market further moderate.

In the money market the monetary policies have had some salutary effects as interest rates have been on the decline, at least in the interbank, despite the fluctuating liquidity position throughout the month of July.

Money market analysts opine that money market rates in the interbank segment may remain low (at single-digit) in the coming week as Treasury Bills worth a total of N195.2bn are slated to mature this week Thursday

•CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele Bankers said some high net worth borrowers have started benefiting from the rate crash with prime rate at less than 15 per cent.

Open Buy Back (OBB) and Overnight (O/N) rates at end of the month last weekend closed at lower levels than they did at the close of the previous month.

OBB declined further by 417bps to 10.0 per cent and O/N reduced 467bps to 10.6 per cent last week.

This was, however, on the back of the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) credit done last week which resulted in a higher liquidity opening balance of N167.1billion on Monday last week.

The apex bank conducted an

Open Market Operation (OMO) Nigerian Treasury Bills auction on Tuesday, which mopped up N91.4billion from the banking system, although this action was off setted as the expected Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) monthly budgetary allocation of N240.0billion was made on the same day, bringing market rates down to 9.4 per cent (OBB) and 9.8 per cent (O/N).

On Wednesday another OMO auction worth N70.0bn was floated which was oversubscribed to the tune of N96.4billion, but OBB and O/N rates continued their decline to 6.7 per cent and 7.2 per cent respectively, a signal that there

was still high level of liquidity in the system. The trend continued for Thursday and Friday portending sustained decline in overall interest rates.

Money market analysts opine that money market rates in the interbank segment may remain low (at single-digit) in the coming week as Treasury Bills worth a total of N195.2bn are slated to mature this week Thursday, though liquidity in the money market may be reduced by more OMO auctions by the CBN. However, on the flip side, asides forex illiquidity that has slowed capital market performance, the economic management policies in the month, especially the exclusion of 41 items from the forex market, have had a pass through effect on June inflation rate pushing it further to 9.3 per cent while threatening to escalate to double digit for July as the prices of these items have risen in the market especially as suppliers began hoarding and rationing available supplies. Also, this has cost implications on Consumer Goods companies that rely on imported raw materials for production.

Consequently while the capital market has been excessively bearish during the month as negative investor sentiments towards the market persisted given the current situation of the market, stock market analysts said last weekend that performance is expected to be driven by investor sentiments towards the earnings results.

CBN has been the only visible economic policy authority in the absence of a federal economic team and cabinet, and it had taken some monetary policy positions earlier in June including foreign exchange market reforms widely criticized as restrictive and antiinvestment.

Economic stress to increase further for lower income group

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ommodity prices at the local markets are persistently in upswings, recent research has shown. The prices basic food items such as tomatoes, yam, poultry, and fuel are climbing, and at very significant rates.

Experts say the worst is yet to come and they have predicted that in the coming months Nigerians will pay more for virtually everything they consume, as key market

indicators continue to paint a grimmer picture for Africa’s largest economy’s consumer market.

A rising consumer price index (CPI) and a climbing inflation rate as reported previous week by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have been blamed for the price hike.

According to a research by SB Morgen, Nigeria’s CPI grew by 10 percent over the past six

months while NBS reports that inflation rose to 9.2 percent, from 8.6 percent last year. This has been caused by the instability of prices for both locally produced and imported goods since the beginning of 2015.

The price of more commodities are expected rise as airlines and local intra-city transport services prepare to increase fares.

Venture Africa publications quoting Chinedu Ozordi, a

director with SB Morgan said “Living standards are expected to drop further with the upsurge in the price of consumables at a time when the average Nigerian is least empowered socially and financially to overcome the challenge posed by rising food and commodities price,” Beyond the market indicators, factors including the weaker foreign exchange rates, prolonged period of fuel scarcity, and insecurity in Nigeria’s Northeast have not only put pressure on overall costs in the economy, has also hampered food producers and retailers from operating effectively.

A persistent rise in the prices of commodities will heap enormous pressure on the Nigerian consumer, particularly those in the labour force.

The research revealed that large chunk of the Nigerian working class, particularly within the public sector, earn an average of N25,000 and spend 60 percent of it on feeding annually.

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38 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Aviation

D-G, NCAA: One year of piloting NCAA's affairs

By LAWANI MIKAIRU

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t is about a year now since Captain Muhtar Usman assumed office as Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the regulatory agency of Nigeria civil aviation. Until his nomination by immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan and subsequent confirmation

by The Senate, Usman was the Commisioner/CEO of the Accident and Investigation and Prevention Bu- reau (AIB).

On assumption of office, Capt. Usman said his administration would focus on safety, security and comfort in the conduct of flight operations in and out of Nigerian airspace. He told a gathering of staff and other stakeholders at the NCAA headquarters in Lagos at a brief reception for him that “My administration would focus on safety, security and comfort in the conduct of flight operations in and out of Nigerian airspace.”

“We will be guided by Annexes of the International Civil Aviation Organiza- tion (ICAO), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) and other appropri- ate legislations and conven- tions in line with international standard,” He therefore solicited for the support and cooperation of all the members of the Authority for the realisation of the three point agenda.

Usman also told the management and staff of NCAA that a lot of hard work will be needed for Nigeria to retain the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category One, which qualifies Nigerian registered aircraft to fly directly to the United States.

Few months after taking the saddle, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, came calling to commenced its ICAO Universal Security Audit Programme of Nigerian civil aviation .Capt.Muhtar Usman immediately called on stakeholders to join the authority in ensuring a successful outing for Nigeria.

He said the objective of the audit was to determine “a states’ capability for security oversight by assessing the implementation of the critical elements of a security oversight system.”

He noted that thereafter, “recommendations would be provided for contracting states to improve their security systems and oversight capabilities” adding that stakeholders should assist the agency to ensure another

•Captain Muhtar Usman, Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) successful outing similar to the preceding Audit of 2008.”

The ICAO Auditors comprising of four (4) members, namely: Karen Zadoyan, Steven Neu, Nuno Miguel Silva Ferreira Fortes and Wendy Mueller. arrived Lagos to look at the following areas : “Regulatory Framework and the National Civil Aviation Security System, training of Aviation Security Personnel, Quality Control Functions, Airport Operations, Aircraft and In-flight Security.

Passenger and Baggage Security” The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) being the nation’s statutory regulatory Authority responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) was at the centre of the audit.

The Audit which ran for about nine (9) days, and terminated on the 9th of June, 2014 saw the International Civil Aviation Organisation , ICAO, giving Nigeria a pass mark. ICAO said Nigeria was given a pass mark after the thorough audit because the audit team discovered there have been massive improvements in the security systems at the airports.

The leader of the team of the ICAO auditors, Mr. Steven Neu said that Nigeria performed excellently in the 9 days audit and scored a pass mark of 90 percent stressing that he was very impressed with the National Security

Programme as there were very minimal open items to be closed.

He said, “Nigeria surpassed our expectations. We reviewed the 2008 audit before we commenced this exercise but we discovered there have been massive improvements in the security systems at the airports.” ‘’To Nigeria’s credit all the minimal open items were closed immediately. The audit was focussed on the eight critical elements”. he added.

According to him, Nigeria is one of the first countries in the world to go through the Universal Safety Audit Programme ,USAP, Continuous Monitoring Assessment ,CMA, Audit.

“After 60 days ICAO will

My administration would focus on safety, security and comfort in the conduct of flight operations in and out of Nigerian airspace.We will be guided by An- nexes of the International Civil Aviation Organiza- tion (ICAO)

forward the USAP CMA audit report to Nigeria. In 30 days, Nigeria will submit its comments on the audit report if any. Within another 30 days, the country will submit to ICAO its Corrective Action Plan (CAP)” he said.

An elated Capt. Usman revealed that he was happy that Nigeria performed better than she did in 2008 adding that the country would not rest on her oars but will continue to ensure that our air transport operation is secure and safe.

“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA , will soon commence preparation for the ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) coming up in November, later this year”.

“While the USAP takes cognisance of states’ security at the airports, the ultimate goal of USOAP is promoting global aviation safety through regular audits of safety oversight systems in all ICAO member states” Capt. Usman affirmed.

The handover notes given to Usman by his predecessor also contained a brief on the challenges confronting the Authority in areas of being able to retain skilled and qualified staff in sufficient numbers, indebtedness to the Authority

by Airlines, shortage of accommodation for staff, Shortage of funds for training and the on-going efforts to review the subsisting Service Charge.

To tackle some of these challenges and boost the morale of staff, the DG ensured that the group Life Insurance of staff was up dated and premium promptly paid.

Confirming this development in a recent interview, the Director of Finance and Accounts of NCAA, Alhaji Salawu Nuhu Ozigi said “ Yes, staff are insured. They are insured and we renew the policy annually. In addition, I will like to say the management has Group Life Insurance policy for all the staff” “This group life insurance is very key for the family of the deceased officers. Because It is from there that they get some of their allowances, terminal payment that is due to them.

The Authority also pays the premium for group life insurance promptly”.

To solve the cash crush suffered by the agency due to the indebtedness of airlines to the authority, NCAA, last week issued a 14 days ultimatum to all debtors airlines to pay up the five (5) per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charge (CSC) to the authority.

The Authority said that erring airlines would be sanction at the expiration of the 14 days ultimatum stressing that failure to comply with the directive of remittance of the outstanding payments; the Authority shall enforce the provisions of section 27(3) of the Civil Aviation Act.

NAF to establish aircraft maintenance hangar

By LAWANI MIKAIRU & DANIEL ETEGHE

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he Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has said that plans are in top gear to establish Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar in the country. The Chief Of Air Staff , COAS, Air Vice Marshal Adesola Amosu, disclosed this while speaking at a stakeholders forum organised by the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport(MMA),Lagos.

Amosu, who was represented by Air Commodore Emmanuel Eze said that the proposed MRO would take care of all the aircraft platforms operating in the country be it civil or military airplanes.

He also explained that the objective of the organisation was to ensure that NAF establish a maintenance hangar, where airplanes would be maintained to reduce the cost of operation for airline operators in the country.

NAMA engineers prepare for ATSEP License

By LAWANI MIKAIRU

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ngineering personnel of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, from the Directorate of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Services , ATSES, have started their preparation for the Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel License , ATSEP. A total number of 17 Engineers have just graduated from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) after undergoing a three-month preparatory course for the , ATSEP. The Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel License,ATSEP, is issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ,NCAA. According to General Manager, Public Affairs, NAMA, Mrs Olajumoke Adetona “The course which began in April 2015 is designed to prepare qualified engineers to effectively man CNS/ATM infrastructure, ICT equipment as well as power systems.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 39

Advertising & Promotions

OAAN bemoans proliferation of approving agencies STORIES BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

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he Outdoor Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, OAAN, has decried proliferation of approving agencies of government in the outdoor segment of the

advertising industry.

Mr. Emmanuel Ajufo, Secretary of the Association who also is the secretary of the West African Outdoor Advertising Association in a chat with Vanguard bemoaned the proliferation of outdoor approving agencies.

He said members of the outdoor industry have to

contend with so many state agencies like the Town Planning Authorities, Ministries of the environment and Information, commerce and at times the Special Duties Commissioners who will also stop their members from erecting billboards.

The secretary who said different states throw up

TOUR - From Left: Mr. Uzo Odenigbo, Head, Public Affairs and Communications, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC); Mrs. Yetunde Adesunloye, HR Manager, Ikeja Plant; Mr. Remi Bodunrin, Ikeja Plant Manager, during a media parley held at the company’s Ikeja Plant, Lagos.

Multichoice revamps DStv compact bouquet P

ay

TV company, MultiChoice Nigeria says its coming back with its DStv Compact bouquet to offer better value with 95 plus channels including all channels in Family and Access.

The all new bouquet includes access to its flagship on demand video rental service – DStv BoxOffice.

New and existing subscribers will get to enjoy premium content and non-stop television entertainment as never before, the company assured at the unveiling in Lagos. General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, said the new offering further reiterates the company ’s commitment to provide Nigerians with quality entertainment they can afford.

“DStv Compact is designed for our young, cool and trendy subscribers who desire premium content in a bouquet that is affordable and fits perfectly into their lifestyle.

We have refreshed the bouquet to include some

premium channels as well as introduced BoxOffice for access to block buster movies for subscribers who have the Explora decoder ”, he said.

Mabutho also said that the bouquet now comes with new

channels including M-City, Eva, AfricaMagic Igbo, AfricaMagic Urban, AfricaMagic Epic, Zee World, as well as all the channels on the Family and Access bouquets.

different challenges when it comes to outdoor advertising practice described the situation as frustrating.

According to him, “we are talking to those states that do not have a one-stop-shop, for us to work with them on these issues.”

Ajufo who spoke on other issues concerning the industry observed that other challenges the industry have is the issue of measurement, however confirmed that the industry has long been confronted with how to justify what the industry what the industry claims to deliver.

