Wednesday, June 3, 2015 Edition

Barcelona: From Trouble to Treble

Daily Post The return of buhari

Vol. 1 Edition 5 Wednesday, June 3 - Tuesday, June 9, 2015

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dailypost property pages 11-14

• Can he deliver on his promises?

page5

Command Centre will relocate to Maiduguri soon – Service Chiefs

pg. 3

news Buhari consoles people of Anambra, pg. 6 Joe Biden Entertainment

President Muhammadu Buhari with Service Chiefs, during a meeting at the Defence Guest House in Abuja, yesterday.

Tonto Dikeh set to Marry

pg. 21

Over 30 killed in Maiduguri market bomb blast

pg.3

We will not interfere with the election of NASS leadership – APC

pg. 3

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Buhari seeks NASS approval to appoint Special Advisers P

resident Muhammadu Buhari in his first letter to the Senate President, David Mark, has requested for kind consideration of National Assembly to enable him appoint Special Advisers to assist him in performance of his official functions.

The letter dated 2nd June, 2015 which was obtained by Daily Post shows that Mr President who was inaugurated on 29th May, 2015 has subjected himself to the norms of democratic structures which require among others that, for the President and Commander in Chief to appoint some political office holders, he has to seek approval of the National Assembly.

The letter which was personally signed by President Buhari reads, “Pursuant to the provision of Section (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) which confers on me to appoint Special Advisers to assist me in

Buhari

the performance of my functions, I write to request for your kind consideration and approval of the Distinguished Members of the Senate of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria to appoint Fifteen (15) Special Advisers as prescribed in Section 151 (2-3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

Many feared killed in Maiduguri market blast

bombers were said to have taken over the road to Maiduguri during the battle with troops on Monday night. He said, “ All security agencies in Maiduguri are on red alert because these useless people according to signals we received have smuggled themselves into town with bad intention of suicide bombing. ‘’Yesterday, about five suicide bombers were arrested at Tashan Baga and this one is another bad day for everybody. Please, for your safety, I beg you to go back because anything can happen. These bad eggs want to see where people gather to go and detonate another explosive.

Speaking with some traders who were forced to abandon their sheds at the abattoirs, our correspondent gathered that, more than 70 people were hit by the explosion, but they cannot be sure of the number of dead.

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bomb blast at Kasuwan Shanu, an abattoir, in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital has reportedly left many dead and several others injured.

National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) officials, who visited the scene of the bomb blastTuesday afternoon claimed that 10 people were killed while hundreds suffered various level of injuries. However, sources at the State Specialists hospital in Maiduguri, said, over thirty (30) were brought in dead while more of the injured were still been brought into the emergency ward, with some dying on arrival.

“We have received six corpses who died at the emergency ward since the injured were brought in and I just learnt that another victim of the blast has given up and they are bringing the corpse as we speak.” A hospital source told DAILY POST on phone.

The bomb which was allegedly concealed under a butcher’s table in the market, killed shoppers and travellers, a military source said.

Police and other security operatives have cordoned off the area before our reporter could get to the scene.

A police Inspector, Adamu A, told our correspondent not to go further because so many suicide

Command centre to be relocated to Maiduguri soon – Service Chiefs

A

bomb blast at Kasuwan Shanu, an abattoir, in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital has reportedly left many dead and several others injured.

National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) officials, who visited the scene of the bomb blastTuesday afternoon claimed that 10 people were killed while hundreds suffered various level of injuries. However, sources at the State Specialists hospital in Maiduguri, said, over thirty (30) were brought in dead while more of the injured were still been brought into the emergency ward, with some dying on arrival.

“We have received six corpses who died at the emergency ward since the injured were brought in and I just learnt that another victim of the blast has given up and they

are bringing the corpse as we speak.” A hospital source told DAILY POST on phone.

The bomb which was allegedly concealed under a butcher’s table in the market, killed shoppers and travellers, a military source said.

Police and other security operatives have cordoned off the area before our reporter could get to the scene.

A police Inspector, Adamu A, told our correspondent not to go further because so many suicide bombers were said to have taken over the road to Maiduguri during the battle with troops on Monday night. He said, “ All security agencies in Maiduguri are on red alert because these useless people according to signals we received have smuggled themselves into town with bad intention of suicide bombing. ‘’Yesterday, about five sui-

cide bombers were arrested at Tashan Baga and this one is another bad day for everybody.

Please, for your safety, I beg you to go back because anything can happen. These bad eggs want to see where people gather to go and detonate another explosive.

Speaking with some traders who were forced to abandon their sheds at the abattoirs, our correspondent gathered that, more than 70 people were hit by the explosion, but they cannot be sure of the number of dead.

Amina Sarki, a meat seller at the abattoir said, “ Oga, we just heared the blow and everybody started running.

We knew it was a bomb blast, we could not stay to count but those NEMA people who came immediately said 10 people were killed with many seriously injured.”

In anticipation of traditional prompt attention of the Senate, the matter has been referred for debate on Wednesday.

It is expected that Senate Leader, Senator Ita Enang would put the matter on the order paper for tomorrow’s debate and approval.

As opposed to the traditional way of appointment of Ministers of the Federal Republic, the request for appointment of Special Advisers forwarded to the National Assembly does not contain names of those to be appointed while Mr President would appoint those he wishes after the approval is given.

Also, the National Assembly members today congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo over his inauguration as President and Commander -in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the successful handing over of governance to him.

Shekau’s whereabouts unknown as Boko Haram releases new video

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n a latest video released online by the Boko Haram insurgents which curiously replaced the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, with another character, the sect has debunked claims by the Nigerian military that it has been routed by a four-nation onslaught, especially from the Sambisa forest.

The unidentified speaker in the video, whose face was hidden by a headscarf, instead called Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, that have been battling the Islamists, “the lying coalition partners”.

In the 10-minute message which was posted on YouTube on Tuesday, the character noted that, “Most of our territories are still under our control”.

The new speaker in the latest video appeared in front of two pick-up trucks, with four other gunmen visibly at the background. He speaks in Hausa language with Arabic and English used in subtitling what he said.

An AK-47 rifle rests on his chest as he seeks to rebuke the claims of successes made in recent weeks by the coalition.

While referring to the bushland area ( Sambisa) in Nigeria’s northeast Borno state that has been an Islamist stronghold, he said, “The armies claim through the media that they captured our towns and that they assaulted Sambisa (forest) and defeated us”.

“I swear by Allah that I am talking right now from Sambisa… Here in Sambisa, you can travel more than four to five hours under the black flag of Islam by car or by motorbike.”

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APC pledges not to interfere in election of NASS leadership

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he All Progressives Congress, APC, leadership has assured that it would provide a level playing field that would allow members of the eight National Assembly elect their leaders without interference.

National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, disclosed this on Tuesday while exchanging views with newsmen at the Defence House in Abuja. He spoke shortly after leading members of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, to a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Reacting to whether the APC, which is now majority in the National Assembly, can afford a crisis over the choice of its leaders, Oyegun assured that, “There will be no crisis. I want to give you that assurance, we are very conscious of the fact that the national assembly is a separate arm of government and the law provides, the constitution provides that they are the ones responsible for electing their own officers all we are going to do is provide for them a conducive environment.”

He disclosed that the President was robbing minds with the party to put together his ministerial list, stressing that President Buhari was a loyal party man who was always carrying the party along in his decisions.

“All I can say is this, Mr. President is committed to carrying the party along in everything that he does and we are very grateful for that, and he has always been like that. He has put the party in the front burner in his consideration at all times,” Oyegun said.

Speaking about the visit which he said was to afford them the opportunity to pay their respect to the President, he stated that it allowed them to pledge their support and loyalty to him as he sets about the task of rebuilding the nation.

According to him, all of those at the meeting agreed that the expectations of Nigerians are extremely high but that with the support of the party and members of the public, the President will perform.

The APC boss described the discussions held between the party chiefs and the President as very frank, noting that the President reiterated his commitment to ensure the safety of lives and property of Nigerians.

With regards to the President’s pronouncement of relocating the military command and control centre to Borno State, he said, “That is the case, he is giving it priority, there is nothing like life, he was elected to protect Nigerian lives and that is what he is giving first priority to.”

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The•Can return of buhari he deliver on his promises?

By Timothy Enietan- Matthews

T

he response was instantaneous just like it was infectious; jubilant crowds everywhere from Lagos to Maiduguri. Everywhere in Nigeria, it was a day of infectious jubilation and celebration. Peasant traders, wheel barrow pushers, hawkers, “mai ruwa” and all sorts of people, including the elites and social media super stars were unanimous in the celebration, though done differently. But one thing was common, the reason for their joy, the election of Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s new president! This was the night of Monday, the 30th of March, 2015.

Prior to the 2015 presidential election, specifically after the historic presidential primary election of the All Progressives Congress, APC, where Buhari emerged as the party’s candidate, the nation had been inundated with shouts of “Sai Baba”. These words, no doubt qualified for the most popular or most used of the decade, as the young, the old, the educated and the illiterate, women and men chanted the words.

The race for the 2015 general election was a straight fight, a fight between two people, President Goodluck Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari. It was also a straight fight between their supporters, who were most times divided along two straight lines with no possibility of any of either side bowing. It was not so much a fight for ideology but more of sentiments and the desire to effect change at all cost.

For so many, it was time to fight for the man they popularly call the peoples general!

A man they believe so much in; a man they see as the messiah, the Joshua that will take the nation to the promised land of economic growth, employment, electricity supply and the magical banishment of every form of corrupt practices.

There is no doubting the fact that hopes are high and Nigerians, as usual are expecting so much from the General! But aside the expectation of Nigerians and the euphoria that greeted his election, General Muhammadu Buhari seems to see something much more in his victory than what others around him see.

For the General, it was more of a personal victory, a fulfillment of a last wish, the actualization of a lifelong dream. He also sees himself as an auto-mechanic who is ready to give all he has to get a car ( Nigeria) fixed. Though he once ruled the country as a military head of state, but he craved a comeback as a democratically elected president. And three times before, he tried and three times he failed.

The 12 Year Journey Buhari was a man that was rejected by the ruling class and the courts on three different occasions but the man on the street accepted him unanimously in his fourth journey into the presidency.

The story of the electoral sojourn of Muhammadu Buhari is one that will always evoke emotion and empathy. At 72 years, he had seen a lot in life and one of those is that he believes he has been a victim of both political and judicial conspiracy. For sure, he knew that nothing good comes so easy. One has to fight for it, but in his case, he alleged a brazen act of impunity, reproach and extreme judicial subterfuge.

