Hand over suspects, FG tells ijaw communities

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62678

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

FG removes kerosene UAE no longer safe subsidy, pegs price at haven for Nigerian looters, FG warns N83 per litre 9 9

PIPELINE BOMBING:

Hand over suspects, FG tells Ijaw communities

•JTF makes inroad, arrests some alleged perpetrators •IYC, IPDI, others call for caution

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, SouthSouth

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ARRI—THE PRESIDENCY, weekend, asked Ijaw communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, where ex-militants carried out a three-day bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines some weeks ago, to hand over to the security operatives,

Continues on Page 5

El-Zakzaky recovering in Abuja after medical treatment in France 38 Mr & Mrs

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OWEI LAKEMFA

The ideas of Bisi Akande C M Y K

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HEBRY BOYO

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OCHEREOME NNANNA

Can CBN save the A basket full Naira and Nigerians? of crabs

COLUMNISTS:

CONDOLENCE—National leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signing the condolence register during his visit to the family of the late Olubadan of Ibadan,Oba Samuel Odulana. With him are Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (left); Chief Bisi Akande (2nd right) and others in Ibadan,yesterday.

DPO, scores killed as gunmen storm 4 villages in Adamawa 8

2—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

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Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016—3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

CBN yet to achieve 80% financial inclusion target—LBS

By Peter Egwuatu

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s initiative of making 80 percent of Nigerians financially included is yet to be achieved, according to Lagos Business School, LBS. The LBS, weekend, disclosed that only 60 percent of Nigerians were financially included, as the 80 percent target was yet to be realised.

Speaking to newsmen in Lagos about the new research initiative at LBS supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Enase Okonedo, Dean, LBS, said: “In 2011, Nigeria set an ambitious target of having 80 percent of all Nigerians financially served by 2020. We currently stand at around 60 percent, which means four out of every 10 adult Nigerians do not have access to any form of financial services.”

In his comment, Mr. Kosta Peric, Deputy Director, Financial Services for the Poor Programme, of the Foundation, said: “The research project is meant to address the regulatory gaps and market structures disabling financial inclusion for poor unbaked Nigerians.”

CSCS economic outlook holds

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HE Central Securities Clearing System, CSCS, Plc holds its 2016 economic outlook tomorrow at Four Point by Sheraton, Lagos, on the theme Growth Opportunities in Challenging Times: Creating Competition for Oil. This is the second edition in fulfillment of the promise made during the programme last year by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, CSCS Plc, Mr. Kyari Bukar, to make it an annual event.

Stakeholders from the capital market, oil and gas, agri-business and banking sectors are among participants expected at the event.

C M Y K

NESTLE'S CRS: From left— Human Resources Manager, Agbara, Ogun State, Mr. Jones Aremu; Factory Security Officer, Godson Orkeh; Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Dr. Samuel Adenekan; Country Security Manager, Mr. Uche Columbus, all of Nestle Nigeria Plc; Divisional Police Officer, Agbara, Mr. Yemi Adeniyi, and Factory Manager, Nestle, Mr. Varma Rakesh, during the donation of N4.9 million to the Agbara Division police for the building of a recreation centre. PHOTO: Bunmi Azeez.

$2.1bn arms probe: Falana petitions ICC, alleges crimes against humanity

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

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AGOS—HUMAN rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has petitioned the International Criminal Court, ICC, requesting it to investigate allegations of crimes against humanity committed by some Nigerians over alleged diversion of $8 billion earmarked to procure military equipments to fight insurgency.

In the petition addressed to ICC Prosecutor, Mrs Fatou Bensouda, Falana urged the court to commence investigation and the prosecution of indicted former and serving military officers as well as public officials found wanting in the alleged diversion of $2.1 billion security fund, believing that they had committed an offence against the Nigerian people.

The petition

In the petition dated January 19, Falana said: “We, therefore, submit that this is sufficient to hold Col Dasuki and others that have been indicted in the arms theft scandal responsible for crimes against humanity perpetrated against Nigerians.

“The failure of a former Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to prevent widespread and systematic corruption including the relooting of the Abacha loot amounts to complicity under the Rome Statute, and therefore fits the legal requirements of a crime against humanity.”

To this end, the lawyer

requested ICC to “urgently commence an investigation proprio motu on the allegations of the criminal diversion of the security fund of $2.1 billion and N643 billion earmarked by suspected perpetrators, with a view to determining whether these amount to crimes against humanity within the court’s jurisdiction.

“I also urge you to invite representatives of the Nigerian government to provide written or oral testimony at the seat of the court, so that the prosecutor is able to conclude on the basis of available information whether there is a reasonable basis for an investigation, and to submit a request to the PreTrial Chamber for authorisation

of an investigation.”

... for under-funding Armed Forces

Besides, he wants the court to bring to justice those suspected to bear full responsibility for deliberate under-funding of the Armed Forces through widespread and systematic corruption in; while urging government to fulfil its obligations under the Rome Statute to cooperate with ICC. The petition reads in part: ”On account of the deliberate refusal of the former military authorities to equip and motivate members of the Armed Forces involved in combat operations against insurgents, who have killed

about 25,000 soldiers and civilians, including children, and displaced over 2,000,000 people.

“Having compromised the security of the people of Nigeria by collaborating with the terrorists, the former military authorities deliberately encouraged the brutal killing of innocent people including illequipped officers and soldiers.

“Although the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has so far shown some political will to fight corruption and recover loot, we believe that an international investigation by ICC from the perspective of crimes against humanity would complement the anti-corruption initiatives by the current government and contribute to ending a culture of impunity.”

... as Secondus says thieves 're in Buhari’s government

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA—THE acting National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, has said that some of the 55 Nigerians identified by the Federal Government to have stolen N1.34 trillion are presently part of Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet.

Secondus, in an interview, however, accused the All Progressives Congress, APCled administration of turning a blind eye to the misdeeds of its supporters and faulted the handcuffing of PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa

Metuh, during his recent court appearances.

Secondus, who reiterated that PDP was not against Buhari’s anti-graft war, stressed that it must not be selective, adding that the government must adhere strictly to Rule of Law, adding that those involved, even if they are in the present government, must be brought to book.

He said: “This involves both APC and PDP. Those involved are still in the government of Muhammadu Buhari, serving as ministers, some holding ranking positions even in security

agencies.

“He should bring them to book; we are not against his fight against corruption, but it should be holistic and there must be Rule of Law. “Look at the handcuffs on PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh. It is wicked and vindictive. Nigerians should see what is happening in a democracy because Metuh is the spokesperson of opposition party. Now, no one can speak freely.

“We are operating under threat and a Police state; our families now live under threat and they are being asked questions at the airport.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016—5

POCKET CARTOON

VISIT— President Muhammadu Buhari(right) and Oke Ona Egba Monarch, Oba Dapo Tejuoso during a courtesy visit to the president by the monarch in Abuja at the weekend.

Hand over suspects, FG tells Ijaw communities Continues from Page 1 perpetrators of the bomb attack believed to be hiding in their areas.

The presidency also urged the communities not to entertain fear of bombardment by security agencies, but to demonstrate patriotism by handing over suspects behind the recent bombing.

The Presidential directive came through the Special Adviser to

the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, yesterday, just as the JTF, which boasted, penultimate week, that it was closing in on the perpetrators, started arresting more suspects for interrogation at the weekend.

The crackdown on the suspected bombers by the task force heightened tension in most Ijaw communities with some leaders, the Ijaw Youth

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO F you must go beyond the border, then you must think beyond the bicycle. To improve your life, you must change your thinking. It's up to you.

I

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

"Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see them."

T

ELL yourself you’re good enough because you are. Always dream big dreams and take small steps to manifest them into reality. Don’t ever compromise your morals. Because they make you who you are. Don’t ever think you’ve got it all figured out, because the next moment you won’t.

Don’t ever live your life in the past, because then you’ll miss out on the present.

Don’t ever let people bring you down, because they don’t deserve to.

Don’t ever be someone you aren’t, because then you’ll never know who you really are.

Don’t ever worry about the petty things, because they just don’t matter.

Don’t ever let someone take away your happiness, because it was never theirs to take.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

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HOEVER has wealth should bury his father, It was not the first son that killed him.

Council, Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDI and others, calling on the government and task force to be lawful in their action.

Adesina said: “Ijaw communities need not fear. What they can rather do is to hand over culprits hiding in their midst to the authorities.

If they have identified those who blew up pipelines, and who are taking refuge in their communities, as good citizens, they should hand them over to law enforcement agents.

“Ijaws are Nigerians and good ones too. They should not allow a little leaven to destroy the whole lump. Rather, they should demonstrate patriotism by giving up evildoers. Such exists everywhere, and the onus is on good people not to shelter them.

“There are rules of engagement for every operation, and you can be sure that the Nigerian military will do what is right,” he stated.

Spurning suggestion that the Presidency was out to disgrace exMEND leader, G o v e r n m e n t Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, because of his alleged closeness to former president Goodluck Jonathan, he said: “The question of anybody being humiliated due to closeness to the former president, Dr Goodluck

Jonathan does not exist.

“This is not a vengeful government, and right on inauguration day, President Muhammadu Buhari had indicated that nobody needs fear that he would be out for vengeance. In his National Day broadcast on October 1 last year, the President also said people should not be afraid of his person, but fear the consequences of their actions. Therefore, nobody should fear humiliation on account of being close to anybody, as long as such person has clean hands.”

On whether the Federal Government was looking into the allegation by Tompolo that some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC, were behind the bombing, he said: “The Presidency should not be looking into allegations, when already security agencies have been empowered and positioned to do so.

Anybody can claim anything, and the President has too much on his hands to allow such to constitute distraction."

According to him, "every Nigerian is the same, no matter his status or standing. If anybody says there is attempt to rope him into anything, the security agencies are there to establish the truth. When the President said he belonged to everybody, it meant that a level playing field would be created for all Nigerians.”

Responding to the call for political solution to the Tompolo face-off with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and his linkage to the bombing, he said: “The President will always be open to dialogue and finding of political solutions. That was why he said the government was ready to dialogue with Boko Haram, if the authentic leadership was determined. With respect to the Niger Delta, the same will subsist, but it would not translate to condoning sheer criminality."

He, however, pointed out that “if anybody has committed a crime, he must be ready to answer for it. Being open to political solution does not mean indulging criminality. Do not forget, people must

always be ready for the consequences of their actions. It is only natural.”

Commenting on the widespread allegation that the EFCC had acquired a bad image with its handling of suspects, he said: “EFCC allegedly having a bad image is your opinion. It does not mean you are correct.”

Authoritative sources confided in Vanguard, yesterday, that the JTF has made remarkable progress in the arrest of some suspects connected with the pipelines bombing, but it was not willing to make public comments on its investigations so far.

We can’t speak on arrests nowJTF spokesman Spokesperson for Operation Pulo Shield, Col Isa Ado, who spoke on phone to Vanguard took time to explain that it was detrimental for the task force to disclose the arrests it had made.

He said the mandate of the task force was to protect crude oil and gas pipelines in the Niger Delta region and because of the recent bombings, it has intensified its operations more than ever before.

Col Ado said: “Please, we do not want to make comments until the operation to fish out the perpetrators is over.

Statements will jeopardize our investigation, but what I can tell you is that we are in hot pursuit of them and we have made tremendous progress.”

He said the oil and gas facilities were very critical to the economy of the country and the task force would stop at nothing to smoke out the bombers, who he described as saboteurs.

Ijaw groups

demand proper investigation IYC spokesperson, Mr. Eric Omare, told Vanguard when contacted, yesterday: “I heard that some Ijaw youths were arrested but I do no not know their identities. In line with our condemnation of the act, we want the culprits brought to book.

“However, we want to warn against arresting innocent people, whoever is being arrested must be a product of proper investigation and the rule of law should be followed.”

An Ijaw leader claimed that security officials arrested an aide to a local government chairman in the state, last Thursday, in Warri, as soon as he came back from a trip to Port-Harcourt and whisked to an unknown destination, while the Navy picked up another suspect the previous day, Wednesday.

IPDI alleges siege on Tompolo family

National president of IPDI, Austin Ozobo, cautioned the military against arresting innocent members of Tompolo family and exagitators, saying the group would sue the military in ECOWAS Court and International Criminal Court if it violates fundamental human rights in Gbaramatu kingdom.

He said that a member of the Tompolo family was one of those arrested and called for his release, saying, “he and others are being blackmailed because being a member of the Tompolo family should not form the basis for arrest and they are just being implicated by enemies of Tompolo, who are hellbent to humiliate the family.”

6—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

Man, 42, allegedly rapes 14-yr-old girl

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—A 42-year-old man, Onuoha Ikenna, who allegedly raped a 14year-old girl (names withheld), has been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s court.

The defendant is facing a four-count charge bordering on indecent act and unlawful sexual intercourse.

The prosecutor, Eshiet Eshiet, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences on January 4 at about 11:30a.m at 25, Samuel Amoore Street, Idowu Estate, Oko-Ira Nla, Ajah area of Lagos State.

He said the defendant unlawfully and forcefully had sexual intercourse with the 14-year-old-girl.

Magistrate O. A. Agunbowale granted the defendant N2 million bail, with two responsible sureties in like sum and adjourned till February 23 for legal advice from the office of Director of Public Prosecution.

I was forced to become a kidnapper —SUSPECT

By Esther Onyegbula & Faith Ake

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suspected member of a five-man kidnapping gang, Friday Alex, has said he was forced into the business two years ago.

It was learned that the gang, which specialises in kidnapping innocent people within Lekki-Ajah area and its environs, take their victims to a forest at Abijo where they are held hostage until ransom is paid.

Vanguard gathered that the suspect, who had been on the wanted list of the police for a while, was arrested when police tracked him to his hideout at Ajah, while other members of the gang escaped.

The 27-year-old suspect, an indigene of Delta State, said: “My gang members and I have been into kidnapping for over two years. Agali is the leader of the gang.

“They forced me to join them in the kidnapping business two years ago. I agreed and I have been working with them since.”

I make N300,000 monthly as a beggar— Drug addict

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS—A suspected drug addict arrested by the Lagos State Command of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, has disclosed that he made over N300,000 monthly from begging in Ikeja.

Kehinde Olatubosun, 56, from Ibadan, Oyo State, was arrested along with 18 other drug addicts at a joint in Ipodo, Ikeja.

A decoy team of RRS officers, last Friday, traced a stolen phone to the joint, leading to the arrest of 17 suspects: a mobile phone thief, three drug peddlers and 13 drug addicts.

Olatubosun said he made over N10,000 daily begging at Mobolaji Bank Anthony Roundabout, beside Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Toyin Street and Opebi, all in Ikeja.

He said: “Every day, I make over N10,000 doing corporate begging. All days of the week, I am always in Mobolaji Bank Anthony Roundabout, Toyin Street Roundabout and Opebi.

“At times, I collaborate with other beggars. Whatever we make, we share. But I get a larger share.

“What I do is that I get LASUTH drug prescription papers from their waste bin.

With this in my hand, I convince motorists, passengers and passers-by that I have a relative who is in need of money to buy drugs and I show them the prescription papers.

Germany deportee

“This is what I have been doing since I was deported from Germany in 2004. Before the deportation, I was working as Electrical Engineer in Bauhusa, Cologne, Germany. I was in Germany for 12 years before I was deported.

“I was in possession of drugs when I was arrested in Germany, so they deported me.

I have four children. Two are in Germany with my wife. One is in Texas in the United States and another in Nigeria.

Unfortunately, all the money I make from this begging goes into drugs.

“I am always there, seven days a week. I make more money on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. I make more than N10,000 on weekends.

“As I speak with you, I am not on drugs, but I am experiencing withdrawal symptoms. That is the effect of not taking drugs for some time. I was at Ipodo drug joint, Ikeja, when I was arrested.

I was on drugs.

“I have never been arrested for any offence before. I am praying that RRS releases me.

Begs with LASUTH prescription papers from waste bin To save us, arrest the drugs merchants —AJAYI I promise I will not go back to drugs again. Where I live presently was given to me by my in-law.”

Drugs cost me my family—AJAYI

Meanwhile, another drug addict, who was arrested at the same drug joint with Olatunbosun and several others, has said that drug addiction destroyed his life.

Dada Ajayi, 48, noted that his hopeless condition was as a result of his drug addiction.

Ajayi emphasized that for more than 17 years he was hooked on drug, adding “I am trying to get over it now. Drugs have been the cause of my stagnation in life. I frequent that joint because I have nowhere to go. I have lived the better part of my life consuming drugs.

“As I speak with you, the remains of my wife is in Ikeja mortuary. She was taken to Lagos State University Te a c h i n g Hospital, Ikeja.

I was asked to bring N150,000 for surgery but I did not have N50,000 on me then. She died in the process.

“Right now, I have lost my family because of my drug addiction. I do not know where to start my life again. I cannot stop going to that drug joint because it is the only place where I get consolation.

“It is the only place I am at peace with myself.

If anybody wants to help us, they should arrest the drug barons or dealers.

Arresting us will not solve drug problem b e c a u s e without the sellers there will not be the takers.

“When you arrest the dealers, I mean the merchants, then you have cut the supply

and thus saved us from getting drugs. Without that, we will

always find our way there whenever we are released.”

11 cultists from Edo arrested in Ondo

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—DETECTIVES in Ondo State Police Command have arrested 11 suspected cultists in Owo area of the state, shortly after they were initiated as members of Aye confraternity in the bush along Owo/Ifon Expressroad.

Vanguard gathered that the suspects came from Uzeba in the neighbouring Edo State for the initiation, and were rounded up while returning to their base in Edo. It was learned that the AntiCrime Patrol team, led by Owo Area Commander, Eboka Friday, arrested the suspects.

Contacted, police spokesman in the state, Femi Joseph, said the suspects had made confessional statements that they were in Owo town for initiation.

On how they were nabbed, Joseph noted that the body language of the suspects and the blood-stained polythene bags found on them aroused suspicion that led to their arrest and subsequent detention.

Joseph assured that all the suspects would soon be charged to court, after the completion of investigations, adding that the command would make the state hot for criminals.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016—7

Policeman batters mother of 2, flees

By Evelyn Usman

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BURNING TRAIN: Remains of the coaches of a train that caught fire at the district office of Nigerian Railway Corporation, Ebute-Meta. The train on fire (inset). NAN PHOTOS.

Assailants kill Delta poly student, one other

By Ochuko Akuopha

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LEH—RESIDENTS of Kwale, headquarters of Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, were weekend thrown into confusion as two persons, including a 19-year-old student of the state polytechnic, Oghara, were killed by yet-tobe-identified assailants.

Though the circumstances surrounding their death were hazy at press time, sources said the deceased were killed by suspected cultists.

It was gathered that one of the deceased was stabbed at Umusam area of the community and later gave up the ghost hours after he was rushed to a nearby hospital.

Vanguard learned that the other victim, a student of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, identified as Chukuemeka Onuoha, was shot dead in his family house.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state Command, Celestina Kalu, said one Mr. Emma Onuoha who hails from Imo State and resides at 33, Isumpe Road, Kwale, had reported that a group of boys had forced themselves into his house in the early hours of Saturday and shot his son, Chukuemeka, on the chest.

She said the victim was confirmed dead at Brema Hospital, Kwale, adding that the corpse had been deposited at St Luke Hospital Mortuary.

Kalu said no arrest had been made and maintained that police had commenced investigations into the matter.

Meanwhile, security has been

beefed up in the town as soldiers, men of Kwale Police Division and the Anti-Cult

Volunteer Corps have intensified patrol in the area.

President, Anti-Cult Volunteer Corps, Mr. Austin OgwuChinuwa, in his reaction, advised youths in the area to

shun cultism, saying they were looking towards organising a symposium for the youths and cultists willing to renounce membership of their cult groups.

Nigerian Navy repatriates 24 illegal Gabonese immigrants T HE Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, yesterday, at the Shoreline Jetty, Calabar, Cross River State, repatriated 24 illegal immigrants from Gabon.

The immigrants were among 41 foreigners in a transport vessel, AV Agamba, impounded by the Navy during a routine patrol on Thursday.

Also aboard the vessel were no fewer than 200 Nigerians.

Commodore Marcus Bobai, the Commander of NNS Victory, told newsmen that the Gabonese immigrants were repatriated for entering Nigerian territory without valid travelling documents.

According to him, their repatriation was in line with the Federal Government’s policy to

tighten up security at the nation’s borders.

He warned that the Navy would no longer allow foreigners or passengers of vessels without valid travelling documents to enter the country through the ports.

Bobai said that following interception of the vessel on January 21 the passengers were handed over to the relevant agencies, which screened them under tight security and discovered that some of them did not possess relevant travelling documents.

He said: “We discovered that 24 out of the 41 passengers have no valid passports that will guarantee them entry into Nigeria. The Nigerian Navy ensured that the illegal

passengers remained on the ship without stepping their feet on the Nigerian soil and we are repatriating them back to Gabon under tight security.

“This will serve as a strong warning to the Gabonese Government and other African countries, which think they can always enter Nigeria through the back door and dump people anyhow.”

He said naval gunboats had been mandated to escort the Gabonese in the same vessel that brought them, adding “we are concerned about security and have tightened security in such a way that as a foreigner, if you do not have your valid travelling documents, you will not be allowed access into the country.”

AGOS—A mother of two was allegedly beaten, weekend, by a policeman suspected to be attached to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, SUCO Road, Abattoir, Agege, Lagos State, for criticising a policeman’s reckless driving.

The unidentified policeman is curently on the run.

The victim, Mrs Abimbola Oriade, told Vanguard that she was beaten to a pulp by the policeman, who was in mufti.

She said: “I was in a commercial bus, heading to Agege Pen Cinema, when a RRS car with number plates NPF 408 D, which was speeding, veered off its lane and applied the brake abruptly in his attempt to make a U-turn, only for the vehicle to hit the commercial bus I was in.

“The commercial bus driver drove after the RRS vehicle, which had refused to stop to know the extent of damage done to the commercial bus and its passengers. He drove into their base on SUCO Road, Abattoir.

“A policeman at the gate, one Monday Okon, refused to allow our bus inside. We alighted from the bus, explaining the near-tragic accident to the officer at the gate, when another policeman in mufti pounced on me and another male passenger, saying we should go and do our worst.“ However, sources at RRS Alausa, told Vanguard that the said plate number did not correspond with any of their vehicles'.

They hinted that investigation would commence immediately with a view to fishing out the fleeing officer and the alleged reckless driver.

Dagger gangs on stabbing spree in Kaduna

By Luka Binniyat & Mayen Etim

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ADUNA—MALALI, a confluence of low, medium and high income quarters of Kaduna town is under siege by armed gangsters, who unleashed terror on the area using daggers.

Kaduna State Police Command spokesman, DSP

Abdullahi Zubairu, weekend, confirmed the murder of a 22year-old man, Aliyu Yusuf, by one of such gangs.

Mother of the victim, Hajiya Maryam Aliyu, in Shagari Close, Badarawa area, said: “I was at home when somebody came to our gate and one of my sons went out to see who it was, only for the visitor, possibly a driver too, to hand over to him

the corpse of his younger brother, saying he only assisted because he knew my son.

“In the ensuing confusion, the man who brought his body immediately ran away.

“My son, who was stabbed on the neck and abdomen, was a driver and a nice boy.”

Last week, a carpenter, simply known as Sunday, who was stabbed in the stomach by some

hoodlums, died of the injury.

At Angur Maisamari, still part of Malali, one Abdullahi was also stabbed, but survived.

Vanguard gathered that there are usually, on the average, five cases of hoodlums stabbing themselves or descending on a target with daggers, but most of the cases are never reported to the police by victims due to fear of the thugs.

8—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

DPO, others killed as gunmen storm 4 villages in Adamawa

By Umar Yusuf

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OLA— GUNMEN suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have attacked and burnt down four towns in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, killing the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Vunokilang in the area.

According to the report, the gunmen, yesterday, attacked Wunamakoh, Dikajam, Demsare and Taboungo villages, which were destroyed.

It was gathered that the police anti-riot squad and some military men were dispatched to the troubled area, but that the military men retreated to re-enforce while the gunmen took advantage of this to kidnap the DPO who led a detachment of anti-riot policemen to the troubled area to quell the skirmishes.

“While the soldiers were away, the suspected Fulani herdsmen took advantage of this and attacked the policemen where the leader who was the DPO was captured,” an eye witness told Vanguard in Girei which is about 15 kilometres from the state capital.

According to the eyewitness, the body of the slain DPO was later

discovered in the bush after he was declared missing for over six hours.

The body of the DPO, who was identified as Okozie Okereofor, a Chief Superintendent of Police, has since been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Yola.

Adamawa State Police Command, through its

spokesman, Abubakar Othman (DSP), confirmed the attack and the killing of the DPO. The Acting Brigade Commander of the 23rd Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Yola, Colonel Abba Popoola, who also confirmed the development, said farmers and Fulani herdsman had a long standing dispute in

the effected communities.

Colonel Popoola, however, added that the situation in the area has been put under control.

Some community leaders in the area, who spoke to Vanguard, said the attackers stormed the four towns, killed scores of the people, burnt all the houses and looted all the available foodstuff.

RETREAT: Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (right) and Director General of National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu during a keynote address by the minister at the Nigerian Pension Industry Strategy Leadership Retreat organized by PENCOM in Abuja.

Jonathan holds world press conference in Geneva, Wednesday

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ORMER President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, will on Wednesday, hold a world press conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

The press conference, which holds at 3pm local time, is part of activities lined up by the Circle of Diplomats (Circle Diplomatique), Geneva in honour of Jonathan, which would be concluded with a dinner same day.

According to a statement by Guy Mettan, Executive Director, the Geneva Press Club, Jonathan will address two most crucial topics in Nigeria and West Africa at the press briefing.

Mettan said the former Nigerian president will talk about security and civil peace in Nigeria and West Africa, on one hand, as well as improvement of health and education of children, on the other.

He said accredited United Nations correspondents and Swiss journalists are expected at the press conference, which will most likely see Jonathan talking about Boko Haram activities in Nigeria and the fight against insurgency.

The Circle of Diplomats will also host a dinner in honour of Jonathan on Wednesday night at the Intercontinental Hotel, Geneva.