His words, “even if we know that we deliver a whole lot, we need to also justify our claim with scientific evidence.”

To correct this, he continued, “ we have hired a reputable international organisation tom help us out in this regard and a research is already being carried out. I can confirm to you that it will be presented to the industry soon by the Association’s president. I think that the result of that research will put paid to issue of what we offer in terms of real value.

Speaking on the contribution of the industry to the Nigerian economy, he said, “ we feel that we have contributed so much to the growth of our economy. And it is not hard for you to feel it. In any major city that you have gone to, you will see billboards positioned in strategic places to help in projecting our clients’ messages and also adding to the beauty of the environment.”

...As ACTV enters 4 rooms viewership product

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frican Cable Television, ACTV, a multi-room cable TV has launched its latest product with four rooms viewership independent of each other.

Mr. Jide Lawrence, Director of Content,ACTV, in a statement said: “ACTV Multi-room TV solution gives subscribers the expanded comfort and experience of viewing television contents in as much as four (4) different rooms simultaneously and independently of each other.” He explained that this is made possible with the use of one satellite dish in the home, hotel or office and a much better fourway signal connector that feeds four rooms simultaneously and allows the use of four

independent remote control units.

Before now, the only available option was the dual view decoder with viewership of channels dependent on the person holding the decoder’s remote control.

But with the ACTV multiroom channel offering, subscribers can now enjoy their favourite TV shows without stress anywhere in their home.

Mr. Lawrence stated that: “With the ACTV Multi-room television bouquet, our subscribers can do everything they wish in any of the rooms with TV without disturbing anyone else watching in other rooms. The kids can watch their cartoons, mummies can watch their soaps and daddies can

watch their news or movies without the usual struggles for the remote control. Ours is a multi-independent view, meaning freedom for everyone to choose and enjoy TV content anywhere in their home.”

According to Lawrence, ACTV has carved a niche in providing cutting edge technology, innovative content and top quality entertainment at affordable prices to every and all its subscribers.

He said: “We are committed to bringing Nigerians the best and nothing else irrespective of their social class” noting that “it is in the spirit of providing the best that the company earlier introduced the PVR functions to all levels of subscribers at an unbelievably affordable price.”

NB Flags off Golden pen awards Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced plans for the 7th edition of its Golden Pen Awards. The company made the announcement at a press briefing at the company’s headquarters in Lagos.

Informing the media of the plans for the 7th edition of the award, the company’s Corporate Affairs Adviser, Kufre Ekanem said this year’s award would retain the same mechanisms used last year where journalists and media houses are expected to send in entries based on selected themes to encourage media focus on critical sectors of the Nigerian economy. Mr. Ekanem said that Education, Youth Empowerment and Talent Development have been chosen as the focus areas for this year’s award and journalists and their media houses can send in reports covering this subject area published between January 1 and December 31 2014.

According to the Corporate Affairs Adviser, collection of entries for this year’s award will commence, Tuesday, July 28, 2015 and close on Friday, September 21, 2015. All entries are to be sent to the independent coordinating agency, Mediacraft.

Peak milk to make 60 Nigerians millionaires in 60 days

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n 60 days, Peak Milk, a flagship product of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, says its going to make 60 Nigerians millionaires through a promo tagged: ‘Peak Millionaire promo”which will run from July through September 2015.

The company said the promo is as a part of Peak’s 60th anniversary celebration.

Tarang Gupta, the company ’s Marketing Director, explained the reason for the promotion. He stated that with the Peak 60th anniversary ‘Peak Reach for Millions’ promo, FrieslandCampina WAMCO wants to deepen brand love with its teeming and loyal consumers who have been with the iconic brand ‘from generation to generation.’

He said, “This 60th anniversary celebration and consumer promotion seeks to reward consumers for their loyalty towards Peak by creating winners and millionaires everyday for 60 days.

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40 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 Email:lesleba@lesleba.com, lesleba@gmail.com Blog page:www.lesleba.com/blog2 Website: www.lesleba.com Tel:0805 220 1997

(i.e. about 20% of principal) as interest for the same loan of $3.7bn! This was clearly as outrageous and out of sync as CBN’s inexplicable ‘soft deposit’ of $7bn in the same 14 Nigerian banks that government concurrently borrowed from. Unfortunately, the National Assembly in its self-serving wisdom ignored this faux pas, and it is doubtful if the banks ever repaid this loan.

Nigeria’s external debt stock has alarmingly continued its unrestrained spiral and now exceeds $10.3bn as at 30th June 2015, while the outstanding Domestic stock has also risen to N8.4 Trillion; furthermore, the debt stock of state governments has also risen above $10bn to make up a consolidated outstanding National debt of almost $64bn.

In retrospect, the alarm bell of an imminent death trap was earlier sounded but remained unheeded when Nigeria’s total debt stock rose above $40bn in 2007; similarly, despite the present falling crude oil revenue, there appears to be an inexplicable air of complacency about the current outstanding debt of $64bn!

Indeed, if the fresh unsolicited IMF loan of $2.1bn for rebuilding those North East communities ravaged by Boko Haram is added, and the debts owed local contractors are similarly captured, the National Debt Stock may well exceed $70bn, even though there is still not much on ground to show for these bloated loans.

Notwithstanding, some analysts may once again assure us that Nigeria is still under borrowed! Clearly, with the recent emasculation of the Greek nation because of its inability to meet its debt obligations, it will be foolish to believe such experts.

Save the Naira, Save Nigeria!!

Papa has a new bag of debts

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igeria’s relatively m o d e s t external debt which was speculated to be below $17bn in 1999 became spurred by dubious flattering from international agencies that Nigeria was underborrowed, to exceed $36bn by 2005. Ultimately, government was blamed for keeping poor accounting records and failure to also promptly service our debt obligations.

Unfortunately, despite the international junketing of our Finance minister and her team and the boisterous media blitz across Europe, with a Senate team which also spent a princely $10m in search of debt cancellation, Nigeria, inexplicably got 60% relief, whereas, other less star studded negotiating Teams from Africa received total debt reprieve for their countries.

An international pressure group, The Jubilee Debt Campaign (JDC), were so incensed with the over $14bn fleeced from Nigeria that its coordinator Tricia Rogers noted that “It is obscene for G7 countries to take billions of dollars from one of the poorest countries on Earth. In particular this means that the UK alone will take from Nigeria almost exactly twice as much as it is giving in aid to the whole of Africa in 2005!”; Ms Rogers therefore urged Britain, which chairs the G7, to take the lead in refusing to accept the payments”.

However, after the celebrated ‘controversial’ debt relief, about $3.7bn remained as external debt, while domestic debt, which included obligations to local contractors, was below N1trillion. Instructively, however, one of the Policy Support Instruments

demanded by the IMF with debt relief was the adoption of the now ‘discarded’ wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) in the determination of Naira’s exchange rate.

Ironically, despite the relief, there were signals that Nigeria’s debt profile had begun a rebound notwithstanding buoyant crude oil revenue with consistent budget surpluses, before the end of Obasanjo’s tenure in 2007. Nonetheless, with the bountiful dollar revenue, the CBN, in keeping with IMF conditionalities liberally allocated billions of dollars directly to Bureau de change weekly for ‘retail transactions, while 14 commercial banks received $7bn soft loans for meeting CBN’s capitalization requirements.

Sadly, however, the promise that debt relief would instigate rapid economic growth and enhanced social welfare failed to materialize; interest rates remained nearer 20% to the real sector and continues till date to keep the industrial sector comatose, while unemployment is still rising with an untamed inflationary spiral, until, we became listed amongst the world’s poorest people.

Unfortunately, the creation of a Debt Management Office (DMO) did not bring closure to the tenure of reckless and unfavorably structured loans, as National debt steadily ballooned, even before Obasanjo left office in 2007.

Regrettably, by 2008, DMO’s fresh borrowings exceeded N1 Trillion with the attendant 1017% interest rates, which were clearly inappropriate for risk free sovereign loans, “which were,” ironically according to the DMO “backed by the full

faith and credit of the federal government of Nigeria and are charged upon the general assets of Nigeria” (see CBN’s N50bn Bond offer circular of 27/ 8/2008).

The usually specified purpose of DMO’s loans was “to restructure part of the outstanding 91 days NTB (Nigerian Treasury Bills: government short term borrowings) into longer tenured bonds, to provide benchmark instrument for the pricing of other securities in the capital market, and facilitate the development of the bond market in general as well as fund the budget deficit” (see offer circular of Jan 2006 for 3rd FGN Bond –with 2009- maturity).

Evidently, the loans made no reference whatsoever to purposeful development of power infrastructure, or rehabilitation of our roads, hospitals, schools etc. The defined purpose of such borrowings, which exceeded N200bn in 2006 alone, were clearly for controversial

Unfortunately, the creation of a Debt Management Office (DMO) did not bring closure to the tenure of reckless and unfavorably structured loans, as National debt steadily ballooned, even before Obasanjo left office in 2007

intangibles. In any case, why would anyone borrow and incur annual interest charges in excess of about N350bn simply for the purpose of creating a market for bonds?

We should similarly, be concerned that the DMO listed the funding of budget deficits as part of the reason for government borrowing, when infact premium crude oil prices and output provided a platform for serial budget surpluses for over 4 years.

Indeed, in May 2008, in a piece titled “National Assembly fiddles while debt burden cripples” as well as in another article titled “Bleeding us to death with debt 1-3” later in October, this writer did not succeed in drawing the attention of the National Assembly to our inexplicably rising debt profile which sadly made no positive impact on our people’s welfare.

My humble observation was also that “only a fool will endorse double digit interest payment on otherwise acclaimed soft loans. For example, pg of 112, of Guardian edition of 22/5/05, carried a report that the Director General of the D.M.O., one Abraham Nwankwo indicated that “…84% of the Nation’s $3.7billion external debt is accounted for by loans from concessionary sources like the World Bank, African Development Bank and IFAD”.

“These are loans” according to Nwankwo, “obtained at very low charges and concomitant charges of 0.5%. These loans are used for poverty alleviation programs in education, health and agricultural sectors”.

However, despite the above explanation, late President Yar’Adua’s 2008 budget had surprisingly, provided $600m

Business & Economy

Ambode promises enabling environment for investors G

ov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has pledged his commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors as a way of creating jobs for youths in the State.

Ambode made the pledge in Ikeja while receiving a delegation of Walmart Incorporated, a leading global brand in retail supermarket.

He said that the state was ready to give necessary support to assist investors in establishing presence in the state.

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According to him, the presence of the brand in Lagos will go a long way, not only to create jobs for teeming youths, but also boost the economy of the state.

He said that the success story of the brand, which currently operates in 28 countries with over 2.2 million employees, would be beneficial to the growth of the state. The governor said it would also help in actualising his vision to make life comfortable for residents. ‘’That summaries the reason

Walmart has to berth in Lagos.

We are committed to expanding the business scope for Walmart and like I said, I am interested in having your brand signature in Lagos. You have been pro-people and that is why we find a congress between the objectives of Walmart and Lagos State Government. We have a population of over 21 million people and four million of that population is in the middle class. We have a bulging youth that is craving for employment.

Omoh Gabriel Babajide Komolafe Clara Nwachukwu Peter Egwuatu Yinka Kolawole Favour Nnabugwu Godwin Oritse Godfrey Bivbere Michael Eboh Franklin Alli Ifeyinwa Obi Rosemary Onuoha Nkiruka Nnorom CONTRIBUTORS Princewill Ekwujuru Jonah Nwokpoku Naomi Uzor Providence Obuh LAYOUT

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Group Business Editor Deputy Business Editor Energy Editor Asst. Business Editor Snr Bus. Correspondent Insurance Correspondent Maritime Correspondent Maritime Correspondent Energy Reporter Industry/Agric. Reporter Maritime Reporter Insurance Reporter Capital Market Reporter

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Media/Marketing E-Commerce Industry Micro Finance Graphics Department

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Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015—41 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Removing the JAMB and jam from admissions

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HERE is a jam in our tertiary institutions admission.

Unfortunately, the regulatory Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) which last month, raced to decongest the process, became part of the problem; creating more chaos leading to protests by students, teachers and parents.

JAMB was forced to abandon its new policy.

There are 1.4 million applicants seeking admission into some 140 universities with a maximum space of 450,000, and a further 350,000 spaces in other tertiary institutions.

After the JAMB entrance examinations, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for instance, had at least 32,000 applicants who met the cut off mark required to seat for the university’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UMTE). The problem is that the institution has only 9,000 spaces, which means over two thirds of these qualified candidates will not be admitted. Rather than allow all qualified candidates to sit for the UMTE, JAMB decided to redistribute some of them to other universities, including private ones, that did not have enough applicants. In the University of Ilorin, JAMB decided that only a

fifth of the qualified candidates will be allowed to take the UTME while the others were distributed to other universities.