For 12 consecutive years, he tried in vain to become Nigeria’s democratically elected president. He was written off as unelectable even by those who are his closest comrades. But in all these, one thing worked for him: Resilience and just last week, he was inaugurated as Nigeria’s President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In 2003, he ran on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria’s Peoples Party, ANPP, against the then President Olusegun Obasanjo. He also faced late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007 presidential election but lost. Later in 2010, he formed the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC. On that platform, he contested in 2011 but also lost to former President Goodluck Jonathan of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

By the middle of 2013, Buhari’s party, CPC, joined forces with three others to form the All Progressives Congress, APC. He contested on this new platform and won the March 28, 2015, presidential election.

Speaking on his journey to the presidency, Buhari in his words described what can best be called the “Thorny Road to Power”, while counseling two APC candidates who lost gubernatorial elections.

“I contested three times and ended up in the Supreme Court. Sometimes, people wonder why I tried so hard. I tried so hard because it is a system I believe in. I believe that multiparty democratic system is the best form of governance with a big caveat that election must be free and fair.

“Really, this is why I am in it. I was in APP. I joined partisan politics in April 2002 and on that date, at my ward, I said that those who knew me, and myself, following my career and antecedents in the military, if I tell people that I will participate in partisan politics, people would not believe it and I will not also believe it. But I found myself in it and I never turned back.

“Within one year, APP gave me the ticket.

There were governors, senators and much older people than me, but all the same, I got the ticket. I lost; I was in court for 30 months. In 2007, we tried to have a limited merger and became ANPP and again, I participated and was told I lost.

“I went to court for 20 months up to the Supreme Court and I felt that my party was not fair to me. While I was in court, the leadership of the party proceeded and took two marginal ministries in late Yar’Adua’s cabinet and an Adviser. For that disgraceful behavior by the party leadership, I left the party and we floated the CPC. “Again, I attempted in 2011 and lost and again, I was in court for about eight months and I contested now for the fourth time on APC’s platform having successfully gone through with the merger of the three legacy parties.

“They continued with what they used to do in their party offices or their sitting rooms, write the results, go to radio house and television house and announce the result and say whoever does not want the result should go to court.

“How many people can go to court when they are struggling to get the next day’s meal? Where will they get the millions to give to those Senior Advocates of Nigeria? I was able to do it because of the goodwill of Nigerians which again demonstrated itself this year.

“We will never betray the people because they have risked everything. Some even lost their lives in this course to make sure that APC succeeded and that we have a leadership in place that they can trust is what multi-party democracy is all about,” he said.

“Buhari was a man that was rejected by the ruling class and the courts on three different occasions but the man on the street accepted him unanimously in his fourth journey into the presidency” From the above, it is obvious that nobody that can tell the Buhari story more than Buhari himself and he just told the story of his second coming!

Now that he is here, the question that is beginning to occupy the minds of Nigerians is, “what will he make of his second coming?”

Nigerians, especially those who are well aware of happenings in the country in the early eighties, will readily say that the first coming of Muhammadu Buhari was not particularly a good one for Nigerians, especially the political class he pushed out of power to assumed the leadership of the country.

The infamous Decree 4 is still fresh in the memory of Nigerians, especially those in the media and the retroactive decrees promulgated by his regime may be hard to erase from the memories of those who were bruised by them. These and many more made many skeptical about his second coming but if the man is to be taken by his words, then his second coming may just be totally different from 1984.

Buhari, in one of his speeches categorically said he was a born again democrat, meaning he now knows the difference between a military regime and a democratic dispensation. If this is the case, then Nigerians’ expectations must be surpassed by his administration Can he deliver?

If there is anything that characterized the campaign of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Buhari’s party, it is the change mantra.

It was a slogan that spread like wildfire, catching virtually on everybody.

The APC and General Buhari rode on the promise of change in the polity and Nigeri-

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ans, who were obviously not satisfied with the way things were in the country and have yearned for new ways of doing things, jumped on the “change train” and vigorously campaigned for Buhari and the APC. After the wild celebrations and exhilarating euphoria that greeted Buhari’s victory, Nigerians are now waiting with baited breath for the change the President and his party promised.

Several analysts and political commentators are however not too sure how much change the new administration can bring, as some of them believe President Buhari and his party promised too much to entice Nigerians and may be in a deep dilemma at the moment on how to either fulfill the promises or how to explain them away.

For those who know, the campaign promises of the APC were at best ambitious and a tall order to fulfill in a country of impatient men and women. Prominent among the promises are pledges to confront corruption frontally and end the monster that held down the country’s development hostage over the years.

In as much as most Nigerians agree that corrupt practices had to be dealt a knockout blow, there are those who believe the new President may have an uphill task in doing this because of those surrounding him.

According to respected preacher and Buhari’s running mate in the 2011 presidential election, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade may not see the light of day because of those surrounding.

In a sermon shortly before the March 28 election, Bakare declared that he trusted Buhari but he was doubtful about those surrounding him. Falling short of naming names, Bakare described them as wolves and excess baggage for the Daura born.

This same sentiment has been expressed by many other respected Nigerians, who feel the President is in the wrong company.

According to them, most of the people that populate the APC, especially those who dumped the PDP have moral baggage hanging around them on account of allegations of corrupt practices while those who form the core fulcrum of the original legacy parties of the APC are not particularly saints.

It is therefore left to be seen how President Buhari hopes to rid the nation of corruption with those surrounding him without incurring the wrath of his electoral benefactors!

Security and particularly ending the war against Boko Haram insurgents is another tall promise Buhari and his party made to Nigerians. The insurgency and pockets of Fulani herdsmen attacks in parts of the North no doubt created room for the clamour for change against the administration of former President, Goodluck Jonathan and the APC did not waste time to cash in on them, convincing Nigerians that the PDPled Federal Government was complacent in its handling of security challenges, promising to reverse the trend if voted into power.

Nigerians are however waiting to see what magic the Buhari government will perform in this regard. But security analysts are quick to point out that war against terrorism is not one that is easily won anywhere in the world.

Other grandiose promises made by President Buhari during his campaign tours across the country were payment of monthly stipends to unemployed graduates, continuation of the payment of allowances to corps members for 2 years after their service year or till they get employment. These are great ideas, but how the new administration hopes to achieve it with the current economic down turn and the crashed price of crude oil in the international market is yet to be seen.

Essentially, Nigerians and indeed, the civilized world are waiting to see what President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, will do with the change they have promised. Will it be another round of promises or change has truly come to Nigeria? Nigerians are waiting for his first major step of forming a cabinet that will truly be dedicated to Nigerian course.

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Buhari IDPs in Abuja lament government’s consoles neglect as CKSC reaches out people of I Anambra, Joe Biden

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his condolences to the governor and people of Anambra State over the petrol tanker fire incident in Onitsha which claimed no fewer than 60 lives.

The incident took place on May 30 when a petrol tanker crashed into a busy bus station in the commercial city.

In a statement issued by the President’s Senior Special Assistant (Media and publicity) Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari described the incident as a sad and unfortunate loss.

The statement said the incident was “even more unfortunate by the number of families who are currently mourning the loss of their loved ones’’.

“My deepest sympathies are with you at this most trying time,” Buhari said.

President Buhari also extended condolences to the U.S. Vice President, Joe Biden, who lost his son, Beau Biden, to cancer.

“As someone who has lost a child, I understand how painful and almost inconsolable it can be.

“The government and people stand with you at this trying moment for your family,” President Buhari said.

He added that only God could offer comfort to both the governor and people of Anambra, and to Vice President Biden.

“I pray that God comforts you,” he said.

Buhari

nternally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camping in the Durumi area of Abuja have cried out over what they described as gross neglect by relevant government agencies that are supposed to cater for their wellbeing.

The IDPs, who were closed to tears because of their living condition, stated this when an Abuja based sports club, Corporate Kickers Sports Club, CKSC, visited them with relief materials and food items to commemorate its 10th year anniversary.

According to the IDPs who fled their communities in the Northeastern part of the country to escape the violent onslaught of Boko Haram insurgents, living in their self-made camp in Durumi has been terrible experience, as government has totally neglected them

since they moved to the camp.

The women leader of the IDPs, Hajia Amina lamented the living condition of the IDPs, saying nothing has been done by government to ameliorate their condition, if not for kind hearted individuals who have been coming to their aid with relief materials and food stuff.

“We have been living under the most unconducive environment without any help from government. The government people who are supposed to cater for us have not done anything for us. They only came here once to register us but that is the last we have heard from them”, she said.

According to her, they were initially supposed to stay in the Kuje IDP camp but because it was too filled, they had to move to Durumi, when a kind hearted woman offered them her uncompleted

building to stay temporarily. However, they were asked out of the building when the owner decided to continue construction work, making them to move to an open plot opposite the building.

The IDPs, who were predominantly women and children, lives in tents made with tarpaulins without any provision for sanitary facilities.

Commenting on the living condition of the IDPs, the Captain of Club, Barrister Adegoke Oluyode, said the sight of the camp is pathetic and disheartening, adding that they had wanted to visit the IDPs and offer their little but the 10th year anniversary only provided a good opportunity.

“As a group and individuals, we believe in being responsible to our community as human beings and as citizens. We are concerned

Bauchi Governor, Deputy slash 50 per cent off their salaries

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overnor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, may have taken a cue from his Kaduna State counterpart as he announced a 50-per-cent cut in his salary and that of his Deputy, Nuhu Gidado.

Abubakar, who made this announcement in a state broadcast in Bauchi on Tuesday, attributed the decision to the huge debt profile of Bauchi state and the looting of the state’s treasury by the immediate past administration.

The governor, who also announced the dissolution of all Local Government Caretaker Committees in the state with immediate effect, directed the respective council administrators to hand over the affairs of the local governments to their respective heads of personnel managements.

According to him, “let me use this occasion to formally announce the dissolution of all local government caretaker committees with immediate effect.

“The respective administrators are directed to hand over

Abubakar

all affairs of local governments to their head of personnel managements.’’

The Bauchi state governor noted that the decision to cut his salary and that of his deputy became necessary in view of the huge debt profile of the state “and the empty treasury inherited from the immediate past administration.

“As a mark of leadership by example, I hereby offer to reduce the salary to be earned

by the deputy governor and my humble self by 50 per cent.

“We are prepared to provide nothing less than the best leadership to our dear state and expect the same from Bauchi people.

“We need your support; we need your understanding and we need their prayers and together we will forge ahead and build a united and economically viable Bauchi State,’’ he said.