Since leaving office on May 29, 2015, Jonathan has engaged in peace missions and election monitoring on behalf of the United Nations. He has also received global awards and acclaim for peacefully relinquishing power after losing the presidential election last year.

Jonathan had conceded defeated to President Muhammadu Buhari last year even before the final results of the 2015 Nigerian presidential election was announced.

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Anti corruption war remains our priority —FG

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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AGOS — THE war against corruption will remain a priority of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration irrespective of mutterings from home, the Federal Government said yesterday.

Speaking during an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, bemoaned the effect of corruption in the development of the country, saying the N55 billion allegedly received by 21 persons from the Office of the National Security Adviser was more than the N52 billion earmarked by the former government for zonal intervention programmes.

Noting the determination of supposedly corrupt persons to derail the anti-graft war and as such endanger the development programmes of the administration, Mohammed said it was instructive that the efforts of the Buhari administration had been acknowledged by the international community.

He said: “Some have said the government is dwelling too much on the war against corruption to the detriment of other areas of governance. Our response to that is that indeed, there is nothing like dwelling too much on this war. The situation is very grim indeed, as far as corruption is concerned. That is why the Federal Government is embarking on this sensitization campaign. Our approach, which is to count the cost of corruption, is not to vilify anyone but to use facts and figures to give Nigerians a sense of what corruption has done to their lives.

Acknowledging the support of the United States government in the battle, he said: “The Federal Government is delighted that the anticorruption war being led by President Muhammadu Buhari has been acknowledged and applauded on a global stage.

"It is particularly gratifying that in that speech, Mr. Kerry made the link between corruption and terrorism. We agree that corruption is indeed a radicalizer because it destroys faith in legitimate authority. Let me remind you, gentlemen, that radicalization is a key causative factor of terrorism," Mohammed said during a meeting with News and Political Editors in Lagos, yesterday.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016—9

FG ends kerosene subsidy, pegs price at N83 per litre

By Michael Eboh

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BUJA — THE Federal Government, weekend, hiked the price of Household Kerosene (HHK) to N83 per litre from N50 per litre, thereby, officially ending subsidy on the product.

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA , in its product pricing template released, weekend, however, stated that the N83 per litre price applies only to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), meaning that other petrol stations and dealers can sell higher than the stipulated amount.

Curiously, the hike in the price of kerosene came at a time when the price of crude oil had dropped to record low, with the price of petroleum products, such as kerosene, fuel and diesel, among others, dropping significantly in a number of countries, like the United States.

This also brings to question, the recent reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit announced by the Federal Government and which commenced at the beginning of the year.

Again, the PPPRA’s template also showed that at N83 per litre, the Federal Government is making a gain of N10.72 for every litre, as it puts the Expected Open Market Price, which is the Landing Cost plus Total Margins at N72.28 per litre. The expected open market price is the prevailing open market rate for the product in Nigeria, after taking certain costs into consideration.

Giving a breakdown of the price, the PPPRA template put the Landing Cost of the product at N57.98 per litre, while the total margin due for middlemen was put at N14.30.

Further breakdown of the Total Margins showed that retailers margin was put at N5 per litre; Transporters, N3.05 per litre; Dealers, N1.95 per litre; Bridging fund, N5.85 per litre; Marine Transport Average, N0.15 and Admin Charges, N0.15.

The PPPRA further put official ex-depot price, which is the price depot owners would sell at marketers, at N68.70 per litre, official ex-depot price for collection, N73 per litre while ex-coastal price is N68.02 per litre.

Late December, the PPPRA had on behalf of the Federal Government announced that effective January 1, 2016, Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol, would be sold at N86 per litre by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) retail stations, while other oil marketers would sell at N86.50 per litre.

Executive Secretary of the PPPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, who made the announcement, said the

reduction in the price of the commodity was due to an implementation of the revised components of the Petroleum Products Pricing Template for PMS and household kerosene.

According to him, the revised template, which would be reviewed on quarterly basis, is geared towards ensuring an

efficient and market-driven price that would reflect current realities.

He said: “Since 2007, while crude oil price had been moving up and down, the template remained the same. This had made it necessary for us to introduce a mechanism whereby the template would be sensitive

to the price of crude oil.

“However, the template is not static, as there would be a quarterly review and if there is any major shift, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources would be expected to call for a review, either upward or downward, depending on the market condition.“

VISIT: From left, Consulate General, Political/Economic Section Chief, United States, Thomas Hines; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Grace Oladimeji; Special Representative, Religion and Global Affairs, United States Department of State, Shaun Casey; Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Abdul-Hakeem, and Consulate General/Political Officer, United States, Jessica Tesoriero, during the courtesy visit by the delegates of Consulate General to the Lagos State Home Affairs Ministry, in Lagos.

Nigeria, UAE no longer safe haven for criminals, FG warns

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

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BUJA — THE Federal Government warned, last night, that the United Arab Emirate, UAE, and Nigeria would no longer be safe haven for criminals following last week’s sealing of a string of agreements between the two countries.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, issued the warning in an exclusive interview with Vanguard, last night.

Malami, who was part of the Federal Government delegation that signed the Mutual Legal Assistance, MLA, in Dubai, said with the signing of the MLA, the Nigerian government was sending a strong signal to criminals that it would no longer be business as usual in the two countries.

The minister said the signing of the agreement had created a strong platform to checkmate illegal movement of funds and

assets to the two nations.

The minister said: “The essence of the agreements signed by the two countries is to lay adequate foundation for mutual engagement for crime prevention, commercial interests, extradition and repatriation or claiming of looted funds.

“I can say that nothing is ruled out with the signing of the agreement, which has taken off.

It is to serve a vital notice to criminals in Nigeria that this government will not allow the business-as-usual attitude, which enabled some elements to make away with the assets of Nigeria and stash away for their selfish interest.

“What the agreement seeks to do is to enable UAE to assist Nigeria to obtain exhibits, exchange information in the prosecution of offenders of crimes which was not possible before the coming into effect of the agreements.”

Accurate information from Dubai

The minister explained that with the agreement in place, it would be possible for Nigeria to get timely and accurate information from Dubai on any issue relating to crime and commercial matters with a view to deciding whether or not to prosecute those involved and extradite them.

According to him, the sealing of the pact with Dubai has made it possible for the two nations to initiate investigations and prosecute those suspected to have committed crimes in their countries and repatriate same to serve jail terms back home.

Asked if the agreement was targeted at any particular group, the minister said the signing of the deal was in line with the zero tolerance disposition of the Buhari administration towards corruption.

Malami said while the government did not have any group in mind, it was, however, clear on its motive to stop corrupt elements from milking the nation and getting away with their crimes.

Nigeria to earn N3trn annually from Maritime Security Agency — DG

By Michael Eboh

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BUJA — THE DirectorGeneral of the proposed Maritime Security Agency, Mr. Jacob Ovweghre, weekend, lamented the huge amount the country is losing daily to pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, stating that the passage of its bill currently before the National Assembly would help boost Nigeria’s revenue by N3.1 trillion annually.

Ovweghre, who addressed newsmen in Abuja, further said once it gets the necessary legal backing, issues of pipeline vandalism and fuel scarcity would reduce drastically, while fuel price might drop sharply, as it would deploy all its personnel to oil installations across the country to safeguard the assets from acts of sabotage.

He said the agency, which would be self-financing, would help address the issue of unemployment, as it would create an avenue for over three million youths to be gainfully employed.

He said presently, Maritime Security Agency is operating skeletal services and is involved in intelligence gathering, noting that when its bill is passed, its personnel would be deployed to areas notorious for piracy, pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft to stem the nefarious activities.

He added that its activities would help assure foreign investors that Nigeria’s territorial waters and the country in general, is safe for investment.

He said: “Maritime security is a complex task the world over. It entails protecting all forms of maritime assets, identification and evaluation of special maritime threats and how to comprehensively manage them.

"To achieve the safety of Nigeria’s maritime industry, government must vigorously and robustly explore collaborative synergy with relevant stakeholders and organisations that possess the requisite expertise to enhance the nation’s maritime security.

“It is on this note that we call on President Muhammadu Buhari, who is reputed to be a listening and responsive president, to as a matter of urgent national importance, grant necessary operational approval to the Maritime Security Agency (MASECA) expressly."

10— Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25 , 2016

Why NITDA boss was suspended — MINISTER

BARIGA CULT CLASH: Police arrest kingpin, six other suspects

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

By Ola Ajayi

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BADAN—THE Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu has explained why the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Mr. Peter Jack was suspended.

Shittu, who spoke at the maiden edition of Nigeria Communications Retreat organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications, held at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, at the weekend, said the suspension bordered on illegal recruitment and procurement allegedly carried out in contravention of laid down rules and procedures alien to Civil Service administration.

He said, “I don’t think there is a problem with NITDA. NITDA has a new leadership now even though in Acting capacity. We set up investigative panel to look at things that had gone wrong there in the last three years.

“If the suspended DG contravenes the provision in NITDA, he will forfeit his position but for now, I don’t want to presume anything.”

Residency Card now compulsory for Ondo students

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE— O N D O State government, weekend, said that the presentation of parent’s Residency Card, popularly known as Kaadi Igbeayo was now a condition for registration and participation of students in both internal and external examinations.

The examinations include entrance exam into public and unity secondary schools, Junior secondary school certificate exam as well as NECO and WAEC exams in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade said this in Akure while speaking with newsmen.

Akinmade pointed out that government took the decision to ensure the fulfilment of its desire to have workable data of residents in the state to enable planning,adequate and even distribution of its services to the people.

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HE Lagos State Police Command has arrested seven suspected cultists involved in a supremacy battle in Bariga area of the state last Saturday, which led to the death of a 65year-old woman, Mrs Adejoke Adefuye.

Tragedy occurred in the early hours of the said Saturday when suspected cult members allegedly attacked some residents in Bariga area of Lagos setting the woman ablaze in the process.

Trouble was said to have started when members of Eiye

confraternity, led by one Ibrahim Balogun, clashed with another rival cult group known as Aiye confraternity, led by one Gideon, in a supremacy fight at the area.

The cultists, according to reports, vandalized some vehicles parked along the road in the area, while two members of the Aiye confraternity, known as Bobo and Abayomi Olubola lost their lives in the fracas.

According to an eyewitness, the building located at number 19, Oshinfolarin Street, Bariga was allegedly set ablaze by the rampaging cultists at about 9:00am.

A statement issued, yesterday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Dolapo Badmus confirmed the arrest of the cultists, as well as recovery of some weapons used to carry out the operation.

The arrested suspects include: Afeez Olaide Fagunwa, Nurudeen Lateef, Richard Ewa, Richard Abayomi, Mohammed Musa, Kayode Dada and Adams Adelakun.

Badmus said the second-incommand of one of the cult groups was among those arrested, while three power

bikes, one live cartridge and a tricycle popularly known as Keke Marwa used to get to the scene were also confiscated.

The Police spokesperson said the cultists have been terrorizing the area for some days noting that they were able to make some arrests due to the quick response to the distress calls received concerning the fracas.

Badmus said that the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Gbagada General Hospital for autopsy by the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, SEMHU. She stated that further investigation into the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti.

How victim was burnt

The body of the burnt victim being evacuated by LASEMA officials.

It was gathered that the cultists, during the attack, trapped the occupants inside and set the building on fire. But the victim was unlucky to be caught in the fire and was burnt to death.

General Manager of LASEMA, Mr. Michael Akindele, while confirming the incident, said, “A 65 years old woman, identified as Adejoke Adefuye was burnt beyond recognition in one of the rooms. She was the only mortality recorded and has been taken to a morgue by SEHMU, but other occupants of the building sustained minor injuries that have been treated by LASAMBUS.”

11 years after, Supreme Court confirms death sentence of robber

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

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AGOS—11 years after he murdered his victim, Chinwe Ofomatu in a robbery incident in Festac area of Lagos State, the Supreme Court, at the weekend, confirmed a

death sentence passed on one Nonso Okeke.

He was accused of the murder of Ofomatu on October 28, 2004 at her residence, House 18, A Close, Road 403, Festac Town after a robbery incident.

In a judgement delivered last

Friday by the apex court, it held that the condemned assailant indeed committed the offence of robbery and murder of Ofomatu for which he was found guilty by a Lagos High Court in 2010.

The Supreme Court in a lead judgement, delivered by Justice

Buhari can’t fight corruption alone, says Ajulo, ex-LP scribe

By Dapo Akinrefon

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AGOS—FORMER National Secretary of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Kayode Ajulo has said that it is impossible for President Muhammadu Buhari to combat corruption alone, urging Nigerians to ensure that corruption is dealt with.

According to him, corruption is a cankerworm that must be dealt with in our system and it is so pervasive that President Buhari and his Federal Government can not successfully tackle it alone.

Ajulo, a legal practitioner, argued that the anti-corruption fight cannot be fought alone by the president, saying:

“Individuals, organizations other tiers of government including communities, religious and traditional institutions have roles to play.”

Claiming that in Nigeria today, only Buhari and Federal Government agencies are the one known to be tackling corruption, he wondered what the state governors and their administration are doing about it, expressing worries that the Nigerian Governors Forum has never addressed the corruption issue till date.

He said: “The fight against corruption cannot just be limited to the immediate past regime, just as it must not be limited to past civilian regime while shielding past military leaders some of whom

were actually the architects of corruption in Nigeria and who rose from not having a single bicycle to their name when they forayed into governance to owning ships and oil blocs without doing any business.”

While faulting the selective nature of the anti-corruption war, Ajulo said “it would appear as if it is directed more at members and allies of the PDP, while APC members and those PDP and other parties members that have jumped ship seem to enjoy a kind of immunity. There are serious allegations of corruption emanating from states against some of the APC chieftains, even those serving in the present government which nobody is talking about.”

Musa Dattijo Muhammed, held that the appeal of Nonso Okeke lacked merit, while dismissing same and upheld the decision of the lower courts, according to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice who prosecuted the case.

In a statement issued and signed by the Director, Public Relations, Bola Akingbade said that it took the government more than 10 years in ensuring that justice was served in the murder case.

During hearing, the Lagos State Attorney General was represented by the Director of Public Prosecution, (DPP) Mrs. Idowu Alakija and Mr. Justin Jacobs who prayed the apex Court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the judgment of the lower courts.

The Lagos division of the Court of Appeal had in similar circumstance upheld the judgement of the trial court, which convicted Okeke.

Dissatisfied with the judgement, the convict appealed to the Court of Appeal which again upheld his conviction by the lower court.

The appellant subsequently proceeded to the Supreme Court, which last Friday also confirmed the death sentence passed by the two lower courts.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016 — 11

CONDOLENCE VISIT: From left; Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State; National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun; and Otun Balogun, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin, during a condolence visit to the late Olubadan's residence, in Ibadan, yesterday. Photo: Oyo State Government

From left; Governor Ajimobi; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; and widow of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Olori Moriyike Odulana,during the visit.

One dies, six injured in Ogun auto crash

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—TRAGEDY struck yesterday, when one

person died while six others were injured in a car accident which occurred at Sowo village along the Siun-Kobape-Sagamu-Abeokuta

Expressway in Ogun State.

The Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps,

Olubadan didn’t disappoint us — TINUBU, AKANDE

By Ola Ajayi

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BADAN—CHIEFTAINS of the All Progressives Congress, APC, including a former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, former Interim National Chairman of the party, yesterday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, who passed on last week, saying the monarch did not disappoint them.

The politicians were received by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, state chairman of the party, Chief Akin Oke, Tayo Akinyelure and the Oyo State Speaker, Mr. Michael Adeyemo.

On arrival at the palace, family

members of the dead king, led by Professor Allan Femi Odulana and the widow, Olori Moriyike Lana and some members of the Olubadan-inCouncil, were on ground to receive them.

Tinubu and others poured encomiums on the late Olubadan, describing him as a man of integrity, who left his footprints on the sand of time.

He specifically acknowledged the unquantifiable contribution of the monarch to the success of the party in the last election.

Comparing the late monarch with some kings in the country, he said he stood tall and was not found doing things unexpected of kings.

According to him, the late Olubadan was forthright, downright

and sound in his judgement which propelled the leaders of the party to pay the condolence visit.

Tinubu said: “It is a thing of joy that during the lifetime of Oba Odugbade, he didn’t disappoint us. He didn’t use his tenure to abuse us and he was very truthful. He would always tell the truth to anyone. There is nobody he can’t confront to tell the truth.

It is a thing of joy now that your son is the governor of the state.”

In his tribute, Chief Bisi Akande, who described the reign of the king as very peaceful said, “Baba was our dictionary whom we were consulting always. We pray that God should provide us another dictionary.”

Babatunde Akinbiyi, said the accident involved a Toyota Sienna car with the registeration number JJJ 407 DM, that was travelling to Abeokuta from the Sagamu-end.

According to him, seven people were travelling in the vehicle when the accident occurred.

He said: “The vehicle was on its way to Abeokuta when the accident occurred, there were three males and four females in the car but one of the female passengers died.”

In addition, he said “The remaining three males and three females were injured and they had been taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Idi Aba, Abeokuta. The remains of the victim had also been deposited in the mortuary of the state General Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta.”

He said one of the tyres of the car burst while on motion which led to the accident.

CRIMES: VCs want security beefed up on campuses

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

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DO-EKITI—THE ViceChancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE,

Professor Isaac Asuzu and his counterpart in the Ekiti State University, Prof. Oye Bandele have called on the Federal Government to beef up security on campuses to

‘How corruption can be eradicated in Nigeria'

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—BISHOP, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo has said that corruption can only be eradicated in the country if all Nigerians have positive change of mind.

Odetoyinbo also expressed confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption.

Speaking at the dedication ceremony of the cathedral of C M Y K

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Adatan, Abeokuta, Odetoyinbo said the Catholic church in Nigeria has been at the vanguard of fighting corruption in the country.

He also enjoined all Christians to steer clear of corruption so as to make the country become better.

“The Catholic bishop conference of Nigeria has been talking, Bishop Kukah is talking, Kaigama is talking against corruption and in fact there is a prayer of the catholic church against bribery and corruption for over how many years now.”

prevent the activities of hoodlums who are fond of asaulting students.

They also called for the establishment of a University/ Community Security Committee to ensure continued peace between the university and its host communities.

Speaking while hosting the Executive Chairman, Oye Local Government Area, Mr. Omotayo Ogundare in his office at the weekend, Prof. Asuzu disclosed that there had been reports of students being beaten up and even some female students sexually harassed in the two campuses owned by the university.

He said: “At an instance, a major showdown was averted when a female student was about being molested sexually. I called on the local council executive to use his reach and office to

facilitate this committee for the good of all.”

Asuzu, who said that FUOYE, with a university population of about 4,000 staff and students, added that there was an urgent need to inaugurate this committee, which would nurture existing peaceful co-existence between the two communities and provide pro-active steps to nip threats in the bud.

On his part, Bandele, during a visit to the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Mr. Etom John James; State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr Raji Ibrahim, and the head, Directorate of State Security Services, Mr. Duke Fubara, canvassed for continued security presence in EKSU, adding that the intelligence gathering in university have been very smooth.

Buhari, Osoba, Daniel ex-govs, to commission Amosun’s 40 projects

By Daud Olatunji

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B E O K U TA — OGUN State Government has said that it has invited President Muhammadu Buhari and 11 past governors of the state, including former governors Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel to commission some of the 40 projects as part of the commemoration of 40th anniversary celebration of the state.

Ogun State was created in February 3, 1976 by the late General Muritala Mohammed's government.

Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa disclosed that the February 2 and 3 would be for the commissioning of the 40th anniversary projects across the state which would be performed by President Buhari and past governors of the state.

Adeoluwa, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abeokuta, also explained the plan to initiate the State Executive Council, which would comprise all former governors, ex-State Secretaries to the government and past Heads of Service, who are still alive.

He said: “President Buhari would be in Ogun State between February 2 and 3 to commission some of the projects. Also, we have invited all the past governors, those that are alive, they are 11 and will be part of the celebration.

They are going to commission some projects”.

12—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

Don't scrap Maritime Varsity, Ijaw youths, others beg Buhari

By Emma Amaize & Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA— IJAW youths from the nine states of the Niger Delta have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari not to accede to the planned scrapping of Maritime University at Okerenkoko, Delta State.

Also, Foundation for Human Rights and AntiCorruption Crusade, FHRACC, and Committee for Rural Development Movement, have warned that the Federal Government would be encouraging mayhem if it does not rescind the plan to scrap the maritime university.

FHRACC, in a statement by its National President, Alaowei Cleric, said, “The plan by the Federal Government to scrap the Maritime University can provoke violence in the Niger Delta region.

“The university is the only gain from the Federal Government which can be regarded as a compensation to the educationally disadvantaged region. We recall that the Niger Delta region was once a hot bed of militant activities, which almost ran the country’s economy aground.”

Speaking to reporters at Ayakoromo, Delta State, President of Committee for Rural Development, Asiayei Enaibo, who described the plan to scrap

the university as injustice

by President Buhari to the Niger Delta region, said: “The Niger Delta region was sacrificially made calm and peaceful by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.”

On their part, the youths argued that the university will address the age-long marginalisation of the Niger Delta region, develop manpower in the maritime sector and help the Federal Government in its efforts to diversify the country’s economy.

The Ijaw youths, in a letter addressed to President Buhari, said they were

disturbed by the proposed cancellation of the university by the Minister of Transportation and former governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi.

In the letter by the President of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Udengs Eradiri, the youths kicked against the reasons adduced by Amaechi for the university’s cancellation.

They said that the reasons advanced by Amaechi when he briefed the Senate Committee on Marine, were weak, misleading, highly provocative and inciting.

NDDC seeks monarchs' support to end insecurity in N-Delta

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— NIGER Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has expressed worry over the increasing cases of pipeline vandalism and insecurity in the Niger Delta region, saying that it would impact negatively on the revenue accruing to the commission.

Acting Managing Director of the Commission, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, who spoke weekend, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at a consultative meeting with the executives of Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities, TROMPCON, appealed

for the support of the monarchs to redress the challenges.

She enjoined the traditional rulers to urgently sensitize their subjects against oil theft, vandalism and acts that heighten insecurity in the region.

“This has become even more critical in view of the dwindling oil revenue and serious economic challenges we face today as a nation. We must protect our pipelines and infrastructure,” she said.

Assuring the monarchs of support of the commission to achieve their set out objectives as a body, Semenitari said that the commission was better poised to deliver dividends to the region.

Thai investors arrive C-River to commence $4m Rice City project

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HE management team of Thai-African Corporation Limited, a leading rice producer in Thailand, has arrived Calabar, Cross River State, for the commencement of the development of a Rice City in the state.

The project is estimated to cost over $4 million.

Sited along Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Bypass, the construction of the Rice City is expected to take at least six months.

Managing Director of Thai-Africa Corporation, Mrs Pantipa Dhanagom, who was conducted round the project site, said that the scheme will be a rice seedling centre with the best rice seedligs to be grown in the area.

“It will become a training centre and a one-stop service which will also cater for out-growers in Nigeria

and other African countries,” Dhanagom said.

On the choice of the project site, the MD said: “The land is suitable and is also the best location because it is on the highway and similar to the

one Governor Ben Ayade inspected in Thailand.”

Commenting on the development, Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade said the initiative was to complement Federal Government’s efforts on agriculture.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016—13

Etsako people back Oshiomhole on successor

By Simon Ebegbulem

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E N I N — T H E Iviukhua community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State has thrown its weight behind Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s decision to support a successor who will continue with the ongoing development in the state.

Speaking during a visit to the governor in Benin City, weekend, President-General of Iviukhua community, Dr Kennedy Izuagbe, assured the governor that he has the total support of Iviukhua people.

He appealed to the governor “to diligently search for a worthy successor who will preserve the legacies of your administration and even improve on them.

“Refuse to be deterred by antics or blackmail from any quarter but be wary of sycophants. This is their season. We are, however, not bothered because we know that you are a veteran in this game and we pray God to direct you to make a wise choice.

“We equally urge you to prepare for the challenges ahead as it has become obvious that having successfully dismantled the godfatherism structure in Edo politics, the need for a compassionate and true political leader for our state has become auspicious, especially after November 2016. Iviukhua community, therefore, wants to

formally endorse you as the Political Leader (not godfather) of Edo State upon your successful handover to a new governor in November.”

Responding, Governor Oshiomhole said he remains resolute that only the best would emerge as governor of the state.

He said: “On the issue of political direction, I refuse to be a hypocrite. There are a lot of

things politicians do which I don’t believe in and I chose my style. I emulate what works.

“Everybody holds meetings to choose who they want to support based on individual calculations, but I know for a fact that what we need is a governor that can touch the lives of everyone, that sees Edo as one constituency regardless of where he comes from, the man

who will bond our people together.

“The best way to bond the people together is to extend development across the three senatorial districts and that is why no one can accuse me of not doing anything in any local government. Any local government area I go to, I can point at several projects I have executed."

INSPECTION: Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State with a Junior Secondary II student of West Itam Secondary School, Master Praise Asuquo, who won a laptop in an aptitude test given to him by the governor, during his inspection of the sports centre under construction in the school.

Edo PDP accuses Oshiomhole of commissioning projects not executed by him at AAU

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—EDO State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused Governor Adams Oshiomhole of recently commissioning projects not executed by his government in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, insisting that the projects commissioned were executed by external interventionist bodies.

The party also accused the government of earmarking 86 churches for demolition in the state.

PDP explained that the projects commissioned by the governor were executed through a Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, intervention fund, TETFUND and the Christ Embassy Church, stating that the Oshiomhole administration has never started and completed any project in the university.

State Chairman of the party, Dan Orbih, who stated this in Benin at the party’s annual Widow Empowerment Programme, weekend, where bags of rice were given to hundreds of widows in

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the state, also accused the state government of intolerance to religious groups with its recent actions.

However, Mr. Donald Inwalomhe, who is the Research Assistant to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Cordelia

Agbebaku, said the projects commissioned in the institution in November, 2015 were those sponsored and completed by the state government.

He said, “The governor in 2014 and 2015 released a grant of N250 million and N500

million respectively to the institution. The funds were used to complete the projects. The TETFUND and CBN projects are there. Some have been completed while others are still ongoing but they were never commissioned by the governor.”