JAMB’s motives maybe altruistic, but it did not consult the affected students, the process was not transparent, forced redistribution was not part of the admission criteria and there was no pretrial. To worsen matters, some parents showed proof that their children who scored far higher marks were excluded from sitting the UMTE in their preferred universities, while candidates with lower marks were being allowed.

It is illogical that JAMB wanted to force youths who want to attend prestigious and cheap federal universities to go to costly private universities, some of which are contraptions run by proprietors whose decisions are based on how the holy spirit moves them. There are parents who may not want their children to attend universities with religious overtones or names like Madonna, Covenant, Redeemer ’s, Al-Hikmah or AlQalam. Universities should source for students and not JAMB providing markets for them in the name of redistribution especially to private universities that may be

having accreditation problems. In any case, if a student is forced to abandon a public university where the fees might not be more than N100,000 for a private one with over N1 million as fees, who pays the difference?

Tertiary education is becoming increasingly expensive and there are indigent students who may need to make some income to pay fees. If JAMB throws such a candidate from commercially viable Lagos to Ilara Mokin, it would be denying such a youth, access to education. In any case, there are varied reasons why people chose particular institutions. In my case, my hero when I was in secondary school was Professor Wole Soyinka and my ambition was to learn at his feet.

So I not only decided to go to Ife (now OAU) but to the Department he was head.

I was in the first set that took JAMB. So I am a pioneer jambite.

Before then, each university

Increasingly in our university admission process, merit is becoming an orphan; the other criteria such as Catchment Area, Educationally Disadvantaged, JAMB list, Council list, VC list, Senate list, Dean list, are now the determinants for admission

INEC and Yakassi's asertion

By Rotimi Adebisi IT was a shock to many last week, when respected former lawmaker, top civil servant, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, revealed that he knew the “Acting-Chairperson” of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “Mrs Amina Zakari since childhood, and that her late father, the former Emir of Kazaure, was married to President Buhari’s elder sister”.

Alhaji Yakassai, in the said interview in the Tribune of July 27,2015 at page 22 added that, as a matter of fact, President “Buhari lived with and spent a significant part of his early years in the home of Amina Zakari’s father”. It is difficult to dispute this claim, because Alhaji Yakassai insisted that “Amina Zakari’s father worked under me as a Permanent Secretary and was a close friend for many years.”

In effect, what this reveals is that the ties of Mrs. Zakari to the President which had been linked to Afriprojects Consortium prior to this recent claim, is in fact much more familial than any of the parties had been willing to admit. It comes as a great shock given the trust that most of us had reposed on the integrity of Mr. President. It reveals a worrisome streak of nepotism that elevates the courage and integrity of the former President Goodluck Jonathan, who had searched very widely and very carefully for a man of integrity, far removed from his circle of family, friends, party and geopolitical zone to ensure that the impartiality of the electoral umpire was unblemished by suspicions of partisanship.

Since the interview revelation by Alhaji Yakassai, none of the parties to the claim, has disputed nor controverted the claims

of the former lawmaker. It is quite a disappointment, that one of the few areas that the former President Jonathan had been extoled for, will become one of the early sources of disappointment by a President who has received so much goodwill from Nigerians because of the trust that we have all reposed on his ability to rise above such divisive attributes, such as an ill-disguised nepotism. Worst still and very unfortunate for the country is the loud silence of well-known leading civil right activists and lawyers on this violent breach of the constitution; except for the effable explanations of Professor Itse Sagay who stated “that her acting as chairperson of INEC was valid and backed by relevant provisions of the constitution...... from what l gathered”, but unusually for him, he could not cite any legal or constitutional backing for his argument. This to say the least is most unfortunate coming from one who should give direction and speak truth to authority.

The tragedy of these developments is that the same people who are by their silence or are openly encouraging the President now on this path of unconstitutionality, would be the ones who will turn round to pillory him, when they fail to get the anticipated

Can the price of pleasing a relative be worth the destruction of a national institution like INEC?

conducted its concessional examinations and admitted students of its choice. Under JAMB, candidates picked the university of their choice and a second choice. If he is not admitted for his choice course, he can apply for a change of course in his university of first choice or can apply to the second choice.

The law establishing JAMB gives it the responsibility for conducting matriculation examinations for admission into all tertiary institutions. Along the way, JAMB was clearly compromised as it admitted students that should not have been admitted. For the universities, it became a case of garbage in, garbage out. So they revolted and in defiance of JAMB’s powers, decided to screen candidates sent by the regulatory body by conducting their own independent examinations which is the UMTE. So the UMTE is actually an indictment of JAMB, a protest against its sloppiness and a vote of no confidence in the body.

In a sense therefore, the UMTE is the antithesis of JAMB, and candidates who must pay to sit both examinations, are victims of the politicisation of education.

But JAMB itself is a victim of the unitary system imposed on a country whose constitution falsely proclaims it a federation. The central government imposes on JAMB a criteria for admission based on 45 percent merit and 55 percent politics; 35 percent based on ‘Catchment Area’ that is for candidates from states surrounding the university of first choice, and 20 percent for candidates from states adjudged to be ‘Educationally Disadvantaged’.

So for instance, if two students from the same house, attending the same school, with one from Imo State, and the other from Ebonyi State take the JAMB examination

favours they are expecting from Mr. President. Those who want the President and his team to succeed most tell him the truth, more so, when we do not expect appointment or contracts, but only wish for good governance based on the rule of Law. Furthermore, nepotism, tribalism and a stoic and uncaring disposition towards the need for inclusivity has been at the pivot of most of the national disputes, which often threatens the unity of the country on many occasions. From the disputes around the first post-independence elections, through the interventions of the first military interventionists and the corresponding conflicts that followed, most of the regional and national disputes have been underpinned by the reality and perception of social, cultural or ethnic exclusion. It is therefore disappointing to say the least, that a President, who was a major recurring role player in these ebbs and crest of our national history, can brook such indifference to a main cause of our national recurrent malady.

It is even more pathetic that in executing this indifference to the sensitivity of the national mood, for a new way of doing things, the President needlessly reversed the decisions of a chairperson of INEC, whose unblemished integrity and impartiality ensured that he broke the jinx of political contest, between incumbent presidents and other political contestants. It is difficult not to imagine that by the action of the President, he is probably acting like someone who having climbed up a tree with the help of a public ladder, and has decided to break the ladder to prevent any other person from climbing the tree to enjoy its benefits.

In the haste to ensure an advantage for his relative, the President was willing to breach several laws, including the constitution that he swore to less than 60 days ago, to defend

into UNILAG, the Ebonyi candidate, even where he is less brilliant, has a clear advantage and far higher possibility of being admitted. The candidate from Bayelsa State has the same unfair advantage over his brother from Delta State, and a candidate from Bornu State has a greater chance of being admitted into UNILAG than her sister from Ondo State.

So apart from being chaotic, our admission system, discourages merit, promotes mediocrity, ethnicity, regionalism, and contrary to our constitution, discriminates. It also promotes fraud, as desperate candidates will claim to come from these ‘disadvantaged’ states.

Disadvantaged after 55 years of independence and trillions of Naira in federal allocations!

Increasingly in our university admission process, merit is becoming an orphan; the other criteria such as Catchment Area, Educationally Disadvantaged, JAMB list, Council list, VC list, Senate list, Dean list, are now the determinants for admission. The skewed and non-transparent admission system teaches our youths that merit does not matter; it is not what you know, but who you know.

We need urgent remedial measures. Some of these include allowing tertiary institutions with insufficient post UMTE candidates, to reopen admission for qualified candidates and, reviewing admission criteria in favour of merit. It is also necessary to cut the huge fat of ubiquitous JAMB by stripping it of the power to conduct examinations, and making it essentially, a regulatory agency while the tertiary institutions conduct independent concessional examinations.

and respect. First he caused the Head of the Civil Services to assume powers that he did not possess, by indicating in writing that he could prematurely terminate the tenure of an INEC National Commissioner outside the provision of section 157 of the constitution, by claiming that the tenure of Mrs. Zakari had ended with that of Prof Jega on the 30th of June, instead of the statutory date of July 21st 2015. Then in the same letter it was purported that the President had appointed Mrs. Zakari as an “ActingChairperson “ of INEC, a title that is unknown to the constitution, where the President ought to derive his powers from, or any Nigerian law in relation to the office of INEC chair person.

By this breach of the constitution, the Presidential blunder has created a needless impasse for the national electoral body, as of today, the Commission which had only recently regained its respect is seen as a body that is headed by an illegitimate leader.

Moreover, having lost an additional member who recently died after a protracted illness, the Commission is unable to form a legitimate quorum as required by section 159(1) of the constitution that requires five members, whereas they are now three legal and legitimate members. Mrs Zakari’s five years tenure like that of others, in line with Section 155 of the constitution, ended 21st of July 2015, even though she is still hanging around loosely and illegally as the President’s relative.

The question is : Can the price of pleasing a relative be worth the destruction of a national institution like INEC?

•Mr. Adebisi, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Ibadan, Oyo State.

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42—Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

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T is no longer news that peace has finally been restored in our House of Representatives. The Senate and House of Reps can now settle down and attend to the heavy workload that has accumulated in the past two months.

But before we proceed with business as usual, we must take note of some of the worrisome and unsavoury things the deal for peace left in its wake. First, let us recapture the issue in brief.

On June 9th,2015, the Senate and House of Representatives were inaugurated following the letter transmitted by President Muhammadu Buhari to that effect. The new ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), had wanted to take control of the leadership of the National Assembly by sponsoring some favoured senators and honourable members as presiding and principal officers of the Senate and House. In order to make it look democratically done, they conducted what they called “primaries” among APC federal lawmakers-elect. The result conformed to a script written by Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, who is often referred to as the “National Leader ” of the APC, though there is no such post in the party’s constitution.

Long before the “primaries”, Tinubu had wanted the Senate President zoned to Senator Ahmed Lawan from the North East zone, while Senator George Akume from North Central was picked for Deputy President of the Senate. For the House, he wanted his longstanding acolyte, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to become the Speaker, while Hon. Tahir Monguno would be his Deputy.

But political nemesis caught with Tinubu. A script he wrote to make nonsense of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) power sharing formula in the House of Reps in 2011 through the active collaboration of Gbajabiamila as the Minority Leader came back to haunt him when his party became the ruling party.

Tinubu had triumphantly installed Hon. Waziri Tambuwal as the Speaker instead of Hon. Mulikat Akande, whom PDP had wanted as Speaker to ensure that the South West zone benefited from their overall zoning formula. Tinubu’s intervention had left the South West with nothing while the North West and South East got more than their share of positions in the Federal legislature. PDP had to console Akande and the South West with the post of House Leader.

Tinubu had preened after that feat, and sent Gbajabiamila to address a press conference to hail Tambuwal’s emergence as the triumph of “merit” over zoning.

Tinubu (and by extension the APC’s) candidates for Senate President and Deputy

Dogara’s expensive price for peace were defeated by Senators Bukola Saraki and PDP Senator, Ike Ekweremadu. They went on to lose the positions of Senate Leader and Deputy, but the APC “rebels” conceded the post of Majority Whip (Senator Sola Adeyeye) to them. In further trouncing, their choices for Speaker of the House of Reps also lost to Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Hon. Yussuf Lasun. Tinubu and APC could no longer stomach the humiliation and prepared to “hang” proceedings in the House of Representatives unless they were allowed to install Gbajabiamila as the House Leader.

However, Dogara initially conceded the positions of House Leader, Deputy, Chief Whip and Deputy to the Gbajabiamila group but on the condition that those to occupy the positions must not come from the South West and North East, which had already taken up the posts of Speaker and Deputy in the House. Dogara pushed for compliance with the principle of Federal Character, which has always been obeyed in composing the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives since 1999.

He wanted the South East to be accommodated by conceding the position of Deputy Chief Whip to a non-ranking

It was the power of the Presidency that loosened Dogara’s clenched fist and forced him to hand over the House principal posts to Gbajabiamila – and Tinubu

Rep from Imo State, while also allowing the South-South, North Central and North West to share the rest of the remaining positions. This was the formula for equity which, the constitution affirms, is necessary for national unity, stability and a sense of belonging for all.

Tinubu and his supporters wrapped their insistence of giving Gbajabiamila the House Leader position in the mantra of “party supremacy”, and made it sound like a refusal to oblige this demand would amount to the utter defeat of “the party”

by APC “rebels” in cahoots with their PDP confederates.

After two months of an impasse that did not seem ready to abate, the buck returned to the table of the Leader of the APC, President Buhari. Those who were in doubt as to who is the real leader of the party have now gotten the answer to their confusion: Buhari IS the supreme Leader of the APC. If the tussle were left to Dogara and Tinubu’s Gbajabiamila alone, Dogara would have successfully divided the ranks of the “Loyalists” by installing Ado Doguwa as House Leader. The defeat of Tinubu in this power struggle in both chambers of the National Assembly would have been complete.