Governor Abubakar went on to announce the freezing of all state government bank accounts and suspension of all pending financial transactions and instruments.

He, however, said Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that were in charge of essential services might and could formerly apply for a waiver through his office.

Recall that hours after his swearing in last Friday, Governor Nasir El-rufai of Kaduna State announced a 5o per cent cut in his salary as well as that of his deputy, Barnabas Bala, in view of the declined revenue base of the state.

Anambra Police Command sets up monitoring team to check impunity on roads

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he Anambra Police Command on Tuesday said it had set up a Special Road Monitoring Team to check impunity and recklessness on major roads in the state.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Uche Eze, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha that the new team had been directed to restore sanity on the roads.

Eze said the team that was operating on several vehicles would ``put to end all negativities, indiscipline and intentional blocking of major roads in the state’’.

“The team that was recently

set up by the Commissioner of Police will check the indiscriminate use of sirens in the state, especially by unauthorised individuals or groups.

“They would check incidents of tinted glass; absence of number plate on vehicles; covering of number plate and incomplete vehicle documentation,’’ he said.

The police spokesman said the team was mandated to deal decisively with commercial drivers that pick passengers or load passengers and goods along the roads.

“The team would also check all forms of reckless driving involving official convoys, bul-

lion van drivers as well as bus drivers, especially coaster bus drivers in Onitsha.

“Since these drivers had been warned times without number on the dangers they pose to other road users,’’ he said.

Eze said that the special team would be assisted by crime patrol as well as stopand-search teams already existing in the state, ``if need be’’.

“The Commissioner of Police wants to restore sanity and decency on the road in order to protect lives of many law abiding citizens of Anambra,’’ he added.

NAN

Obiano

about what has been happening in our country and there are people who have lived the horror, so it is normal to come and show them that we care and render the little material support we can afford”, Oluyode said.

The club, CKSC handed out various items to the IDPs, ranging from food stuff to clothing and footwear.

Appreciating the gesture, Hajia Amina said they have been surviving through the large heartedness of individuals and groups like the CKSC. She called on government to come to their aid by providing a better camp for them before they are able to go back to their communities, adding that they have all missed their homes and are tired of living like beggars and refugees in their own country.

Court fixes July 8 for judgment on Synagogue building collapse

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agistrate Oyetade Komolafe on Tuesday fixed July 8 for judgment on the inquest into the collapse of a building within the premises of the Synagogue Church of All Nation (SCOAN).

The incident killed over 110 persons.

SCOAN founder, Prophet T. B. Joshua, on Sunday- 14th September 2014 played to his congregation and Emmanuel TV viewers worldwide a footage captured by security cameras of the horrific moment before the guest-house collapsed within the church premises.

He has continued to insist that a “strange airplane” that hovered around the building caused the collapse.

But former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Development and Urban Planning, Toyin Ayinde Adedamola, had told the coroner’s court headed by Chief Magistrate, Oyetade Komolafe, that that 6-storey building does not have any approval from the state government.

However, a Biedomo Iguniewei, a weapon researcher, told the same court that high infrasonic radiation attack was the cause of the collapse.

The coroner had asked Iguniewei, who claimed to have adopted the Synagogue incident as his academic project, to furnish the court with papers.

The independent consultant, who claimed to be a post-graduate student of Explosives and Material Science at the Nigerian Defence Academy, had suggested that the aircraft that reportedly hovered above the church shortly before the building came down could have fired infrasonic radiations at the building.

He added that he was in a position to reach such a conclusion based on his six-year experience with the Nigerian Defence Academy.

According to Iguniewei, an infrasound is a type of sound measuring below 20Hz, which is below what the normal human ear can detect.

He said, “The striking thing about infrasound is that you cannot hear it and you cannot see it but it causes remarkable vibrations when used as a weapon” “Those of us who work with the security know that weapons are produced and they are always looking for where to test them.”

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David Mark is dancing his last dance of shame – Idoma Group A

group, known as Congress for Better Idoma Community, CBIC, has replied a faceless group, known as Idoma Legacy Protection, ILP, over its recent claim that the Senatorial candidate on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in Benue Zone C in the last election, Comrade Dan Onjeh was a school dropout.

ILP in a statement signed by Chief Ikwuje Ajonye, the President of the group, and Hon. Sule Audu Sule, its Secretary categorically stated that Dan Onjeh never completed his educational studies both at home and abroad.

However, CBIC, while describing the ILP as internet miscreants purportedly championed by David Mark, insists that no amount of intimidation will deter Onjeh from wining back his mandate.

CBIC in a statement signed by its coordinator, Simon Agbo and obtained by DAILY POST on Tuesday, said the vile and spurious allegations leveled against Onjeh by the group were motivated by the envy of his rising political profile in Idomaland and in the nation at large.

According to the group, “recently a polemic piece penned by a faceless organisation calling itself the Idoma Legacy Protection Group, (a front for Internet miscreants probably sponsored by Sen. David Mark) whose shameless antics are ploys used to intimidate the opponents of their paymaster to drop the legitimate challenge to their principal’s electoral fraud.

“Even though these antics were successfully tried and tested on other opponents in the past, it will certainly not work on Comrade Daniel Onjeh, the APC candidate for the just concluded senatorial election of the Benue South senatorial seat.

Agbo in the statement further described the publication as a ploy to cast Onjeh as a recalcitrant upstart who disrespects elders, thus arrest his rising popularity among the Idoma people and deprive him of their support and solidarity.

“After reading this polemic (purportedly signed by one Chief Ikwuje Ajonye and one Hon. Sule Audu

Mark Sule) it is shocking to note that the sponsor(s) of this group would descent to the gutters to publish blatant lies against Comrade Onjeh just to further his (their) bid to cling to what is not rightfully his (theirs).

“Comrade Onjeh would normally not dignify this ignoble group with a reply. But sometimes silence may be misconstrued to be assent. In this social media age, where goons of every ilk have unfettered access to millions of people online, some gullible people may swallow every lie they are feed on the Internet. it is therefore fit and proper to put the record straight,” it added.

On the claim that Onjeh was a school dropout, CBIC disclosed that there was no iota of truth in the report, adding that the former WASU and NANS leader completed his university education in Ghana.

“Comrade Onjeh is a graduate of the prestigious University of Ghana, Legon. He holds a BA (double honours) in Economics and Political Science. The Ghanaian minister Onjeh is said to have lived with and worked for as a domestic staff is in fact Onjeh’s political protégé whose rise to prominence in the Ghanaian political arena was guided by Onjeh’s expert mentor-

ship even when they were both still students at the University of Ghana, Legon. To say that Onjeh never graduated from Legon and that the Ghanaian minister was his boss shows that their source has either misinformed them or is just being mischievous.

“For the record, Comrade Onjeh never dropped out of Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna.

The records are there. A trip to FUT Minna will clear their doubts.

In yet another blatant lie, the so called Idoma Legacy Protection Group stated that it was Senator David Mark and Comrade Aba Moro that sponsored Onjeh’s studies in Ghana. Nothing can be farther than the truth. It was the then governor of Benue State, George Akume that granted him a scholarship of $10,000 per year.

Apart from from their children and other close relations, it would be very difficult to find anyone in Idomaland whom Senator Mark or Comrade Aba Moro sponsored to study abroad. It is doubtful that they ever gave any indigent Idoma student more than a miserly N50, 000 bursary.”

The group further claimed that the media attack on Comrade Onjeh was an indication that Senator

Mark’s camp was feeling the heat of the weight of the case against it in the election tribunal, saying that ‘’ there is clear evidence of fraud and it’s just a matter of time before the stolen mandate of the people of Benue South is reclaimed. Clearly, their era is gone. The media attack on the person of Comrade Onjeh is just the death toll of (a) dying political dynasty(s).

“This is however not the first time Senator Mark’s e-rats have maligned Comrade Daniel Onjeh.

Led by a certain James Oche, a nefarious thug, who doubles as director of Senator Mark’s Death2Door (sorry, Door2Door) Campaign organization (an organization renowned for its brigandage) published an insulting piece on dailypost.com(http://dailypost. ng/2015/04/27/your-mother-wasnot-properly-married-to-yourfather-david-mark-insults-danonjeh/) claiming that Onjeh’s late mother was not properly married to his father.

“Onjeh did not reply that insult because he did, the mother of those who were never married to their fathers would have been made obvious, and it’s certainly not his late mother. At the time, he thought a reply would amount to joining issues with his elders. ”When Nigerians are losing an argument, they invariably result to insults. Rather than address the issues Comrade Onjeh raises, Senator Mark’s hirelings dwell on frivolities confirming to the world that their camp is indeed afraid of the inevitable reversal at the electoral tribunal. It will be in the Senate President’s interest to rein in his rabid feniles and Janissaries.

“If one may ask, what wrong has Comrade Onjeh done to warrant this campaign of calumny from these miscreants? Was it wrong for Onjeh to remind the world of Senator Mark’s antecedents? Did the distinguished senator not once said that the telephone is not for the poor?

It added that, “No amount of intimidation will deter him from reclaiming his mandate; on the contrary, every slight aimed at him gives him more confidence and strengthen his resolve to press on.”

Allow me nominate who will represent Ekiti in your cabinet – Fayose begs Buhari

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n defiance of President Muhammadu Buhari’s earlier declaration that governors will not be given the opportunity to nominate his ministers, Ekiti State governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, has requested for an opportunity to nominate an Ekiti State indigene for appointment into the anticipated Federal Executive Council.

Recall that Fayose was one of Buhari’s biggest opponents in the build-up to the March 28 presidential election, telling journalists to mark his words that Buhari will not win the election. He further sponsored an advert which was highly criticized as a death wish on the then presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC. But making the request in a statement issued yesterday, the governor disclosed that he had written to Buhari about it and was hopeful that the President’s reply would be favourable.

In his words, “I shall be happy to nominate a worthy and competent professional, who can always oblige Your Excellency and your

Fayose cabinet the benefit of a second opinion in the serious business of governance.”

Fayose noted that he was led to write the letter on the basis of the President’s declaration that he would put the overall interest of the country above every political partisanship and bias.

He noted that even former President Olusegun Obasanjo,

who was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, appointed the late Chief Bola Ige as the Minister for Justice, not minding that Ige was at the time a chief of the opposition Alliance for Democracy, AD. The Governor also predicated his letter on the strength of Section 147 sub (2) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria, which states: (2) Any appointment to the office of the Minister of the government of the Federation shall, if the nomination of any such person to such office is confirmed by the Senate, be made by the President. (3) Any appointment under sub-section (2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provision of section 15 (3) of this constitution provided that in giving effect to the provision aforesaid, the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each state, who shall be an indigene of such state.