Edo 2016: Oshiomhole's choice of aspirant undemocratic —Osegbowa

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HIEF Facilitator, Citizens Efforts for Growth, CEG, Mr Scott Osegbowa, yesterday, in Benin City, Edo State, accused the state governor, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, of undermining democratic tenets and internal democracy with his recent position on his choice of an aspirant becoming candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in this year's governorship election in the state.

Osegbowa said, “This is undemocratic and one is forced to label the governor an anti-democrat.”

Speaking at a media parley

organised by the Association of Future Leaders of Nigeria, Osegbowa faulted Oshiomhole for single handedly promoting and attempting to impose a particular aspirant on his party against the interest of other aspirants jostling for same position.

“It is not only unbecoming of a governor whose mandate streamed from the populace, but it is also inappropriate for the governor to emerge as the state’s new godfather, a position he earlier denounced.

“In the interest of ensuring that our democracy thrives in accordance with the

expectations of a 21st century society, Oshiomhole should discontinue his action and allow the party's primaries to decide its candidate at the poll.

He must give the aspirants a level playing ground to contest and canvass for delegates' votes in the primaries.”

Osegbowa advised the APC to ensure that Oshiomhole treads the path of honour, if it must stand a chance in the main election by allowing free, fair and credible primaries, just as is being championed in the interest of democracy by the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.

Delta rehabilitates roads to check crime wave

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—WORRIED by incessant cases of kidnap on Obior-Igbodo Road, Delta State, the government has moved to rehabilitate bad portions of roads in the state to check the increased criminality on failed roads.

It will recalled that the late Obi of Ubulu-Uku, HRM Obi Akaeze Ofulue III, was abducted on January 5 at one of the failed portions on the Obior-Igbodo Road constructed by the past administration of Chief James Ibori to link communities in Aniocha North and Ika North-East but has been in a bad state in recent times.

Director-General of the state Direct Labour Agency, Mr Frank Enekorogha, whose agency is saddled with the responsibility of road maintenance in the state, said the agency will in the next one week rehabilitate the bad portions of the road, noting that the kidnap of the Ubulu-Uku monarch at a bad spot on the road was unfortunate and condemnable.

Enekorogha, who briefed newsmen on the new board's 100 days in office, said: “Section 8 of the Delta State Direct Labour Agency Law 1999, stipulates, among others things, that the agency shall be saddled with the responsibility of rehabilitation of existing and failed roads, execute new roads and also maintain existing ones in the state.

“In compliance with the provision, the agency, on assumption of office, took a tour of some existing roads and captured 517 across the state. A total of 40 townships and link roads have so far been captured in these 100 days in Asaba, Agbor, Ughelli, Warri and environs.

“Of the 517 roads in the state, two percent represents roads that can be used without any intervention, 15 percent represents roads that need minor intervention and the rest represents roads that needs full intervention.”

14 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25 , 2016

OBSEQUIES FOR PA PIUS OKONKWO NGIGE, FATHER OF DR CHRIS NGIGE AT ST MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, ALOR, ANAMBRA STATE. Photos by Nath Onojake.

Dr Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment (3rd left) and other members of the Ngige family.

More members of the Ngige family.

Chief Segun Osoba, former Ogun State governor Otunba Niyi Adebayo, former governor of Ekiti (left) and Dr Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and State (left) and Chief Bisi Akande, former interim Employment.

Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC.

From left; Chief Segun Osoba; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National Leader, All Progressives Congress, APC and Chief John Oyegun, National Chairman, APC.

Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transport (left) and Dr Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Solid Minerals.

From right; former Vice President Alex Ekwueme and wife, Beatrice; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State; Mrs Ebele Obiano, wife of Governor Willie Obiano and Governor Obiano of Anambra State.

From left; Chief Audu Ogbeh, Minister of Agriculture; Dr Mr. Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra Babachir Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation State (right) and Dr. Chike Akunyili, husband (representing President Muhammadu Buhari and Dr Kayode Fayemi. of ex-NAFDAC boss, Late Prof. Dora Akunyili.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25 , 2016—15

We didn't arraign Biafra protesters half naked —Rivers Police •We will actualize our dream without violence—MASSOB

By Ugochukwu Alaribe & Davies Iheamnachor

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ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State Police Command has distanced itself from the allegation that it brought the pro-Biafran protesters it arraigned before the Magistrate's Court half naked.

This came as the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB expressed determination to realise it 's secession dream without violence.

The River's Police command dismissed the statement and the pictures published by some online media as malicious and deceitful, adding that the force cannot malhandle suspects.This was contained in a press statement issued, weekend, and signed by the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Ahmad Muhammad who said the police did not bring the suspects to the court naked. He said the police force is an institution that has respect for

humanity, adding that the Rivers State Police Command is a responsible agency that had never at any time paraded suspects in such a dehumanizing scene let alone doing so before a court of law .

The statement read in part: “It is instructive to state categorically that the pictures displayed along the news item did not emanate from the command that is known for the respect for the dignity of suspects. A close look at the horrible pictures indicated the people therein are more than ten as against the number stated in the news item.”

The command, Wednesday last week, arraigned ten ProBiafra protesters before Magistrate courts Seven and Fourteen in Port Harcourt on two charges of criminal conspiracy and treasonable felony.

Biafra without violence — MASSOB

Meantime, the leader of the

Chief Ralph Uwazuruike faction of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Solomon Chukwu, has said that an independent state of Biafra would only be achieved without violence.

Chukwu who spoke through MASSOB’s National Director for Information, Sunny Okereafor, condemned the violence and killings which trailed the recent protest calling for the release of Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kanu in Aba, and accused the Uchenna Madu faction of being sponsored by politicians to sabotage Biafra.

According to him, “MASSOB condemns the violence and killings in Aba over the detention of Nnamdi Kanu. We only support peaceful agitation and genuine protest. We don’t carry knives or gun. Our leader, Ralph Uwazuruike has stated severally that Biafra will only be achieved through non-violence. If you watch our activities, we are nonviolent in our approach to the

Biafran struggle. That is why people see us as the genuine proBiafra group. With this violence and killings in Onitsha, Aba and other cities, what have they achieved? Nothing. Why have all these violent protests and killings not led to the release of Nnamdi Kanu? What sense does it make for you to cause violence and killing of the same people you want to liberate? MASSOB has no hand in it.

“The federal government should question Uchenna Madu and his cohorts for the violence and killings in Aba. He has been expelled from MASSOB and should stop using the name of the Movement to commit violence. Anybody doing business with Uchenna Madu under the name of MASSOB does it at his own risk.”

The MASSOB leader urged the federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that his continued detention has heightened the call for an independent state of Biafra and proven the fact that the people of the former Eastern region, are not wanted in Nigeria.

Sacking of 3,000 Imo workers reckless, senseless —Ihedioha O

By Chidi Nkwopara

WERRI—FORMER Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, has described the recent dismissal of over 3,000 workers by Governor Rochas Okorocha, as “most reckless, insensitive and completely lacking in economic sense”.

Chief Ihedioha, who reacted through his media aide, Mr. Chibuike Onyeukwu, equally condemned the scrapping of 19 government parastatals, agencies and departments.

“There is no doubt that the Nigerian economy is facing a downturn as a result of dwindling oil revenue but the solution is not arbitrary disengagement of workers and scrapping of key parastatals, such as the Hospital Management Board, Imo Water Corporation, Imo State Investment Promotion Agency, Imo State Library Board, Agricultural Development Programme and others”, Ihedioha said.

It was the considered opinion of the former Deputy Speaker that “having anchored his election campaign mantra on job, industry, factory and employment, Imo people looked forward to more jobs, employment opportunities and improved working conditions

instead of disengaging the already demoralized workers”.

He condemned Governor Okorocha's penchant for sacking

thousands of workers as the only alternative to addressing economic issues facing the state.

“Choosing to sack thousands of workers as the only viable

option to tackling the state’s dwindled economic base is unfortunate, senseless, uncharitable and anachronistic”, Chief Ihedioha said.

Ikpeazu tasks NDDC on contruction of abandoned road

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By Anayo Okoli

MUAHIA—ABIA State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to construct the Obuohia road whose contract has been awarded for some years now but the Commission has yet to mobilize the contractor to site.

He told NDDC to move in and do the road or pull out so that the state government can reconstruct the road which is a major link road in the commercial city.

Ikpeazu said that the road is very vital to the economic and social life of Aba residents and that it could not be left unattended to even as he lamented the hardship the bad condition of the road inflicted on the residents of the area.

According to Ikpeazu, his government is encumbered in working on the road because of the existing contract awarded to the NDDC for years without anythingbeingdoneontheroad.

DPR to tackle diversion of petroleum products in Aba

By Ugochukwu

A

COMMISSIONING: From right: Archbishop of Enugu Methodist Church, Most Rev. Christopher Ede; deputy governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; Methodist National Women Fellowship President, Mrs. Nneoma Florence, and, Prelate of the church, Dr. Samuel Uche, during the commissioning of Wesley Specialist Hospital, at Ebila, Enugu State.

Osinbajo in Anambra, mourns Pa Ngige

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA—VICE President Yemi Osinbajo was yesterday at Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, where he joined other Nigerians in mourning the passing away of Pa Pius Okonkwo Ngige, the father of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Dr Chris

Ngige.

Condoling the family at St Mary’s Catholic Church shortly after the thanks-giving service for the successful burial ceremony, Osinbajo urged the family to take heart, adding that Pa Ngige left a legacy worthy of emulation.

According to him, “the good work of Pa Ngige will speak for him”

The church service was conducted by the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, Rt. Rev. Isizor Dennis Chidi.

Born 105 years ago, Pa Ngige was known for his love for humanity and disciplinarian attitude.

In his response Senator Ngige thanked the VP for making out time to be physically present despite his tight schedule.

Alaribe

BA—THE Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, Aba Zonal field, has vowed to enforce stiffer sanctions against petroleum marketers who indulge in diversion and selling of petroleum products above government approved pump prices.

In an interview with newsmen in Aba, Controller of Operations, DPR, Aba Field Office, Paschal Ezemandu, warned that DPR in conjunction with other agencies including the Department State Services DSS, would next week; embark on monitoring of the products' sales to ensure that marketers comply with the approved pump price.

Ezemandu disclosed that through their routine surveillance, they have been able to identify two major marketersinAbawhowereinthe habitofdivertingproductsmeant for their stations to other places.

16 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016 SINCE it was established in 1999 via Decree (now Act) 35 of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has been tasked with the overall goal of enhancing access to quality and affordable health care for all Nigerians. This scheme eventually saw the light of day 27 years after it was first mooted in 1962 as the Lagos Health Bill.

But since it became operational in 2005, the scheme has not been on track to meet its primary target of providing universal coverage for all Nigerians by 2015. Its poor implementation has not justified the years of spadework invested before it became a reality.

For many years now, the state of the health system in Nigeria has been in jeopardy. Even after 55 years of independence, Nigeria still ranks low among the World Health Organisation (WHO) member nations.

But health insurance in Nigeria remains fraught with a lot of problems. Apart from being

Reforming the health insurance scheme operated strictly with the government’s contributions, the NHIS has not ensured that every Nigerian has access to good health care services.

Today, there is little or no protection of individuals or families from the financial hardship of huge medical bills. Many individuals have no faith in the Scheme, while a number of corporate bodies have withdrawn from it. Treatment from accredited hospitals is often questionable.

While consumers often accuse healthcare providers of being too profit-conscious, many hospitals

complain of non-payment of the bills of patients treated by them.

Clients also moan that many diseases are not covered and they are given substandard drugs.

The nation’s healthcare system deserves urgent reform a t i o n .

What Nigerians need is a universal healthcare system which will increase coverage, reduce maternal and child mortality, while increasing life expectancy of the generality of the citizenry.

We must refocus the policy to ensure it meets its laudable objectives.

It is time to provide the legal framework for a new policy shift in

order to help poor Nigerians. This is the era of Universal Health Care.

Nigeria must take a cue from the industrialised countries and follow the good examples of successful implementation. The existing national health policy only guarantees consumer protection and access to care for citizens on paper. The NHIS as it is and the Universal Health Coverage are poles apart.

Universal Health Coverage should not only involve massive government investment in the health sector, it also encompasses contributions from individuals and corporate organisations, which should be encouraged to invest generously as part of their responsibility and relevance to the society.

We believe that any social programme that only caters for government sector workers while leaving the mass of Nigerians outside the government payroll cannot suffice.

Let us take another look at the NHIS and make it work.

OPINION

Nigeria, an econom economyy in pains

By Paul Odili

Whether Nigerians realize it or not, a postoil economy is here. Attitudes and habits simply have to change. Consumption of all things foreign and imported, trivial and unimportant is unsustainable andmust change. Nigeria is broke. Its government cannot balance its budget and will have to borrow to fund its growth. Government as the biggest game in town is over. Nigerian government simply cannot continue with its ways of consuming and spending public resources.It is corrupt and inefficient.

In addition, Nigeria seems to bemerely rearranging chairs even as the titanic has hit the iceberg and is sinking. The urgency, the panic that should ginger rapid action is lacking. We have been more reactive than proactive. President Buhari has been extremely slow in coming up with serious plans to address the challenges of the moment. This is regrettable.

However, on two levels, the Buhari administration has shown resolve and the result is showing. Anti-corruption and the fight against Boko haram terrorists is a success, even though the efforts are ongoing and therefore should be pressed to its logical conclusion. Nevertheless, commendable as the anti-corruption fight is, what is tragic is the lack of general support and strong expression of outrage,by many C M Y K

commentators and Nigerians on the continuing revelations of massive looting and corruption by senior functionaries and chieftains of the previous administration.Nigeria has become a propagandist haven. Every imaginable spin doctor is at work. The effect is that Nigerians are not united in supporting this war, at a time the anti-corruption fight yearns for national cohesion and united strength.

However, as decisive as the President is on the issue of corruption, he has not shown the same level of direction on the economic front.

An economy in pains as Nigeria is should not be without an implementable budget— it does not matter if the Constitution says government can operate the previous budget into the next quarter.

Much of what the President promised Nigerians during his election campaign is contained in the budget proposal to the National Assembly in December and so should have become operational right now.

Time is being lost, because the President took a long time to form his government. The six months he took to form his government is hurting the service delivery of the government. If anyone in APC thinks the time lost will ever be recovered, the person is living in a fools’ paradise. The Buhari administration is going to live with lost time,

The Supreme Court has the final chance to redeem what is left of its image

and Nigeria will bear the consequence of this delay.

The budget impasse is a tardiness that should have been avoided had the Buhari team being put in place as quickly as possible.

There is nothing like hitting the ground running. I appreciate his desire to have records and proper clarification of what his predecessor left behind, but it took such a long time—needlessly so.

For an underachieving economy buffeted by declining oil revenue, time was so scarce a quicker uptake was badly needed. Now Seven months into office, it is hard to point to any tangible economic success of the administration. We see rising inflation, fall in value of the naira, fall in the external reserve; in short, although this is not yet official, it is clear the economy is in recession. That is, if you overlook the historical underperformance of the economy, which has a long record of being a jobless economic growth even at a time it is estimated to be growing at 7-9%. Today, with growth forecast of around 4-5% as best case scenario, all things being equal. Even that, it is unclear which sector will even drive this modest growth. It used to be oil. Now oil is flat lining. At the same time that scenario might not even be achieved. In which case, we might be looking at 2-3% growth this year. In all this, government must find ways to boost spending rather than cut public expenditure. Attempt to impose austerity will simply worsen the situation.

Yet, Nigeria to double its GDP in the next 4-5 years must strive to achieve a double digit growth rate. With a population growth of around 0.03% Nigeria is growing too fast for the rate of economic growth that it is so

far able to muster. So halving poverty over the next five years is a herculean undertaking. Household income must go up and not decline. Nigeria must industrialise as quickly as it can. Generally, no society has figured out how to prosper without industrializing. Nigeria cannot be an exception. What is unclear even with the aforesaid is what Nigeria will do with the millions of unemployed. Right now there is no clear idea by anyone about what to do with the Nigerian youth coming out of the university.

Nigeria in moving to a post-oil economy must attract global finance and investment.

With collapsing oil prices,Nigeria is in competition with the rest of OPEC members and elsewhere seeking global capital and investment, as diversification becomes a major imperative. There is a lot of housekeeping that needs to be done.

Nigeria’s ranking in ease of doing business is abysmal. I just don’t think any serious investor will make Nigeria a home with what is on the ground. Our cities are filthy, our infrastructure is very poor and we demean ourselves by our beggarly (read corrupt) attitude for a lack of better word. In short the road ahead is very tough.

Crude oil price is also falling because the speculative power that undergirds oil price movement is over. As a matter of fact, OPEC as a cartel has finally run its course as an influential body. The world is so full of oil that the 30% OPEC controls is now not as important as it used to be. And for good reasons. Technology: hydrofracking technologies as well as renewable

L L

JANUARY25,2016

‘Devaluation'll trigger crisis in banking sector’ Banks may write off 50% loans to upstream Devaluation will halt bank asset quality Capital adequacy ratio declines Rising non performing loans

By OMOH GABRIEL

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a 2 basis points decline in return on equity to 10 per cent and 20 per cent devaluation. We however acknowledge investors’ concerns about the performance of the loan book in the event

igeria may miss out of the $100trillion booming digitilisation if government and the organized private sector do not come together to evolve policy that will enable the country tap into the gains of the fourth industrial revolution sweeping across the globe.

At the weekend, the World Economic Forum said that the combined value to society and industry of digital transformation across industries could be greater than $100 trillion over the next 10 years. The Forum also disclosed

Continues on page 18

Continues on page 18

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grim and management teams alluded to this but in our view, the banks are not reflecting this sufficiently in their guidance. Our base case for the sector assumes a margin decline of at least 30 basis point on average; a 70 basis points increase in CoR to 2.4 per cent,

Who blinks first?

The report said: “The outlook appears

MEETING - From left: Senior Programme Officer, UNIDO Regional Office, Nigeria, Mr. Chuma Ezedinma; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Dr. Mrs. Nike Akande and Managing Director, PTC, UNIDO Headquarters, Vienna, Mr. Philippe Scholtes during a business meeting on Industrialisation at the LCCI office in Lagos.

By OMOH GABRIEL, Business Editor

igerian Banks are projected to suffer more from another devaluation should the CBN concede to pressure to devalue the naira. The banks will suffer asset erosion, reduced income from foreign exchange transaction and loan default from customers. This is the summary of a study conducted by Renaissance Capital on banks operating in the country.

The report said: “We see a three-fold impact on Nigerian banks from a naira devaluation: capital, foreign exchange income and asset quality. It said that three banks' capital adequacy ratios (CARs) are the most sensitive to a weaker naira given that they do not have sufficient foreign exchange tier 2 capital buffers to shield them from the impact of devaluation. It said that FBNH, Skye, Ecobank Nigeria and FCMB would probably be quickest to breach minimum CAR requirements and feel the pressure to raise capital.

According to Renaissance Capital “GTBank, Fidelity and Stanbic witnessed the most significant jumps in foreign exchange income in the fourth quarter of 2014 and first quarter of last year when the naira was devalued and history could repeat itself. The asset quality impact is more difficult to estimate, but we expect an increase in cost of risk."

C M Y K

Nigeria may may miss miss Nigeria out of of digital digital out dividend put put at at dividend $100trn $100trn

18 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

Cover

Education For Enterprise Development and Revolution (1) BRIEFING - From left Segun Sowande, Partner, Management Consultancy; Tola Adeyemi, Partner and Head, Audit Services and Nike James, Partner, Tax Regulatory and People Services, all of KPMG during press briefing on the 2nd KPMG CFO survey report held in Lagos.

Devaluation'll trigger crisis in banking sector Continues from page 17 of another devaluation and a continued decline in oil prices.

“We think the prolonged decline in oil prices leaves the sector facing unprecedented risks, including foreign exchange scarcity, which no bank or the regulator appeared to have factored in as a plausible scenario. The two sectors the banks have aggressively lent to since 2009 are where we think some of the most significant risks lie – oil and gas upstream and services (c. 20% of total loans in 9M15) and power (4% of total loans). We therefore explore a worst-case scenario where the banks write-off 50 per cent of their exposures to upstream, services and power, as well as 10 per cent of the remainder of the loan book.

“This leads to a spike in FY16E CoR to 19% on average; but the banks are not assuming this happens and neither are we today. However, we think that should oil prices continue their steady decline, it could be a matter of who blinks first in provisioning for the extensive loans before the domino effect sets in. Nigerian banks are facing significant asset quality risks that could crystallise in the near term. The trigger of these risks was singular – the sharp and elongated decline in oil prices.

“In our note: Nigerian banks: The nature of growth and risk, published 1 December 2014, we argued that the banking sector was in a different place compared with 2009. While we maintain the view that the sector’s risk management is significantly better than during the previous crisis in 2009, we now think the prolonged and continuous decline in oil prices presents the sector with unprecedented scenarios that risk management systems at both the banks and regulator would have to deal C M Y K

with for the first time on this scale of magnitude. The risks arise not solely from the impact of low oil prices on the direct lending the banks have made to oil and gas firms, but also from the ancillary impact this has had on economic growth, which has declined to 2-3 per cent from 5-6 per cent historically, and FX liquidity, which has materially affected the CBN’s ability to satisfy demand for FX. “In our view, the challenge with managing these risks is not only that none of the banks assumed an economic scenario where foreign exchange becomes scarce, but that the longer the difficult conditions persist, we could see banks needing to recapitalise, or see forced mergers, with the regulator stepping in to coordinate the process.

“We must say that the banks are today not assuming any of these scenarios could play out, but when we step back to appraise the picture over the past three years, there are fairly obvious signs on the wall that investors should not ignore.

It said: “Regulation is stifling the banks and the recent revision of Basel 2 guidelines, which

We must say that the banks are today not assuming any of these scenarios could play out, but when we step back to appraise the picture over the past three years, there are fairly obvious signs on the wall that investors should not ignore.

takes off 2-4ppts on average from the CAR of some banks, is just another capital difficulty the banks have to deal with very quickly after the initial transition to Basel 2 from Basel 1 in 2015; the low interest rate environment does more harm than good for the sector as it significantly reduces the banks’ buffers to take through asset quality stress in a cycle where this is critical; and that the direction of economic management is highly uncertain given the lack of clarity on how the new administration would address a number of critical economic issues."

Renaissance Capital further said: “Maybe we are too pessimistic but what we have continued to see is the banks living in the hope that oil prices would recover, but that has not played out so far. At sub $30/bl, we think the fundamental performance of the assets the banks are exposed to are questionable even if they are restructured, again. Some of these loans when restructured to $40-45/bl levels, had their repayment tenors extended to as long as seven to eight years.

“The question we ask now is if oil prices do not recover, whether the principals of these companies had such a long-term horizon when these acquisitions were undertaken, or assumed that they could technically be working for the banks for such a prolonged period – we doubt it.

The other side of the risk is the challenge the banks could face in repaying the obligations on the eurobonds they issued, as most of the funding was lent to companies in the power and oil and gas sectors.

“These are two sectors on which we stress the impact on CoR and TPs for the banks in our universe if 50 per cent of

Continues on page 17

T

HE Vanguard Newspaper had a candid question for a senior office-bearer of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria - are “our young graduates... not employable anymore?” The answer is a shocking indictment of the state of Nigerian education: “You cannot talk to a graduate and be convinced that he is one.”

This admission by a captain of industry confirms the essential suspicion about the quality of education in Africa’s second largest economy. Tangentially, it’s gestures towards the problems of massive unemployment, brain-drain, and manpower shortages that continue to cripple domestic efforts to achieve rapidly sustainable growth. For qualified youth looking for a job, it also explains the prolonged and intensive pre-recruitment tests that Nigerian corporate houses insist on before jarring local talent.

Western education first came to Nigeria with missionaries in the middle of the 19th century, who set up the country’s first schools. By the time Nigerians declared independence from colonial rule in 1960 there were three distinct education systems in operation: indigenous community training apprenticeship in rural areas, schools of Islamic learning and finally formal education provided by European-influenced institutions.

Although pressure on the formal education system remained intense in the following, the collapse of global oil prices in the early 80’s forced huge reductions in government spending on education. The outcome was a gradual degradation at all levels of learning, from primary schools to universities, and a corresponding fall in literacy and employment rates. According to a 2005 report, the overall literacy rate had fallen from 72% in 1991 to 64% at the end of the last century. More disturbing facts were put forward by the Employment and Growth Study launched by the Nigerian government and the World Bank’s International Development Agency in 2008. According to this study, unemployment levels remained unfazed between despite a 7% growth of non-oil economy in the same period. Moreover, while job opportunities grew corresponding with the labour force, youth unemployment actually showed substantial increase. The reports note accordingly that “Nigeria’s growth performance has not responded to the employment aspirations of its population as a whole”. Despite considerable initiatives in the fields of education and employment generation, one out of five Nigerian adults continues to be unemployed according to some estimates, and only every tenth university graduate ever manages to get a job.

The findings are revelatory in the context of Abuja’s frantic efforts to priortise educational restructuring as a tool for economic competitiveness. It is also a sad commentary on the efficacy of well-intended but probably token policy initiatives - like the compulsory entrepreneurship training programme for all college graduates ordered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

While the relative merits of such measures can be debated endlessly, the focus on enterprise is hardly in question. Emerging out of a turbulent economic and political history at the beginning of the new millennium, the civilian leadership in Nigeria was grasped with the formidable challenge of reversing decades of economic stagnation and negative growth trends. Abuja’s answer to accelerated development was vigorous enterprise promotion in the SME space. The government simultaneously embarked on an enthusiastic reforms programme aimed at correcting basic microeconomic imbalances, eradicating poverty and raising average living standards. No further consolidate national ambitions, it signed the United Nations Millennium Declaration of 2000 for universal human rights and formally adopted targets to establish Nigeria as one of the top 20 world economies by 2020. With its abundance of natural and human resources, Nigeria is primed to drive an enterprise revolution that will deliver explosive growth and sufficiently diversify the economy beyond its traditional obsession with oil and gas. Education is critical to the scheme of things because of its direct like to productivity, and because the extent of Nigeria’s economic growth is fundamentally dependent on the skills of its workforce.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016 — 19

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hen the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, IMF, Christine Lagarde came to have a chat with Nigeria's economic managers and policy makers, she warned that Nigeria should watch the rising debt profile of the country. Christine Lagarde is not against borrowing but borrowing for consumption. She must have been briefed on the 2016 draft budget expenditure and income profile of the country.