Buhari had to abandon his perceived neutral position to throw his weight behind Tinubu, the man who helped create the historic merger that made the APC an attractive platform for the PDP rebels to join and snatch power from the PDP. Buhari’s widely applauded neutrality exposed Tinubu’s political Achilles Heels and showed him to be anything but invincible in calling the shots in the APC as erroneously held in some quarters. It was the power of the Presidency that loosened Dogara’s clenched fist and forced him to hand over the House principal posts to Gbajabiamila – and Tinubu.

In siding with Tinubu, Buhari helped bring “peace” to the House. Everybody, including us, the helpless onlookers, had gotten tired of the fighting. But this peace has come with a heavy price: the APC failed to find space for the South East. The exclusion of the zone, which started with the presidential appointments so far, has now been extended to the Federal parliament. If not for the PDP and some APC liberals and patriots, there would be no one from the South East in the Senate and House of Reps leadership.

Funny: some think it does not matter.

But it remains a pox on the conscience and track records of the president and ruling party that in their first 100 days, one of the six zones of the country was shamelessly, arrogantly, wickedly and unconstitutionally excluded from government.

Gunning after Alex Otti

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HE shocking news of the assassination attempt on the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State in the April elections, Dr. Alex Otti filtered out penultimate Friday.

Gunmen had attacked his Maitama guest house, Abuja, in the dead of the night. Otti had spent the week there and left just a day before the assassins arrived. A policeman on duty was reportedly killed during the attack, and the whole house was ransacked.

Though Otti is not pointing accusing fingers at anyone, opting for the police to fish out the perpetrators, the attempt on his life is suspected to be politically motivated, given the atmosphere under which the election took place in Abia State and the ongoing election tribunal proceedings in Umuahia.

The police and other security agencies must expose the perpetrators and bring them to justice, more so as life was lost.

Unmasking the culprits will help deter future attempts on others. The security agencies have a duty to protect all politicians, especially those with cases at the tribunals because desperate opponents will always be tempted to believe they can short-circuit justice by taking the law into their hands.

Otti should not be deterred. The task of unravelling the true winner of the Abia governorship election must be concluded and affirmed according to law.

OPINION NNPC, missing funds and subsidy debacle

By Usman Sanni

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HESE are certainly not the best of times for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). From allegations of non-remittance of oil revenue to those of operating above the laws of the land and constituting itself as a parallel government to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the anti-NNPC sentiments have come full-cycle and assumed the dimension of a mob action with the recent call by Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State to “kill NNPC”.

As is usually the case in every mob situation, objectivity and truth have been sacrificed even by those who have been given the assignment to investigation allegations of financial malfeasance against the NNPC by the National Economic Council. But try as we may to deny the reality of the financial situation that is upon our country by engaging in a mob action against NNPC or any other institution or personalities, the truth is that the days of oil boom are over (at least for now) and the earlier Nigerians (especially those in government) wake up to that reality with a view to taking responsibility to diversify the economy and develop alternative revenue sources for the country, the better for us all.

It is a known fact that since the last quarter of 2014 the price of crude oil, the major export and revenue earner for the country, has been falling. From about $95 per barrel in September 2014, the price dropped to about $85 (a difference of $10) in October that same year. This trend has been sustained over this period with the unfortunate C M Y K

consequence of dwindling oil revenue flow into the nation’s coffers for onward distribution to the Federal, states and local government tiers of government as has been the culture. But rather than look for creative ways of shoring up national revenues in the face of dwindling oil prices, all that we have seen so far is the demonisation of the revenue generating agency for the oil sector, the NNPC. This is not meant to be a defense for the national oil corporation that has been hobbled by years of government interference and scandals. It is rather a call for a barefaced and critical look at the situation on ground with a view to averting the calamity the nation is certain to fall into if we chose to continue on the path of trading blames instead of rolling up our sleeves to work to build a prosperous nation.

This work should include, of course, recovering every penny misappropriated by NNPC or any other institution or personality and meting out appropriate sanction on them to serve as deterrent. But it should not be restricted to that as the mob action against NNPC tends to suggest.

This is because, at the end of the day, it would be discovered that much of the so-called unremitted or missing oil revenue for which the Corporation is being pilloried emanated from the federal government policy of fuel subsidy which it has to implement. This much has been stated by NNPC in the past when it contended that it was erroneous for Nigerians to talk about missing oil money when it (NNPC) is saddled with the uneconomic task of bringing in kerosene and petrol at the cost of N100 and above per litre and selling at N50 and N87 per litre. The huge loss resulting from this is what is referred to as fuel subsidy. Ironically, while Nigerians,

including the government, insist on having fuel subsidy, they turn around to label the cost of the subsidy as unremitted oil revenue or missing oil money and castigate NNPC for it. This was why a former Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Engr. Andrew Yakubu, once declared that if oil money was missing, then it got missing in the pockets of Nigerians who bought kerosene and petrol at less than the cost price.

Other components of the unremitted or missing oil revenue, according to the explanations offered by NNPC, are the losses arising from crude oil and products theft and losses during the frequent cases of pipeline breaks. But to the Nigerian public, including those in government, it is convenient to charge these losses to NNPC insisting that they are unremitted revenue or missing funds.

When the price of oil was high enough to guarantee a sizeable allocation to the various tiers of government, the huge losses were not noticeable or were rather overlooked.

But with dwindling oil revenues on the back of falling oil prices, the losses have suddenly become very noticeable like a sore thumb. But rather than look at them dispassionately and think up ways of cutting the losses while at the same time creatively diversifying the economy to break away from dependence on oil revenue, all we have been treated to is the anger and fury of a mob.

Sadly, mob action is not known to solve any problem, much less the gargantuan type that is starring us in the face. Now is the time for us to think and come up with solutions to the dwindling oil revenues and the monoeconomy anchored on oil before our march on the road to Greece gets to an irreversible point.

•Mr. Sanni, an oil & gas consultant, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015—43

Ex-N-Delta minister, 2 accountants in trouble over missing N1.5bn cash

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

A

BUJA—THE withdrawal of of N1.5 billion from the account of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and what the money was used for are some of the questions the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and security agencies are currently trying to unravel with a view to retrieving the funds and bringing those who stole the cash to book.

In connection with the said money, two senior accountants in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs have already been queried and suspended from office pending the conclusion of investigation into their roles in the alleged theft of the fund.

Vanguard learned that although the two officers promptly responded to the query by pleading that they were simply carrying out their duties as civil servants, the ministry immediately suspended them, rejecting their excuse.

They had argued that they withdrew the money based on the instruction of superior authorities and that as civil servants they could not have disobeyed their ‘superiors’ who asked them to make the said amount available for official use.

The amount in question was reportedly taken in two withdrawals on the instructions of senior political aide, claiming

to be working on the directives of a top presidency bigwig.

The first sum of N605 million withdrawn by a minister from the account of the ministry went missing after being withdrawn from the CBN and is the subject of investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, while another withdrawal of over N800 million attracted the attention of the HoS which queried the two accountants and finally suspended them.

There were indications that the suspended accountants had named those who were behind the cash withdrawals and had tried to exonerate themselves from the deal.

It was learned that the Federal Government is bent on inviting a former minister in the ministery to appear before its anticorruption bodies to explain his role in the missing cash.

Already, one of the former ministers and close confidant of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Elder Godsday

Orubebe, has been questioned by the ICPC and freed by the commission.

The former minister claimed that he had already resigned before the cash went missing and that he never asked anyone to withdraw such amount for him, knowing that it was against service regulations.

Already, the Presidency has been given a brief on the finances of the ministry and the roles played by some senior political actors in the dying days of the last administration.

VISIT—From left: Kingsley Otuaro, Deputy Governor, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Dr. Kemi Emina, National President, University of Ibadan Alumni Association, UIAA during a visit to the governor in Asaba, Delta State. Photo: Photo Nath Onojake.

Wike promises to deliver Unity road in one year

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By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has promised to deliver the long abandoned Unity Road that connects Opobo and Nkoro communities in the state within one year.

It will be recalled that former Governor Peter Odili awarded contract for the road in 2005 and it was abandoned after his administration.

Wike who spoke weekend said his government will ensure completion of the road.

“I did say that if you give us your mandate, one thing we promise you is that you will drive from Port Harcourt to your houses.

These roads have been abandoned for many years, I have come and I have seen them myself. I am assuring you to go home and sleep with your two eyes closed. I will look for money wherever to repair this road and in one year’s time, you will be driving on this road.

"This road is key, for me any promise I make to people, I owe it a duty to fulfil it and that is why I came to this road today to tell you to play your own part.

“Now that your son has come,

I am not the Commissioner of Works, but governor of Rivers State. I have come to say that all of you will drive your cars on this

road,” he said.

In a related development, the governor has signed a memorandum of understanding,

MoU, with the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, to rehabilitate Industry Road, leading to the Ports in Port Harcourt.

WARRI SHOOTING: Group seeks prosecution

of NURTW members, sponsors

By Emma Amaize

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ARRI—CENTRE for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged, CENTREP, Warri Delta State, has called on the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Alkali Usman, to arrest and put on trial, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Uvwie chapter, who shot and injured two police

officers, last week, as well as their sponsors.

CENTREP in a statement by its Executive Director, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, said that some NURTW members, who were protesting the emergence of one Ariyo Francis as chairman, caused mayhem in Effurun, as they not only shot an Assistant Superintendent of Police and Sergeant, but assaulted and

manhandled innocent commuters and commercial drivers.

He said: “We condemn same as pure evil and call on the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Usman to immediately ensure that all the persons and sponsors of the above mayhem are arrested and prosecuted in our law courts to serve as a deterrent to other membersandtheirwould-besponsors."

Discrimination against Albinos wicked —IDUORIEYEKEMWEN

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By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN CITY—FORMER Edo State representative on the Board on the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, has described as wicked and ungodly, stigmatization against Albinos in the society.

He noted that deficiency of maintaining pigment was not selfimposed, therefore, it would amount to insensitivity for Albinos to be discriminated against.

Iduoriyekemwen, who also is one of those gunning for the governorship election in Edo State come 2016, under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,

stated this weekend, when the Forum of Nigerian Albinos backed his 2016 ambition at a rally in Auchi.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the forum, he said like other people in the society, Albinos can compete favourably in any field with others and therefore, wondered why people should discriminate against them.

BOKO HARAM:

Badeh's confession, timely —REP

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ARRI—A House of Representatives member, Daniel Reyenieju, has described the statement credited to the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, that he (Badeh) headed a military which lacked the “relevant equipment and motivation to fight an enemy that was invisible and embedded within the local populace,” as timely and a brazen display of honesty and sincerity by a gentleman and an officer.

Reyenieju, who is currently the Vice Chairman of the African Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Union, said that such a statement coming from the former CDS could not be ignored by the present leadership of the Nigerian military in view of the ongoing court marshal, including the earlier convictions and consequent sentencing to death of some soldiers over alleged breach of military rules in the ongoing war against insurgents in some parts of the country.

He noted that this "confession’ has brought in moral questions as to the necessity and morality of the present trial when an individual, who was in charge of the military and consequently operations against the insurgent has openly told the world that “Our soldiers were illequipped, including being victims of fifth columnists within the army itself.”

A'Ibom moves to boost food production

By Chioma Onuegbu

U

YO—AKWA IBOM State Government, yesterday, said it will provide the right intervention for farmers in order to increase the level of food production in the state.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Mineral Resources, Dr Matthew Ekaette, who made the disclosure at a three-day stakeholders meeting in Uyo, said that the current administration was determined to fast tracking agricultural development through partnership with the private sector.

44 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 45

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46—VANGUARD, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

CRISES IN THE PARTIES: PD IT was not surprising that when staff of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP openly confronted the party’s national leaders over alleged multibillion wastages, that the opposition party responded by alleging an infiltration of its ranks by its political nemesis, the All Progressives Congress, APC. The PDP claims that the increasing agitation of its workers is a sponsored attempt by the APC to

undermine the coherence of recent criticisms that have been lobbed at the new ruling party.

Indeed, until last week the general picture of the polity was the crisis in the APC which had seen hitherto political allies entrenched in political warfare over control of the two chambers of the National Assembly.

While the election victors seemingly threw away the goodwill with which they came with to power, the PDP had

APC: Managing the spoils of war

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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HE crisis in the APC was blown open by the divergent positions taken by some prominent party leaders ahead of the June 9 leadership contests in the two chambers of the National Assembly.

National party leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu according to sources, apparently reading the body language of President Muhammadu Buhari had sacrificed his own project to elect Senator George Akume as Senate President thrown his hat for the aspiration of Senator Ahmad Lawan, who it was believed had the support of the president.

That belief was underpinned by the support for Lawan from the Katsina senators and those believed to be close to the president.

Presidential convention That was despite the well orchestrated campaign by Senator Bukola Saraki who immediately after the March 28 National Assembly elections written all the APC senatorselect congratulating them and seeking their support.

Even before that election, Saraki’s ambition was reportedly also made known to party leaders, especially during the presidential convention.