The statement noted that Ekiti is a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, state, where the governor, the National Assembly and the state Assembly members are all PDP members.

He then stressed that in the spirit of putting in place an all-inclusive government with capacity for national integration, the President should accord him the honour and privilege to name the minister that would come from Ekiti State.

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Buba Marwa dumps PDP F

ormer military governor of Lagos State, Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, has officially withdrawn from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A statement issued in Abuja by his media aide, Bello Zubairu, said “the former military governor decided to quit the PDP on personal grounds.”

Marwa was a governorship candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Adamawa State.

After the party’s transition to the All Progressives Congress (APC), he expressed dissatisfaction over the manner his supporters were treated.

He alleged then that many of them were technically denied the opportunity to register in the new party during the process.

Though the statement was silent on whether Marwa will be returning to the APC, it however stated that “the retired general will be making public, his next line of action in the coming days.”

Marwa, however, appealed to his numerous supporters and well-wishers who have been calling him for direction from across the country to await his next move.

Ambode blames frequent tanker fire in Lagos on drivers’ indiscipline

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overnor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has attributed frequent tanker explosions experienced in the state, which usually culminates in the loss of lives and property, to the carelessness and indiscipline on the part of drivers.

Ambode made this assertion yesterday when he visited the scene of a petrol tanker explosion in the Iyana-Ipaja area of the state, which destroyed property worth millions of naira.

According to him, “Around 1.00am, a tanker loaded with 33,000 litres of petrol fell from the Ipaja bridge and spilled all its contents covering almost five streets here.

“In the last four hours, all our emergency agencies have been effectively on the ground and we have been able to manage and control consequences of what 33,000 litres of petrol would have done to this neighbourhood.

“Thank God, there has not been any loss of lives, but again, there are victims whose shops were destroyed.

“As of the last count, the agencies have been able to report that everything has been put under control. We’ve also recorded two other incidences, just like this one in other parts of Lagos overnight; one in Badagry and the other one in the Ojo area.

“It would also mean that our tanker drivers have to start to do something about their operations. We cannot continue to record loss of lives and property because our tanker drivers’ are not disciplined,” he stated.

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Wednesday, June 3, 2015

dailypost.ng

news

First Lady commiserates with Al-Makura over death of mother-in-law

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irst Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari, was in Jos, the Plateau State capital on Monday, to condole with the Nasarawa State Governor, Tanko Almakura, and his wife over the death of the governor’s mother-in-law, Hajia Aisha Musa.

Hajia Musa, 85, passed on in the early hours of Monday and has been buried according to the Islamic rites.

Senators Ahmed Lawan, Abdullahi Adamu and Solomon Ewuga, among others, accompanied the President’s wife.

Speaking, Hajia Buhari prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

He urged the family to take solace in the fact that Hajia Musa lived a life worthy of

Aisha Buhari

emulation.

In his remark, Lawan, who led the delegation of the

T WAEC explains why it won’t adopt CBT now

he West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on Tuesday said that it would not adopt the Computer Based Test (CBT) mode fully for now, considering the variables involved in conducting its examinations.

WAEC’s Head of National Office (HNO), Dr Charles Eguridu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the CBT mode being demanded by some people was not feasible for now.

NAN reports that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had, during its 2015 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) recently, migrated fully to the CBT mode.

JAMB said that it migrated to

senators, also prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss, adding the CBT mode to eradicate impersonation and other forms of examination malpractice.

According to Eguridu, those making the call are ignorant of the socioeconomic variables that are necessary for the adoption of the CBT for WAEC examinations.

He said: ``WAEC examinations involve the use of multiple choice questions, essay and practical, in which case we test various domains of learning. ``And with this, it is not going to be valid to test certain domains of learning with CBT. ``Or can you use CBT in measuring proficiency in certain trade subjects such as carpentry and others? ’’ The official said that the inad-

that they came to share with the Al-Makura’s family in their hour of grief.

“God knows why she has to go at this time. We pray that her soul will rest in peace,” the lawmaker added.

Responding, Al-Makura thanked his guests for finding time to physically sympathise with the family.

“Thank you for sympathising with the family at our trial moment, only God will reward you,” he added.

The deceased’s daughter, Aisha Dahiru Ibrahim, described her mother as a generous, loving and accommodating person, who preached peace among her children and other people.

equacy of internet connectivity and constant electricity in the country, especially in rural areas, would make such a venture almost impossible.

Eguridu said that the huge capital outlay that would be required to provide computers and its accessories for every candidate nationwide makes the cost of the venture prohibitive. ``All what I am trying to explain here is that it will not be possible for us to adopt the CBT mode for our examinations at least for now. ``Probably what we will do as an organisation is to adopt the CBT for certain aspects of our examination and not all the areas.

Currency scam: Court remands 6 CBN employees at Agodi Prison

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ustice Ayo Emmanuel of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo state, on Tuesday ordered the remand at the Agodi Prisons’ custody of six Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) employees charged with N10 million currency scam.

The accused --Patience Okoro Eye, Afolabi Johnson, Ilori Sunday, Kolawole Babalola, Olaniran Adeeola and Fatai Yusuf-- were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge which bordered on conversion of government property, fraudulently enriching themselves, having assets beyond their legitimate income and omission of material particulars from a document.

Justice Emmanuel, ruling on the oral bail application made by the six defence counsel ordered the remand of the accused at the Agodi Prisons in Ibadan.

He said that after considering the weight of the charges and proofs of evidence tendered by the prosecution, the court could not grant the oral bail application.

The judge directed the defence counsel to file a written-bail application on behalf of their clients and adjourned hearing on the bail application to June 9.

Emmanuel also fixed July 6 and July 7 for the start of the trial.

Earlier, Chief Olayinka Bolanle, counsel to the fourth accused, Kolawole Babalola, had made an oral application for bail for his client.

Bolanle said that the court had the discretion to grant an oral bail application if the offence of the accused was not a capital one.

Structure of Nigeria’s federalism Cross River Governor lopsided – Ijaw nation insists scraps weekly Executive Council meetings F C ross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has scrapped the weekly Executive Council meetings.

The meetings review the activities of government in the state and usually have governors, deputy, government secretaries, commissioners, special advisers and permanent secretaries in attendance.

Ayade, who met permanent secretaries in the state public and civil service on Tuesday, said a monthly interactive session in the executive Council Chambers will replace the weekly meeting.

The governor also scraped the anti-deforestation taskforce put in place by his predecessor, Senator Liyel Imoke to checkmate the illegal logging of large forest reserves.

“Government has approved the disbandment of the state Task Force on Illegal Logging in the state while all offenders are to be fully prosecuted without delay,” he said.

Ayade

ormer President, Goodluck Jonathan’s kinsmen congregating under the umbrella of Ijaw National Congress, INC, yesterday rose from a summit where they insisted that the current structure of the Nigerian state was lopsided in favour of other ethnic nationalities in the country.

They lament in a communiqué issued after the Pan Ijaw Stakeholders summit titled, ‘Ijaw Agenda Beyond May 29, 2015, that the inequality was such that there is no adequate sociopolitical and economic space for the minor ethnic nationalities, particularly the Ijaws, to thrive.

The communiqué was signed by 31 prominent Ijaw leaders, including former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha; former Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; and Emeritus Professor of History, Ebiegberi Alagoa.

Co-hosted by the INC and the Bayelsa State Government, the event was chaired

by Diete-Spiff, who is also the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass. The summit regretted that successive administrations in Nigeria had proved unwilling to accede to the demand by the Ijaws to be united in a homogeneous political entity of their own.

Observing that Nigeria was

Jonathan made up of diverse ethnic nationalities with varying histories, motivations and aspirations, they held that the ethnic nationalities should rather form the basis of a true Nigerian federation.

The communiqué reads in part, “Conscious of the fact that the environment remains the most valuable physical resource for development and survival of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, the

summit notes that the Ijaw oil and gas communities suffer the deleterious effects of oil and gas exploration and exploitation.

“But we regret the inability of the Nigerian state to address the concomitant negative impacts on the health, economy, culture and environment of the Ijaw people. This reality is leading to the gradual extinction of the Ijaw people.

“Dissatisfied with the present constitutional and legislative arrangements for resource control and allocation in Nigeria, the summit observes that in all true federations and other civilised states, the communities that bear natural resources control these resources and only pay taxes to the central government.

Nigeria is the only exception.

“Aware of the fact that violence and restiveness is a new phenomenon foisted on Ijaw people by circumstances of oppression and frustration, we observe that continued militarisation of Ijaw territory has resulted in severe erosion of our cherished values as a people,” it noted.

The Ijaw nationals resolved on the imperative for them to go about promoting and sustaining the Izon language as part of the desires to maintain and promote their cultural values in Nigeria.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

opinion

dailypost.ng

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WHY SMALL SKILLED LABOUR MUST BE PROFESSIONALISEd

By Ahmed Adamu

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ore than 40% of the unemployed and underemployed in Nigeria engage in small-skilled labour or what some termed as unskilled or hard labour, and these people are potentially vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, discriminations, and seldom used to perpetuate crimes.

Heroes are also those young people who reject the myth of their generation apathy, and endured all the hardships to earn their living legally.

Refusing to take shortcuts, and remain contented with their little income.

When I look at these brave young people, I do not only see bricklayers, labourers, plumbers, electricians, commercial motorcyclists, security guards, pushers of wheelbarrow, local toilet plushers etc. what I see are nation builders, service providers, highly-skilled labourers and movers of the economy.

Some might consider them as unskilled or semi-skilled labourers, but the nation will

realise how inelastic their services are, when these groups of small-skilled labourers organise themselves and go for a month strike; then we will realise that we cannot build the houses we live in, we can’t fix electric issues in our houses, we can’t push our loads in the parks or market places, and we can’t do the hard labour in other construction works. Then the whole country will stand still. That is the least you can imagine how important these small-skilled labourers are.

Imagine a young man spending thirty years doing hard labour, many times underpaid and exploited, and yet endured. This same young man will build tenths of houses, offices and roads, and when he gets old and no longer having the strength to do these jobs, he gets nothing to feed himself and his family, and he will eventually resort to begging to sustain his life.

His greatest asset, his strength, is exhausted. Why can’t he receives pension allowances in appreciation for his service to the nation? I think some of these young men

deserve better pension scheme and wage package than some of the negligent government workers and politicians.