The 2016 draft budget seeks to spend N6.08 trillion, an increase of about 20 per cent from last year. It is based on an oil price of $38 per barrel. The expected revenue projection is N3.86 trillion resulting in a more than double deficit of N2.22 trillion, or 2.16 per cent of the overall, 14 per cent debt to GDP ratio.

Looking at the draft budget, to enjoy the highest forecast Works and Housing statement it has failed the litmus test of a growth both this year and next. saying the pipeline vandals good budget. The government The projections for China are caused losses in gas sales and, as a result of the impact on gasbased the revenue it intends to again unchanged.

The WEO has also trimmed fired power stations, electricity earn from oil on a crude oil price of $38 per barrel and estimated its growth forecast for Nigeria shortages. The sabotaged that the country will produce on for this year from 4.3 per cent pipeline, which contributes to the average 2.2 million barrels to 4.1 per cent. For 2017, it has the Escravos Lagos Pipeline per day. Since the draft budget penciled in 4.2 per cent. The System, has led to a loss of 160 was sent to the National commodity forecasts do not million standard cubic feet per Assembly events have make great reading for day (mmscfd) of gas, which policymakers. ministry spokesman, Hakeem overtaken the estimates and Nigerian assumptions on which the draft Average non-fuel commodity Bello said equated to a daily cost budget is based. As at last prices are projected to fall again of about $400,000.

“This is in addition to losses week, crude oil price sank this year, by -9.5 per cent yearfurther to $27 per barrel. on-year, before staging a modest to be incurred daily from affected power generation. The Indications are that the 0.4 per cent recovery in 2017.

Besides the gloomy outlook in pipelines are being actively projected revenue from oil will not be realisable. The the international marketplace monitored for further attacks or International Energy Agency for the nation, the volume that other unforeseen impacts,” he has predicted that the current Nigeria could produce and sell added.

As if this is not bad enough low price of crude will bottom in the open market is currently out at $20 per barrel. Other under threat. The resumption of the lifting of sanction on Iran crude oil market experts foresee militancy in the Niger-Delta oil has put another spanner in the price going as low as $10 portends a grave danger for the the works of the 2016 budget.

South Africa and other per barrel. If these scenarios are 2016 budget.

If the Federal Government taken into account, about 50 per cent of revenue projection from carries out its tough stance on oil will certainly not be realised the issue, it will result in full given the fact that production scale hostility and the militants and the volume sold are may as usual return to the achievable as projected in the trenches and sabotage oil production. draft budget.

Already attacks on pipelines There are no indications of any immediate relief from this have cost around N470 million cul-de-sac the nation’s finances a day in lost gas and electricity. are in at the moment. The IMF’s The attacks in the southern oillatest World Economic Outlook producing Niger Delta region (WEO) has again trimmed its followed years of relative calm forecast for world output growth after a 2009 amnesty halted a in 2016, from 3.6 per cent to 3.4 spate of attacks on oil per cent. The principal losers for installations and kidnappings 2016 are the US, 2.6 per cent of expatriate workers. Last from 2.8 per cent, Brazil Wednesday, NNPC said it had projected to a contraction of - shut two of its four refineries due 3.5 per cent from -1.0 per cent to crude supply problems and Russia to -1.0 per cent from following the attacks. This was -0.4 per cent. India continues followed by Ministry of Power,

2016 draft budget is a huge joke

If this is what change portends for Nigeria, 2016 being APC 's first federal budget, then nothing cheering is coming from Mr. President’s team

traditional allies of Iran that were picking Nigeria crude have indicated that they will now be buying from Iran.

Already India and other Asian countries to which Nigeria prospected for market share when America ditched Nigeria oil, are buying from elsewhere.

It is a double jeopardy for the 2016 budget that all of these are happening. If the price gets too low and the volume produced or sold fall below the draft budget benchmark, where is the government going to source money from to finance the budget if passed by the National Assembly as presented?

Borrowing, of course.

Another lapse in the 2016 draft budget is the provision that recovered funds from political thieves will be used to finance the budget. What the government did not say is how soon will the loots from these political thieves be recovered to meet the financing target of the budget? How much has the government recovered so far that it is optimistic it will use the fund to finance the budget?

What magic wand has the presidency to secure court conviction and order to realise this? What about those who have their loots abroad? Is the government going to compel foreign courts to give judgment in its favour to get the loots back within a record time?

Nigerians must come to terms with the fact that in 2016, the Federal Government, if it has to implement the budget to its letter, will have to borrow and borrow again and again.

Cover Nigeria may miss out of digital dividend put at $100trn Continued from page 17 that the combinatorial ”effects of digital technologies that is mobile, cloud, artificial intelligence, sensors and analytics among others are accelerating progress exponentially, but that the full potential will not be achieved without collaboration between business, policy-makers and NGOs." Nigeria attempt at digitisation is said to be hampered by funding.

Last year, a two-day workshop on digitisation held in Lagos to provide opportunity to appraise the process and map out strategies to ensure that the switch over C M Y K

is accomplished with least or no hitches.

Essentially, the event gave participants the unique opportunity to update themselves on the latest policy

direction and technical requirements for the digital transition in Nigeria.

Reviewing the process, Chairman, DigiTeam Nigeria, Mr. Edward Idris Amana, an

engineer, enumerated some strategic steps taken in order to realise the digital transition project as mandated by the GE 06 Agreement endorsed by the Member States of ITU at the

Here is where the comment by the IMF Managing Director comes handy. It will be an economic suicide for government to borrow to pay the salary of its civil servants.

Borrowing to build roads, railways and other socioeconomic amenities is justifiable as long as it will enhance the economy. But borrowing to pay salaries of civil servants will put the nation on a debt cliff it will not be able to get out of in a short time.

The draft budget contains a deficit that will be plugged with N1.84 trillion of borrowing, N900 billion from international debt markets, with domestic borrowing of N984 billion.

Oil sales will provide N820 billion, less than the N1.45 trillion projected for non-oil revenues such as corporate taxes and customs duties.

The Debt Management Office and the Central Bank of Nigeria will be hard pressed this year to raise money for the Federal Government to run the affairs of the country. The real fear now is that this government may resort to financing its activities through Ways and Means. If this happens and it is not within the regulated limit, the economy will suffer hyperinflation, then stagflation will follow and that will be it. The big question is who will stop this government from carrying out its plan? No one will stand in the way.

If this is what change portends for Nigeria, 2016 being APC's first federal budget, then nothing cheering is coming from Mr. President’s team.

World Radio Conference in Geneva in 2006.

The agreement, he noted, anticipated new digital plan that involved re-distribution of frequency bands to accommodate new. Engineer Continues on page 20

Devaluation'll trigger crisis in banking sector Continues from page 18 these loans are written off, along with 10 per cent of the remainder of the loan book. We enumerate the risks the sector faces in 2016 as follows: the looming risk of another round(s) of devaluation, hurting capital and asset quality, margin squeeze from low interest rates, potential non-

interest revenue losses from commission on turnover removal, weaker foreign exchange income from trading and trade finance activities, higher impairments arising from a weaker economic backdrop, weaker oil price and currency, and potential fall-back to the banking sector from the new government’s active anti-

corruption drive.

“To us, it appears that the banks face significant revenue and asset quality headwinds in an environment of potentially weak credit growth, while not enough is being said today about cost cutting. In light of these risks, we examine the implications of low rates on the margin outlook for the sector, the

impact of a weaker naira on capital and NPLs, the impact of revisions to Basel 2 CAR computation guidelines and drivers of the NIR outlook. We also discuss our views on the likelihood of Nigerian banks defaulting on their eurobond obligations.

20 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

Business & Economy

Nigeria may miss out of digital dividend put at $100trn Continued from page 19 Amana recalled: “Nigeria, like all other Member States of I n t e r n a t i o n a l Telecommunications Union (ITU) Region 1, signed the Geneva 2006 Agreement on Transition from Analogue to Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting.” Nigeria is not yet digitisation compliant. The meeting of business leaders and top government officials held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland at the weekend said that the “combined value” to society and industry of the digitisation that is already occurring in every industry could generate upwards of $100 trillion over the next 10 years, with society set to gain more than business.

However, this transformation also brings with it risk, according to new research by the World Economic Forum.

According to the research findings, “With digitisation affecting every industry and creating new ways of capturing and creating value, the research, which is part of the Forum’s Digital Transformation of Industries (DTI) project, focuses on the “combinatorial” effects of digital technologies – mobile, cloud, artificial intelligence, sensors and analytics, among others.

“Examples of societal value generated by digitisation include mass adoption of autonomous vehicles and usage-based car insurance, which could save up to 1 million lives a year worldwide by 2025. In the electricity sector, a cumulative reduction in carbon emissions worth $867 billion by 2025 could be achieved through the adoption of digital technologies, principally through smarter asset planning”.

The findings further said that the pace of innovation can be illustrated by the fact that, while it used to take Fortune 500 companies an average of 20 years to reach a billiondollar valuation; digital startups are reaching the same milestone in just four years.

The research suggests that, once limitations preventing the mass-market commercialisation of enabling technologies such as battery storage and wireless charging are overcome, the pace of change could accelerate.

It said “However, the digital transformation of industries comes with risks attached that will require careful management by all stakeholder groups. One such risk is inequality, which could be exacerbated if access to digital skills is not made available to all. Another is C M Y K

ROUNDTABLE - From left: Mr Peter Folikwe, MD/CEO Berger Paints PLC; Mr Paul Uduk, MD, Vision and Talent; Mrs Charity Ikem-Ibeabuchi, MD, Kenony Investment Ltd; Mr Eboizi Okoruwa, MD, Board Choice Ltd and Mrs Ariet Cyril, MD Ariet Paul Associates at the Vision and Talent Executive Business roundtable held in Lagos. Photo Lamidi Bamidele. trust, which has been eroded by growing concerns over data privacy and security. This will only be overcome with improved norms of ethical behaviour”.

According to the research findings when it comes to business, benefits are by no means guaranteed.

Conservative corporate cultures and short-termism combine, for example, to discourage many businesses from taking radical steps to disrupt their own industry by embracing new technologies.

One example is electricity distribution, where few utilities have actively embarked on cannibalising their legacy businesses by offering subsidised renewable technologies such as solar.

This represents a missed opportunity, according to the DTI research – produced in collaboration with Accenture – as the pace and scale of societal gains from digital could be greater if driven by the innovation of incumbents than by the disruption introduced by new entrants

Nigeria attempt at digitisation is said to be hampered by funding.

Mark Spelman, Co-Head, Future of the Internet Initiative, World Economic Forum. said “Society and the environment stand to gain the greatest share of the rewards from digitisation through improvements to welfare, health and other means. To capitalise fully, however, policy-makers must put in place an agile regulatory environment and incentive mechanisms that unlock investment, while businesses must fully embrace sustainable business practices. There is a

win win for business and society if we can look beyond immediate commercial gain in favour of long term value creation,” Mark Knickrehm, Group Chief Executive, Accenture Strategy, Accenture, USA speaking on the issue said “This in-depth industry analysis proves that there can be no business strategy today without digital strategy. Being digital means being ready to go beyond technology investments to embrace wider organisational and cultural

change, to succeed, business leaders must be able to balance existing capabilities with big-bet investments in entirely new digital business models. And they must be prepared to take risks with partners across industry borders”.

The DTI initiative serves as the focal point for new opportunities and themes arising from digitisation. It has been informed by over 230 expert interviews from business, government and academia and engagement with more than 100 of the Forum’s Partner organisations.

Over 2,500 leaders from business, government, international organisations, civil society, academia, media and the arts participated in the 46th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in DavosKlosters, Switzerland.

Taking a formative role in shaping the discussion at the Annual Meeting 2016 as the Co-Chairs are: Mary Barra, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, General Motors, USA; Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Brussels; Satya Nadella, Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft Corporation, USA; Hiroaki Nakanishi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hitachi, Japan; Tidjane Thiam, Chief Executive Officer, Credit Suisse, Switzerland; and Amira Yahyaoui, Founder and Chair, Al Bawsala, Tunisia.

Invest in Nigeria — NIPC tells investors

By Favour Nnabugwu

N

igerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has said this is the time for investors to come and invest in Nigeria, saying the challenges facing the country at the moment is an ample opportunity for investors. The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Uju Aisha Hassan-Baba who made the call in Abuja while receiving an Investment delegation from Chinese Africa Investment Limited in her office said, the Commission is ever ready to assist investors on the diversification policy of the Federal Government to promote the non-oil sectors of the economy.

She described the influx of foreign Investors into the country even in the first month of the year as a manifestation of the present administration of Present Muhammadu Buhari policy direction and good governance, stressing that “any of our present challenges is an opportunity to invest”. Hassan-

Baba expressed the determination of the Commission to take Nigeria to a future beyond oil, hence it is vigorously promoting the non-oil sectors and ensuring that investors are given a hand-holding support and provided with all the services they require.

She commended them for having confidence in the country by investing their resources and promised to support them in order to expand their business so as to provide more jobs and create wealth for Nigerians. The NIPC boss maintained that the Commission is the only agency of government that is charged with the responsibility of promoting and attracting investment into the economy and also has the legal framework on all investment related matters, adding that the Commission will provide both potential and existing investors with all the necessary assistance and “After Care Services” including the required incentives for the realization of their investment in the country.

The Leader of the delegation who is also the Chairman of

Chinese African Limited, Dr. Chukwu Tony Chime stated that “Nigeria economy will grow faster if an enabling environment is created by this administration to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the economy ”, adding, “most leading economies of the world developed their respective countries through the inflow of FDI”. Chime said his Group will partner with the Commission in order to attract more FDI into the economy, noting that “Chinese African Limited works closely with a Consortium of both Chinese Investors and Investors from United Arab Emirates (UAE) to make unflinching contributions towards Nigeria’s national development”.

In his comment, the Financial Adviser of the Group and former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Obadiah Mailafia described the Nigeria investment climate as very conducive for investment to thrive, noting that the so-called insurgency in the North-East of the country has been decimated and cannot stand the inflow of investment.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016 — 21

Banking & Finance

NECA demands reversal of CBN’s directive on N50 stamp duty

By VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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IGERIA Employers Consultative Association, NECA, has expressed serious concern over the recent directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to all Deposit Money Banks, DMB, to commence charging N50 per eligible transaction in accordance with the provisions of the Stamp Duties Act and Federal Government Financial Regulations (2009).

The umbrella body for employers in the country in a statement while calling for immediate reversal of the directive, warned that if allowed to stay would not only worsen the poverty level in the country, it would also, increase the burden on firms in the country.

NECA in the statement by its Director General, Mr. Segun Oshinowo, equally noted that there was a pending case at the Court of Appeal on this subject matter between Kasmal International Services Limited and Access Bank and 23 others, and urged the Federal Government not to increase the burden on the citizens and firms in the economy The statement read in part: “The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has expressed grave concern over the recent directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to all Deposit Money Banks (DMB) to commence the charging of N50 per eligible transaction in

accordance with the provisions of the Stamp Duties Act and Federal Government Financial Regulations (2009). It would be recalled that Organised Businesses had opposed attempts by the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) to compel companies to affix a N50 postal stamp on all receipts, invoices and documents evidencing transaction of N1, 000 and above.

“There is a pending case at the Court of Appeal on this subject matter between Kasmal International Services Limited and Access Bank & 23 others. NIPOST is aware of this development and all parties, as law abiding citizens, were expected to await the pronouncement of the court."

He stated further that “the power to administer the Stamp Duties Act is within the purview of the

Commissioner for Stamps as provided for in Section 6 of the Act, and not NIPOST or CBN and that the Act did not make the affixing of postage stamp mandatory, neither did the Act specify the value to be a N50 postage stamp.

NECA urges the Buhari

Nigeria should take a cue from other climes where, Stamp Duty’s applicability is limited to purchases involving large sums like a house purchase or importation of goods

administration not to introduce policies that will increase the burden on the citizens and firms within the economy.

Nigeria should take a cue from other climes where, Stamp Duty’s applicability is limited to purchases involving large sums like a house purchase or importation of goods as against the position of applying N50 postage stamp to all receipts given by any bank (or financial institution) in acknowledgement of services rendered in respect of electronic transfer and teller deposits.”

Mr. Oshinowo advised that “President Buhari will do well by ignoring the call by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to boost the revenue base of the Federal Government through this means which will increase the burden on citizens and kill struggling businesses.”

he Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has commended the Management of Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) for compliance with the submission of its audited financial statements of 20072014 and prompt payment of operating surplus.

This commendation was contained in a letter dated December 14, 2015 and signed by the FRC Acting Chairman, Victor Muruako Esq. The FRC report indicated that the Corporation was well above average in compliance with Sections 21- 23 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007 and had fully complied with the provisions of the General Reserve Fund into which 20% of its Operating Surplus was retained in accordance with Section 22 (2) of the FRA 2007.

The report also commended the Corporation’s compliance with the payment of 25% of its Gross Revenue to the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federation in accordance with Ministerial Circular on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

The Corporation remitted a total sum of N15.4 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund

S

BRIEFING - From left: Paulina Nsa, MD, FBN Microfinance Bank; Chris Low, GMD Letshego Group and Tom Kocsis, Head, East Africa, Letshego Group during the Letshego-FBN Microfinance acquisition press briefing held in Lagos.

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has indirectly reintroduced Commission on Turnover (CoT) fee as Current Account Maintenance (CAM) Fee. Recall that the CBN in 2013 commenced phased reduction of CoT which terminated with zero CoT charge this year.

But in a circular to banks last week signed by Director, Financial Policy & Regulation Department, Mr. Kevin Amugo, the CBN replaced the CoT with CAT but subject to maximum of N1 per N1000 (Mille).

The circular was titled, “Introduction C M Y K

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Sterling Bank Flags off Cash Reward Promo Season 2

CBN reintroduces CoT as current account maintenance fee

T

Fiscal Responsibility Commission lauds NDIC

of Negotiable Current Account Maintenaince Fee Not Exceeding N1/ Mille. It stated, “The Revised Guide to Bank Charges (RGBC) which came into effect on April 1, 2013 provides for a phased elimination of COT charges in the Nigerian banking Industry.

Under the Guidelines, a zero COT regime was to come into effect from January 2016.

The CBN noted that while the gradual phase out was being observed, some banks continued to charge Account Maintenance Fees in addition to the reduced COT rate, which in effect amounted to double coincidence of charges The CBN is not oblivious of the impact of declining crude oil prices;

operation of Treasury Single Account; and other market turbulences on the viability and stability of the banking system.

“In furtherance of the mandate to promote and safeguard a sound financial system in Nigeria, banks are by this circular reminded that the 2016 Zero COT regime as jointly agreed during the 311th Bankers Committee meeting of February 12, 2013 has come into effect.

In the interest of stability of the banking system, a Negotiable Current Account Maintenance Fee not exceeding N1 per mille may be charged in respect of all customer induced debit transactions. Please ensure strict compliance”.

terling Bank has concluded plans to kick off the second season of the scheme its New Sterling Plus Cash Reward Scheme.

The Sterling Plus Cash Reward Scheme was introduced by Sterling Bank Plc in 2015 in fulfillment of the Bank’s promise to reward customer loyalty, encourage savings culture among Nigerians and promote financial inclusion. Winners of the various prize money emerged across the country at the weekly, monthly, quarterly draws. Grand prizes were also given on national holidays declared by the Federal Government.

Giving the breakdown on the first edition of the promo, the Bank’s Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Mr. Shina Atilola disclosed that 661 winners emerged in 44 draws winning a total prize money of N44 million in different categories. “While five winners won one million naira each, six customers of the Bank who took part in the promo won a cash prize of N500,000 each”, Mr. Atilola stated.

22 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

Interview

ECONOMY:

To survive, we must go back to things we neglected — BELLO

By JIMOH BABATUNDE & FRANKLIN ALLI

D

R. Abdul Alimi Bello, President, Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, KADCCIMA, led a delegation of the chamber’s council members to Vanguard Head Office in Lagos, penultimate week. He spoke to Vanguard Editors about the arrangements in place to host the 37th International Trade fair in the state. The trade fair which has this theme, ‘Promoting Solid minerals Sector for sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria’, will run from 26th of February to 6 th of March, 2016 at the trade fair complex in Kaduna. He also spoke on salient economic issues and the way forward. Excerpts:

Purpose of visit

I want to start by thanking you for granting us audience despite your tight schedules. We are indeed very grateful. Now, as council members of KADCCIMA, we appreciate your organization’s contributions in the socioeconomic growth and development of our dear country.

We also commend your medium for your objectivity and fairness in reporting. As you are aware, our coming here today is to thank you and your management for the support you have been giving us as a chamber and all our activities, particularly the annual international trade fair.

In the same vein, we want to request formally for such continuous support and cooperation especially now that we are coming up with a number of activities to promote the business environment of our dear country.

The purpose of our coming here today is to inform you about preparations for our 37 th International Trade Fair. The fair th is scheduled to hold from 26 th of February to 6 of March, 2016 at the usual venue. The theme for this year’s edition is "Promoting Solid Minerals Sector for Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria.” The opening ceremony comes up th Saturday 27 of February, 2016 at 10.00am. Unlike last year, we had the trade fair between April/ May but our traditional days/ months are February/March.

Last year, we held it in April/May because of the general election.

This year, it will come up in February which is the traditional period for the fair. During the 10day event we have lined up a lot of activities.

C M Y K

We are going to hold the sixth edition of quiz competition for secondary schools in all the 19 northern states. The grand finale th will come up on Saturday 27 February 2016 at 4.00pm, at the conference hall of Kaduna International Trade Fair Centre.

There will be a one-day seminar on the theme of the fair. The event will take place on March 1, 2016 at the conference hall of the trade fair complex. It is expected and we are hopeful the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, will chair the seminar. The maiden edition of the seminar was chaired by Chief Ernest Shonekan; the second edition was presided over by General Abdulsalam Abubakar; we try as much as possible to play up topical issues that affect Nigeria as a country and it is something that draws scholars and public.

In the evening of Saturday 5th of March, there will be a farewell dinner in honour of our exhibitors. Our presence in your office today is to request for your usual cooperation, to give the trade fair the much needed publicity both before and during the event. Once again I thank the management and staff of Vanguard, and to thank you very much for your time.

Activities beyond annual trade fair

Just as I have said, apart from the seminar, the quiz competitions and dinner outlined during the 10-day events, we also try as much as possible to do some other things.

For example, we intend to have a round-table discussion on solid minerals development. It will bring together people in government, scholars and

 Dr. Abdul Alimi Bello, President, KADCCIMA private sector because if you look at it now as I am talking to you, Nigeria is a mono-cultural economy dependent on oil and the price of crude oil is nonexistent. Somebody might ask the question: How do you see Nigeria in the next four years, not necessarily during the life span of the current administration? As far as I am concerned, an adage says “Necessity is the mother of invention,” and what I normally say is water will always find its level. I know we will survive whether we like it or not; we will now be forced to go back to what we have neglected in the past.

Look at the rate at of the dollar to Naira today –N305 to $1. It has repercussions on us in all ramifications. The solid minerals God has endowed us with; agriculture which has sustained us till now and the proceeds of which we used to discover oil we have neglected and we are now being forced to go back to what we have neglected.

Other activities

What actually we didn’t consider in those days about the real sector is what the way forward is, what do we have to

We will now be forced to go back to what we have neglected in the past — solid minerals and agriculture

do? We have to go back to the real sector-solid minerals, agriculture and manufacturing.

That is why at KADCCIMA, what we have done apart from the usual international trade fair which only provides platform for manufacturers and investors to come and exchange ideas, technical know-how and so on.

We try to have a calendar of Activities not necessarily annual trade fair. First, we want to have something like solid minerals fairs, second, agriculture post harvests management fairs and third, education fairs, so that in a year, we have flurry of activities; we won’t just focus only on the annual trade fair. We want to focus on other sectors that can contribute to our GDP.

On VAT increase to 10%

There had been a push to increase Value Added Tax, VAT, from five to ten percent. I laughed. You want to punish somebody for someone’s mismanagement? People mismanaged our resources and I asked: the five percent you are charging on VAT, how far have you gone, have you even been able to collect it? Now, you want to push it to ten percent simply because you want more revenue and when the revenue comes, you mismanage it. So these are things we actually need to focus on.

Challenges ahead for economy

Agriculture, for example, in those days when we were in primary and secondary school, what we learned and have been teaching our children and great grand children is that 70-80 percent of Nigeria population are farmers. Then, you ask yourself and so what? Does that translate

to food on our table, does that give you enough food; does that make Nigeria a food exporter?

What percentage of maize are we producing in a year-probably about 3-5 percent of tonnage? So what happened to Nigeria, why can’t we produce something that will feed us; what are the challenges? The incumbent president, when he was a military head of state, encouraged multinationals to go into agriculture. That was when we saw the likes of UAC, Cadbury, Guinness, Nestle and Nigeria Breweries going into agriculture with backward integration as an objective.

What happened? Why did these companies exit the farms? Let’s ask ourselves these questions; what actually helped the government of those days to encourage the multinationals to go into agriculture was because of the competing needs- the multinationals were going into the consumer market to compete with consumers which brought about escalation in prices of our farm produces. After the government of those days encouraged them to go into backward integration, they want 10 percent, then what happened? These are the challenges we really need to address before we can move forward in agriculture.

On govt policies

Then, we also ask ourselves; what about government policies?

The last administration of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, had a very good minister of agriculture who actually tried to bring about some changes in terms of agricultural transformation. He introduced Growth Enhancement Scheme, GES. In fact, when I met him, I said I wish your transformation policy could be taken to a peak of no return. Then, what is the focus of the present day government? To me, I believe things are too much at the centre.