In the House of Representatives, the Buhari effect was of little effect. Rather, the immediate past speaker of the House, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal was believed to have initiated the Dogara project to run on a joint ticket with Gbajabiamila.

Dogara, it was gathered was, however, snubbed by a powerful party chieftain from Lagos State. Even more Tambuwal’s plan for Dogara and Gbajabiamila to run on a joint ticket with either of them leading the pack was jettisoned reportedly on the claim that

Gbajabiamila preferred to run with Mohammed Moguno from Borno State as his running mate.

The rebuff given Tambuwal, it was learnt, fired him to mobilise more support for Dogara from the Northwest with Zamfara throwing in the hat. Strong rebuff for Dogara, however, came from Kano and Jigawa States, apparently on the instruction of former Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso who saw Tambuwal’s hand in the Dogara project as an attempt to strengthen the former speaker’s hand in the alleged 2019 presidential race.

Widespread allegations Kwankwanso according to a source in the Dogara camp did their campaign the worse harm.

All sorts of innuendos were reportedly thrown into by the Kwankwanso camp to unsettle Dogara and in the eleventh hour, the last joker became the religious card with widespread allegations that Dogara was a minority Christian activist.

That was despite the visible hand of the Sultanate in the

•Odigie-Oyegun: Bridging the divides in the ruling party

ISSUES

Tambuwal’s efforts were also not helped by the reported antagonism given the Dogara project by another 2019 presidential hopeful, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai

•Party is divided along the lines of three possible •2019 presidential aspirants •Party structure ill-defined with no formal role for leaders of legacy parties.

•President Buhari’s political biases remain shrouded leaving party members in confusion -The influence of the PDP in the Senate remains a concern to party members.

Dogara campaign.

The sultanate it was gathered saw in Dogara, a man that could be used to reconcile the far north and the northern minorities given the chasm created by recent religious crises.

It was as such not surprising that Dogara held on in the face of the calculated attacks that

almost unravelled his campaign in the few days before the election. Tambuwal was said to have played a major role as a bulwark in those trying days.

Tambuwal’s efforts were also not helped by the reported antagonism given the Dogara project by another 2019 presidential hopeful, Mallam

Nasir El-Rufai whose National Assembly delegation from Kaduna State were almost solidly behind Gbajabiamila in the House and behind Lawan in the Senate.

By the time the contest for presiding officers of the National Assembly played out what emerged in the APC was a silent collaboration of two 2019 potential presidential aspirants (Tambuwal and Saraki) confronting another two possible presidential aspirants (El-Rufai and Kwankwanso).

Despite recent efforts towards reconciliation, the party as it is now, is presently fragmented along those lines as leaders put their bets on projecting themselves in the unlikely event that President Buhari does not seek re-election in 2019.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015—47

DP, APC on the brink a field day ridiculing the ruling party over the circumstances that befell it.

A sort of sop came the way of the APC last Tuesday when Speaker Yakubu Dogara sacrificed his stance on federal character principle and projected Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila as the House Leader bringing to an end the crisis that for 49 days consumed the party.

The situation in the Senate is, however, yet to abate and it

is feared that the crisis there could drag on, on account of more complicated issues in that chamber.

Meanwhile, centre stage is apparently being taken by the PDP following allegations by its workers of what it claims to be the mismanagement of billions of naira of party funds.

Given the political environment it is not surprising that the allegations are being couched by the opposition party as politically instigated by its enemies. ii. Reduction of the number of personal staff of the NWC members by 50 per cent. iii. Reduction in the number of security personnel attached to the National Officers by 50 per cent. iv. The reduction of the salaries and allowances of all staff (Establishment and Staff of NWC members) by 50% effective August, 2015. v. Abolition of the Research Directorate and transfer of its functions to the Peoples Democratic Institute.

Research directorate

•Metuh: Have his articulations led him to trouble?

PDP: Internal Disloyalty T

HE unfolding crisis in the PDP was one that had over time been covered up on account of the party’s previous hold of the apparatus of government. Now denied of such, the bubble easily burst given the absence of the mixture of power and money that had until recently kept the workers and the party leaders united.

As the crisis in the party national secretariat deepened at the weekend it was not surprising that elements in the party who had issues to grind with the national leaders were observed trying to stoke the crisis for the purpose of undermining the present leadership.

Chief Olisa Metuh, arguably the longest serving political operative at the national level of the party has become the object of the attacks against the party.

In the weeks leading to the recent national elections the gulf between the national secretariat and the former president had become very visible. The president and his lieutenants for one reason or the other refused to carry the party leaders along.

ISSUES •Lack of transparency in the management of party affairs •Party trying desperately to retain relevance •PDP is troubled by crises in many states Of the 12 members of the National Working Committee, NWC, only the national youth leader, Abdullahi Hussaini MaiBasira, it seemed, was accommodated in the president’s plans for re-election.

Luxury vehicles That was underpinned by the fact that when brand new SUVs were distributed by the president’s campaign team, only him got a pick of the luxury vehicles.

The assertion that the NWC could go to hell was not lost on many of the party officials, many of whom instead of going to hell went abroad in the heat of the

campaigns.

There were also reports that Chief Olisa Metuh particularly felt bad as he was almost always left to manage issues that fell from the mismanagement of the campaign by Chief Femi FaniKayode, the former antagonist of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who the then president shockingly picked to be his campaign spokesman.

However, central to the unfolding crisis in the party was the directive from the national secretariat of the implementation of austerity measures as a reaction to the revenue shortfalls into the party.

In a memo from the national secretary, the party had said: i.Reduction of the allowances of all NWC members by 50%.

“Furthermore, Establishment staff who would remain are required to obtain individual letter of revalidation from their State Party Chapter within one month of this circular as to their suitability for service at the National Secretariat.”

The proposal for staff to obtain revalidation letters from their state chapters was one seen as a way of sacking them from the party given the fact that some of the national secretariat staff have been on loggerheads with their state chapters.

A case in point is a national secretariat staff whose brother, is a prominent member of the APC and had in the past supported the brother’s campaigns at home while supporting the PDP at the national level.

Given Metuh’s prominent role in the present leadership of the

However, central to the unfolding crisis in the party was the directive from the national secretariat of the implementation of austerity measures as a reaction to the revenue shortfalls into the party

PDP and the banishment of some national leaders who had in the recent past fallen out with him, it is not surprising that external influence is being inputted for the crisis that is swirling around him.

Some have traced the external influence to some PDP leaders in Anambra State who were dissatisfied with the outcome of the recent congresses that saw Metuh in dominant control of the party in the state.

Others have also traced the development to the faceoff between the party and the APC over the issue of the appointment of its new director general with the assertion that the DSS may have prompted the action.

Metuh's conspiracy theory Speaking on the issue yesterday, Metuh was quick to point at a conspiracy.

“For me it is more than a coincidence that issues like these would come up when we have gained the momentum on the ruling party and the government.

If the Publicity Department is making such an inroad on issues and making alternative proposals on government policies and making it hot for the DG of SSS and acting chairman of INEC, we find it more than a coincidence that the workers who administratively have been given letters by the secretariat for them to undergo a loyalty test because there were petitions that some of them are hobnobbing with the government, but what do they do? They turn back against only one aspect of the party, the Publicity Department, the one that is giving the government hell and they say, you publicity you people are not doing well.

So, we find it more than a mere coincidence and that is why we are careful not to engage with them. Besides, that we believe that most of our workers are loyal.

So we believe that going to the press is a very wrong thing to do. Ask them when husband and wife are quarrelling, do they take it to the market place or to the private house?

Truly, there is more than a mere coincidence with what they are doing.

48 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Respect federal character principles, FCC boss tells NASS

By Funmi Olasupo

A

B U J A — THE A c t i n g Executive Chairman, Federal Character Commission, FCC, Alhaji Mohammed Bello Alkali, has called on the National Assembly to comply with the commission’s guidelines and formula in the provision of employment opportunities, distribution of infrastructural facilities, socio-economic amenities, among others.

Alhaji Alkali maintained that the call became necessary because the Federal Character Commission could not interfere in the activities of the National Assembly saying “It is an institution on its own.”

The Acting Chairman said “We cannot interfere in the national assembly because it is an institution but we expect them to respect the Nigeria’s constitution and to also adhere to Federal Character Commission Principle. ''In order to achieve our objectives in the implementation of the second mandate, there is need for a nationwide infrastructural audit and data base.''

Saraki woos Lawan's supporters with juicy c'ttee positions

By Joseph Erunke

A

B U J A — S E N AT E President Bukola Saraki is moving to make peace with his adversaries in the Senate by conceding a number of strategic or juicy committee chairmanships to them.

Senator Saraki’s moves despite the overwhelming vote of confidence he got from the Senate

Wada remains candidate to beat in Kogi — JACOB EDI

T

HE Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Media and Strategy, Jacob Edi, has said that Governor Wada remains the main contender ahead of November governorship election in the state.

He stated that the governor has justified the mandate given him

By Levinus Nwabughiogu Nigerians to establish two or more

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Ekweremadu, a position that has traditionally gone to the holder of the office of Deputy Senate President.

Influential senators in the Saraki camp including Senators Dino Melaye, Danjuma Goje and Sani Yerima, Vanguard have also been pencilled down for strategic committee positions, a principal officer confided yesterday. They are among ten senators in the

MICROSOFT IMAGINE CUP: From left; Obinaju Raymond, Team Leader, Team LifeWatch, Adeyemo Oluwaseun and Ahwin Kevin during their live presentation at the just-concluded 2015 Microsoft Imagine Cup technology competition for the global students held in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Emeka Aginam.

We'll reduce number of Ministries —BUHARI O T O N O U — P R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari weekend said his government would reduce the number of ministries currently in existence but did not, however, give a specific number of the ministries he would retain.

This is the first time the president would be making a direct public statement on the issue, believed to have been necessitated by the recommendation of Ahmed Joda Committee.

President Buhari gave the insight while answering questions from Nigerians resident in Benin Republic during his oneday official visit to the country.

Responding to a request by

last Tuesday Vanguard learnt was a personal effort to also satisfy officials of the All Progressives Congress, APC and President Muhammadu Buhari who were dissatisfied with the manner he emerged.

The efforts nonetheless, the Saraki caucus may have also conceded the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution to Senator Ike

Saraki camp that have been enlisted for prominent committee positions.

Saraki’s trouble shooting efforts Vanguard learnt were unveiled weekend at a meeting of his associates at his Maitama residence.

The plea of the Senate President was, however, not totally accepted by his loyalists many of whom expressed reservation with rewarding supporters of Senator Ahmad Lawan after the later and his group petitioned the police over issues concerning the 2015 Standing Rules of the Senate.

The measure, according to the Senate President, would heal the wound which Lawan and his supporters are still reportedly carrying, following their inability to realize their ambition of clinching the Senate presidency position.

“I can confirm that a meeting to that effect was held last week by the Senate President. This was at the instance of supporters of the Senate President, who were insisting that for allowing us to go through all that happened here in the Senate, Lawan’s loyalists must be treated as renegades. But to demonstrate his magnanimity, the Senate President asked us all to bury everything that happened in the past, insisting that there was no victor in the contest'', the source said.

consulates in the country, the President said: “I think I will direct your ambassador to make the request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that by the time we are doing the next budget, it would be included. ‘’Although we are trying to cut down on the number of ministries, the morale of Nigerians in diaspora must be considered. This is because we are so many. We are aggressive whether in business or other facets of life. So, we will do everything possible to look after Nigerians wherever they are.”

He also told the Nigerians not be in a haste to return home, saying it would compound the problems at home as there were no jobs to immediately engage them.

by Kogi people in 2012.

Speaking in an exclusive chat with Vanguard over the weekend, Edi said the desperation of those opposed to the governor ’s reelection was “misplaced and unfortunate.”

He said the governor was unperturbed by the sponsored campaigns against his administration.

“Let me reiterate an important thing here; the governor is not losing sleep over the spurious campaign of calumny sponsored by selfish and desperate individuals. Government will not pause the momentum of good governance because of politics and the administration of Capt.

Idris Wada will continue to serve the interest of Kogi people. The decision of who becomes the next governor of Kogi State is in the hand of God and the good people of the state who have been appreciative of the governor’s achievements since assuming office.

“We have heard a lot of criticism and seen a lot of attempts to discredit the governor before the people. But his achievements are there for all to see despite the dwindling revenue at his disposal. Majority of Kogi people are with the governor and not taken in by the kite of lies been flown around by the enemies of the state”, he said.

Mr. Edi said the ruling PDP in the state remained one family, urging the opposition to concentrate on their own parties rather than looking out for cracks within the ruling party, assuring that the government will create an enabling environment for a free, fair and credible election.

According to him, “The world is focusing on Kogi State to see whether we can improve on our democratic credentials. Governor Idris Wada is an advocate of credibility in the electoral process and will ensure that he creates the

right atmosphere in the state to ensure free poll. We cannot afford to disappoint Nigerians and the international community in this regard.”