In some developed countries, small-skilled labourers earn high, as their services are appreciated and recognised. For example, in UK, the wage for every handyman is regulated and standardised according to locations; A bricklayer gets around N100 per brick laid, and Handyman doing odd jobs gets N5, 600 per hour, gas heating boiler services for N16, 800 etc.

These are regulated for London location, and therefore clients cannot cheat or exploit their service providers, and vice versa. This also helps in predicting cost of production.

This are usually reviewed timely to accommodate market changes. By regulating and standardising small-skilled jobs, unemployed young graduates will then start estimating how much they would be losing for every one hour lost doing nothing.

They would then realise that, they only need a particular skill to earn certain amount

of money in one hour or per load of work/service. This will attract young people to learn skills despite the chunks of their educational certificates.

Therefore, regulating and standardising the wages for small skilled labourers as well as creation of their unique health and pension scheme will motivate young people to engage in skills acquisitions. These hard labour or small-skilled jobs should be professionalised, someone who spent three years working as a plumber or electrician should be considered as having a professional work experience for three years.

He can add that to his CV. They should be encouraged to set up an organisation, which will register all members engaged in these types of jobs. Their organisation will be protecting and advocating for their interests, and will provide frequent trainings and ensure improvement of quality of their work/services.

Their organisation will receive certain incentives to

subsidise their work and to help reduce charge rate. These incentives will be shared among its members. The government will set requirements for every small-skilled workers association, which might include significance, charge rate, quality of work, decency of the workers, compliance to standard and regulations etc.

If young people engaged in these small-skilled jobs are recognised as professionals and receive attractive wages, the percentage of youth unemployed will be reduced by at least 20%. Therefore, in an effort to reduce unemployment and poverty, small-skilled labour should be professionalised.

Educational institutional curriculum should also provide wide range of vocational and technical skills, so that young graduates may not have to learn these skills after their education, they can automatically start providing services immediately after their studies, and they do not have to wait for government jobs.

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI AND THE TASK OF CORRUPTION CHALLENGES

By Atek’ojo Samson Usman

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here is no doubt that each new administration is not without new expectation by her citizens. The emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as the 4thpresident since return of democracy in 1999 is unarguably the phenomenon that would salvage the country from endemic corruption and administrative ineptitude that has brought the nation to where it is today.

It should be understood that Nigeria is not just a corrupt country. It should be seen from the perspectives of etiology of crime that our value system has been corrupted.

Thus, those who steal from government treasury are being celebrated, given accolades and coronated in their communities and even found their way into political offices as they have resources at their disposal to go for whatever they want.

Over time, indices have shown that Nigeria has assumed the culture of white-collar crime which is fraud, misappropriation of government and public funds, embezzlement, cheating, bribe for services and insider trading of sorts. It is the culture of corruption that people in government and the elites com-

Buhari

mitted at the upper socio-economic level. Top government echelons were involved in cornering government contracts for themselves through cronies after registering companies at the Corporate Affairs Commission with fictitious names.

Currently, the economy of Nigeria is structured in a way that it could only work for criminal syndicates in get-rich schemes because these groups of people occupy high level positions. Whenever there is a bidding process for award of contracts, it is just to fulfill all

righteous as stipulated by the Public Procurement Acts for the fun of it, but the contracts are actually for themselves.

They have choice properties scattered all over the country especially in highbrow areas such as Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt as a result of their ill-gotten wealth.

Of the community of crimes in Nigeria also is what we call blue-collar crime where government officials at the lower cadre collect bribes before rendering services. For examples, in government offices, the old

way of processing files gives credence to offering of bribes to those in charge before seeing the light of the day. While driving around and you dare commit traffic offence, you will offer bribe to Police traffic warden to let you go. These are menaces that have come to stay while waiting for attention.

As Nigerians await President Buhari to tackle these avoidable lapses through institutional reforms, it would be heartwarming to see that he should consult widely on how to proactively nip corruption before they occur.

More so, the administration should embrace an idea of industrial revolution, thereby putting Nigeria on the pedestal of productivity, taking into cognizance the “laissez-faire” economy status by involving technocrats and professionals as frontiers. Hopefully, too, they have critical and analytical minds with classical ideas that can move the nation forward. They help boost economic and political reform programmes of the federal government. In today’s reality, mere propaganda about reforms is not enough, but must be seen to be carried out with all sense of commitment and sincerity. This will go along way in clutching brain drain

syndrome which Nigeria is a victim.

Unfortunately, the image of Nigeria is dampened before the international community as a result of corruption, political malady, insecurity, lack of fundamental human rights and others which the present administration would do well to create an enabling environment for international participation in form of investment in Nigeria’s economy.

The recent passage of administration of criminal justice law by the immediate administration of Goodluck Jonathan is a wheel that could drive the present government’s zeal towards justice delivery because of the latter’s expeditious delivery of prosecutions.

The victory of the All Progressives Congress in the recent general election should be seen as a movement for democratization of political life which has become a tradition rather than transition for the repository of confidence of citizens. The government can replicate this gesture by ensuring that people’s oriented programmes were executed rather than programmes that favour the selected few, hence, the good words by Mr President himself, “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody”.

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Wednesday, June 3, 2015

dailypost.ng

business Subsidy removal will reduce pressure on Naira – FDC

A

nalysts at the Financial Derivatives Company Limited have expressed support for the removal of fuel subsidy saying it would reduce the pressure of the exchange rate of the naira and lead to long term appreciation of the national currency.

“More importantly, because there is an inflated import bill due to the subsidy scam, subsidy removal will reduce the pressure on the currency and the naira will appreciate in the medium term”, they said in the FDC Economic Bulletin issued last week.

They noted that removal of fuel subsidy will produce short term gain but long term gain. “Subsidies are reverse taxes and if removed will reduce the disposable income of consumers in the short term.

However, it will result in an efficient redistribution in income, spur a rehabilitation of the refineries and an efficient oil industry in the long run; short term pain but long term gain”, they said.

Titled, “Petroleum Subsidy Scam: The Raping of Nigeria”, the bulletin stated, “The benefits associated with a subsidy removal are usually long term which will be solely determined by how the appropriated subsidy funds will be utilized to support optimal productivity within the economy.

“If the subsidy were removed today, the pump price would jump to approximately N130, which is the total open market price when one considers both the landing cost of petrol at N115.77 and the margin for transporters and exporters of N15.49 as of May 10, 2015.1 However, the pump price would be guided solely by global oil prices and would not be at the mercy of oil marketers.

Currently, scarcity initiated by the oil marketers due to delayed pay- ments increased the pump price of petrol. The scarcity created an avenue for arbitrage, with the fuel being sold for as high as N600/ liter in the black market.

The impact of the strike and fuel scarcity was severe, and almost crippled economic activities, as banks and even telecom operators had to reduce their operating hours due to the scarcity of petroleum products.

This situation could be averted if the issue of subsidy is addressed and put to rest.

But addressing fuel subsidy is just one part of the hydra-legged problem in the oil and gas sector. The passage of the PIB and a deregulation of the sector are required to fully enjoy an efficient oil and gas industry. In the long run, subsidy removal will assist the government financially and create a path to addressing the problems in the oil sector.”

How we discovered N8bn currency fraud – CBN

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he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has explained what led to the discovery of the N8 billion currency frauds. The explanation was contained in a a statement issued yesterday by the Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Alhaji Ibrahim Muazu.

He said: “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would like to inform the general public of the chronology of events that led the Management of the CBN to handover some unscrupulous staff to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

“During a routine internal audit of the Bank’s Cash Destruction activities in September 2014, the CBN Briquetting Panel comprising Senior Bank Staff from different branches noticed some anomalies at the Ibadan Branch, and immediately reported this to the Bank’s Management.

“On further investigation ordered by the Governor, it was discovered that a systematic scheme, which has been on for several years, was being run in which mutilated higher denomination notes originally meant for

Emefiele destruction were swapped with lower denomination currencies.

“This practice known as interleafing, basically labels a box

Non-oil exporters demand payment of N125bn NDCC claims

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s a new administration led by Muhammadu Buhari takes charge of Nigeria’s affairs, operators in the non-oil sector have demanded the payment of N175bn worth of Negotiable Duty Credit Certificates issued to them by the former administration of Goodluck Jonathan in the Export Expansion Grant scheme.

They urged the new administration to honour the certificates and pay them.

They had in a series of letters addressed to the Federal Government and the former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, lamented the failure of the Jonathan administration to fully implement the policy.

The EEG scheme was introduced by the Jonathan administration. The scheme has export subsidies of 40 per cent, depending on the value of the local content.

It was designed to promote and grow the country’s exports, especially in the non-oil sector. But the EEG was suspended on August 22, 2013, when the Nigeria Customs Service stopped recognising the NDCCs used by exporters.

Since the suspension of the scheme, there have been several calls in various quarters urging the government to lift the embargo.

In September, a month after the suspension, stakeholders in the export business claimed they lost more than N690m.

In May, exporters in the agro-allied sector addressed a let-

ter to former President Goodluck Jonathan, regretting the suspension of the scheme.

In the letter written by the operators under the auspices of the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria, the exporters alleged that the government reneged on the agreement to implement the EEG policy framework for 2014 as announced by the Ministry of Finance. The letter was signed by the National President of FACAN, Mr. Victor Iyama.

The exporters observed that the lukewarm attitude of the government towards boosting the non-oil sector had continued to negatively affect the growth of the sector, which formed the bulk of the nonoil exports and contributed over 80 per cent of the nation’s non-oil export earnings.

The agro-allied exporters regretted that while the government regularly paid fuel subsidy to oil marketers with interests and exchange rate adjustments, it refused to allow the utilisation of the NDCCs, which had been signed by the Federal Ministry of Finance and disbursed to the exporters as a ‘legal tender’.

The organisation disclosed that two recommendations of the EEG Implementation Committee Meeting had been awaiting the approval of the Ministry of Finance since 2014, adding that the documents were about the approved EEG claims of various exporters up to 2013.

The exporters said they were facing hard times due to the delay

with a higher value than its true content.

“As soon as the Bank’s internal investigations concluded beyond reasonable doubt that some wrongdoing had occurred, the affected members of staff who are middle-level officers were, depending on gravity of offence, either summarily dismissed or immediately placed on indefinite suspension on 21 October 2014, and all handed over to the EFCC for further investigation and prosecution.

“The CBN has also conducted a nationwide audit of all 37 branches of the Bank and found that this was an isolated scheme at Ibadan Branch. The Bank will continue to collaborate with the EFCC to ensure that affected CBN staff, as well as their accomplices in some commercial banks, are brought to justice.”