You have the agric minister who rolls out policies, then, you ask yourself, considering our structure in Nigeria in terms of the Federal, States and local governments, are the minister of agriculture, the commissioners for agriculture and the local government chairmen operating at the same wave-length? If they are not, we are deceiving ourselves.If this government wants to build on that, we really need to address it so that we will be able to empower farmers.

This is the challenge. Those that participated in the scheme last year have not been paid. Am I right? Yes. This is to tell you they hold your money for 2-3 yearsis the purpose not defeated?

Absolutely! If I were the minister of agriculture today, I will do what the FCT minister did. I will reduce the workforce.

There is no point having ten people do the jobs of three persons. That is callous.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016 — 23

24 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016 — 25

C M Y K

26 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

Corporate Finance

Fidelity Bank rewards more customers in Save 4 Shelter promo

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

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HE on-going Save 4 Shelter promotional campaign by Fidelity Bank Plc has produced another 18 winners, who emerged in a random draw that took place at the bank’s head office in Lagos.

The winners, who were selected from the six geopolitical zones of South East, South South, North, South West, including Lagos and Abuja, carted away N5 million and 12 consolation prizes.

Different cash prizes, including N500,000 (four customers) N1 million and star prize of N2 million were won th in the 4 draw of the promo, which commenced four months ago.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director, Shared Services, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs Chijioke Ugochukwu, said: “it is special effort on the part of the bank to continue to build strong savings culture among our customers and among generality of Nigerians as a whole. It is also our way of supporting people’s aspiration to rent their own property or own their own houses.

“Financial literacy and financial empowerment programme can sometimes be a bit dry, but embellishing it in this is our way of sending out the messages in a stronger fashion to the key stakeholders, especially our existing and prospective customers.”

“Last year, we gave out four bedroom duplex house in a massive compound in Abuja; that has been won. We have given out several millions of naira in rent support to customers and several generating sets and refrigerators and there are still more to be won,” she said.

A representative of National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Mr. Afam Ojeh, who was present to witness the draw, vouched for the integrity and transparency of the entire programme, saying that he has been opportuned to witness the previous draws conducted by the bank.

He said that he had at different times put call across to previous winners to ascertain if the prizes were actually delivered to them as promised by the bank.

Turnover on fixed income market down by N2.7trn in December

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

OTAL turnover recorded in the fixed income and currency market declined

by N2.66 trillion in December to settle at N7.42 trillion, reflecting the dwindling trend in the nation’s capital market.

This represented 26.40 per cent decrease month-on-month and N3.14 trillion or 29.67 per cent drop year-on-year.

Monthly data of transactions in the fixed income released

by FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange Plc showed that bearish sentiments prevailed in the Fixed Income market within the period under review.

Activity in the fixed income segment dominated the market, contributing 34.74 per cent to the total market turnover, while activities in the Treasury Bills segment accounted for a market share

of 26.27 per cent of total turnover.

Further analysis of the figure released showed that secured market transactions (Repos/ Buy-Backs) accounted for 25.15 per cent of total turnover in December, while FGN5 bonds’ contribution accounted for 8.94 per cent.

Activities in Unsecured P l a c e m e n t s / Ta k i n g s contributed 4.74 per cent of total turnover. Specifically,

AWARD - From left: Dr. Patrick Ndiomu,MD, Southfield Petroleum, Mrs.Ifeoma Udom,MD/ CEO,Vetiva Trustees limited, Bregadier-General, Benjamin Ipinyomi, Director, Directorate of Command Schools Services and Ms. Bukie Olanrewaju, Director, Axiom Learning Solutions at the 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Scholarship Award of the Charles Bebeye Ndiomu Foundation.

turnover in the FX market for the month settled at $10.89 billion, representing 27.41 per cent increase compared to the value recorded in November, with an average daily turnover of $0.52 billion.

Also, member-member trades increased by $0.33 billion (41.52 per cent), while member-client trades showed an increase of $2.01 billion, 25.95 per cent increase monthon-month. Spot and Swap transactions increased by $1.80 billion (25.90 per cent) and $0.65 billion (44.76 per cent) MoM, to record turnovers of $8.75 billion and $2.11 billion respectively. The total value of Fixed Income securities traded in the month of December was N2.61 trillion; a N2.87 trillion (52.32%) MoM decline. T.bills turnover came to N1.95 trillion, accounting for 74.27 per cent of total Fixed Income Market turnover.

On a YoY basis, turnover on T.bills decreased by N312.17 billion (13.79%) and on FGN bonds, increased by N74.34 billion (12.62%).

Trading Intensity for T.bills and FGN bonds decreased to 0.38 and 0.11 respectively, compared to 0.78 and 0.22 recorded in the month of November.

On the average, the yield curve shifted upwards by 63 basis points. Outstanding FGN bonds increased by N50.00 billion (0.85%) to settle at N5.94 trillion from N5.89 trillion recorded in the previous month.

John Holt posts N1.63bn operating profit

By YINKA KOLAWOLE

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ohn Holt Nigeria Plc posted an operating profit of N1.63 billion for the year ended September 30 2015, an 18.50 percent reduction from N2 billion the previous year.

The company with interest in businesses ranging from engineering, leasing, trade and distribution said that the devaluation of the naira was a drain on bottom lines since most of its raw materials and equipments are imported. “Because we are an import dependent company, we had N500 million wiped out because of devaluation,” said the company in a statement.

Consequently, the conglomerate giant is seeking investment in

businesses that are less import dependent as devaluation of the naira remains a drain on bottom lines.

Sales were down by 13.87 percent to 2.43 billion in 2015 as the company embarked on aggressive market penetration and expansion strategy with a view to consolidating its share of the market.

“Although, the company and its subsidiaries made a loss before tax of N171m compared to profit before tax of N427m last year, N528m was exchange loss suffered as a result of the devaluation of Naira. Sales were also negatively affected by the tension and uncertainty associated with the 2015 general elections and the subsequent lull in the economy after the elections,”

the company said. The conglomerate giant attributed the fall in revenue to the crash in crude oil price which negatively affected revenue from oil and gas clients.

Despite infrastructure deficits such as bad roads and huge energy costs that spiral up operating expenses of companies in the country, John Holt was able to reduce costs as administrative expenses fell by 20.10 percent to N682 million in 2015 from N856 million in 2014.Distribution expenses were down by 20.30 percent to N856 million.

The company spent less money on operating expenses to generate every unit of product as operating expense margin fell to 43.21 percent in 2015 from

48.10 percent in 2014.Cost of sales was down by 3.80 percent to N1.77 billion. The slow growth in sales was attributed to reduced patronage from major customers in the oil and gas industry that got hit by the oil price crash.

John Holt’s debt to adjusted capital ratio fell to 43 percent in 2015 as against 51 percent in 2014. Finance cost dipped by 7.60 percent to N231 million. The decrease in the debt to adjusted capital ratio for the Group during the year resulted primarily from decrease in debt by N400 million from N1.8 billion in 2014 as against N1.4 billion in 2015, according the company’s 2015 audited financial statement. “This was as a result of settlement of FBN loan and liquidation of import finance liabilities,’ the company stated.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016 — 27 “Leadership is the ability to define issues without aggravating problems.”

Warren Bennis, c 1980. (VANGUARD BOOK OF QUOTATIONS p 125).

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t is like a marriage made in Heaven which invariably produces great results.

When Governor of Taraba State told me in November last year that his state capital, Jalingo, will in about three weeks, enjoy direct flight from Lagos, through Abuja, it sounded like one of those political promises “made to be broken” (apologies to Jonathan Swift, 1667-1745). Given the short period he had been in office, in one of the poorest states in the nation, and being distracted by his political adversaries, it would appear that sealing a deal with an airline to start operating a flight to Jalingo would be almost impossible.

Wonders never seize to happen – especially when the electorate, in any state, has had the good sense to elect the right leader at a most troublesome Taraba state can put all those for agricultural and solid time – one who could calmly handicaps behind it and march minerals development, as well face the future and boldly forward into economic as tourism, would become address the strategic needs of prosperity based on the prime targets for investors. the state. Taraba State’s full ingenuity, the hard work and Hitherto, one of the major entry into the Age of Aviation, the resources of the people and obstacles facing potential at this time is testimony to the a committed, inspired and investors with interest in Taraba good sense of the people of state had been transport. The Taraba state and the right nearest airport to the state is person to lead them.

Yola – understandable because The Governor could not Adamawa and Taraba states have done it alone without the were once under the same state cooperation and foresight of called GONGOLA, with arguably the most daring headquarters at Yola/Jimeta. airline in Nigeria today – The break-up of the largest OVERLAND AIRWAYS. The state in Nigeria, at the time, airline had in the last ten years into two left Taraba without an been extending its services to airport and must have states which had been contributed to its economic disregarded by more under-development. Why all conservative operators. In the former governors, military many respects, it was as if the and civilian did not perceive managers of OVERLAND were the strategic importance of convinced that sooner or later aviation, until now, is difficult the people of this country would to explain. But, nobody who come to realize that there is no ever suffered through the three alternative to the deliberate and a half hours journey from diversification of the Nigerian Yola to Jalingo wanted to try it economy. And when the time again – unless the stakes are comes, states like Taraba sitting extremely enormous or they on vast resources of potentials had no choice. Suddenly,

Taraba enters age of aviation, tourism with Overland Airways

The Governor could not have done it alone without the cooperation and foresight of arguably the most daring airline in Nigeria today – OVERLAND AIRWAYS.

focused leadership.

The obvious question is: what awaits the inquisitive and potential investor? As some one who had lived and worked in Gongola State in the 1980s, Taraba offers almost unlimited potentials for livestock farming, cattle ranches, fresh milk production, near temperate zone agricultural enterprises, spring water production, hydro-electricity, solar power, as well as untapped solid mineral deposits. Up on the Manbilla Hills the scope for tourism is probably unequalled in Nigeria. For millions of professional mountain and hill climbers, driving up to Gembu, the last settlement in Nigeria, and the highest from sea level, presents a breath-taking panorama which would keep nature lovers coming back for more. It is difficult to imagine a more beautiful area in this country than the stretch of road leading from Mutum Biu up to Gembu.

Properly exploited Taraba

State from Jalingo to Wukari/ Takum to Katsina-Ala could make the country self-sufficient in food production. With air services fresh milk can be delivered to choice supermarkets and hotels in Abuja, Lagos, Portharcourt and other state capitals which can be reached by air. As it is, a traveler starting from Jalingo will reach Lagos before the one starting from Akure, Benin or Ilorin. Progressive change cannot be more aptly defined than that.

Finally, economic development and peace go in tandem. Taraba State is one of the most peaceful states in the Federation. Being tucked in one corner has its advantages; but that advantage has also been worked upon by previous governments and the present administration has built on that legacy of peaceful co-existence among various religious and ethnic groups. It is really a state where “you can go to sleep with your two eyes closed.” (Apologies to Professor Chukwumah Soludo; former CBN Governor).

N.B. Flights are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Lagos.

Micro-Finance

Letshego acquires majority stake in FBN Microfinance Bank Stories by PROVIDENCE OBUH

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etshego Holdings Limited, weekend, announced the successful acquisition of a 100 percent stake in FBN Microfinance Bank (FBN MfB) from its parent, FBN Holdings Plc, so as to advance its diversification and financial inclusion plan for Africa .

Letshego is a financial inclusion focused group with consumer, micro lending and deposittaking subsidiaries across Southern and East Africa. FBN Holdings Plc is the oldest banking group in Nigeria, established in 1894 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, while FBN MfB was established in 2009 and has been awarded the CBN’s National microfinance banking licence.

Speaking at a press brief, Group Managing Director, Letshego, Mr. Chris Low, highlighted four strategies to be adopted in its operation to include: Diversification; Provide

access to financial inclusion; Provide simple, appropriate and affordable services and Provide access anywhere anytime, while focusing on key areas such as Education; Health; Agriculture and Low income housing.

Low said, “As the leading indigenous BSE-company by

market capitalisation and profitability, it is an exciting time for us. This opportunity to enter the Nigerian market coincides with the expansion of our range of financially inclusive products and services.

We believe Nigeria’s growth prospects in our targeted lowand-middle income and micro

and small enterprises (MSEs) Customer segments have significant upside potential and by bringing our skills to this market, we can further financial inclusion and improve lives across Nigeria. We look forward to being able to further improve lives across the continent through this

Microcred microfinance bank gets CBN National license approval

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icrocred Microfinance Bank Nigeria (MCN) Limited, weekend, received approval of a National License from the CBN to operate Nationwide, as part of its business expansion plan outside Kaduna State.

Microcred is a microfinance bank providing financial services to small entrepreneurs under served by the formal banking sector in Nigeria.

In a statement, Managing Director/CEO, MCN, Mr. Kazeem Olanrewaju, explained that prior to the National Licence approval, a capital injection of N1.4 billion was completed in September 2015, to support the bank•fs expansion into new areas, new markets and new products in Nigeria, stating, •gMicrocred Group is delighted to announce the approval of the

National Licence and its business expansion plan by the CBN. This brings the capital to N2.1 billion which is more than the N2 billion required by the CBN.•Olanrewaju who is confident of the bank becoming most sort after, said that the MCN is set to expand outside Kaduna where the bank presently operates, explaining that the expansion will facilitate the full realization of it•fs mission in Africa and Nigeria in particular.

Founder/President, Microcred, Mr. Arnaud Ventura, said that the bank is excited to have been able to secure a business expansion plan for its subsidiary in Nigeria.

The expansion will facilitate the full realization of Microcred’s mission in Africa as a whole and Nigeria in particular.

development.”

On decision to sell, Managing Director, FBN MfB, Mrs. Pauline Nsa, explained that FBN Holdings decided to sell its microfinance subsidiary in order to realign the focus of the group on its core businesses.

Recall that FBN Holdings•f holding company structure allows it to own and operate the microfinance bank. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)•fs Scope of Banking Activities and Ancillary Matters No 3, 2010 requires banks to fully concentrate on core banking functions. The new model requires banks to either sell all non-core banking businesses or form a holding company to hold such non-core banking businesses including activities such as insurance, asset management and capital market operations.

However, the acquisition marks Letshego’s entry into West Africa, having successfully built a footprint in East and Southern Africa with 265,000 customers across nine countries. This development brings Letshego’s footprint to ten countries, with a customer base of over 385,000; Nigeria in particular has been a key target market in it’s diversification plans.

28 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

Insurance

Delisted 108 brokers: NCRIB seeks re-registration for members with minor infractions

By ROSEMARY ONUOHA

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he Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, NCRIB, said that it is still looking at opportunity to assist some of its members delisted by the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, over compliances issues.

President of the NCRIB, Mr. Kayode Okunoren, said during a press

conference held at the NCRIB house in Lagos last week, which they are looking at assisting those with minor infractions by interceding for them in NAICOM. Recall that NAICOM recently advertised the names of 108 brokers delisted over compliances issues. Out of the 108 brokers, 21 of them are registered members of NCRIB. Okunoren said, “The

NCRIB is not happy that any operator in the market will continue to flout regulatory requirements as enshrined in the law.

However, the Council on my assumption of office, made a representation to NAICOM on this and sundry issues for which, as usual, we got assurance of support from the Commission. We have equally made this clear to our members that the regulatory environment of

today requires more discipline than hitherto and that compliance issues must no longer be treated with levity. On the other hand, we are appealing to NAICOM to always ensure sustenance of effective communication channels with the NCRIB in such a way that our members are notified in good times on any aspect of compliance in which they are on the path of erring and this

could even be done through the Council in the spirit of the existing cordial relationship.”

Okunoren said that the insurance industry is presently undergoing challenging times in Nigeria, in view of the recession being witnessed in the economy which is taking its toll on insurance.

According to him, the industry however share the optimism that the

government under the leadership of President Mohammed Buhari will reverse the ugly situation through the enthronement of probity and accountability in governance.

Okunoren said, “It is no longer news that, Nigeria’s progress had been stultified by corruption and financial indiscipline and this has permeated the professions also. I hereby commend the ‘war’ and advice that government should work urgently on legal framework for the institutionalisation of the anti corruption war, even after the exit of the present administration.

Also, the present administration should immediately commence on the conscientisation of Nigerians to re-create in the minds of the citizens the real virtues of honesty and transparency which was our hallmark many years past. On the part of NCRIB, we will continue to cooperate with government in achieving this mandate as we reckon that there is no way insurance industry could grow in an environment with systematic corruption.

“The onus should be on us to be creative and proactive in maximising the seemingly gloomy economy situation to our advantage. For instance, it is high time operators began to look at policy direction of the government as partly enunciated in the draft budget, in the area of diversification of the economy. The NCRIB under my leadership will ensure that all necessary strategic engagements are done to further enhance the growth of insurance in Nigeria, as well as increase the relevance of insurance brokers,” Okunoren said.

On insurance of national assets, Okunoren said, “There could not have been a better time to raise the issue of insurance of national assets than now, in view of the present administration’s disposition to prudence in management of the nation’s resources. It is our take that inputs should be solicited from the insurance industry in the government’s economic policies. As it is today, many of the nation’s assets are uninsured by government through its ministries and agencies, despite the promulgation of the law on compulsory insurances.

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016 — 29

E-Commerce

Concept Nova battles car vandalism with C-Protect technology Stories by JONAH NWOKPOKU

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IGERIA’s technology c o m p a n y, Concept Nova has introduced yet another IT solution, the C-Protect, to tackle the menace of vehicle vandalism in Nigeria.

C-Protect, an anti-glass break solution, is an invisible coat of film which could be installed on car window glasses and vents to prevent the glass from shattering in an event of accidental glass break, theft or vandalism. It drastically reduces the ease of break-in during robbery by over 80 per cent as it is nearly impossible to break the glass even upon multiple hits.

Speaking about the solution, Head, Concept Nova Operations, Uche Okoli said: “This antiglass break solution helps protect motorists who find themselves stuck in traffic jams around highrisk environments, thereby safeguarding lives and property. The protective film serves as a strong adhesive, holding all the pieces together, protecting occupants from injury while denying entry to a

potential thief. It also comes with an alarm which has been developed to have a 300 metre radius, to scare invaders away and alert bystanders of a potential robbery.”

According to her, the solution is a technology product carefully designed and developed as a

high measure of protection to meet the needs of the urban car users who face the threat of car vandalism daily especially on our traffic prone roads, night clubs, parties and at other public places.

She noted that the protective film can also be used to

protect glass windows in a building, providing the same benefits, adding that other features of the technology include: Availability in optically clear version, prevention of deadly flying glass stemming from vehicle accidents and creation of an invisible coat of armour between you and violent assailants.

BRIEFING - From left: Mr Oluwaseun Adesida,Managing Director/CEO DaveBrookPR; Nassos Sidirofagis, Deputy Managing Director, TempoPaper Pulp & Packaging Ltd and Mr Oluwaseun Taiwo-Tijani, at a press briefing on forex, BDCs and the CBN as it affects the economy and Nigerians in Ota Ogun State.

Carmudi partners Autobox to drive access to certified auto mechanics

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nline vehicle marketplace, Carmudi.com.ng has partnered with Autobox to provide access to certified automobile mechanics in Nigeria.

Autobox is an e-commerce platfrom that supplies genuine auto parts and provides access to certified auto mechanics for auto repair services.

Speaking on the partnership with Carmudi Nigeria, Managing Director, Autobox, Charles Philip said: "We are excited to work with Carmudi to offer this service to its first time car buyers and sellers. We are bringing a convenience and assurance of certified mechanics who will use genuine Autobox parts to fix cars for owners. Partnerships like these are important to growing trust among car owners across Nigeria.”

He added: "Carmudi Nigeria is not just a car classified website, they also ensure they provide convenience to car buyers and it is with this in mind that we partner with them. First time buyers will be able to have access to prevehicle inspection and diagnostics at an affordable price by clicking the Autobox banner for the Carmudi Nigeria website. We will also publish car tips on the Carmudi Nigeria Journal."

Also speaking, Managing Director , Carmudi Nigeria, Amy Muoneke said: “It is exciting partnering with Autobox because we know the importance of finding a mechanic you can trust when you are about to purchase a car for the first time. Carmudi Nigeria is always finding ways to ensure we provide innovative solutions to problems that car buyers might face and this is one of such partnerships."

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Rocket Internet invests $50m to grow its portfolio companies

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ocket Internet, the Berlinbased global Internet business builder behind Jumia, Carmudi, Lamudi, Kaymu, Hellofood and Everjobs has invested its own $50m into Rocket Internet Capital Partners, a $420m growth fund for its portfolio companies.

Managed by Rocket Internet Capital Partners, the Fund will enable Rocket Internet to invest in its own startups to grow them in their various markets as well as reduce the accelerators reliance on co-investors in individual portfolio company funding rounds.

Oliver Samwer, Chief Executive Officer of Rocket Internet said in a statement, “Our companies will have access to more capital and be less reliant on individual coinvestors, thereby allowing them to fund in a faster and more efficient manner. This will greatly enhance the entrepreneurial flexibility of our portfolio companies.”

The Fund will invest alongside Rocket Internet unless investments are deemed strategic for Rocket Internet. In addition Rocket Internet will retain its focus on founder economics and therefore the Fund will not participate in seed investments in Rocket Internet founded companies.

Uber Nigeria, Paga partner on e-payment

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ab hailing firm, Uber has signed a strategic partnership with utility payment firm, Paga to make payments easy and convenient days after the firm started allowing cash payments on the platform.

The partnership with Paga aims to deepen the firm’s hold on the country’s transport industry by allowing as many people as possible to make payments via Paga which process major debit and credit card payments for nearly 4 million customers.

In a statement, Ebi Atawodi, General Manager of Uber, Lagos said: “We are excited about our partnership with Paga to simplify and improve the payment experience for our riders and driver-partners. This partnership with Paga is built upon a shared vision that payments should be simple and convenient and both our companies are committed to working together to ensure a seamless experience for all customers.”

The deal with Paga will allow users to use their Paga accounts to pay for their rides instead of their debit or credit cards for safety Tayo Oviasu, Founder and CEO Paga said the partnership with Uber is directly in line with Paga’s commitment to make payments convenient and easy for everyone.

30 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

“

Economy Stories by

By EMEKA ANAETO, Economy Editor

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midst continued pressures across all segments of the economy in the first month of 2016, more economists’ projections have pointed to a challenging policy environment in the year.

Giving a glimpse of hope and positive sentiment economists at Afrinvest Group, a Lagos based investment house, said growth rate of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, would be moderately up to 3.5 per cent in 2016, from average 3.05 achieved in the first nine months of 2015 and forecast 3.0 per cent for the full year.

Both the 2015 and 2016 estimates are far lower than the 6.3 per cent recorded actual in 2014 and also significantly lower than the four-year average historical growth rate of 5.31 per cent recorded between 2011 and 2014.

The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, actual recorded pace of GDP growth had shown a slow down in 2015 decelerating to 3.96, 2.35, and 2.84 per cent in first, second and third quarters respectively. NBS is yet to come out with full year, 2015 actual.

But the International Monetary Fund, IMF, estimates that the Nigerian economy, measured by real GDP grew by 3.0 per cent in 2015 while projecting it to grow by 4.1 per cent in 2016.

In its Economic and Financial Markets Outlook 2016,

GDP growth may stabilise at 3.5% in 2016 — ANALYSTS released last week, Afrinvest Group stated “taking a cue from the projected impact of slower oil prices together with an expectation for depressed consumer spending and inflow from net exports, we project the pace of output growth to remain subdued in 2016.

“We do not expect significant improvement in investmentemt spending though we anticipate that increased government expenditure will cushion the effect of the overall drag in the system.

“As a result we estimate GDP to grow by 3.5 per cent in 2016, slightly higher than 3.0 per cent in 2015”.

Most performance indicators of Nigerian economy have been on decline since 2015 following, principally, the declining oil price which is Nigeria’s predominant source of government revenue.

Reflecting this scenario in its analysis Afrinvest said “as experienced in 2015 we believe that adjustment to lower crude oil prices, which is expected to be sustained, will remain a crucial theme for the domestic economy in 2016”.

As policy response, the the federal government, in its 2016 budget, is planning a fiscal spending that is

*President Muhammadu Buhari expected to be driven by nonoil revenue, with emphasis on efficiency among strategic ministerial agencies and parastatals such as the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation among others.

In estimating the impact of lower commodities prices on performance of commodity export dependent economies, IMF in October 2015 projected that weak commodity prices

could subtract almost one per cent on annual basis from the growth rate of commodity exporting countries between 2016 and 2017.

The impact on energy exporters is projected to be more severe at about 2.5 per cent on the average over the same period.

Remarkably Afrinvest said a review of the performance of the Nigerian economy in 2015 indicated that the projections

MPC: FSDH makes case for exchange rate adjustment

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ith much expectations from the first meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, in 2016, holding today and tomorrow in Abuja, economists at FSDH Merchant Bank have outlined reasons for an official devaluation of Naira to between N230 – N240/ USD1.

The official exchange rate have hovered between N197/ USD1 and N198/ USD1 for several months now despite the steady depreciation of Naira which culminated into an all time crash to about N300/ USD1 previous week.

Arguing that now is the right time to adjust the exchange rate to market realities, FSDH said the MPC needs to adopt an exchange rate management strategy that will boost investors’ confidence in the Nigerian economy, adding that a currency adjustment that reflects the decline in the crude oil price will boost investors’ confidence in the economy and would lead to capital inflows.

C M Y K

At the end of its last meeting in 2015 held in November, the MPC lowered the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, and the Cash Reserve Requirement, CRR, to 11 per cent and 20 per cent respectively on grounds that it needed to reflate the economy necessitating the monetary policy easing.

However, FSDH argued that the current exchange rate policy may not attract the needed investments into infrastructure developments, which are required to make the economy competitive.

The bank’s economists noted that the short-term outlook for oil price remains bearish on growing global supply and weak demand, and the appreciation in the value of the U.S Dollar adding that the price of Nigeria’s Bonny Light crude oil declined by 37.46 per cent between the last MPC meeting and January 18, 2016.

They also noted that the low oil price has negative impacts on the external reserve, fiscal and current account positions of the Federal Government.

Consequently, they argued, an adjustment in the exchange rate may increase the Naira revenue of the government and attract capital from other sources.