Edi called on the people of Kogi State to be steadfast and avoid been used by desperate politicians to cause chaos, saying the government was determined to ensure that the lives of Kogi people were not endangered due to anyone’s desire for power.

He said the governor had made it clear that his supporters should stay clear of violence.

NEITI calls for unbundling of NNPC

By Michael Eboh

A

BUJA—THE Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, yesterday, called on the Federal Government to unbundle the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and also undertake a speedy and farreaching reform of the country’s extractive industry.

NEITI, in a statement in Abuja, after a delegation of its management visited Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, also lamented the over-reliance of states on oil revenues and proceeds from the federation account.

Executive Secretary of NEITI,

Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, who led the delegation, solicited the support of El-Rufai to ensure the implementation of findings and recommendations contained in NEITI Audit reports, especially in the areas of reforming the extractive industry.

According to Ahmed, the NNPC should be unbundled, while the new sub-business units should be commercialised to free the NNPC from regulatory functions.

She reiterated NEITI’s call for a gradual phasing out of the subsidy scheme, lamenting that the scheme, which was designed to benefit Nigerians had become a drain pipe of government revenue by a few privileged individuals.

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015—49

Scores killed, houses razed in fresh Borno village attacks

By Ndahi Marama

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AIDUGURI— SUSPECTED members of Boko Haram sect last Saturday evening invaded Malari village of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, killing scores of residents after setting ablaze houses.

The insurgents, according to sources, also looted food items and loaded same into some vehicles they snatched from the villagers before they fled into Sambisa forest.

Malari village borders some parts of Sambisa forest, a fortified camp of terrorists and about 20 kilometres away from Maiduguri, the state capital.

The incident, according to security source, came at a time troops had been combing some strategic points of Sambisa to confront terrorists in their hideouts.

Fleeing residents of Malari village told Vanguard that the insurgents were not many as as they came into the community with three motorcycles fully armed with AK47 rifles and petrol bombs, shoot at anyone on sight.

Sources in Maiduguri, particularly those who reside along Tashan Bama road and University of Maiduguri, said on

Sunday morning that they saw many military patrol vehicles conveying the dead and the injured ones to undisclosed hospitals in Maiduguri.

Another source from Mairi ward of Maiduguri Metropolis who gave his name as Aliyu Musa, told Vanguard on phone that he sighted many members of the civilian JTF and troops

heading towards Konduga at about 10am on Sunday.

He said: “I was at the main road leading to Konduga when I saw many vehicles conveying troops and civilian JTF, and when I became inquisitive, I learned that they were heading to Malari village to rescue the victims of Boko Haram attack which took place in the community on

Saturday evening.”

When contacted, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Tukur Gusau, in a text message told Vanguard, “I will get back to You.” The Police Commissioner, Mr. Aderemi Opadokun, did not respond to a text message sent to his cell phone at the time of this report.

SIGNING OF MOU: From left; Acting Consul General, US Embassy, Nigeria, Dehab Ghereab, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and Deputy Director, US Trade and Development Agency, USTDA, Enoh T. Ebong, at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between Dangote Oil Refinery and USTDA in Lagos.

Nasarawa Assembly suspends Clerk over alleged fraudulent withdrawal of N1m

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By Abel Daniel

AFIA—NASARAWA State House of Assembly has suspended the clerk of the Assembly, Ego Maikeffi, over alleged fraudulent withdrawal of N1 million from the coffers of the House without approval.

Abubakar Kana, of All Progressives Congress, APC, who represents Kokona West in his submission on the floor of the House, raised alarm over the unlawful transaction by the clerk without prior approval by the House.

Consequently, the House unanimously directed the assistant clerk,Ibrahim Musa, to act as the clerk, pending the investigation of the matter by a committee of the House.

The clerk, besides unilateral withdrawal of N1 million, was also accused of insurbordination in the discharge of his duty since he took over as the clerk, following the demise of the former clerk, Moses Ondaki.

The speaker, Ibrahim Abdullahi, directed the Assistant clerk to take over from the embattled clerk.

The House members also expressed anger over the delay in the payment of teachers and local government workers

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salaries.

The House called on the state government and Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education,

NSUBEB, to expedite action in the payment of workers salariesy, especially those at the local government level.

Moro urges 24-hour surveillance of vulnerable communities

BENUE KILLINGS:

By Peter Duru

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AKURDI—BOTHERED by the unending killings in Benue North East senatorial district which recently claimed the life of an elder statesman, Chief Atoza Ihindan, immediate past Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, has urged 24 hours security patrols and surveillance of vulnerable communities in the state.

Moro, who also called for an

INFERTILITY:

looked premeditated and orchestrated and they were taken in turns and it was not a coincidence that only members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are being killed.

“It is certainly the responsibility of the All Progressives Congress, APC, administration in the state to take responsibility for the situation that is on ground and ensure the security of the people."

Hospital halves cost of IVF

By Chioma Obinna

L

immediate and definable action on the part of the state government to arrest and prosecute all the masterminds of the killings, spoke to reporters yesterday in Otukpo.

He said: “From the beginning I said that the increased wave of killings certainly could not be ordinary, and we will not take the excuse of armed banditry or robbery for it.

“If you look at the circumstances surrounding the killings, they

AGOS—REPRIEVE may have come the way of Nigerians seeking children as St. Ives Specialist Hospital, Lagos, has again slashed the cost of its In-Vitro Fertilisation, IVF, by 50 per cent.

Every year, the hospital, in collaboration with Ives

Medicare Foundation, strives to make In-Vitro Fertilization, IVF, treatments affordable and accessible to indigent Nigerians in need of children.

The annual 50 per cent discount was hatched in 2010 and has helped thousands in the past six years.

Commenting on the initiative, the Director of the hospital, Dr. Babatunde

Okewale, said St Ives identified cost as a major factor militating against stemming incidences of infertility in Nigeria.

According to him, "this informed the reason the hospital has resolved to continually make IVF accessible and affordable to couples."

NEMA repatriates 620 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon

By Ndahi Marama

M

AIDUGURI—THE National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, yesterday, repatriated over 600 Nigerian refugees who fled to Cameroonian border towns of Fotokol, Amchide and Maroua, following recent Boko Haram attacks on Gambouru, Banki, Dikwa and Banki that claimed many lives and properties in Borno State.

The refugees, according to North East Zonal Coordinator of the agency, Alhaji Mohmmed Kanar, took refuge in three Cameroonian towns and villages, since they fled to the Cameroonian border areas of Gambouru and Banki for safety early this year and last month.

“The Gambouru residents, including women and children, had fled because of Boko Haram incessant attacks on their communities and they had no other means of escape but through the Cameroonian-Nigerian border bridge, before reaching Fotokol and two other towns in Cameroon on foot.

“The refugees could have been repatriated since they fled, but because of insecurity in the borders areas and protocols of repatriating the fleeing residents had to be followed and coordinated, before NEMA repatriated 620 Nigerians through Sahuda route in Cameroon and Mubi in Adamawa State this week,” said Kanar in a telephone interview yesterday in Maiduguri.

On the resettlement of refugees, Kanar, however, said: “As I speak to you now, the first batch of refugees in over half dozen buses, are being screened by military and immigration personnel at the military post of Njimtilo, along the Damaturu-Maiduguri road.”

The military screening, according to him, was to ensure that they were genuine returning refugees from Cameroon, before they could be resettled at Gubio road Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camp in Maiduguri.

50 — VANGUARD, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Obama to unveil ‘biggest step ever’ in climate fight U

S President Barack Obama will today unveil what he called the “biggest, most important step we’ve ever taken” to fight climate change, a sensitive issue central to his legacy.

The White House will release the final version of America’s Clean Power Plan, a set of environmental rules and regulations that will home in on the pollution from the nation’s existing power plants, setting limits on power-plant carbon emissions for the first time.

Laying out how climate change is a threat to the economy, health, wellbeing and security of America, and adding that time was of the essence, Obama said

•Obama in a video released early Sunday: “Climate change is not a problem for another generation. Not anymore.”

“Power plants are the single biggest source of harmful carbon pollution that contributes to climate change,” added Obama, who made

the battle against climate change a core promise of his 2008 election campaign.

“But until now there have been no federal limits to the amount of that pollution that those plants can dump into the air.”

No clues linking new debris to MH370

A

fevered hunt for more wreckage from missing flight MH370 on La Reunion island turned up no new clues Sunday as authorities said metallic debris found by locals did not come from an airplane.

However Malaysia urged authorities in the Indian Ocean region to be on the lookout for debris washing up on their shores as hope flared a piece of a Boeing 777 wing could help solve one of

aviation’s greatest mysteries.

Locals on La Reunion island have been combing the shores since the wing part was found last Wednesday, handing over bits of what they believe to be wreckage to police.

On Sunday morning several pieces of debris sparked excitement, one of which was believed by locals to be from a plane door.

However investigators quickly shot down hopes.

Malaysian Director General of Civil Aviation Azharuddin Abdul Rahman who is in France for the analysis of the wing part, told AFP one item “was actually from a domestic ladder. It is not a door.”

And a source close to the investigation in Paris said “no object or debris likely to come from a plane” had been placed into evidence yesterday.

Kerry assures allies Iran deal makes Middle East ‘safer’

U

S Secretary of State John Kerry sought to assure Middle East allies Sunday that the Iran nuclear deal would make them safer, as he began a regional tour in Egypt.

Kerry met his counterpart Sameh Shoukry to patch up troubled relations between the two countries with a pledge of support.

He later met President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and was also scheduled to fly to Qatar to meet Gulf Arab counterparts.

Egypt and other regional states such as Saudi Arabia are suspicious of Iran, which they see as bent on destabilising them.

“There can be absolutely no question that if the Vienna plan is fully implemented, it will make Egypt and all the countries of this region safer than they otherwise would be or were,” Kerry told a joint

news conference with Shoukry.

“The United States and Egypt recognise that Iran is engaged in destabilising activities in the region — and that is why it is so important to ensure that Iran’s nuclear programme remains wholly peaceful,” he said.

•Kerry

Calais Crisis: Hundreds of Migrants Storm Channel Tunnel

H

UNDREDS of mi grants stormed the Channel Tunnel overnight, pulling down fences before being halted from crossing to Britain by riot police using chemical spray.

Around 200 migrants broke through several layers of security before approaching the tunnel entrance.

As the migrants scrambled down to the final fence line, dozens of po-

lice arrived to back up the military, using chemical irritant The migrants and security forces faced off for close to an hour, with the migrants shouting slogans including: “Open the border” and “We are not animals”.

One of those trying to break in to the tunnel railhead said he had heard that the UK was about to use the Army and it was their last chance.

Burundi in crisis as top general assassinated

A

top Burundian gen eral and right-hand man to President Pierre Nkurunziza was killed in a rocket attack on his car yesterday, prompting fears of further instability in the crisis-hit country.

A d o l p h e Nshimirimana was widely seen as the central African nation’s de facto internal security chief and even considered as the regime’s number-two.

Police and witnesses said General Nshimirimana’s pick-up was hit by two rockets and sprayed with automatic gunfire in the capital Bujumbura on Sunday morning. He was later confirmed dead, along with his driver.

The presidency’s communications chief Willy Nyamitwe confirmed that the general, a former army chief of staff and intelligence chief, had been killed.

“I have lost a brother, a companion in the struggle. The sad reality is that General Adolphe Nshimirimana is no longer with this world,” he said in a mes-

•Nkurunziza sage posted on Twitter.

The assassination comes just over a week after Nkurunziza was declared the outright winner of a controversial presidential election, securing a third consecutive term

Egyptian court postpones verdict in Al -Jazeera reporters' retrial

A

N Egyptian court yes terday postponed for a second time its verdict in the retrial of three Al-Jazeera journalists, rescheduling it to August 29 in a move that sparked widespread criticism.

The court had already put off its much anticipated verdict last Thursday because the presiding judge Hassan Farid was reportedly ill.

Another judge on Sunday said the verdict was again delayed because other de-

UN peace keeper killed in CAR

A

UN peacekeeping sol dier was killed and eight other people injured in an attack by gunmen in the Central African Republic’s capital Bangui, a military source said yesterday.

“The United Nations launched an operation by sending out a patrol,” after the Bangui prosecutor’s office issued an arrest warrant for a former leader of the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel alliance, which seized power in 2013 before being forced to step aside last year, a UN MINUSCA force officer said.

despite opposition protests and international condemnation.

Nkurunziza’s candidacy was condemned as unconstitutional by the opposition and provoked months of protests that left at least 100 people dead in a fierce government crackdown, as well as an attempted coup in mid-May. Nshimirimana was seen as the mastermind behind the crackdown on the protests as well as a key player in foiling the coup attempt.

“As the (UN) blue helmets approached the area, they were targeted by armed individuals and responded,” the officer told AFP. “There was one death on the side of the MINUSCA blue helmets and at least eight other people shot and wounded...