It will be recalled that the EFCC on Sunday said that it has arrested six top officials of Nigeria’s Central Bank and 16 other workers of commercial banks for stealing and putting into circulation defaced and mutilated Nigerian currency notes to the tune of N8 billion meant for destruction.

in disbursement of the NDCCs and the EEG claims being processed by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

Iyama said, “Exporters have the NDCC of over N125bn in their hands. They have been stuck with it for several years now. Many exporters are now wondering if they have been handed a ‘dud cheque’ by the Ministry of Finance.

“We are yet to come to terms with the fact that we have been handed a ‘dud-cheque’ by the government which is against the fiscal policies and financial guidelines.”

As part of his recommendations to the new administration, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Frank Jacobs, called on the new administration to honour all outstanding obligations to the EEG. Jacobs noted that this would rekindle the hope for export-oriented industrialisation and comprehensively review the EEG in a way that would further promote exports.

He said, “The NDCC certificates should be used to settle other financial obligations like the payment of corporate tax.”

The Chairman, National Cashew Association of Nigeria, Mr. Babatola Faseru, told our correspondent in an interview that the NDCC documents are like promissory notes.

He said, “They are like cheques issued by the government. If the government says people should not issue dud cheques, then they should honour the certificates.”

According to him, the EEG should be revived and the backlog paid and if there are reported cases of fraud, the government should investigate and genuine beneficiaries fully paid.

The Chief Executive Officer, NEPC, Mr. Segun Awolowo, told our correspondent that the government had found the EEG scheme unsustainable, hence the suspension.

Investors await Buhari’s economic blueprint

A

s newly sworn-in President Muhammadu Buhari settles down to work, the organized private sector, made up investors across industries, is awaiting the direction of his economic blueprint to determine where to put their money.

“At this time, we eagerly await President Buhari’s economic blueprint that would define the policy direction of his administration,” said Remi Bello, president, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), in a statement made available in an interview with BusinessDay. “This is important for policy clarity, strategic planning, investment decisions and confidence,” Bello added.

For the past five months, investors have kept their money back from Nigeria, due to uncertainties surrounding the country’s general elections.

They feared there could be preor post- election tensions which could mar their investments.

Though there has been relative peace after March 28 and April 11 during which presidential and gubernatorial elections respectively, were held, investors are yet to make major decisions in the first and the greater part of the second quarter because the present government has just been sworn in and is yet to get off the ground.

This is remarkably different from the first half of 2014 within which Procter &Gamble announced an investment of $300 million at Agbara, Ogun State. Within the period in 2014, the sugar industry was buoyed by $2.6 billion investment by Dangote, Flour Mills, McNichols and Crystal Sugar, among others.

Total value of investments made within this period (H1) 2014 in the manufacturing sector alone was N483.05 billion, according to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) data.

“Buhari says he is keen on diversifying the economy. So we want to see the card he is holding close to his chest on agriculture, manufacturing and export.

These will determine where we will put our money,” Ikechukwu Ibeabuchi, chief executive officer, MD Services Limited, who is also an investor in the local chemicals industry, said.

Investors are keenly awaiting government’s decisions on the oil and gas sector, power intervention, investment incentives and monetary policy, including the exchange rate, according to analysts.

They are likewise awaiting policy statements on inflation and interest rates, as well as how the new government will handle the automotive policy introduced by the immediate past administration.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

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11

dailypost property MAINLAND PROPERTIES For Lease

1. An executive office space measuring 300sqm each on 2 floors along Ikorodu Road, Ojota @ N20, 000 per sqm. (Neg.) 2. A 4 - Bedroom Duplex with 2 room b/q @ Maryland Estate, Maryland. N4m 3. A 3 B/R office space along Obalende Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. N2m 4. 2Nos 3B/R Duplex Ensuites (Separate Compound) @ Oke Alo Estate, Gbagada(N/H). N2.5m each per year.

5. A block of 6 flats (3B/R flat) on approx. 1200sqm space @ Obanikoro off Ikorodu road N15m per annum (long lease).

(Neg) 6. A School Complex comprises of 24 classrooms @ Lawal Court off Jogunsimi Street Alausa, Ikeja on approximate full plot of land. (long lease for 12 years) N45m (Neg.) 7. A new & spacious 3 B/R flat @ Ibafo, Ogun State N250,000 TOPE OLOYEDE & CO. Estate Surveyors & Valuers 2nd Floor Olatunji House 299, Ikorodu Road, Idi-roko B/Stop, Maryland, Lagos.

Tel: 08035039614, 08033165305, 07081802046, 08093165305, 08080800863.

E-mail: topeoloyedeandco@yahoo.com, oloyedeadeniyi@yahoo.com

For Sale 1. A new tastefully finished 5 – Bedroom Detached House with a

fitted kitchen & a room bq @ Omole Phase 1. N100m.

2. A new tastefully finished 5 – Bedroom Detached House with a spacious fitted kitchen with 2Nos. 1 Bedroom flat at the rear.

N150m.

3. A new solidly built 65 rooms modern hotel (with operational license) with modern facilities with world class hotel management equipment and facilities lyiong on approx. 1914.506sqm @Tiamiyu Savage Street off Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.

N8b 4. A bungalow along Onayade Street, off Shiro road Fadeyi along Ikorodu road with a Valid Title N30m.

5. A land with an area of 11.5 acres along Ojo road Satellite Town, Lagos. NI.5b 6. A plot of land @ Army Road Satellite Town, Lagos. N34m 7. A land with an area of 3.5 hectares @ Akin Adesola Street, off Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island. N12b 8. A land with an area of 10,000sqm along Alaba Taiwo Street Agbado Kollington bus/stop @ Ifako / Ijaye area of Lagos State with a C of O. N120m 9. 5 B/R detached house + 1 room B/Q along Coker Road, Ilupeju, Lagos. (MR BIGGS’ BUILDING) N100m 10. A land with an area of 1966.880sqm @ Alfred Olaiya Street, Opebi Lagos with C of O N150m

Block A4 Suite 99, Sura Shopping Complex, Simpson Street, Lagos.

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To advertise in the daily post property, call 0816746784, or email advert@dailypost.ng

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FOR SALE in Lagos

privateproperty .ng

Ikeja G.R.A

Lekki Phase Phase 12 Lekki

Ikoyi

Banana Island

Ikoyi

N 250,000,000

ref: S548703 A well finished 5 bedroom detached house in Ikeja G.R.A For Sale.

N 170,500,000

N 180,000,000

ref: S548947 A Newly Built 3 Bedroom Terrace House with all rooms en-suite For Sale at Old Ikoyi, Ikoyi, Lagos.

N 150,000,000

ref: S534117 A Newly Built 4 Bedroom Town House with all rooms en-suite For Sale at Parkview Estate, Lagos.

N 200,000,000

Hcn Properties Nig. Ltd. Call: 0802266151

Forte Properties Ltd. Call: 08033061732

Ifeanyi Igwebike Call: 08058700802

Ifeanyi Igwebike Call: 08058700802

Ifeanyi Igwebike Call: 08058700802

Lekki Expressway

Lekki Expressway

Lekki Expressway

Lekki Expressway

Agungi | Osapa

N 150,000,000

ref: S549774 An Exquisitely finished 5 Bedroom Detached house For Sale at VGC, Off Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.

N 145,000,000 ref: S549775 An Exquisitely finished 5 Bedroom Detached house For Sale at VGC, Off Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.

N 140,000,000

ref: S549776 An Exquisitely finished Block of 4 Number of 3 Bedroom Flats each For Sale at VGC, Lekki Exp, Lagos.

N 65,000,000

ref: S549778 3 Bedroom Flat (Serviced) to let at Pearly Gate Estate, Ikota - Lekki, 5minutes walk from V.G.C, Lagos.

N 65,000,000

Pavilion Trust Ltd. Call: 08034019564

Pavilion Trust Ltd. Call: 08034019564

Pavilion Trust Ltd. Call: 08034019564

Joe V. Properties Ltd Call: 08036706002

Joe V. Properties Ltd Call: 08036706002

Lekki Expressway

Lekki Expressway

Lekki Expressway

Lekki Expressway

Ikota, Igbo Efon, Abijo

N 55,000,000

ref: S545750 A Newly Built 5 Bedroom Detached Terrace House For sale at Heritage Estate, Lekki Exp, Lagos.

N 45,000,000

ref: S545749 A Newly Built 5 Bedroom Semi Detached House For sale at Heritage Estate, Lekki Exp, Lagos.

N 62,000,000

ref: S545747 A 5 Bedroom Fully Detached House with a 2 Room B/Q For Sale at Emerald Estate, Lekki Phase 2.

N 40,000,000

ref: S549294 2 Number of 4 Bedroom Luxurious Flats with a B/Q For Sale at Lekki Expressway, Lagos.

N 130,000,000

Stone Touch Properties Call: 08023129706

Stone Touch Properties Call: 08023129706

Stone Touch Properties Call: 08023129706

Blissmart Limited Call: 08186078801

Blissmart Limited Call: 08186078801

Lekki Expressway Caroline Estate, Ogidan

Lekki Lekki Expressway Phase 1

Expressway Lekki Phase 1

Banana Island

Maryland, Mende

N 50,000,000

ref: S549717 A Newly Built and well finished 5 Bedroom Fully Detached House For Sale at Ikota Villa, Lekki Exp, Lagos.

N 50,000,000 ref: S549354 A Newly Built 4 Bedroom Semi Detached Duplex For Sale at Atlantic View Estate Lekki, Lagos.

N 55,000,000

ref: S535241 A Newly Built 4 Bedroom Semi Detached House For Sale at Atlantic View Estate Lekki, Lagos.

N 700,000,000

ref: S549917 A Block of 6 Number of well finished 3 Bedroom Flats For Sale at Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos.

N 140,000,000

Oxford Gardens Call: 08137647109

Datikomisha Nig. Ltd. Call: 08037152904

Datikomisha Nig. Ltd. Call: 08037152904

Joe V. Properties Ltd Call: 08036706002

Ochuko Ochuko & Associates Call: 08023584351

ref: S549001 A 5 Bedroom Detached House with a 2 Bedroom Guest Chalet For Sale at Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos.

ref: S534112 A Newly almost completed 4 Bedroom Town House with all rooms en-suite For Sale at Ikoyi, Lagos.

ref: S549788 2 Units of Newly Built 5 Bedroom Duplexes For Sale at Agungi, Off Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos.

ref: S549292 A Block of 4 Number of 3 Bedroom flats with all rooms en-suite For Sale at Igbo-Efon, Off Lekki Exp, Lagos.

ref: S550080 4 Newly Built 5 Bedroom Fully Detached Houses For Sale at Okupe Estate, Maryland, Lagos.