The 30-day moving average external reserves declined by 5.48 per cent from USD30.13 billion at the last MPC meeting to USD28.48 billion as at January 18, 2016.

This, according to FSDH,

The bank’s economists also argued that there is an unsustainable and unhealthy disparity between the exchange rate at the official market and that of the parallel market.

reflects the declining oil exports as a result of the drop in oil price, drop in capital inflow and the CBN’s strategy to support the Naira.

In their analysis they stated ‘’we expect the external reserves to continue to drop in the short-term under the current declining oil price and exchange rate management strategy of the CBN. The policies to grow non-oil exports may take time to achieve the objective. A devaluation may stem the decline in the external reserves in the short-term”.

The bank’s economists also argued that there is an unsustainable and unhealthy disparity between the exchange rate at the official market and that of the parallel market.

The value of the Naira depreciated by 24.69 per cent to N300.50/ USD1 on January 19, 2016 from N241/ USD1 as at November 24, 2015 while it remained stable at the official market at N197/USD1, giving over 50 per cent parallel market premium, about the highest in the world.

of IMF analysis has held true.

In projecting the performance of Nigerian economy in 2016, Afrinvest analyzed the demand composition of the Nigerian GDP. Available data from the NBS as at second quarter 2015 indicates that Nigerian economy remained largely driven by private consumption expenditure which contributed 74 per cent to GDP while investment spending, government spending and net export accounted for 17, 6 and 3 per cent respectively.

Afrinvest stated “our reasoning is that from a demand perspective, the impact of lower oil prices will further drag government revenue, consumption spending, net export and overall pace of output growth in 2016.

“We believe stronger consumption spending and net export in Nigeria remain linked to higher oil prices”.

“Crude oil exports accounts for 90 per cent of Nigeria’s total export and increased employment level is seen to be highly consistent with oli boom among oil exporting countries”.

Afrinvest also stated that government spending which accounted for 6.0 per cent of GDP appears to be the only driver of growth in 2016.

Fiscal spending is proposed in 2016 budget to total N6.1 trillion, with 30 per cent or N1.8 trillion expected to go into capital expenditure.

According to Afrinvest “the downside to the budget proposal however remains the likelihood of further decline in oil prices which is benchmarked at USD38 per barrel together with somewhat optimistic non-oil revenue given the adverse effect of macroeconomic pressure on corporate earnings and taxable income”.

Expectations for increased borrowing and the gains of the Treasury Single Account, TSA, implementation is anticipated to cushion the downside to revenue projection.

However, Afrinvest said “Investment spending which contributes 17 per cent of GDP may not improve significantly given the expansive borrowing plan by the government that may further crowd out the private sector investment and push interest rates higher.

“Furthermore, the current monetary policy environment which in our view does not incentivise foreign capital inflow may further slow down the pace of investment spending except this is reviewed later during the year”.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016 — 31

Media & Advertising

Cola war: Battle for supremacy rages Stories by PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

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HEN Big Cola, a Peruvian soft drink brand from the bottle line of Aje Group launched into the market, little did the big players knew that it will make a big hit as its name imply. Today, the big players in the market are leaking their wounds for the mistake of not having insight into the space Big Cola played into.

That notwithstanding, whether the battle for supremacy in the market is anything to go by, then the big players like Pepsi and Coca cola are at liberty to up their ante, even though Pepsi has responded with, ‘Long Throat’ campaign to douse the threat posed by Big Cola, thus deploying stretched Pepsi bottle using images of music stars like Wizkid, Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay and others to attract consumers’ attention.

The campaign which began with the popular Twitter campaign #ThingsILongThroatForWell, has snowballed into a new 60cl Pepsi bottle a.k.a The Long Throat Bottle.

Of course #ThingsILongThroatForWell campaign ignited a huge buzz on Twitter, trending all the way.

But that is not all, the new 60cl Pepsi bottle is not only now 20 percent bigger than the previous Pepsi bottle but it also still retails for the same price, this increase also applied to Mirinda, 7UP and Teem.

Big Cola as crafty as it is

entered the market with same price for increased bottle size, which sight eluded competition, a bait that invariably attracted patronage, because ‘consumers want more for less’, a well thought out strategic plan one would say, which paid off for the product. Whether this swoop on the market will last long is a question to be answered by managers of Big cola. Mind you, brand watchers ears are on the ground.

That aside, Coke on its part was expected to respond to the challenge of the new entrant during the yuletide, a time the brand usually deploy campaigns to buy back loyalty.

Consumers’ were not disappointed after all, until lately when it rejuvenated the share –a–coke–campaign that sold the brand like wide fire in

With the Share a Feeling campaign, however, we want to make the season extra special and memorable, by adding smiley

ANNIVERSARY - From Left: Funmi Onabolu, Group Managing Director, Cosse limited welcoming Dr. Abayomi Ajayi of Nordica Fertility centre to the party marking 20th anniversary of Cosse in Lagos.

the harmattan in the early parts of 2015.

In response to Big Cola’s challenge, Coca-Cola deployed even more exciting version of the Share-a-Coke campaign.

‘Share a Feeling’ The new campaign includes fun smiley that convey diverse emotions and messages on Coca-Cola and Coke Zero packs. The smiley also include popular Nigerian phrases that connect with everyone across boundaries, giving consumers an avenue to share their feelings with friends, family and even strangers.

The company is partnering with popular rapper/comedian Falz in recognizing and ‘sharing a feeling’ with everyday Nigerians and influencers by delivering to them personalized Coke bottles with names and smiley. Some of the influencers who have received their personalized Coke bottles include DJ Jimmy Jatt, TY Bello, Tekno, Cobhams, Chi-Gurl Kelechi Amadi-Obi etc.

Speaking on the ‘Share a Feeling’ campaign, Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Patricia Jemibewon said, “The Yuletide period is perhaps the most exciting time of year for families, friends and neighbours.

In the first Share a Coke campaign, we used the power of the first name in a playful way. With the Share a Feeling campaign, however, we want to make the season extra special and memorable, by adding smiley.

MTN preaches sharing as recipe for national devt M TN has called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of sharing beyond yuletide season in the quest to spur socio-economic growth and national development.

Indeed, Nigerianscan take advantage of the firm’s wide array of innovative products and servicesto show love to their families and friends.

Speaking on this call, the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge, said, “A country with a generous populace will certainly spur growth and national development. This begins with how we relate with each other in our everyday lives be it at home, in our offices and businesses, in school and even in religious settings. We live in times when we are better if we share what we have as families and friends irrespective of our ethnic, cultural, religious and social background. What makes us copious as a nation is the love and unity that we share and this has made and kept us stronger over the years through

thick and thin.”

Richard asserted further that it is on this premise that the company started its ongoing ‘Sharing Is Good’initiative.

“This is the thinking and philosophy behind our Sharing is Good initiative. As a brand, we are privileged to offer Nigerians our array of products and services that

range from Data Services to Caller ring back tunez, airtime, gift songs on Music+, customized message via Caller Feel services and many more.”

He said.

According to Richard, these products and services are ideal mediums for Nigerians to express love and gratitude to each other by sharing. We

believe that it is important that subscribers and indeed Nigerians imbibe an enduring spirit of sharing beyond festive seasons.

The act of selflessness and generosity should become a way of life and this is one way we would not only help families and friends forge closer ties, it is an important component for national development.

Skye Bank makes more millionaires in Aba

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kye Bank has made more customers in Aba, Abia State millionaires in its ongoing “Reach for the Skye” Millionaire Reward Scheme.

The reward scheme which started last year and has taken place in Ibadan, Onitsha, Benin, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Lagos, will hold at the Ariaria market, Aba. A businessman and past winner of the scheme in the 1 million naira category, Kazeem Saheed Owolabi expressed how winning the large sum erased previous doubts he had for the promo. Owolabi explained that since his winning, he has become a stronger ambassador for Skye Bank.

Narrating his experience, he said that, “My

phone rang that afternoon, and I was told I had won a million naira from the Skye Bank “Reach for the Skye” Millionaire Reward Scheme. At first, I did not believe, until I was invited to receive my cheque. I am super excited and I really appreciate Skye Bank for this laudable initiative.”

According to the Head, Retail Banking, Skye Bank, Nkolika Okoli, the Skye Bank Millionaire Reward Scheme would also afford traders and those present at the Ariaria Market during the draw an opportunity to open accounts with the bank or upgrade from other types of accounts to the Save Plus account to qualify for the next month’s draw while winning exciting instant prizes like generators, refrigerators, household appliances and other prizes.

Quill awards entry opens

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he Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Olivier Thiry has said submission of entries for the annual Promasidor Quill Awards has commenced for the 20152016 edition.

Thiry, who addressed the News Media on the annual competition in Lagos on Thursday, said qualified journalists can now upload their entries on the link: https://quillawards.promasidor-ng.com for any of the Categories of the Awards.

His words: “It is my pleasure to inform you today that the stage is now set for you to submit your application for any of the Categories of the Quill Awards.”

Under the Quill Awards last year, applicants had the following categories to contest for: Education Reporter of the Year; Best CSR & Industry Report of the Year; Best Report on Children; Future Writer of the Year; Best Photo Story of the Year; Best Report on Nutrition; and Brand Advocate of the Year.

Airtel support for underprivileged gets Osinbajo’s nod

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he Wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, has commended Airtel Nigeria for its steadfast support to the underprivileged in the society through the Airtel Touching Lives program.

Mrs. Osinbajo, who was the Special Guest of honour at the premiere of Season 2 of Airtel Touching Lives, noted that the inspiring programme has positively touched the lives of many underprivileged Nigerians, urging other Nigerians to emulate Airtel in reaching out to the downtrodden, hard to reach, internally displaced persons and other Nigerians in need of help.

“Support for those suffering and underprivileged should not be left in the hands of Airtel alone. It is the responsibility of us all. I was particularly touched by the Season 1 story of the Chime family whose children suffered various forms of physical disabilities. It shows that more attention and concern need to be shown to the less privileged people who are part of the society. “We are told that the colour of love is red. But the red of the heart needs to stop the river of red, the river of blood that flows in this land,” she said.

She also cited her personal contributions to the course through her two shelter homes, while encouraging Nigerians to do more in touching the lives of those who need care and love.

32 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

(0805 220 1997)

Can CBN save the Naira and Nigerians?

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he Naira exchange rate has suffered severe battering in recent times and fallen from about N160 to the present N197=$; indeed, since our national experience defines a close correlation between deepening poverty and weakening Naira exchange rates, Nigerians should advisedly be concerned if the Naira further slides.

Evidently, the unyielding Youth exodus and the mass migration of skilled professionals to more prosperous economies, certainly took root as the Naira exchange rate plummeted from 50kobo to N200=$, despite our often celebrated bountiful export reserves; furthermore, over 100 million Nigerians, reportedly, now also live below the poverty benchmark of $2/day (N12,000/month); regrettably also, our rapidly expanding industrial landscape gradually shrunk and became challenging and uncompetitive as production costs skyrocketed with precipitate and serial Naira devaluations.

Interestingly, the gradual collapse of the manufacturing subsector and the consequent explosion in unemployment, clearly do not support the popular belief that weaker Naira exchange rates would instigate economic diversification and promote exports of Made-in-Nigeria goods.

Consequently, Nigerians must be wary of any persuasion that prescribes further Naira devaluation as the antidote to our beleaguered economy.

Historically, the CBN has compulsively devalued the Naira to bridge increasingly

widening gaps between official and parallel exchange rates, even when these gaps were caused by the obtusely contrived monopolistic market dynamics of demand and supply. It would undoubtedly create much discomfort for CBN Management if unrestrained dollar demand further pushes parallel market rates well above N300=$1; in such event, CBN may again unwittingly, jerk up the official rate above N300 and remove the embedded ‘subsidy’ from the official Naira exchange rate so as to raise the dollar price and discourage demand and hopefully also minimise the inherent rent seeking market opportunities.

Regrettably, however, the Naira/dollar exchange rates will still not remain stable thereafter, because, a 50% Naira devaluation would severely deplete all Naira income values and induce panic amongst Naira income holders, who would seek to protect their income from another round of devaluation; sadly such response would simply instigate more dollar demand in the open market.

Ultimately, if CBN is unable to restore public confidence in the Naira as a store of value, another widening gap will once again evolve between official and parallel market Naira exchange rates to make further serial Naira devaluation inevitable.

Incidentally, the Ghanaian currency, the CEDI followed a similar trajectory from 1Cedi=$1 to eventually exchange for 10,000 Cedis before redenomination of the currency in 2007;

instructively, however, the Ghanaian authorities failed abysmally to control excess CEDI liquidity and it is inevitable that the New Ghana Cedi now trades at about 40,000 old Cedis (i.e. 4 New Ghana Cedis) to a dollar.

Consequently in 2015, the IMF sadly had to provide for over $900m emergency loan so that Ghana could reduce the huge market deficit in dollar supply and hopefully protect the Cedi exchange rate; regrettably, the end of the travails of the Ghanaian currency is still out of sight.

Clearly, Godwin Emefiele, must also be concerned that the fortunes of the Naira do not mirror the story of the CEDI; indeed the forex controls that CBN announced in January 2016 are clearly foraging attempts to protect the Naira value and thereby save more Nigerians from falling below the poverty benchmark. The million Naira question, however, is whether or not CBN’s policy control measures can effectively reduce dollar demand pressure and stablise or indeed improve the Naira exchange rate?

Nonetheless, in his defence of the ban of almost 3000 Bureau de Change from official forex allocations, Emefiele, expressed grave concern that BDC operators had abandoned the original objective to serve retail end users who need $5000 or less.

Conversely, according to Emefiele, “the currency dealers became wholesale dealers in foreign exchange to the tune of millions of dollars per transaction” and then “criminally, thereafter used fake documentations,

such as passports, etc to render weekly returns to CBN.” It is not clear how much tax was generated from these mega transactions.

Inexplicably, however, no known BDC operator has so far been successfully prosecuted for any wrongdoing!

It is bewildering, nonetheless, that inspite of the host of eminent intellects and considerable IMF’s regular oversight, the Apex bank, only lately recognized, in Emefiele’s words, that “Nigeria is the only country in the world where a Central Banks sells dollars directly to BDCs!” Furthermore, it is equally baffling that no one wondered, not even the equally star studded Monetary Policy Committee and our well travelled and exposed media practitioners, why the number of registered operators rose steadily from “a mere 74 in 2005 to 2786”, since the CBN began to sell forex directly to BDCs. Equally worrisome, also, is the CBN’s incredible belated realisation, despite several articles by this writer in various media that BDCs provide a ready conduit for money laundering, round tripping, as well as the funding of unauthorized imports which challenge the competitiveness of local industries.

(See www.lesleba.com).

Understandably, however, the financial burden being placed on our limited foreign exchange is certainly ‘more disturbing’ according to Emefiele, who revealed that before the recent forex controls, CBN “sold $60,000 to each BDC weekly” making a total of $8.6bn per year. This stupendous forex provision to the parallel market certainly does not include the equally liberal facility for an unlimited number of Nigerian tourists to

access upto $150,000 per annum at official rates with Nigerian debit cards from ATMs abroad, notwithstanding the fact that such facility would inevitably be widely abused by prolific rent seekers. Alarmingly, there is nothing to suggest that manufacturers and other job creating real sector operators enjoyed the same liberal access to forex as those inexplicably pampered operators in the grey areas of the economy. Some critics may describe such unpatriotic policy directions as provocative and retrogressive and deliberately supportive of corruption and rent seeking.

Similarly, in another policy directive, designed to stabilise the forex market, the CBN also lifted its ban on foreign currency cash deposits in commercial banks.

However, the ban of forex sale to BDCs would invariably significantly dampen any expectation of substantial dollar inflow into commercial banks from deposits from other autonomous sources.

Consequently, surging dollar demand will persist and sooner rather than later the gap between the rate of officially sourced and open market dollar sales will rapidly expand to once more resume a cycle that invariably leads to further Naira devaluation with its related adverse economic and social consequences.

Instructively, however, the release of CBN’s stranglehold monopoly on the forex market, will invariably reduce the persistent self-induced challenge of excess Naira liquidity which overwhelms CBN’s regular auctions of dollar rations, and the Naira exchange rate will become stronger.

Save the Naira, Save Nigerians!

Business & Economy Nigeria must harmonise monetary, fiscal policies – Adeosun

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onetary and budgetary policies in Nigeria need to be “harmonised” to boost the economy, Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun has said, adding that moves towards this can be expected.

Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Adeosun said monetary policy was not under her purview but added: “The central bank (governor) has started to outline some of the changes he is making to increase flexibility. It isn’t my purview but ultimately monetary and fiscal policy must reinforce each other to

C M Y K

pull the economy in the same direction, so I am expecting moves towards harmonisation.”

She said: “The MPC are meeting, I believe imminently, but I’ve seen already some signalling around improving supply, beginning to undo some of the controls that have been put in place. We really need the harmonisation; it’s the only way the economy will move forward.”

She noted the 2016 budget envisaged a jump in capital spending to improve rail, road and power networks and stimulate an economy reeling under the impact of $30-per-

barrel oil. Oil provides 95 percent of Nigeria’s foreign earnings.

Adeosun wrote in an article last week that Nigeria would borrow up to $5 billion from multiple sources, including the Eurobond market, to plug its deficit as it tries spend its way out of its worst economic crisis in years.

“GDP growth is sluggish and we cannot afford to go into recession so we need to stimulate the economy by spending but it’s going to be very specific spending that develops the wider economy,” she added.

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Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016—33 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

The ideas of Bisi Akande

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LDER Statesman, Chief Bisi Akande was Executive Governor of Osun State for four years from 1999 during which he led his colleagues who were unwilling to pay workers the National Minimum Wage. I was then in the Nigeria Labour Congress, and we went to appeal to him to change his mind. He was adamant, so we left him to engage in a grueling match with the workers which lasted for his entire tenure. It became so bad that he found it difficult staying in the state capital because he was booed everywhere. The state workers were a principal factor in his failure to secure a second term.

At his seventy seventh birthday this January, he addressed the current issue of non-payment of wages by half of the states in the country. The solution he said is for unviable states to cease to exist or be merged with viable ones. He did not explain how the issue of unpaid salaries will be solved if debtor states cease to exist. Will the workers also cease to exist; disappear or such states will file for bankruptcy and the wages will

be part of the liabilities?

When he suggested that unviable states be merged with viable ones, I wonder how many states are really viable outside Lagos.

Assuming as many as five states are viable, won't merging them with thirty one unviable ones lead to their collapse? In any case, how does this address the issue of unpaid salaries or is he advocating massive retrenchment?

He went on to advocate for the reduction of the 36 states to 18.

How will this solve the problem of unviability? In order to address the question of unviability, we need to examine why states were created in the first place. We had four regions before the creation; the North, East, West and Mid-West.

The conversion of the regions into states and the creation of the first 12-state structure in 1967 was not based on economic viability, need for better governance or demand of the people. It was a fall-out of the post-coup politics and essentially, to under-cut the secession bid of of the East.

The ensuring multiplication of states to 36, is an untidy mess;

states were created more as political patronage and an attempt to get a greater share of the national cake. New states were created depending on who had clout in the ruling military regimes, and which groups are to be appeased or compensated.

Powerful people even got state capitals located in their backyards or in those of their in-laws. There was no interest in their viability or productivity; they were essentiality, a bureaucracy to share offices and national resources. Same principle accounts for the creation of 774 local governments Given this reality, I am at a loss why Chief Akande thinks a reduction to an 18-state structure is the solution. If the issue of state viability is to be tackled seriously, why does the West which has the

As an elder who was a member of the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic, and his knowledge of that party’s fore runner, the Action Group, he ought to know that there is a difference between what is original, and what are pathetic duplicates

same language, culture, progenitor and is geographically contiguous, need multiple states?

Why shouldn’t Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo constitute one state or political entity as they were under the leadership of Chiefs Obafemi Awolowo and Ladoke Akintola? Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi states are like the West, linguistically and culturally homogeneous and geographically contiguous; why can’t they be one state? What stops Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa being one state? Why can’t the South-South be a single state? Why shouldn’t the North Central and North East be one state or at most two? If states are so merged, then the present states will be local government areas or provinces catered for from the accounts of their states and not from the federation account.

But this will be possible only if states are productive rather than being a mere sharing mechanism.

This leads to Chief Akande’s other suggestion on fiscal federalism in which resources are shared based on derivation, and states live within their means. This is good, except that we live in an ABDULISTIC society. Abdul is that loafing character in some myths who desires the best things in life without working. We are addicted to such life; and like the cocaine addict, we need to wean ourselves.

However, as we know, the normal drug addict does not see the need for rehabilitation until he is on death’s doorstep.

Interestingly, just as we have little to show for the enormous wealth oil bestowed on us as a country, so will the oil-producing states have little or nothing tangible to show

INEC and Buhari's disturbing governance deficit

By Babatunde Adewale

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HERE appears to be an erroneous assumption that, when the Presidency and its complements of staff has been elected and appointed, then the structures of governance have been formed and other structures become dispensable or redundant.

Even more worrisome is the scant regard paid to the statutory guidelines enabling the governance structures of some federal Commissions, Boards, Agencies and other relevant institutions. An important example is the Independent National Electoral Commission, wherein paragraph 14 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) clearly stated that the Board of INEC shall comprise of 13 members without floating any provisos requiring piecemeal, staggered or discretional constitution of the board.

Unfortunately, what has happened so far is a total disregard for the constitution. Since the inception of the current administration, Nigerians have witnessed serial constitutional violations, first an illegitimate appointment of an interimChairperson of INEC by autarkic proclamation, which made no reference to the Council of State consultation and Senate approval as required under section 154 of the constitution. This was followed later by a piecemeal appointment of the Board of INEC, without an amendment of the constitution to enable piecemeal appointments, yet the National Assembly, both the Senate and the honourable Representatives appear cowed and intimidated to ask the executive to follow the path of constitutionality by exercising their oversight functions.

The proper constitution of governance structures in a democratic society is not a discretional whim of the President. Those who are appointed may be by his discretion, except where specific directional orders are made by statute, but the proper constitution of such institutions centres around the core notion of governance. Most development C M Y K

authorities agree with the description, that governance defines the practices, traditions and decision-making processes which characterise a society, how the people identify and solve problems, meet needs, and take advantage of opportunities. For instance, elections meet the need of democratic society to select leaders through the aggregate assent of constituents in the form of votes. To meet this need, a body is constituted that is fairly representative of the zones of Nigeria, these representatives guided by the constitution, the Electoral Act and other statutes, make guidelines for conducting elections. How the decisions they make to effect these needs are reached is important to how the public perceive the legality of their actions and therefore its credibility, legitimacy and acceptability. It is, therefore, a developmental defect in governance, and consequently a defect in the practices, traditions, decision-making process in election management as required for a democratic society, when the executive arm of government discretionally decides without reference to enabling constitutional provisions to appoint the board of INEC, a governance structure, provided for by Law in a piecemeal fashion by appointing seven instead of the 13 members required by Law, to make decisions which are only considered legal and constitutional when a minimum of five of the statutory 13 members meet to take such decisions on election matters. It is only then that it is properly constituted.

The regression currently in INEC is a sad commentary given that constituting such a board properly in line with the provisions of the constitution is for national development

The same nonchalance in the requirements of proper democratic governance is evident in the constitution of federal boards dissolved by the current government, the statutes enabling these boards envisage that such boards constitute significant accounting layers in the decision making of such institutions. Persistent failures to properly constitute such boards concentrates decision making centrally, or worse still, it places in abeyance core functions of such institutions where higher level decision-making are needed to generate implementable recommendations. In other instances such as the case of the AMCON, appointees where named and empowered without following due processes. These developments suggest a gap in the consistency of tradition and practices of the democratic functions which should define governance in Nigeria, allowing such gaps to grow rather than been addressed may lead to regressions in institution building required to consolidate democracy in Nigeria.

The case of INEC is particularly worrisome because when the President dissolved the boards of federal agencies in July 2015, the President rightly exempted those Executive Boards mentioned specifically in section 153 of the 1999 Constitution such as INEC, NPC, the Code of Conduct Bureau etc. Whereas the Presidency conceded to the importance of such boards, yet it did not follow up with the proactive appointment of the full board of INEC, despite the fact that the board was primed to conduct gubernatorial elections in 2015 and 2016. It only conducted a reactive appointment of six members to join the only remaining one legal member making a total of seven out of the constitutionally prescribed 13 members.

This was after it was reminded by key players in the Civil Society that a subsisting Court judgment had pronounced elections illegal, if conducted by a Commission which had no quorum that meets the statutory

if they have the resource control the Chief is suggesting. This can be gleaned from the development level of states like Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa. The oil-producing people may simply develop the mentality of the ruling class, which is indolence. The summary is that our foundation is faulty; for us to meaningfully develop like Japan and China, we need to tear it down.

This leads me to another of Chief ’s comments during his birthday; he argued that the reaction of the Senate leadership to the controversy over the 2016 Budget is a fall-out of the alleged indiscipline that produced it. This is a return to the issue of party discipline. The illusion is that we have normal parties which can discipline their members. As an elder who was a member of the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic, and his knowledge of that party’s fore runner, the Action Group, he ought to know that there is a difference between what is original, and what are pathetic duplicates. People vote for political parties, but they cannot be found in the parties which are essentially, electoral platforms. In the First Republic, people funded political parties; now, political parties fund people; during rallies and conventions, people transported, fed, and accommodate themselves, now, the parties pick up the bills or hire crowds. In the First Republic, people with same vision, agreed programmes, policies and shared ideas, belonged to the same party, today, only immediate interest define party membership. So sir, how do you talk about party discipline? Happy birthday!

requirements envisaged from a full member board.

While other boards and statutory bodies are very important, INEC has been used to instantiate these governance deficits because of the fundamental role it plays as a foundation stone for a democratic society, and the touchstone of early developmental drive. Most recent authoritative work on the fundamental requirements for enduring development are in consensus that strengthening institutions which form multiple pathways of decision making blends the gap between representative and participatory democracy. If the object of electing representatives is to ensure that the interest of the voters and constituents are well represented as delegated to elected officials, then involving more participants in the decision making practices and traditions of society through such boards, Commission’s and Council broadens the goal of democracy. Whereas concentrating all decision-making in Abuja with limited representation in public institutions such as INEC, through piecemeal appointments runs counter to such goals.