A UN force vehicle was seriously damaged,” he added, without giving a nationality for the dead man.

Residents in the KM5 district where the trouble occurred confirmed by phone that an exchange of fire had taken place, leaving several civilians wounded by gunfire.

fendants in the trial could not be brought to the court from their cells.

Australian Peter Greste, Canadian Mohamed Fahmy and Egyptian Baher Mohamed were jailed last year for “spreading false news” in support of the blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood during coverage of the turmoil after the army ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

Fahmy and Greste received seven-year prison terms in the original trial, while producer Mohamed was jailed for 10 years.

While Greste has since been deported, Fahmy, Baher and several other defendants were released on bail at the start of the retrial. But at least three other defendants have been jailed in separate cases.

“Verdict postponed until August 29th. The audacity & continuous disrespect to our rights is unprecedented!” Fahmy tweeted after Sunday’s postponement.

Zimbabwe accuses another American of killing another lion

A

second American has been accused of killing a lion during an illegal hunt in Zimbabwe - months before the death of Cecil the lion caused an international outcry.

Jan Casimir Seski, a doctor from Pennsylvania, shot the animal with a bow and arrow in April, according to the National Parks and Wildlife Management Au-

thority.

Headman Sibanda, a Zimbabwean landowner, has been arrested in connection with the case, which happened around Hwange National Park the same district where Cecil was being monitored by researchers from Oxford University.

Sibanda is now assisting the police with their investigation.

Meanwhile, Zimba-

•Lion bwean authorities have said they are looking to extradite Walter Palmer over Cecil’s death on 1 July, amid claims he was not authorised to embark on the hunt.

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 51

Vanguard CLASSIFIED

Anambra govt, FRSC to stop sale of alcoholic drinks in motor-parks ...as FRSC inaugurates 318 new Special Marshals

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

Saint Mary’s Catholic Church hall, Onitsha, Anambra State.

The governor noted that the vest NNEWI—THE Anambra State number of the new Special Marshals Government has promised to partner would be put to active use by carrying with the Federal Road Safety Corps, out massive and intensive raids of FRSC, Special Marshals to enforce the alcoholic sale points and spots in all ban on sale of alcoholic drinks within motor-parks in Anambra. motor-parks in the state.

He commended the Special Marshals’ This was disclosed by Governor Willie passion of volunteerism, adding that Obiano, yesterday, while inaugurating with their vast numerical spread across 318 new FRSC Special Marshals at the state, the fight against sales of alcoholic drinks and other stimulants in motor-parks would be won in no distance time.

“My government plans to achieve zero tolerance for alcohol and stimulants sales in our motor parks and we want a situation where every driver in the state is sober and focused and with this, we will continue to pursue the HE NIGERIAN Ngoro Dauye, Jidori, Safer Roads Project in the troops of 21 Brigade Alikashiri, Kalzamari- state with the vigor and in conjunction with 151 Shuwa and Kalzamari- commitment it deserves” he said.

Task Force Battalion of 7 Kanuri, amongst others.

“Also, three Boko Haram Division, have rescued 178 The governor who was people, including 101 flags were recovered, while represented by the children, 67 women and 10 five motor cycles were Commissioner for men, held captives by the burnt by the troops.

Transport, Dr. "In addition, one Boko Ifeanyichukwu Ejikeme, terrorists offensive terrorists operations along Aulari in Haram commander was captured told the Special Marshals Bama axis.

Col Tukur Gusau, Deputy alive and now undergoing that their uniforms and other kits "are not for Director Army Public investigation. decoration on the dash “The troops' morale Relations, 7 Division Nigerian Army in a remains high as they are board of their cars and on statement, yesterday, said: determined to consolidate top of their motorcycles, “The troops successfully on the success achieved so but for active participation cleared terrorists’ camp in far under Operation Lafiya in the road safety project."

Fadan, Shuwarin, Wulari, Dole.”

Troops rescue 178 Boko Haram captives

...terrorist commander captured

T

Abia gov petition fixed for Aug 10

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA—THE Abia Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia has fixed Monday, August 10 for the commencement of the trial of the petition filed by Dr. Alex Otti, the governorship candidate of the All

Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the April election against Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

The tribunal chairman, Justice Usman Bwala, announced the date last Friday at the end of pre-trial of Otti’s petition challenging the declaration and return of Ikpeazu as the winner of the governorship election.

Asaba Capital Territory Devt Agency, devoid of ethnic colouration —TIDI

A

SABA—HON. Michael Tidi, Special Assistant on News Media to Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has insisted that contrary to what he described as “baseless insinuations of ethnic bias” there is “absolutely no ethnic considerations underpinning the establishment of the Asaba Capital Territory Development Agency on the part of the present administration.”

In a statement made available to newsmen, yesterday, in Asaba, Tidi claimed that Governor Okowa’s sole motivation in establishing the agency is

to rehabilitate the state capital and develop it into a seat of government that will be a source of pride to the entire citizensof Delta State.”

According to Tidi: “The Asaba Capital Territory Development Agency is a necessity given the deplorable state of the state capital which leaves much to be desired.”

Tidi asserted that allusions to ethnic considerations in setting up the agency are “nonsensical,” adding that “all of us from across Delta State live here in Asaba.

There are more nonindigenes than indigenes in the city and as such, a

developed Asaba will end up benefiting more nonAsaba people than even the indigenes of the capital city."

"Just as we are all currently bearing the brunt of a broken city together, so too shall we all reap the rewards of a proper functioning city together.”

While assuring that developing the state capital “can by no means affect the development of Warri and other parts of the state,” Tidi insisted that “there can be no ethnic colouration in developing a capital city that will end up being a pride to all Deltans.”

JAY E O L A — I , formerly known and addressed as Jayeola Tomiwa Isreal, now wish to be known and addressed as Jayeola Tomiwa Isaiah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

HARRISON—I, formerly known and addressed as Chukwu Otu Harrison, now wish to be known and addressed as Chukwu Wayas. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Army and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I hereby state that my name was wrongly written as Mkpama Kingsley Uchenna instead of Mkpuma Kingsley Uchenna.

My correct name is Mkpuma Kingsley Uchenna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYEBUCHI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyebuchi Blessing Chinedu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odoh Blessing Chinedu. All former documents remain valid. The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and general public please take note.

OGHWERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghwere Nancy Oromafuru, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikewun Nancy Oromafuru. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONEYA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oneya Rachel, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akporobaro Rachel.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHUKWUEMEKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Paul Glory Chinaza, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chukwuemeka Glory Chinaza. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BILLY—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Billy Ruth Kateline, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adekunle Ruth Kolawole. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLOGUNLADO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bisi Abibat Ologunlado, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bisi Ologunlado Urowayino. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TAIWO —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olanipekun Taiwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Komolafe Taiwo Oreoluwa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

E M O K PA I R E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Doreen Eghogho Emokpaire, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Doreen Eghogho Anazodo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AYO D E L E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Taiwo Omobukola Ayodele, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Taiwo Omobukola Adeshina. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONWUEMENE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss F l o r e n c e Ogechukwuka Onwuemene, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. F l o r e n c e Ogechukwuka John Oriakhi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OFULUE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ofulue Magdalene Amara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emeke Magdalene Amara. All former documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

S O M AW I N A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Somawina Philomina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwaka Philomina. All former documents remain valid. Delta State Civil Service Commission and general public please take note.

GRACE—I, formerly known and addressed as Ajadi Osenike Grace, now wish to be known and addressed as Ajadi Osenike Abeni. All former documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

AYIONS—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayions Banghanro Fortune, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Wilkie Banghanro Fortune. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ACHIOJA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Achioja Faith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Faith Adams. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This names Collins Oroye and Ejenavbo Collins Ovakoporoye is same person but wish to known and addressed as Ejanavbo Collins Ovakporoye.

All former documents remain valid.

Guarantee Trust Bank and general public please take note.

YOU CAN BOOK YOUR ADVERT AT:

TRINITY MALL, 79/81 OBAFEMI AWOLOWO WAY, IKEJA. CALL: 08035449960, 07031322957 MURPHÝ'S PLAZA 27, SANUSI FAFUNWA STREET, VICTORIA ISLAND. CALL: 08038092373, 08033163424

52 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUSTM 3, 2015 — 53

S

O much has been written about the success of the ongoing Glo Premier league, on and off the field that I have very little to add.

I do appreciate however the constant assertion by the operators that there is still much to be done before we can relax and thump our chests. Such an area is in the Club Licensing structures.

Two key events in the last week has led me to write this column today. First is the opinion of one of Nigeria’s football legend, Segun Odegbami that with the benefit of good pitches our league would have been judged perfect by him.

The next is a news item in the NFF website last Saturday entitled “ LMC grants provisional approval to suspended stadia”. The story has it that the LMC has granted approval to some clubs “…….to return to their grounds while FURTHER ( capitals mine) inspection will be carried out to ascertain appropriateness of repairs done.”

This waiver which is for four weeks will see the LMC “redeciding” whether to “reimpose” the ban on their stadiums or not! How I wish they had not taken this action, preferring instead to stick to their guns, until such repairs had been perfected and approved once and for all to the benefits of the clubs.

Courtesy the LMC I have been involved in a couple of stadium inspection visits and have always come out with very negative reports on the state of our football playing infrastructure. As a CAF Club Licensing Instructor I know that playing a football match in a stadium is more than the field of play.

The criteria set out by the LMC in their check list of demands which is a universal document is yet to be met 30 per cent by our clubs. Having an ideal stadium has to do with the presence of serviceable toilets for spectators as well as players and officials, water and electricity, functional dressing rooms for players and officials, sick bay, manned exits and entrances for security and crowd control, stadium control room etc.

Many will be surprised that most of our stadiums even lack covered substitute benches. If there is rain, has it happened at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt during the match Heartland and Ifeanyi Ubah, the Technical bench is dislodged as players and coaches scamper into the terraces.

The LMC presently enjoys a lot of support even from Club owners (?) and managers who accept that a lot needs to be done to get their infrastructure up to date and have not minded the banishment from base, pending repairs to their infrastructure.

LMC and the burden of club licensing The LMC will however tell you that the same owners will turn round and put pressure on them to allow their teams return The LMC will however tell you that the same owners will turn round and put pressure on them to allow their teams return “home” due to the extra cost of running the league and “hostile” new environment that works contrary to their aspirations.

Perhaps what the LMC has not told the clubs is that there is a CAF directive that as from this Year, any club that qualifies to play in any of the CAF Inter Club competitions will need to fulfill the minimum criteria at national level. The club License is therefore obligatory. Apart from the Infrastructure criteria which has to do with acceptable stadium conditions one in which most of our clubs are familiar with, there are also two other criteria that clubs must comply with and these are Sporting Criteria ( Youth and Grass root development) and Administrative, Legal and Financial criteria.

End of this month, CAF will arrive Nigeria ( and indeed some other African countries) to run a seminar on CAF Club Licensing System. Invited to take part are the General Secretary of the NFF, top guns of the LMC, representatives of the Premier League Clubs, NSC and state Government officials involved in the running of football, stadium managers etc.

The objective of the CAF Club Licensing seminar

Ronaldo: I don’t care about FIFA C

Iheanacho: City ready for league opener

K

ELECHI Iheanacho is pleased with his display in pre-season for Manchester City and reckons the Citizens are ready for their 2015/16 season.

The 18-year-old netted his second goal in five pre-season appearances on Saturday as City went down 2-4 to VfB Stuttgart at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

He also scored against AS Roma in the International Champions Cup in Melbourne, Australia on July 21 and he took the time to assess his performances after the defeat to Stuttgart.

“It was a tough game against a strong team (VfB Stuttgart) but we should not have lost because we are a good team full of quality players.

“However, this is foot-

ball where you can win or lose,” the attacker told the club’s official Television channel, CityTV. On a personal level, Iheanacho said that he was satisfied with his showing and was prepared to take the next step in his football education.

“For my goal (against Stuttgart), I composed myself to score. We needed more goals in the second half but could not score them.

“I thank God for my performance in pre-season. We played six games and I played in five, scoring two goals and providing two assists.

“It’s a very good performance for me and I am happy with the performance,” he said.

is to among others, promote and improve the quality and the level of all football aspects in Africa, ensure that the clubs have the appropriate infrastructure, knowledge and application in respect of management and organization, improving the economic and financial capacity of the clubs through proper corporate governance and control, allowing the parallel development and comparison amongst the clubs by ensuring the necessary compliance in terms of financial, sporting, legal, infrastructure and administrative criteria.

I know that in Nigeria, the visiting CAF instructors will find some challenges and test cases where ownership of clubs at the Premier League level is controlled by Government. Also, they will find out that club ownership of stadia is practically non existent, creating some legal impasse as to control and use of Government owned facilities.

Meanwhile the CAF instructor on Administration, Legal and Finance will have a problem coming to grasps with the unique Nigerian situation where players go on playing for months without due emoluments and allowances……….Are our clubs legally established? How well are their financials managed, how qualified are their staff?......What about their youth development policy?