For more information on any of these properties, simply search on the website by using the reference number.

Visit www.dailypost.ng/property or www.privateproperty.ng to find more properties!

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TO LET in Lagos Maryland

Maryland

Okota

Ago-Palace

Isolo

ref: rr548808 N 3,500,000 Brand new 4 bedroom duplex with a room BQ all rooms ensuite to let at Maryland, Lagos Hcn Properties Nig. Ltd. Call: 08022266151

ref: rr548553 N 2,500,000 An Executive 4 bedroom terrace duplex with a room BQ to let at Arowojobe Est, Maryland, Lagos.

Hcn Properties Nig. Ltd. Call: 08022266151

N 600,000

ref: rr544723 A Well Tiled 3 Bedroom Flat with all rooms en-suite to let at Okota, Isolo, Lagos

N 750,000,000

ref: rr544725 A Well Tiled 3 Bedroom Flat with all rooms en-suite to let at Okota, Isolo, Lagos.

N 500,000

Holmes Viu Properties Call: 08033054770

Holmes Viu Properties Call: 08033054770

Holmes Viu Properties Call: 08033054770

Isolo

Okota

Okota, Isolo

Okota, Isolo, Cele

N 700,000

ref: rr544717 A Well tiled 3 Bedroom Flat to let at at Abba Street, Trinity Estate, Okota, Isolo, Lagos.

N 700,000

ref: rr544715 A 2 Bedroom Flat with all rooms ensuite to let at Trinity Estate, Okota, Isolo, Lagos.

ref: rr544712 N 500,000 A 3 Bedroom Flat with all rooms ensuite to let at Alhaji Agbeke Street, Okota, Isolo, Lagos.

N 900,000

N 500,000

Holmes Viu Properties Call: 08033054770

Holmes Viu Properties Call: 08033054770

Holmes Viu Properties Call: 08033054770

Holmes Viu Properties Call: 08033054770

A 3 Bedroom Flat with all rooms ensuite to let at 14, Awka Etiti Street, Off Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos.

Holmes Viu Properties Call: 08033054770

Ogba, Omole, Ojodu

Lekki Expressway

Lekki Expressway

Lekki Expressway

Ikate Elegushi

N 2,500,000

ref: rr544571 A Newly Built 5 Bedroom Detached House with a B/Q to let at Magodo G.R.A Phase 1 Estate, Isheri, Lagos.

N 4,000,000

N 3,500,000

N 2,500,000

ref: rr530263 A 5 Bedroom Fully Detached Duplex to let at Lekki Expressway, Lekki-Ajah, Lagos.

N 4,000,000

Thy Grace Divine Properties

Call: 08023145328

Rochester Homes & Properties Call: 0900322510

Rochester Homes & Properties Call: 0900322510

Rochester Homes & Properties Call: 0900322510

Rochester Homes & Properties Call: 0900322510

Banana Island

Ikoyi

V.I Annex Oniru

Magodo

Magodo

N 10,000,000

ref: rr549920 A Newly Built and Serviced 5 Bedroom Town House to let at Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos.

N 6,000,000

ref: rr549925 A Block of Newly Built 8 Units of 3 Bedroom well finished to let at Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

N 7,000,000

N 850,000

N 2,000,000

Joe V. Properties Ltd

Joe V. Properties Ltd

Call: 08036706002

Call: 08036706002

Jubel Properties & Homes Call: 08033203794

Thy Grace Divine Properties Call: 08032487979

Thy Grace Divine Properties Call: 08032487979

ref: rr543494 A Newly Built 5 Bedroom Terraced Detached Duplex to let at Chevy View Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

ref: rr543493 A Newly Built 4 Bedroom Semi Detached House to let at Chevy View Estate, Off Chevron Drive,

ref: rr548778 An ultra modern newly built 4 bedrooms to let at Oniru, Victoria Island Extension, Lagos.

ref: rr544708 A Modern Up to date State of the art building 3 Bedroom Flats to let at Okota, Isolo, Lagos.

ref: rr557219 A 3 Bedroom Flat with all rooms ensuite, Tiled floors to let at Magodo G.R.A Phase 1 Estate, Isheri, Lagos.

ref: rr544719 A 3 Bedroom Flat with all rooms en-suite to let at Hakeem Dosumu Street, Okota, Isolo, Lagos.

Okota, Ago Palace

ref: rr544705

ref: rr530245 A Newly Built 4 Bedroom Duplex with all rooms en-suite to let at Ikate-Elegushi, Lekki, Lagos.

ref: rr557218 A 4 Bedroom Duplex with a Room B/Q, to let at Magodo G.R.A Phase 1 Estate, Isheri, Lagos.

For more information on any of these properties, simply search on the website by using the reference number.

Visit www.dailypost.ng/property or www.privateproperty.ng to find more properties!

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dailypost property

Olusola Oludairo & Associates (Estate Surveyors, Valuers & Facilities Managers) Grace Suites, No. 7, Ikorodu Road, Maryland, Lagos.

Tel: 08033476404, 08023089527.

For Lease

Newly built 4 Br Duplex @ Gbagada Est 2 N3m 2 Br flat @ Gbagada Est 2 N1m 2 Br flat @ Aviation Est, Mafoluku (Int’l Airport Rd) N700k 2No. Mini flats @ Soluyi, Gbagada (off plan) N400k 3Br Flat (G/Floor) @ Soluyi, Gbagada N750k Newly built 3Br flat @ Unilag Est, Magodo N750k 3Br Flat @ Arepo N600k 3 Br Bungalow behind MFM Prayer City, Magboro N400k Shop @ Ijero Street, Costain N300k

For Sale 2 Wings of 5Br Duplex @ Olaribiro Str, behind Alade Market, Allen Ave N130m

2Br Bungalow @ Adeyemi Odukomaya Str, Shangisha, Magodo N40m Plot of land @ Isikalu Street, Coconut, Olodi-Apapa N12m 3Bedroom Town House @ Costain N40m 4No. 2Br flat @ Toyin Str, Ikeja N100m Re-developable structure consisting 6 flats wt C of O @ Gbagada N90m 2 plots @ Olorunshogo, Agege Motor Rd, Mushin N120m A block of 6 No. 2Br flats @ Ikotun by PAB Busstop N40m 12 plots wt C of O by OPIC. Agbaga N4m each 2 Plots @ Beside, Mikano Factory Wawa (Long Bridge outward Lagos) N20m SALES A storey building consisting 2Brs & Mini flats @ Liasu Rd, Ikotun N20m S/N Property Location Condition/ title Price Plots of land @ Mowe, Near Yotomi Estate 1.

A fully detached of 6Road 21, A close Festac town Good/C of O N550k/Plot N150M Plots in developed Estate N2.5m bedroom@ withOfada boys quarter Lagos and garage 1,474sqmEnsuite) @ Jubilee Est, Ofada 3 Br Detached Bungalow (Allon Rms N8m Good for an Fenced, Accessible & Laid-Out Acres @ Mowe (Opp RCCG Camp) N10/Acre event/educational training Fenced plot with C ofcenter O @ Idimu N9m Uncompleted 2No. 3Br Flat @ Idi-Aba, Abeokuta 2.

A Large expanse of Land on Along olawale daudu street off Land certificateN10m N1.5B 5,600sqm Good for Kingsway road ikoyi Vacant 2 Br Bungalow @ FHA Lugbe, Abuja N15m 3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

13.

14.

15.

Location Road 21, A close Festac town Lagos

A Vacant 6No 3-Bedroom flats in nice Neighborhood Land on 500sqm An industrial property on 7acres of land good for residence housing estate or industrial purpose Various Land in ikorodu good for industrial use,church camp etc A Functional Filling Station Fairly New With All the Facilities are in place on 2,000.987sqm 2 No, Bungalow of 5 No Self contain on full plot of land A Functional 26no Rooms Hotel with swimming pool in well secure Neighborhood A newly built – 4no 3Bedroom flat.

Olaniyi Street New Oko Oba Agege Lagos State Ladoke akintola street ikeja GRA Directly on idi iroko road sango ota ogun state

Price N150M

N1.5B

Shodipe close surulere lagos

Land certificate

40M

In private estate beside France colony estate lekki Directly on Kingsway road ikoyi lagos

Good

N50M

Good

N2B

Good Good

N30M

Good Good

N65M N350M

Ikorodu

Good

1.5m per acre

Along Lagos/Abeokuta ExpressWay Ijaiye Ojokoro Lagos.

Good

170M Asking

Fagba Abule-Egba by Shina Peter’s house Lagos.

Liverpool Road Apapa Lagos State

Good / Deed of Assignment Good

N15M asking

Green View Estate Badore Ajah, Lagos State

New

N55M

N300M

N50M

Good

N2B

Good Good

N30M

Good Good

N65M N350M

Ikorodu

Good

1.5m per acre

Along Lagos/Abeokuta ExpressWay Ijaiye Ojokoro Lagos.

Good

170M Asking

Fagba Abule-Egba by Shina Peter’s house Lagos.

Liverpool Road Apapa Lagos State

Good / Deed of Assignment Good

N15M asking

Good/ C of O

17.

18.

A Bungalow on a plot of Land A Well Finished Detached House In A Nice Neighborhood

Along Itire Road Mushin Lagos Oniru Estate Victoria Island

Good Good Title

N60M asking N30M each flat Call Call

19.

Newly built well finished 5no apartment comprising 2&3bedroom bungalow with large parking space and secure environment An office space on 240sqm each with good facilities An office space of 60sqm on ground floor An Office Space of 700sqm on 2nd floors

LETTINGS Lajo off offin road Igbogbo Ikorodu Town Lagos State

New

N250k&170k

Good area of Ilupeju Lagos

Rent

N24,000/sqm

Directly On Allen Avenue Ikeja Lagos Directly On Allen Avenue Ikeja Lagos

Rent

N1.5m SC400K N1.5m SC400K

16.

Land certificate

Good

N55M

14.

15.

Along olawale daudu street off Kingsway road ikoyi

In private estate beside France colony estate lekki Directly on Kingsway road ikoyi lagos

New

13.

Condition/ title Good/C of O

40M

Green View Estate Badore Ajah, Lagos State Lagos

11.

Property A fully detached of 6bedroom with boys quarter and garage on 1,474sqm Good for an event/educational training center A Large expanse of Land on 5,600sqm Good for investment purpose A well located property with a bungalow on 800sqm 10no 4-bedroom town house with bq and garage A good located landed property on 2,100sqm

Land certificate

Olaniyi Street New Oko Oba Agege Lagos State Ladoke akintola street ikeja GRA Directly on idi iroko road sango ota ogun state

10.