The constitutional requirement for a properly constituted INEC is clearly stated as 13 national commissioners, who in making decisions for elections and election matters according to section 159 of the constitution must have a quorum of not less than five, determined only from a full Board of 13. At the moment INEC has an inconclusive and inchoate board of only seven members and if they sit as five members or seven, what quorum does this represent? Is it a fve member quorum of seven or a five member quorum of a hypothetical but non-existent 13? The minimum quorum envisaged by the constitution is that calculated or determined from a 13 full member Board and not a mere bringing of five people together to assume the role of a “provisional” board. The regression currently in INEC is a sad commentry given that constituting such a board properly in line with the provisions of the constitution is for national development. *Dr. Adewale, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Ibadan, Oyo State.

34—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

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EFORE Nigeria became independent, the British colonial masters organised a series of conferences in Ibadan and London to enable the elites of the various regions and socio-cultural divides to negotiate and agree on the terms of their future cohabitation. Since independence in 1960, there have been series of conferences, some of which ended with new constitutional proposals or documents.

Let us name them for the benefit and education of our younger readers. After the coup and counter-coup of 1966, there was a conference in Aburi, Ghana, aimed at mending fences between Col. Yakubu Gowon (the Head of State and leader of the Federal Government’s delegation) and Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (the Military Governor of the defunct Eastern Region) in January, 1967. It produced the famous Aburi Accord, which Gowon later backed out of at the behest of senior bureaucrats and Britain, because it would have resulted in a loose federation.

This would have enabled Ojukwu’s Eastern Region to become the richest and most powerful federating unit because of the Region’s impending oil power.

Gowon, while consolidating his hold on power, caused another conference to be held in Benin later that year, aimed at presenting Ojukwu with a fait accompli to accept Gowon’s totalitarian authority or face the consequences. Ojukwu refused to yield to these hectoring tactics. He insisted on the Aburi Accord, and that was how the slide to war started.

Other conferences held in the search for the elusive answer to Nigeria’s national question included: the 49-member Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) headed by Chief Rotimi Williams and the subsequent Constituent Assembly (CA) led by Dr. Udoma Udo Udoma. These efforts produced the 1979 presidential constitution, which replaced the parliamentary system that was partly blamed for the failure of the First Republic.

Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, during his own convoluted Transition to Civil Rule Programme, empanelled a Constituent Assembly in 1989 in Abuja which also produced a constitution that merely amended that of 1979. It was never put into practice.

General Sani Abacha, who overthrew the Interim Government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan, set up the National Constitutional Conference in Abuja in 1994, with a view to burying the June 1993 election won by Chief MKO Abiola. It also produced a Draft Constitution in 1996,

A basket full of crabs which was never experimented. However, the 1999 Constitution, which General Abdulsalami Abubakar asked the Dr. Clement Ebri panel to produce, merely brushed up the 1979 Constitution, borrowing heavily from new ideas contained in the Abacha constitution.

Since that time, two other constitutional talks have been held in Abuja. One was the 2006 event which President Obasanjo had arranged in a failed attempt to obtain a third term for himself. The other one was the recent event organised by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014 obviously to increase his chances of getting re-elected in 2015.

Few countries in the world have made more attempts to find solutions to their nationality woes than Nigeria. In addition to the search through the constitutional route,forceful military takeovers have been explored. Some coups were bloody. Others were bloodless palace coups. Some succeeded. Others failed. The question is: why is it that in spite of these searches for the perfect fix for Nigerian’s disunity problem the situation gets worse, rather than better?

You can only live your live as you were brought up. Sometimes I wonder how our Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Fulani, Christian and Moslem youth of today are going to live in the Nigeria of the next twenty to thirty years if things continue this way

If you want proof that over 55 years after independence and 46 years after the war “to keep Nigeria one”, Nigeria remains one of the most disunited nations on earth, read the reactions to this article below. Read other articles touching on the national question. Most of those tearing at one another are young people born long after the civil war. They were born and nurtured with the diet of mutual, ethno-religious and regional bitter rivalry, and they have produced fruits according to their nurture: hatred, anger, mutual suspicion, ethnic and religious irredentism (“proudly” Igbo; “unapologetically” Yoruba and such asinine bunkum). You can only live your live as you were brought up. Sometimes I wonder how our Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Fulani, Christian and Moslem youth of today are going to live in the Nigeria of the next twenty to thirty years if things continue this way!

The Bible says that two cannot walk (or work) together unless they agree. Nigeria is like a basket, and Nigerians are like crabs in it. Each of the crabs wants to get out of the basket, but none will allow the other to be able go. Reminds me of the story of the two foolish goats on a precipice.

Two sheep demonstrated their usual meekness and cooperation when they met at the centre of the narrow path on the precipice. One bent down to allow the other climb over his back to pass. When it was the turn of two stubborn he-goats, they decided to fight it out and both tumbled down the precipice to their deaths. Crabs in a basket are propelled by the “pull-himdown (PHD)” syndrome.

We go to conferences to discuss how to live together peacefully and make our country great. But we go back home and betray everything we agreed to do. I must say, the North is very sadly fond of that.

We go to conferences to discuss how to change things for the good of all Nigerians but North (as Gowon did over the Aburi Accord) always goes back to disown anything that would result in a change in

the status quo which unduly favours them.

Yet the favour bequeathed to them by the British colonial masters has never translated to the North’s progress and development. Instead, we see the multiplication of poverty and destitution among its lower classes, while the upper classes live the lifestyle of kings, nobles, mandarins and oil sheikhs.

When we hear of a Nigerian performing a feat, we rush to check if the person is from our tribe. If he/she is from another tribe we are deeply disappointed and we quickly belittle the achievement. If he is from our tribe we boast to others. If it is a criminal act and the person comes from another tribe (especially a “rival” tribe, such as Igbos versus Yorubas), come and see insults and venom being traded!

Nigerians are experts at derisively profiling one another. When Yorubas were involved in the NADECO struggle, some (especially Igbos) called them “cowards” and dared them to go to war as Igbos did during Biafra. When the Niger Delta agitation started, President Obasanjo and some Northerners called them “criminals”.

Many Northerners asked the military (which they felt was theirs) to “level the whole place”. When Boko Haram started in the North, some Southerners called Northerners “parasites” who wanted power back so that they would return to their Abacha-style “looting” of the oil wealth of the Niger Delta. And since the Biafra protests started late last year, some Yorubas and Northerners laughed at Daniel Kanu’s supporters, saying they were “criminals” looking for “money”. In all these profiling, little attention is paid to the cry for equity and justice, which are at the centre of all these agitations.

Unfortunately, at the helm of affairs today is a leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, who has no regard for equity and justice. All that occupies his mind is to reward those who brought him to power for their years of “suffering”. He sacrifices the sacred principle of Federal Character boldly guaranteed in our constitution to promote national unity, and splits the goodies of governance on the basis of his quaint Formula “97%/5%” which he propounded in Washington DC last year.

Let me warn all of us: for as long as we cannot agree we will never walk (or work) together. The search for Great Nigeria will remain chimeric, quixotic, elusive. It will continue till one day, when those who pontificated in our 1999 Constitution that Nigeria is an “indivisible and indissoluble” country will find themselves on their own.

OPINION The IgboYoruba ffeud eud Igbo-Y

By Chuks Iloegbunam

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HE feud between the Igbo and the Yoruba ethnic groups is contrived, just like the feud between the Igbo and the Ikwere. Whenever these feuds take centrestage, the impetus is invariably traceable to the divide-and-rule imperative, which inevitably profits the oligarchy of northern Nigeria. Every other explanation adduced in the explanation of the phenomenon can only be peripheral. It is important to make this point from the outset, before going about the business of explanations – for the benefit of those who may genuinely be ignorant of a crucial factor in the continued inability to resolve some of the more critical of Nigeria’s contradictions.

Femi Aribisala, one of the more perceptive of the motley coterie of columnists currently on the national stage, discussed the origins and manifestations of this feud in an incisive article entitled Time To End the bad blood between the Yorubas and Ndigbo (Vanguard January 12, 2016). “What is the basis of all this hate?” Mr. Aribisala asks.”In the sixties, the Igbo were slaughtered in pogroms in the North. However, the principal exchange of hateful C M Y K

words today is not between Northerners and Easterners, but between Easterners and Westerners. Why are these two ethnic groups so much at loggerheads?”

The straightforward answer is that it serves the interest of the “core” North to keep the South permanently in mutually assured destructive contention on largely immaterial issues. It happened between the Igbo and the old Rivers State in the wake of the Nigerian civil war.

It was suddenly and conveniently “discovered” that the Ikwerre were not and had never been Igbo. The people went into a flourish of re-spelling: Umuomasi became Rumuomasi; Umukrushi became Rumukrushi; Umuola became Rumuola; Umueme became Rumueme.In truth, all these represent no more than distinct dialectal spellings of Igbo root names typical to the areas Had the black around Port Harcourt. But the gold been found re-spelling exercise was used to manufacture an entirely new in the “core” North, would the ethnic group.

The acclaimed writer, Professor Rivers man have (Captain) Elechi Amadi, who been allocated led the group that lent even one percent intellectual weight to this fad,went further to celebrate in of the oil blocs? fictional terms the political

marriage between Rivers people and Northern Nigeria.

Yet, he did not see it fit to change his name to Relechi Ramadi. Of course, the contrived ethnic dissonance achieved its purpose. While the fight raged relentlessly on “Abandoned Properties”, mostly mud houses built in the 1930s and 1940s, the “core” North moved in and harvested the oil rewards. Their members became instant millionaires by being allocated shiploads of crude, which they sold off at the Rotterdam Spot Market. Further, they appropriated 99 percent of the oil blocs. Then they seized Professor Tam David-West, a Rivers man, “tried” him for causing the country “economic adversity” and handed him a tidy prison term.

But the picture is becoming clearer. Had the black gold been found in the “core” North, would the Rivers man have been allocated even one percent of the oil blocs?

It was not the Igbo that killed Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro. It was not the Igbo that killed Ken Saro-Wiwa.

It was not the Igbo that banished Delta nights with the interminable flare of gas. It was not the Igbo that ordered the November 20, 1999 expeditionary attack on Odi that left 2500 Ijaw citizens killed and the town reduced to rubble.

Continues tomorrow on pg 18 Mr. Iloegbunam is the author of Ironside, the biography of General Aguiyi-ronsi.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016—35

Cervical cancer, leading cause of cancer related death in Africa

A

NUTRITION: According to experts, exclusive breastfeeding helps supplment in a child whatever that is deficient in the womb, most of it can be made up during that period.

‘Why 1st 1000 days of a child's life matters’

By Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale UTRITIONAL experts have raised alarm over the long term implications of compromising a child's nutritional status in the first 1000 days of life, saying that, 'it does not only expose such child to NonCommunicable Diseases, NCDs, later in life but also affects his or her lifespan'.

First 1,000 days of a child's life-from pregnancy through a child's 2nd birthday is a critical window of time that sets the stage for a person's intellectual development and lifelong health. It is a period of enormous potential, but also of enormous vulnerability.

Every mother has a story about the beginnings of her child's life. Many of them are joyful, some are heartbreaking, but all of them are important. And almost all of them will have at least one thing in common: the desire to give their child the absolute best start to life.

N

Immune systems However, expert say ensuring every child has the right start to life during these precious 1,000 days begins first and foremost with nutrition and the nutrition that children get from the food they eat early in life is a critical building block for the growth of their bodies, the development of their brains, and the health of their immune systems.

In the views of the General Secretary, Federation of African Nutrition Societies, FANS, Professor Ignatius Onimawo, the first 1000 days of life serve as a window of opportunity for any child to make it up if he or she did not want to suffer from NCDs such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes among others later in life.

Onimawo who spoke at the 5th edition of Health Writers Association of Nigeria, HEWAN Scientific Conference in collaboration Coca-Cola Nigeria, the Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State, explained that if a child missed appropriate nutritional requirement during that period irrespective of any intervention later in life things that has C M Y K

to do with NCDs has been settled and unchangeable in that life.

Onimawo regretted that many mothers have failed to adhere to the six month exclusive breastfeeding for a child which is very essential to the child's development.

"Exclusive breastfeeding is so important in the sense that whatever that is deficient in the womb, most of it can be made up during this period. But it is so unfortunate that given a child God's gift which is breast milk, many mothers have settled for cow milk or other type of milk to cover up.

"It is so funny that among all the created beings, it is only human being that borrows milk from other animals to feed their offspring and there is no way you can compare the content of cow milk and that of human milk. The protein content of cow milk is four times higher than that of human milk. This is because it is meant for bigger animal, when cow delivers, the young child start walking immediately."

Onimawo noted that if a child enjoyed adequate nutrition during the first 1000 days of life, irrespective of any later exposure to malnutrition in life such child will definitely survive it because all he or she needs is to survive in life has been programmed for him.

"But when a child is born poor with malnourished kidney and liver, when he ro she becomes big later in life and can afford all the needed nutrients because he was born with malnourished kidney and liver, his organs would not be able to handle the things he or she must have

It is so funny that among all the created beings, it is only human being that borrows milk from other animals to feed their offspring

introduced himself at that stage God has helped him to become rich. Problems will now set in. The person will begin to experience irregular heartbeat, hypertension. At 40, you began to experience diabetes and you begin to wonder and asked why, but the why has to do with your mother's nutrition and your own during the first 1000 days of life."

He however cautioned that the 1000 days of adequate nutrition can be compromised with unhealthy lifestyle later in life, "You cannot say simply because your first 1000 days of life had been taking care of then you began to eat anyhow."

On his part, the Community Affairs Officer, Coca-Cola, Mr. Emeka Mba said the company is committed to promoting health education and wellness in the communities where they operate as part of their business success and prosperity.

"We are committed to promoting dialogue with key stakeholders from the academia, Industry, Research and Development to achieve shared understanding and balanced communication on nutritional education and health issues.”

S different types of cancers continue to claim lives globally, medical specialist has raised the alarm that cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death among women, especially in developing countries, including Africa.

A senior Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Director of Apollo Cancer Hospitals, Hyderabad, India, Dr. P Vijay Anand Reddy, who raised the alarm, saying that cervical cancer remains the most common gynaecological cancer and the third most common malignancy in women worldwide.

He explained that the highest incidences tend to occur in populations with low screening rates, combined with a high background prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and liberal attitudes towards sexual behaviour.

According to him, the risk factors associated with increased predisposition for cervical cancer includes initiation of sexual intercourse at young age, multiple sexual partners, promiscuous sexual behaviour in male partners, low socioeconomic status, poor access to health care, smoking, presence of infections such as HPV, HIV. Reddy also alerted that HPV, which is a double stranded DNA virus, could be easily spread through direct sexual contact, from the skin and mucous membranes of the infected people.

It is estimated that more than 90 per cent of cervical cancers are related to the presence of HPV and is now accepted as a necessary cause of most cervical cancers, he stated.

His words: "Although there is high prevalence of HPV worldwide, peaking at ages 25 to 35, less than 15 per cent of the exposed women develop persistent infection that results in dysplasia. Most of the women clear the infection within two years. Regular screening of women between the ages of 21 and 65 with Pap smear test decreases their chance of dying from cervical cancer. women less than 21 years of age should not be screened regardless of the age at sexual initiation."

CONFERENCE: President, Health Writers Association of Nigeria, HEWAN, Mr. Azoma Chikwe, Vice President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, NSN, Dr Bartholomew Brai, General Secretary Federation of African Nutrition Societies, Prof Ignatius Onimawo, Acting Head Public Affairs and Communication Nigerian Bottling Company Limited Mrs Sade Morgan, Director ,Coco-Cola Central East and west Africa Business Unit (CEWABU) Mr Fred Chiazor and Chairman Board of Trustees, HEWAN, at the 5th Scientific Conference of HEWAN in Collaboration with Coca cola Nigeria recently in Lagos.

36—VANGUARD, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

Everyone is now careful of Buhari — AKEREDOLU Mr.Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, one of Nigeria’s leading lawyers has not just distinguished himself in the field of law, but has also earned a reputation as an activist and politician.

Besides the silk he earned in his chosen profession, Mr. Akeredolu has served as president of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and also as chairman of the Nigerian Legal Aid Council between 2005 and 2006.

In his foray into the partisan politics, Akeredolu emerged as the governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN in the 2012 governorship election which he lost, albeit narrowly.

Now a chieftain of the All Progressives Party (APC), Mr. Akeredolu in this interview responds to questions on the propriety of the ongoing anti-corruption war by the new administration, the procedures and processes engaged by the protagonists in the war and the effect on the polity among other things.

Akeredolu’s career in the legal profession began after he was called to the bar in 1978 following his earlier graduation from the Faculty of Law of the former University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. He was appointed the Attorney General of Ondo State in 1997. Excerpts:

•Akeredolu: Day of reckoning has come for Nigeria’s ruling class

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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O you believe that this government really has zero tolerance to corruption or it is just after some individuals in the opposition party?

Yes! The signs are there and that is why you cannot see today, be it ministers or other level of government officers, do things anyhow, everybody is being careful.

So this is to show that this government does not tolerate corruption. I believe that, given the number of months this government has spent and what they are trying to do in the space of time they have spent, they have shown that they are not tolerant of corruption.

The signs are there and you can read it in the palm of your hand. The president has said that his political capital is built on anti-corruption and they cannot afford to fail. With the president’s record and, integrity, he cannot afford to fail.

I do not see why one should C M Y K

be doubted about the position of the leader. The followers, particularly in terms of the line managers, the moment they all know the CEO’s stand, they cannot go out of line.

I am sure that Nigerians have a lot to gain from the president’s stand on corruption. I believe that it will run down with time.

The ongoing trial of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) over alleged misuse of billions of naira of security fund has sparked off many revelations. Are you shocked with the high level calibre of persons mentioned in the

matter?

My approach to matters of this nature is that I refrain from joining in public condemnation. I also try to refrain from trial by the media.

So I really want to give opportunity to the persons concerned and give them the benefit of proper trial.

When they are convicted, one can then start passing comments on it. But if it comes to the question of the calibre of persons fingered, you would not have expected that if money is to be distributed it will be to people who are less than them; it will go to this calibre of people and not by

AKEREDOLU •Buhari’s political capital is built on anti-corruption,

so he cannot afford to fail

•The day of reckoning has come for Nigeria’s ruling

class

•EFCC is amateurish in its prosecution, no reason to

keep suspects without arraignment

•Wrong to re-arrest suspects granted bail by the

courts

•EFCC officers need to be better trained

myself or those on the street.

This is high level corruption, so it is high people that are going to be involved. I am not surprised at the level of people that are allegedly involved.

What I have already said to myself is that if this matter is pursued very well and properly investigated, maybe Fela Anikulapo had a foresight.

Music releases I remember in one of his music releases he said, “one day will be one day for those who are stealing money about” and I believe that the day has come.

What is your reaction to the way and manner the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting corruption cases, especially the frequent arraignment and then re-arrest of suspects who are granted bail by the courts? Is it proper?

Continues on page 37

The president has said that his political capital is built on anticorruption and they cannot afford to fail. With the president’s record and, integrity, he cannot afford to fail

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016—37

Speaking truthfully, my view of EFCC is that they may have lack of proper training, which has led to mishandling of a few things

Everyone is now careful of Buhari — AKEREDOLU •Akeredolu: There is no justification for ill prepared arraignment

Continues from page 36 The number of problems that one would not expect from the EFCC after so many years is to still have an amateurish way of prosecuting suspects.

But in terms of their procedure, one would have some reservations. One would have expected that after so many years they should have gotten over this very amateurish way of approaching prosecution.

By the time you make an arrest one would expect you are ready with your charge so that whatever happens, in 24 hours maximum, you arraign the suspect in court.

There is no justification for ill prepared arraignment.

Ideally, you should have everything in place, completed your investigation and have your witnesses ready before you go to court.

Amending the charge Probably, I am not too sure, one of the problems they have is the idea of 100 or more charges against an individual.

I believe that the lesser the charges the more effective it will be better for prosecution.

If people are granted bail and subsequently you arrest

them again, that is very wrong. What I know of a fact is that in practice, you do not normally arrest a person when the court has granted the person bail.

You are not expected to do that. In any way, if you have new charges, the proper thing to do is to amend the charge or substitute it with the new one.

The moment the court has granted bail to an individual and you make another arrest, it means that the person’s attendance in court at the next adjourned date has been made worst.

So what probably would you now give for arresting and not allowing the individual to go the court at the next adjourned date? What are the things that they need to that they cannot wait and perfect at the next adjourned date?

What I believe they should have done in such case is to come to the court at the next adjourned date substitute the former charge with a new one.

For as long as the court has by its bail or by the grant of bail assured his attendant, I do not see why the EFCC would have to arrest the suspect again.

We have seen situations especially in the past whereby

EFCC’s charge that run into several offences are thrown away by the court or the suspect is granted plea bargain and gets a lesser punishment. What would you say about that?

Well, I know that sometimes EFCC’s cases end in plea bargain, which is to say that the suspect agrees committing the offence and saves the time of the court.

The individual then gets a lesser punishment instead of going the full trial. Let us not have too many doubts in our institutions but a lot of things have gone wrong.

Speaking truthfully, my view of EFCC is that they may have lack of proper training, which has led to mishandling of a few things.

High profile cases But I am not too sure if it is an issue of collusion with them and the defendants in most of the cases. Again, because they have tried high profile cases, a number of things could happen.

I do not take that out of it.

These high profile cases have become a pattern that you will negotiate the trial and come with a plea bargain, then at the end of the day the

defendant is let off with minimum punishment and people will react to that. I am not too sure if it is an issue of collusion.

Early this year, Nigerians suffered fuel scarcity and cost of goods and services went high as a result of it. Don’t you think that President Buhari decision to appoint himself Minister of Petroleum is impeding decision taking in the oil sector?

I do not believe that we have a Minister of Petroleum in the country. I do not believe that President Buhari is a minister but he is overseeing the petroleum ministry with a Minister of State answerable to him.

The president has not appointed minister of anything; he is in-charge of every ministry. He oversees all activities in every ministry in this country, including petroleum. He may pay more attention to petroleum for reasons best known to him.

There are other ministries that he will also have proper focus on. I am not too sure if anything will go on in the ministry of defence without his approval, but he has not said he is minister of defence.

C M Y K

38—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25 , 2016

El-Zakzaky flown to France for treatment, back to Abuja

By Ben Agande

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BUJA—THE embattled leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim El Zakzaky, was flown out of Nigeria for treatment of gun shot injuries he suffered during the encounter between his supporters and members of the Nigerian Army last year, multiple security sources told Vanguard in Abuja yesterday.

It will be recalled that during the bloody encounter between the Shiites and the Nigerian Army, several members of the sect were killed, while many others sustained various degrees of injuries with some still on admission at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika near Zaria.

The fracas occurred when members of the sect allegedly blocked the Zaria-Sokoto road and prevented the convoy of the Chief of Army staff from passing through, despite several entreaties.

Sheikh El-Zakzaky allegedly sustained several gun shot wounds, with some reports claiming that one of his eyes was affected during the encounter.

Since the clash between the sect and the military, his whereabouts have been shrouded in secrecy until Vanguard exclusively revealed that he was moved from Kaduna to a safe house in Abuja belonging to one of the security services.

Several security sources who are knowledgeable in the matter, however, revealed to Vanguard yesterday that due to the seriousness of the injuries the Shiite leader sustained, he was secretly flown to France by the Nigerian government some weeks ago for treatment before being returned to the country two weeks ago.

One of the sources said: “It is true that the federal government flew him out of the country for treatment. He was

stabilized before he was brought back to Nigeria. The government did not want to take chances by keeping him in the country. We did not want a repeat of the incidenct with the late leader of the Boko Haram movement whose death in custody exacerbated the crisis in the North East.”

Another source explained that the decision to fly El Zakzaky out of the country followed intervention by highly placed Nigerians, including the .former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, who warned that allowing the Shiite leader to die in custody would have grave implications for the security of the country.

Spokesman of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Ibrahim Musa, confirmed to Vanguard that members of the NSCIA committee confirmed to the IMN that their leader was alive, after being treated for gun shot injuries in France and was recuperating in Abuja.

....As El-Rufai inaugurates commission of inquiry, Friday ...we won't appear at Commission—IMN

By Luka Binniyat

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A D U N A — GOVERNOR Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna State, will next Friday inaugurate the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Zaria clash between the Nigeria Army and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN. Consequently, the governor has appointed Malam Yusuf Ali, SAN, as counsel to the Commission of Inquiry.

But the IMN (Nigerian Shiites), yesterday in an exclusive chat with Vanguard, came short of calling the commission “useless,” as it restated its resolve not to appear at the Commission’s sittings if the leader of the movement, Shiekh Ibrahim Zakzaky, was not unconditionally released.

The IMN also said that some members of the commission were known adversaries of the IMN, having cast aspersions at the movement in public in the past.

The date of the inauguration of the Commission, which was contained in a statement signed by the Special

Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, over the weekend in Kaduna, read: “The Kaduna State government last week announced the membership of the

Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Zaria clashes.

"The chairman is Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, the presiding justice of the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal.’’

Yobe govt worries over mass failure in SSCE, NECO amount of money exams budgeted for education in

D

By Bala Ajiya

AMATURU—YOBE State government has expressed displeasure over the mass failure of students who sat for the 2015 SSCE and NECO examinations.

This was disclosed by the newly appointed chairman of Yobe Teaching Service Board, Alhaji Ali Baba Maidala, in an interview with Vanguard.

He said the board, which oversees all the secondary schools in Yobe State, would do everything humanly possible to ensure the SSS 3 students that would sit for SSCE and NECO this year performed reasonably well to justify the huge

2016 budget.

Alhaji Maidala, who assumed office barely a month ago, noted that the non-challant attitude of teachers in secondary schools across the state, would soon be a thing of the past.

He said upon resuming office, he paid an unscheduled visit to over 10 secondary schools to assess and get first hand information regarding the standard of education and the reason behind last year’s mass failure of students who sat for SSCE and NECO examination.