This seminar is one which the LMC will appreciate, one that will help the body re-emphasise its aims and objectives and reinforce its quest for excellence and best practices.

I remember that the best images we got from the Supersports coverage of the Premier league was the two matches involving Akwa United at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, The Nest of Champions. We have other venues like that, that will help project our football in good light, yet those venues are not used.

There is nothing wrong in wanting to play at one’s base, but efforts have to be made to get those venues answer to the minimum required criteria. When T.P Mazembe wanted to play its matches at Lubumbashi, they went ahead and constructed their own standard stadium for the purpose which CAF went ahead to certify.

I only pray that when CAF comes calling, the NFF Club Licensing Officer will be able to get all the principal actors to attend and religiously too, the two day intensive seminar that give direction to our clubs and go a long way in adding value to our much improved league.

See you next week.

RISTIANO Ronaldo is one of the best media-trained athletes in the world - but everybody has off days.

The Real Madrid superstar lost his cool when asked a question about FIFA, world football’s governing body.

His response? “I don’t care about FIFA, Qatar, I don’t give a f**k.” OK Cristiano, chill. Just a question.

Ronaldo was asked his opinion on the scandalhit organisation in the

wake of Sepp Blatter’s resignation announcement and human rights concerns surrounding Qatar ’s 2022 winning bid.

Many would feel they are legitimate questions for the current holder of the FIFA Ballon d’Or award.

But the Portugal captain was clearly in no mood to discuss either topic, throwing his headphones down in disgust at the end of the interview.

•Ronaldo

Arsenal battle Liverpool for £14.9m Cheryshev

A •Iheanacho

RSENAL have joined the race to sign Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev according to Spanish source Fichajes (via the Metro).

24-year-old wide-man Cheryshev has represent-

ed Real Madrid for over a decade but is still yet to play a single La Liga fixture for the Bernabeu side and is behind the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Isco and James Rodriguez in the club’s firstteam pecking order.

• Cheryshev

54 — Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Enyimba overtake Sunshine at top

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

S

OUTH Sudan will compete at Rio 2016 after becoming the 206th member of the Olympic movement.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) unanimously approved the inclusion of the African republic, which became independent in 2011.

IOC president Thomas Bach wished the country a “bright future” after its inclusion was ratified.

S

IX-TIME champions Enyimba have overtaken Sunshine Stars at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The two-time CAF Champions League winners, shot to the summit yesterday after playing a 11 draw with Rangers in a match-day 20 fixture at the Enyimba International Stadium. Striker Onoriode Odah shot Rangers into the lead in the ninth minute after he earlier missed in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Femi Thomas.

But Enyimba’s new signing Musa Najere marked his debut with a goal against his old team in the 37th minute to level the game at 1-1. It remained so till the end of regulation time. But it was a bad day for Sunshie Stars as they relinquished their top spot to Enyimba, after a surprise 1-0 loss to Taraba FC in Jalingo.

Wikki Tourits complete the top three, after playing a barren draw with Heartland in Bauchi.

•Le Roy Continues from BP be decided.

But the dream of the Super Falcons to play at the summer Games have been punctured by Equatorial Guinea, who yesterday defeated the Nigerians 21 in the return leg match in Bata. They progressed 3-2 on aggregate.

But the heroes of the weekend were the male team, who leading 2-1 from the first leg in Port Harcourt a fortnight ago, earned a barren draw in Point Noire to qualify 2-1 on aggregate score.

Parading the likes of Emmanuel Daniel, Stanley Amuzie, Sincere Seth, Segun Oduduwa, Erhun Obanor, captain Azubuike Okechukwu, Usman Mohammed, Oghenekaro Etebo, Godwin Saviour, Daniel Etor and two-goal hero against Congo, Junior Ajayi, the Dream Team truly played like a C M Y K

South Sudan becomes Olympic member

•Musa Najere of Enyinba

Police escort Le Roy out of Point Noir The Nigerian team did considering all he had Stadium not make it easy for the done for Congolese

BY PAUL BASSEY, Congo

R

UMOURS that Congolese coach, the French man Claude Le Roy has resigned rent the air yesterday in Pointe Noir as he was pelted with missiles and booed after Nigeria had obtained qualification at the expense of his team.

Trouble started for the French man in the 60th minute when the Congolese spectators rose in unison asking him to make a change.

When he finally did, instead of him to substitute the targeted Koumima Kelvin, Le Roy pulled out the fans favourite Nkounkou Moise.

Congolese as they dominated play, creating numerous scoring opportunities through Usman, Daniel, Etebo and Junior, yet the chances went begging.

The Congolese came forcefully into the game in the closing stages, yet the Nigerians stood their ground.

In a post match conference Le Roy said his boys were not disgraced noting that the Nigerians did enough to merit victory.

After being pelted with stones and water bottles necessitating the escort by Policemen, he said he had been insulted and that he was not a happy man

Nigeria dream team, thwarting all the attacking forays of their hosts to come out unscathed from the war in Congo.

After what happened in the first keg, where they dominated but squandered series of chances to score more than two goals, many Nigerian fans were afraid that Siasia’s boys would succumb to their hostile Congolese but like a team on a mission, they went, saw, conquered and have now qualified to play in the maiden edition of the CAF U-23 Championship in Senegal from where the three qualifiers for the Rio Olympics will be determined.

But the Dream Team did not have it easy as they were pushed hard to the wall by the Coach Claude Le Roytinkered Congolese side, who from the start of the game, threw everything at the Nigerians, who

however refused to buckle.

Despite being on the receiving end of the Congo attacking forays, Nigeria still made efforts to put pressure on their hosts, with Usman Mohammed driving a long shot towards goal only for Congo’s goalkeeper to push out for a corner kick in the 15th minute.

Rattled by that attempt at goal, Congo came out roaring but found the Nigerian wall impregnable.

The Nigerian defenders were simply fantastic , rising to every occasion to deny Congo the precious goal they needed to advance to the U-23 Championship.

In the second half, the Dream Team dug their feet into the ground to thwart Congolese goals attempt.

As the minutes wore down, the hosts stepped up their

football. The Dream team Coach Samson Siaisia thanked God for the victory and said the better team won. “ it would have been unfair if we did not qualify.

That is why I thank God and my boys for everything.”

Chief Anyansi-Agwu, Chairman Technical Committee of the NFF and leader of delegation was all praise for coach Siasia and the team for exhibiting a high degree of professionalism. “ This team gave us so much confidence. The NFF salutes them, Nigerians appreciate them for flying the flag high he said.

The team returns Tuesday after a stop over in Addis Ababa.

“This will put your nation on the world map,” he said. “We will stand by your side.”

A South Sudanese marathon runner, Guor Marial, did compete at London 2012 but under the Olympic flag as South Sudan was not yet an IOC member.

South Sudan already has a men’s football team due to take part in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

Nadal

Continues from BP

Nadal, a 14-times grand slam champion, has endured an indifferent season winning just two titles in Stuttgart and Buenos Aires prior to Sunday and dropped to No 10 in the world rankings.

World No 32 Fognini, who won the Hamburg title in 2013, was aiming for an almost unthinkable third claycourt victory against Nadal this season following successes in Rio de Janeiro and Barcelona.

Nadal, whose previous air of invincibility on clay has begun to evaporate, hit just six winners and 15 unforced errors in an evenly contested opening set.

He was, however, aided

by Fognini who was broken three times in the set and blundered 34 of his own unforced errors following a series of brutal baseline rallies.

Nadal appeared to have gained the upper hand early in the second set and broke en route to a 3-1 lead but Fognini roared back with successive breaks to take a 4-3 lead.

In a topsy-turvy set Nadal and Fognini were unable to gain the ascendancy and traded breaks as parity was restored at 5-5 before the Spaniard took a 6-5 lead to leave his opponent to serve it into a tiebreak.

Arsenal

pressure on the Nigerians, who however were in no mood for any letting up.

With three minutes left in regulation time, anxiety crept into both sides as a goal by either team would change the tide.

But with five minutes of injury time added by the match officials, Congo held out hope of still scoring but credit to Siasia’s boys for not taking their feet off the pedal as they played out the last five minutes like the game of their lives to record a 2-1 aggregate win over the Congolese.

But it was a bad day at the box office for the Falcons, who despite shooting into the lead through an Ngozi Okoli’s first-half strike, were unable to defend their lead, conceding two goals and crashing out 3-2 on aggregate, as their Olympic dream faded.

Continues from BP confess.

They had to withstand some concerted pressure during parts of the second half but it was a strangely Chelsea subdued performance and Petr Cech quickly showed his new supporters the value of his signing. Cech controlled Arsenal’s penalty area in a way that has often been beyond his predecessors and it was rare to see much carelessness in Mourinho’s team both before and after the decisive moment when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain speared a shot into the top corner of Thibaut Courtois’s net.

The goal arrived midway through the first half and to put into context Mourinho’s supremacy over Wenger in recent years, it was the first time Arsenal had scored against these opponents in 506 minutes of play.

Arsenal had not led against Chelsea since December 2010 but they passed the ball with much greater incision and fluency, particularly in the opening 45 minutes, and might have added more goals in the final exchanges when Courtois kept out Santi Cazorla and then the substitute, Olivier Giroud.

For Mourinho, it was a galling way to start the season and Chelsea plainly have issues in attack, with no guarantee Diego Costa will be fit for their opening Premier League game against Swansea next weekend.

Costa was missing here because of the recurring hamstring problems that prematurely ended his involvement last season and if that is going to be a regular issue over the next 10 months Chelsea could be in trouble.

Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015 — 55

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Vanguard, MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015

Arsenal clinch Community Shield •as Wenger breaks duck against Mourinho

I

T has taken 14 attempts, spread over 11 years, and in the most difficult moments Arsène Wenger has looked like he would cheerfully throttle José Mourinho with his own tie, but finally Arsenal’s manager knows what it

feels like to get one over his bete noire.

His team played without any sense of inferiority, which has not always been the case when these sides have met, and it should do Arsenal the power of good to break a run that

Nadal claims 67th title with Hamburg Open

has hurt Wenger far more than he would probably

Continues on Page 54

Nigeria win one, lose one • Siasia’s men triumph • Falcons crash out of Olympics

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

Enyimba overtake Sunshine at top — P.54

N

NPFL Results

PANIARD Rafael Nadal won his 67th career title with a 7-5, 75 victory against dangerous Italian Fabio Fognini in the final of the Hamburg Open on Sunday.

IGERIAN football got a major boost yesterday in Point Noire as the men’s Olympic team progressed to the CAF U-23 Championship, where the three qualifiers for Rio 2016 Olympics will

Continues on Page 54

Continues on Page 54

S

•Nadal

Arsene Wenger celebrates as Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta lifts the Community Shield after a confident performance against the title holders

Police escort Le Roy out of Point Noir Stadium — P.54

Enyimba Taraba Wikki Tourists Kano Pillars Bayelsa Utd El Kanemi Ifeanyi Uba Giwa Sharks Dolphins

1 1 0 2 1 1 1 1 2 2

Rangers Sunshine Stars Heartland Lobi Stars Akwa Utd Shooting Stars Abia Warriors Kwara Utd Warri Wolves Nasarawa

1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Account-book (6) 5 Thaw (4) 8 Relaxed (5) 9 Curve (3) 10 Rotate (4) 11 Elderly (4) 12 Expiate (5) 13 Terrible (6) 16 Dregs (4) 18 Discharge (4) 20 Consumed (3) 22 Fixed (3) 23 Tear (3) 24 Rank (4) 25 Cut (4) 28 Cows (6) 30 Sorcery (5) 32 Warmth (4) 33 Sun-bathe (4) 34 Relatives (3) 35 Located (5) 36 Record (4) 37 Posture (6)

DOWN 1 Hate (6) 2 Deck (8) 3 Involve (6) 4 Unrealistic (9) 5 Wander (7) 6 Border (4) 7 Neat (4) 8 Epoch (3) 14 Delineated (9) 15 Mouthful (3) 17 Fish (3) 19 Wrong (8) 20 Point (3) 21 Unpredictable (7) 26 Parcel (6) 27 Sitting (6) 29 Hut (4) 30 Gather (4) 31 Rotter (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Odium 9, Couple 10, Suffer 11, Dried 12, Eros 15, Menu 17, Deserve 20, Rod 21, Ended 23, Item 25, Taxi 26, Renew 28, Cup 30, Receded 33, Real 35, Dude 36, Crisp 38, Clique 39, Elicit 40, Tally.

DOWN: 1, Acted 2, Kudos 3, Old 4, Derive 5, Used 6, Mud 7, Offer 8, Proud 13, Retinue 14, Sewer 16, Noticed 18, Enter 19, Met 22, Dated 24, Men 27, Weasel 28, Crack 29, Panic 31, Dunce 32, Death 34, Area 36, Cut 37, Ply.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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