He noted that the government saw education as the bedrock to human development, hence the necessary motivation of teachers, which he lamented did not reflect in their job.

Vanguard, MONDAY 39 MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016—39

How Lagos is taking governance to the grassroots

By Bose Adelaja

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HEN Mr. Akinwumi Am bode was sworn in as the governor of Lagos State on May 29, 2015, he promised to take governance to the grassroots. In fulfillment of this promise, the governor changed the popular slogan Eko Oni baje, (which literally means “Lagos will not spoil,”) introduced by his predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola to “Itesiwaju Eko, l’o je wa l’ogun,” which means “our concern is how to move Lagos forward.”

True to this promise, the Governor has begun to put measures in place to actualise the goal of moving Lagos forward. A few months ago, he introduced Community Media aimed at fostering a cordial relationship between the local governments and community journalists with a view to bringing governance to the grassroots. The initiative is being supervised by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan.

Construction or rehabilitation Already, the government has penciled down some road projects in the state for either construction or rehabilitation. The construction of the first phase of 114 roads across all the council areas, will be flagged off any moment from now.

Bamigbetan explained that 30 percent mobilisation fee will be handed over to the contractors to enable them take off with the projects. According to him, the projects will be jointly supervised by the government and other stakeholders to ensure that quality jobs are done.

Upon completion, the projects would be handed over to the Caretaker Committees, Community Development Associations, CDAs and Community Development Committees, CDCs for maximum utilisation.

The fund according to Bamigbetan, would be generated by the local governments while the execution will be monitored by the host CDAs. The media would be expected to monitor these projects to ensure compliance even as the projects are to bring interaction between the communities and the contractors.

The projects, he said, will also serve as a medium to provide C M Y K

employment to some youths who would be engaged in the construction works.

The Commissioner said the Ambode administration also aims at having a 24- hour economy, especially in the area of transportation. He explained that the state will now have all-night events in various motor parks.

To encourage night events, he explained that major roads are being lit, beginning with Lagos Mainland to Berger, Agege Motor Road to Ota Toll Gate, Lekki-Ajah/Epe Corridor, Lawanson, Ojuelegba to Lawanson and Ikorodu Road. Other areas are Ejigbo to Idimu, Sasa and Western Avenue.

Wealth creation: Bamigbetan said the Employment Trust Fund Bill 2015 aims at radically transforming employment creation in the state with N25 billion proposed to be spent over four years as a support scheme for young entrepreneurs and small businesses. For a start, the sum of N25 billion will be used to give loans to interested Lagosians.

The interest on such loans is a paltry one percent.

According to him, a business support service will be opened

•Governor Ambode and his team at the newly constructed Ipaja/Ayobo Road to the applicants.

The guidelines for the loan application will soon be published after which the applicants are expected to submit their feasibility studies, “ The idea is to take the youths away from the streets and

Government will be resettled in Agbowa, Ikorodu.

He said measures have been put in place to stem the perennial traffic jam on Third Mainland bridge and Western Avenue.

Hospital detains two-month-old baby, mother over inability to pay N150,000

By Kingsley Nwanekwu AS she sat with her chin resting on her right palm at the edge of the three-segment adjustable hospital bed at Westcare Hospital in Ejigbo area of Lagos State, it was obvious that all was not well with this 28 year-old woman who delivered her first baby in the hospital two months ago. She cast a forlorn glance at her two-month-old baby who laid peacefully on the bed, The expression on the face of the woman who later identified herself as Blessing Ajuwa was bereft of the expected hilarity. It was evident from her forlorn posture that she was enveloped with a sense of utter desolation. On enquiry, Vanguard Metro VM learnt that the woman’s inability to foot the N150,000 hospital bill was at the root of her sorrowful outlook.

Sorrowful outlook

The Employment Trust Fund Bill 2015 aims at radically transforming employment creation in the state with N25 billion proposed to be spent over four years as a support scheme for young entrepreneurs and small businesses

make them become employers of labour,” he said.

Relocation of Maroko residents to Agbowa: The Commissioner said by April 2016, over one million Maroko residents in Yaba Local

Ajuwa was reportedly rushed to hospital on November 11, 2015 when she began to have contractions signalling the arrival of her baby. Apprehension soon set in when it became evident that she could only deliver through caesarian section. Although the surgery was successfully done, mother and child who have been certified medically fit, have remained in the hospital because they cannot pay the bills and the hospital is not ready to let them go.

VM learnt that the woman’s benefactor, a factory worker, has been running from pillar to post to raise the money, to no avail. The

in 2003 and I have been staying with my aunty, who has been responsible for our feeding. In fact, I have been living from hand to mouth.“ Asked about the baby’s father she said, “ we are yet to be married the proper way before I discovered I was pregnant.

He is a factory worker. He has also been running about to raise the money.

The doctors and nurses are nice people and they have really done their best for me and my baby but they insist we won’t Blessing and Baby Miracle in the hospital leave until the bill is cleared.”

Hospital insists on payment cheerless mother narrated her orWhen approached, one of the deal to VM. “ I was admitted in doctors who identified himself as this hospital on the 11th of November 2015. I was delivered of my Dr. Wale Adesiri gave reasons why baby the next day through C.S. I they cant let Blessing and her baby havebeen herefortwomonthsnow go. “When Blessing was rushed in, because I don’t have money to pay it was discovered that she had a the medical bills and the doctors problem, so we had to carry out a won’t release us because they are C.S as quickly as possible.

“But to our greatest surprise, nonot the owners of the hospital. The body has paid her bills. She has total amount for the surgery is N150,000. Where do I get such been with us in this hospital for two amount to pay? “ she asked as she months now and we can’t release her because we can’t pay the bills wept profusely. for her. Besides, we are not the Begs Govt, Nigerians She further imploredas she cast owners of the hospital. Her total a glance at her baby named Mira- bill is N150,000 and she won’t cle: “ I am appealing to the Lagos leave the hospital until she pays,” State government and Nigerians he said emphatically.

He added: “Our first obligation to come to my aid so that I can start life afresh. I didn’t have the oppor- here is to save life first . That is why tunity to go to school like most peo- we carried out the surgery without ple hence I could not get a job to asking for upfront payment.” support myself and my baby . I am just a petty trader. I came to Lagos

40—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016—41

C M Y K

42—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

IBORI'S CASE

CPS accused of suppressing police corruption evidence Payments from private investigators to officers covered up, claims QC, after case against two men accused of spreading corruption allegations is halted.

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RIMINAL trial prosecutors have been accused of suppressing evidence of police corruption in what has been called “misconduct of a particularly serious nature”.

Lawyers are alleged to have covered up evidence that police received corrupt payments from a firm of private investigators in return for confidential information.

The accusation has been made in the trial of two men charged with fabricating claims of corruption involving Metropolitan police officers. The trial collapsed last Thursday at Southwark crown court in London after senior lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided to abandon the case. The CPS said new information had come to light, but did not elaborate. It did not comment on the allegation of serious misconduct.

The accusation was made by Stephen Kamlish, QC for one of the men, Bhadresh Gohil, who had been accused of perverting the course of justice. Gohil, 52, a solicitor, was charged with producing false allegations of police corruption and distributing them to the media and MPs.

In his legal submission, Kamlish said the CPS was prosecuting Gohil “in the knowledge that there is clear and compelling, direct and circumstantial evidence of a corrupt relationship” between police and the firm of private investigators.

The acquittal of the two men is the latest twist in a drama that saw Gohil jailed in 2012 for seven years for helping to launder money stolen by a notorious fraudster. James Ibori, a Nigerian politician, had embezzled more than £150m from the African state.

The conviction was hailed as a triumph for a Scotland Yard anticorruption unit. After the convictions, however, allegations

Gohil, 52, a solicitor, was charged with producing false allegations of police corruption and distributing them to the media and MPs

The new Scotland Yard had been were made in the press and department parliament that private “deliberately designed from the investigators hired by Ibori had outset to find no evidence of paid up to £20,000 to officers in corruption” on the part of the the unit for inside information police officers. He alleged that the Met prosecuted Gohil for about their investigation.

MPs were told by a lawyer perverting the course of justice involved in the case that the “simply for making the alleged payments amounted to an undetected case of “apparent corruption right at the heart of Scotland Yard”. Bhadresh Gohil had been accused of spreading corruption allegations about the Metropolitan police, but was acquitted last week.

An investigation by the Met’s anti-corruption unit said these claims were baseless. In July 2014, Gohil was charged with fabricating the allegations in what was said to be an attempt to overturn his conviction for money laundering. In his legal submission, Kamlish said the “non-independent” Bhadresh Gohil had been accused of spreading corruption allegations about investigation by the Met’s the Metropolitan police, but was a n t i - c o r r u p t i o n acquitted last week. Photograph: Rex

allegations, regardless of whether they were true or not”. He alleged that prosecutors deliberately covered up, until a later stage, evidence of police corruption in what he said was “prosecutorial misconduct of a particularly serious nature”. Kamlish outlined evidence of corruption between police officers and the firm of private investigators, known as Risc Management, including at least 120 telephone calls between them over six years. He also alleged that Risc had made 120 payments to sources between 2006 and 2012.

Police officers He alleged that the prosecution “in bad faith” failed to investigate these payments because it feared that it would transpire that these sources were police officers – information that would be “fatal” to the prosecution of Gohil. The CPS said: “As a result of new information that came to the attention of the CPS on January 13, 2016, the case was reconsidered in accordance with the code for crown prosecutors.

As a consequence of this, the crown offered no evidence in court because there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. ”The second man who was cleared, Cliff Knuckey, a former Met detective, said he was mystified about why he was prosecuted for allegedly faking documents involving payments totalling £11,500.

•Culled from The Guardian, UK

Met Police ‘corruption’ claims lead to calls for investigation A

Ibori: jailed for 13 years after admitting money laundering (Georg Esiri)

‘Police bribery hushed up’ in billionaire trial

By Tom Harper, Home Affairs Correspondent

T

HE Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is facing serious questions over an alleged cover-up that could jeopardise the high-profile conviction of a billionaire Nigerian politician.

The crisis follows the dramatic collapse of a case involving Bhadresh Gohil, a lawyer who represented James Ibori, a former governor of Nigeria’s oil-rich Delta State. Gohil was cleared at Southwark crown court last week after the CPS withdrew a charge of perverting the course of justice.

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Gohil had been accused of leaking fabricated documents to media organisations and MPs on the home affairs select committee.

The documents claimed a police officer involved in the Ibori inquiry had received corrupt payments from RISC Management, a private detective agency that worked for Ibori.

The decision to prosecute Gohil backfired, however, when CPS lawyers were, however, accused of withholding key documents which could have proved police corruption.

•Culled from The Sunday Times, UK

By Mark Easton Home editor

LLEGATIONS that Scotland Yard and the Crown Prosecution Service tried to cover up evidence of corruption among some officers have led to calls for an independent investigation. During a long-running trial in London, which has now been abandoned, a court was told there was “compelling evidence” officers had received bribes.

The claims were made by ex-solicitor Bhadresh Gohil’s legal team. Scotland Yard said its investigation into the claims found no misconduct. During the trial, Mr Gohil had been accused of perverting the course of justice by faking documents to make it look as though Scotland Yard detectives were taking bribes.

But his defence lawyers said that, far from this, and even though Mr Gohil had separately pleaded guilty to money-laundering, he was trying to expose corruption within the Metropolitan Police.

Speaking to the BBC after the trial was abandoned, Mr Gohil said he felt vindicated.

“I was a whistle-blower and instead of investigating what I had uncovered and put forward, I was persecuted,” he said.

The case goes back more than four years, when Mr Gohil anonymously sent documents

to public officials and journalists. Among the papers were what purported to be invoices detailing payments to confidential sources bribes for Metropolitan Police officers, it was claimed.

In court, defence lawyers alleged there was “clear and compelling evidence” of police accepting bribes in return for “unlawfully providing sensitive information” to private detectives. It was also alleged that Scotland Yard’s own investigation into the affair was “deliberately designed to find no evidence of corruption” and that the prosecution service “deliberately withheld evidence” which undermined their case, “misleading the Court of Appeal” in the process.

These allegations were disputed. Defence solicitor Simon Natas has called for an independent investigation.

“We consider that there are very serious questions for both the director of public prosecutions and the chief commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to answer about all aspects of this affair,” he said. Scotland Yard has said the allegations of corruption were investigated but no misconduct was identified. The CPS has confirmed only that the case against Mr Gohil has been dropped.

•Courtesy: BBC News

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016—43

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44—Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

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Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016 — 45

CHAN: Guinea can’t stop us —Chikatara F

OUR goal hero and Super Eagles forward, Chisom Chikatara has said the Syli Nationale of Guinea will not halt Eagles dream for quarterfinals berth at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda.

Eagles will clash with their West African opposite, Guinea in tomorrow’s last group game at the Stade Umuganda Rubavu, Gisenyi.

The Eagles lead the pack in Group C on four points, two points ahead of Guinea and Tunisia.

The outcome of the group’s matches will determine qualifiers for the last eight.

Chikatara said though Eagles do not see the clash against Guinea as a must win they will fight hard to finish the group campaign on high.

“Guinea cannot stop us from booking our safe passage to the quarterfinals of the championship on Tuesday.

“Though we do not see the match as a must win, we have however told ourselves we must finish on high the group race. “ U n d e r s t a n d a b l y, Guinea will come out tough aimed at chalking the points that will see them progress to the last eight but we will not allow them the luxury.

“We have already steeled ourselves for whatever banter Guinea will come up with same way we handled the Nigeriens and Tunisians.

“Tunisians were the toughest so far in the championship but we ended the clash with our shoulders held high.

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Rio 2016: Dalung inaugurates new Hospitality Committee

S

PORTS Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung will on Tuesday inaugurate a new committee for the Nigerian ‘Hospitality’ House Project for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

A 15-man committee was earlier established by the National Sports Commission directorgeneral Alhassan Yakmut in November last year but it has now been pruned to seven members.

The re-constituted committee has Alhaji

Mohammed B. Abdullahi as Chairman and project coordinator while the Nigeria Olympic Committee will be represented by Bappa A. Missau. Other members of the committee include Shamma Makpa, a Sports Officer at the National Sports Commission, Okechukwu Nebo, Head of Chancery, Nigerian Embassy in Brazil and three ministerial nominees, Alhaji Bala Usman, Tar Ukoh and Mrs Adeshola Ndu.

Lagos City Marathon expo begins

A

CTIVITIES leading up to the Access Bank/ Lagos City Marathon, billed for February 6, will start today at the Teslim Balogun Stadium with an Expo.

First of its kind in Nigeria, Marathon Expos are integral of big marathon races worldwide with major

•Chikatara (l) in action against a Tunisian

Australian Open: Serena battles Sharapova in q-finals D

EFENDING champion Serena Williams will face Maria Sharapova in the Australian Open quarterfinals after both won their last-16 matches yesterday.

Top seed Williams, who beat Sharapova in last year ’s final, crushed Margarita Gasparyan 6-2 6-1 in 55 minutes.

The 34-year-old American is chasing her 22nd Grand Slam title and seventh in Melbourne.

Sharapova, the 2008 champion from Russia, hit 21 aces as she battled to a 7-5 7-5 win over Swiss

Continued from B/P

Eagles

optimistic of taking all three points from the Guineans, he stated that the technical crew was cautious of avoiding injuries. Guinea, equally have a chance of moving to the next round if they get a good result from the Super Eagles.

“We have what it takes to get all the three points in Tuesday ’s game against Guinea. But then again, it depends on the form of the day. We are far from where we are hoping to get to. That’s why the two players (Muhammed

Usman and Chisom Chikatara) trained separately.

You know that we played on a synthetic pitch, so they are feeling some pains in the groin. You saw in the game against Tunisia where we took Usman out due to the pains he felt in his groin,” he said. “Chikatara is also feeling it. But the doctor said they should be okay.

Hopefully, they will be fit for Tuesday,” Oliseh said.

The Super Eagles need at least a draw to move to the next round. A win will see them, topping the group.

Belinda Bencic.

Fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska came through a dramatic match against nonseeded Anna-Lena Friedsam 7-6 (8-6) 1-6 75.

Meanwhile defending men’s champion Novak Djokovic survived a scare against Gilles Simon to reach the last eight of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Five-time champion Djokovic made 100 unforced errors but

prevailed 6-3 6-7 (1-7) 64 4-6 6-3 after four hours and 32 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

Djokovic, 28, is through to his 27th consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal.

Four-time champion Roger Federer was in vintage form in beating Belgium’s David Goffin 6-2 6-1 6-4.

Djokovic plays Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the last eight after the seventh seed beat JoWilfried Tsonga 6-4 6-2

Buhari Continued from B/P athletes in 2015, may still get their chance for a hand shake.

The President hosted Nigerian football teams and others to a treat last Thursday in Abuja, but the track and field athletes were not represented.

However, Nneka Anibeze, Media Assistant to the sports minister, Solomon Dalung hinted yesterday, that Nigerian athletes who won medals at the African Games and Youth Commonwealth Games will still have their date.

It was gathered that the track and field list

presented to the sports minister was bogus, and funds were not enough to go round.

“The athletes will be hosted at a later date. When and where that is what I cannot confirm,” said Anibeze.

The athletes who are currently in Port Harcout training for the Olympics expressed mixed feelings about being left out.

According to top sprinter Ogho-Oghene Egwero, they were not informed of the development. A little bit of communication to them could have helped assuage their feelings and boost their confidence as they train.

6-4, while third seed Federer plays Tomas Berdych.

The Czech sixth seed came through a testing encounter against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 4-6 6-4 6-3 1-6 6-3.

marathons like New York, Dubai, London, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, Berlin drawing thousands of vendors and exhibitors annually.

The theme of the Lagos City Marathon is Hospitality, Wellness and Wellbeing.

Over the weekend, some of the exhibitors were seen mounting their stands in readiness for the event which will last till February 3.

Corporate organizations and government bodies expected at the Expo include Access Bank, the title sponsor of Lagos City Marathon, Airtel, and others.

•Flamengoes humble Namibia 5-0 at the weekend, qualify on a 9-0 aggregate.

Chelsea Diego Costa’s every touch was greeted by a chorus of boos, but the pair excelled throughout, and showed Blues fans that they can recapture their grandeur of last season. Costa’s first major contribution was to draw the tackle from Per Mertesacker that earned the rangy German defender a straight red card, after being deemed to be last man. Then, with the Gunners still trying to regroup, Costa darted across substitute Gabriel to fire his side in front. After the interval, the match became an eerie throwback

Continued from B/P to a Jose Mourinho-esque defensive display, as Arsenal were frustrated by some solid rearguard action as Chelsea held on for the victory. The script suggested that this was the day the Gunners would secure a long-awaited victory over Chelsea, with the Blues in such disarray, but once again in this fixture, Arsenal came unstuck, and remain in third after missing the chance to return to the top of the table, while Chelsea’s unbeaten run since Mourinho’s departure goes on.

46 — Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

A

T the Match Coordination Meeting (MCM) of Group C that will be held today before tomorrow’s matches, the contents of CHAN Regulations Article 74 will be presented and explained to the teams by the General Coordinator.

Article 74 is that Almighty Article that has to do with the separation of teams at the end of Group matches in case of a tie.

During the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea, Mali and Guinea had to go through the infamous coin toss to separate the two teams.

Here in Rwanda, the Super Eagles failure to beat Tunisia and qualify for the quarter finals has taken the battle of the Group to the final match where even Niger with one point stands a chance to qualify.

It is a simple arithmetic of Ifs…If Guinea with two points beats Nigeria ( God forbid?) then Guinea will advance.

If Niger with a point beats Tunisia with two points, then Niger will advance and so on.

It is true that all Nigeria need is a draw to qualify, but in a game of football where the Southamptons of football can strike in the 87th minute to claim maximum points, then it is only wise to play safe and establish superiority by going for an outright and emphatic win!

What chances the Super Eagles.

At the end of encounter against Tunisia, I remember telling Coach Oliseh that the boys played better as a team but that football was about goals. The debate as to whether Chikatara was better as a substitute is still there. What is not in doubt however is that he can be very lethal in front of goal.

Against hard fighting Guinea tomorrow, Oliseh by now would have found his starting Eleven. The first match was more of an experiment and we thank our stars that the opposition was Niger who allowed us a second half blitz to come out tops with a superior goals difference that will help us when it comes to broke.

In an interview he granted the local media after the exciting 4-1 drubbing of Niger. Oliseh said his presence

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Tomorrow . . . do or die for CHAN Eagles Here in Rwanda, the Super Eagles failure to beat Tunisia and qualify for the quarter finals has taken the battle of the Group to the final match where even Niger with one point stands a chance to qualify. in Rwanda was key as he was in search of players that could make it to his A team(?)

I have said before now that the so called A team was suspect if it had to do with our players based abroad. This definitely is not the best of times for our foreign armada.

Apart from Odion Ighallo, who is that player who every week is hugging the media headlines out there, with superlative displays? Not many.

Here I see a lot of promise and character. Here I see hunger, here I see some understanding….perhaps due to the fact that very few clubs make the nucleus of the team……Sunshine Stars have five players here and four

of them started against Tunisia. Two from Abia Warriors and two of Rangers’ three were also in the starting line up. Of players anxious to please the coach and remain in his dreams.

I may be wrong, but I believe that given the quality of the players we have out there, at least ten of those we have here can walk into the Nigerian team with their eyes closed.

The ten?

Let me hazard a guess based on the two matches played.

Ikechukwu Ezenwa is as safe as ever. Very reliable.

Okoro, Prince and Chikatara have struck a partnership that must be sharpened and made to deliver.

Mathew Etim is so silently effective that he is a strikers delight in terms of supply. However he should also learn that it is not enough to waltz in the midfield without going for goals.

I like skipper Chima Akas. Tiredless worker who likes to show by example. Eze Stephen, Ifeanyi Mathew, Onobi Paul and Oboroakpo will play in my team anyday.

I know the potentials of Orji Kalu, Bassey Ezekiel, Ibenegbu Bartholomew and Adeniji Babatunde. I just hope that those who will be fielded tomorrow will do well to remain in the competition and afford their colleagues enough time in the limelight to also showcase their wares.

Rwanda?

Rwanda is a delight. I am yet to see a city as neat as Kigali. A city were order is a culture. Where neat coaster buses are used as public transport and no standing is allowed.

Here, there are Okadas, but please use your helmet.

After two weeks of peri peri in the hotel, we found two joints serving Nigerian food. Yes. A Yoruba and an Ibo woman ( Who else?)

Ah! Did I tell you that the CAF delegation is lodged in Hotel Mille Collines? Yes the same hotel where the famous film Hotel Rwanda was shot. Where about twenty two years ago, some 200 refugees besieged the hotel until they were rescued by the UN Peace Keeping Force.

Every time I go into my room, I wonder who the occupiers were, what could happened etc. Today am part of history.

Another type of history beckons on the Super Eagles.

Over to them. See you next week.

Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016—47

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Vanguard, MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016

Chelsea dim Arsenal’s title hope C

HELSEA continued their hard climb back to the top with a 1-0 win

CHAN: Eagles form worries Oliseh

S

UPER Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh admitted yesterday that his team is nowhere near the level he wants it to be as they prepare to t a k e o n G u i n e a tomorrow in their last Group C match of the CAF Africa Nations Championship in Rwanda.

Though Oliseh was Continues on page 45

N

RESULTS EPL Everton Arsenal CHAN Cote D’Ivoire Morocco

By Ben Efe

Continues on page 45

•Wenger...Frustrated

Australian Open: Serena battles Sharapova in q-finals –p.45

•Serena...Fires on

Buhari to host track and field athletes IGERIAN athletes who felt snubbed by President Mohammadu Buhari in his awards presentation to successful Nigerian

over title chasing Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium yesterday.

Things fell apart for the Gunners when Per Mertesacker was sent off after 18 minutes for pulling down Diego Costa. Costa struck four minutes later to give Chelsea a lead, which they held on to till the end, despite a gallant fight back by Arsenal.

Cesc Fabregas and Continues on page 45

KILLER GOAL... Chelsea’s Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (l) on his way to nicking the lone goal which dimmed Arsenal’s title hope.

Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel (r) tries to stop him during the match at the Emirates Stadium in London yesterday. AFP PHOTO

1 0

Swansea Chelsea

2 1

4 4

Gabon Rwanda

1 1

Today’s Matches Ethiopia Cameroun

v v

Angola 3pm DR Congo 3pm

QUICK CR OSS WORD CROSS OSSWORD

TODAY'S PUZZLE

FRIDAY'S ANSWERS

Across 1 Fashionable (4) 4 Child (3) 6 Creep (4) 8 Customer (6) 9 Modern (6) 10 Lair (3) 12 Outcoming (5) 14 Avarice (5) 15 Leaf (5) 18 Instrument (6) 20 Simply (6) 24 Long (5) 26 Essential (5) 28 Entice (5) 30 Astern (3) 32 Pursue (6) 33 Recluse (6) 34 Discharge (4) 35 Craving (3) 36 Consider (4)

Down 2 Throw (5) 3 Defile (7) 4 Nurse (4) 5 Rotate (4) 6 Encounter (5) 7 Hide (7) 11 Epoch (3) 12 Cur (3) 13 Beverage (3) 16 Attempt (3) 17 Meadow (3) 19 Regular (7) 21 Skill (3) 22 Scoffed (7) 23 Still (3) 25 Sprite (3) 27 Apportion (5) 29 Cost (5) 30 Crooked (4) 31 Lean (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 2, Sense 7, Devil 8, Urban 10, Tuni 12, Eat 13, Aimed 15, Donated 17, Headed 19, Wed 20, Deleted 23, Avid 25, Dome 26, Cajoled 30, Wit 31, Decent 34, Bridged 37, Money 38, All 39, Droop 40, Asked 41, Tenet 42, Speed.

Down: 1, Belie 2, Sited 3, Eluded 4, Said 5, Dreaded 6, Later 9, Bat 11, Cowered 13, Ahead 14, Magic 16, Net 18, Devoted 21, Dozen 22, Deity 24, Dawdled 27, Jig 28, Demote 29, Crash 32, Coped 33, Never 35, Ilk 36, Drip.

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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