S/N 1.

Shodipe close surulere lagos

A Vacant 6No 3-Bedroom flats in nice Neighborhood Land on 500sqm An industrial property on 7acres of land good for residence housing estate or industrial purpose Various Land in ikorodu good for industrial use,church camp etc A Functional Filling Station Fairly New With All the Facilities are in place on 2,000.987sqm 2 No, Bungalow of 5 No Self contain on full plot of land A Functional 26no Rooms Hotel with swimming pool in well secure Neighborhood A newly built – 4no 3Bedroom flat.

2no newly built 3-bedroom bungalow each on 500sqm

8.

9.

SALES

investment purpose A well located property with a bungalow on 800sqm 10no 4-bedroom town house with bq and garage A good located landed property on 2,100sqm

20.

21.

Rent

N300M

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

dailypost.ng

feature

15

7th National Assembly: Low output despite huge cost to Nigeria

By Sylvester Ugwuanyi

W

hen the newly swornin governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, announced the slashing of his salary alongside that of his deputy, Arch. Barnabas Yusuf Bala, by 50 per cent last Saturday, one of the places many Nigerians wished that such be replicated is the soon-to-be inaugurated eighth National Assembly.

This is owing to the widely held public view that a substantial part of the nation’s commonwealth is expended in taking care of the federal legislators.

Added to this is the belief that despite the stupendous sum the lawmakers appropriate unto themselves, their output has “woefully and annoyingly failed to measure up”.

Right from the time when former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, now Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, alleged in the year 2010 that “twenty five per cent of the overhead of the Federal Government budget goes to National Assembly” up to this moment, the money Nigeria channels into funding its legislature has continued to widen the gap between the federal lawmakers and the people they are supposed to represent.

This must have earned it the toga of the most expensive parliament in the world, as claimed by a 2012 analysis carried out by the UK-based Economist and upheld by a popular legal luminary, Prof Itse Sagay.

Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, asserts that “Of the three arms of government, the national assembly is viewed by majority of Nigerians as the most corrupt and wasteful”.

Cost vis-a-vis performance Indeed, most Nigerians believe that the amount which accrued to the 7th National Assembly, in the course of its tenure stretching from June 2011 to June 2015 is over bloated against the backdrop of their productivity level.

As at last month, it was gathered that the outgoing National Assembly of Nigeria passed a total of 108 bills into law, out of the 1,068 bills sponsored and brought to its legislative attention.

Yet, a good number of the bills passed are mainly executive-sponsored, made up of appropriation (budgetary) and supplementary appropriation bills as well as bills authorizing the Presidency to borrow loans. Hence, expert bills and public interest bills did not feature much.

Senator David Mark-led upper chamber succeeded in passing 67 bills meaning that it averaged 0.0925 bills per sitting, while the Hon. Aminu Tambuwal-led House of Representatives passed the remaining number of bills.

However, this is aside the hundreds of resolutions passed by the National Assembly instituting investigations into different issues as brought before the lawmakers.

But when it comes to their core mandate of lawmaking, all the seventh Assembly is bequeathing the nation is 108 bills, leaving the very important and long-awaited Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, which was re-presented to it by President Goodluck Jonathan in June 2012 among hundreds of other bills still pending.

With a combined annual budget of N150 billion since 2011 when it was inaugurated, this figure means that the 7th National Assembly yielded about 10 per cent efficiency in terms of its core responsibility of law making. It also means that they averaged approximately two bills per month.

Considering that the 2015 budget

Mark was massively affected by sliding oil price with the accompanying dwindling revenue forcing the federal government to slash spending for the whole of Works Ministry from about N160 billion to N11 billion, some Nigerians believe that the federal lawmakers stood their ground by ensuring that their N150 billion annual budget was left untouched.

But, Senate President, David Mark, while debunking this claim at the PDP Senators retreat in Port Harcourt on Monday, insisted that “We (members of the National Assembly) were the first to make a cut in the 2015 budget. We have tightened our belt more than any Ministry has.”

But since 2010 when Nigerians learnt of the federal legislature consuming ¼ of the nation’s budget, it is still being reported that the Senate and House of Representatives have continued to compete for government funds with projects designed to provide jobs, healthcare, electricity, education and roads to the citizenry. Pundits are of the opinion that still, the biggest chunk of the annual appropriation goes to the 109 Senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives in the form of quarterly constituency allowance as well as funding for legislative aides, the National Assembly Commission and the Legislative Institute in Abuja.

For all of its four years, this National Assembly received over N600 billion (amounting to $3 billion) in budgetary allocations, meaning that Nigeria spent about N5.72 billion for each of the 108 bills the lawmakers passed into law.

Nigeria parliament’s output, pay verses those of other countries The output of the outgoing Nigeria’s legislature fares very abysmal and gets very embarrassing when juxtaposed with the performance of their American counterparts.

The 108 bills passed in the Nigerian chambers tantamount to one of the lowest for any session of the United States’ Congress as its two chambers passed 604 in just 1999 and 460 bills between 2007 and 2008. Between the last two years, they were able to pass 297 bills.

Yet while the United States pays

Tambuwal its lawmakers an average annual vestment Bill, Electronic Commerce salary of $174,000 with Britain pay- provision of Legal Recognition Bill, ing its parliamentarians $105,000, National Order of Precedence Bill, their Nigerian counterparts receive University of Abuja College of Medsalaries and several allowancicine Establishment Bill, Indigenous es amounting to $1.050,000 per Oil Companies Regulation and Fiscal annum.

Terms Bill, Legislative Houses PowSeveral recesses, adjournments ers and Privileges Act amendment and its toll on lawmaking Bill, National Agricultural DevelopOne reason which experts have ment Fund Establishment Bill and identified as responsible for the Petroleum Profit Tax amendment very poor performance of the sevBill. enth National Others are Assembly is Nigerian Social Intheir penchant surance Trust Fund y the to embark on Amendment Bill, incessant adFederal Mortgage constitution journments and Bank amendment recesses.

Bill, Abuja GeoThis has made as amended graphic Inforthe present fedmation Systems each chamber eral legislature Agency Bill, Downunable to beat stream Gas Bill, of the ation the constituNigerians in Diastional threshold pora Commission al ssembly is for mandatoestablishment Bill, ry number of Act, Repeal supposed to sit Police sittings. By the and Re-enactment 1999 constituBill, Restrictive tion as amended, for a minimum Trade Practices, each chamber Monopolies and of days in of the National Price Control Bill, Assembly is Acts Authentication a year totaling Act amendment supposed to sit for a minimum Bill, National of 181 days in legislative Grazing Reserve a year totaling Establishment and 724 legislative Development Bill, sittings in the sittings in the Social Housing course of their Bill, Harmonised course of their four-year tenRetirement Age of ure. But checks Officers of the Nigefour year ten

by DAILY POST rian Armed Forces reveal that for Bill, Nigerian ure two consecutive Sovereign Investyears, the outgoment Act amending legislators are days away from ment Bill, CBN Act amendment Bill, meeting this statutory imposition.

Federal Capital Territory Property Perhaps, had the seventh National and Conveyancing Bill, Gas Flaring Assembly taken coming for sittings Prohibition Bill, National Social Semore important, the following bills curity Agency Bill and the National would not have been left hangAnti-Corruption Courts Establishing: First Degree/Higher National ment Bill.

Diploma abolishing and prohibition Also among the bills pending of Dichotomy and Discrimination are the Investment and SecuriBill, the National Hajj Commission ties Act amendment Bill, Revenue amendment Bill, Defence Industry Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Corporation of Nigeria amendment Commission amendment Bill, NNPC Bill, Desertification Control Comamendment Bill, NIWA amendmission establishment Bill, Copy ment Bill, National Climate Change Right Act amendment Bill, ChatCommission establishment Bill, tered Institute of Security and InNigerian Law Reform Commission

“B

1999 ,

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amendment Bill, Job Creation and Protection Bill, NIMASA amendment Bill, Air Force Institute of Technology amendment Bill, EFCC Act amendment Bill, Explosives Regulation Bill, Nigerian Expatriate Quota Bill, Resolutions of the National Assembly Compliance Bill, Public Procurement Act amendment Bill, Employees Compensation Act amendment Bill, NDLEA amendment Bill, Biological, Chemical and Nuclear Materials Regulatory Bill, and NEITI Act amendment Bill.

Granted that it was not only law making that engaged the attention of the lawmakers, as they, like those before them, also had to carry out oversight functions on the executive, intervened in resolving disputes involving labour and government, pass resolutions amidst other tasks which cannot really be measured, experts believe that the categorical means through which the productivity of an outgoing legislature can be measured remains the number of bills it was able to pass within its lifespan.

This becomes all the more imperative when the parliament in question is the most compensated in the world, as if the stupendous pay they receive is to encourage indolence or weaken their commitment to the core mandate for which they were elected.

The apparent inadequacies and alleged avarice of the outgoing national parliament is one that some informed Nigerians who spoke to DAILY POST believe can be addressed by having a parliament which is engaged on a part-time basis and paid just sitting allowances.

They believe that since the nation maintains a bicameral Legislature, there is no way the actual responsibility of lawmaking can suffer lack of devoted attention. But it remains to be seen how the oversight function of the lawmakers can fare in such an arrangement.

This is why the eight National Assembly is highly being anticipated to not only work for a cut on their pay as is already being promised by some Senators-elect like Dino Melaye and Ben Murray Bruce, but for them to actually justify their pay through their productivity at the chambers.

16 interview

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

dailypost.ng

New Aviation Minister must be a seasoned aviator – NAAPE President Borno State-born, Comrade Isaac David Balami is the National President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilot and Engineers, NAAPE, and a philanthropist who founded the Isaac Balami Foundation that is committed to positively impacting on the lives of youths and preparing them to take up leadership of the country. He has been a major player in the Aviation sector for about 11 years and recently produced a well-received policy framework for the re-positioning of the Nigerian Aviation sector. In this interview with DAILY POST’s Ali Adoyi and Sylvester Ugwuanyi, he spoke on issues plaguing the nation’s Aviation industry and proffers agenda for the new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Excerpts of the interview are presented below…

H

ow long have you been in the aviation sector?

I have been in the sector for about eleven years now and I have been the Aviation president for six years Can you tell us how you were able to rise to this prime position in the aviation sector?

I went into NAAPE because Nigerians need to be empowered as I was driven by the need for technological transfer from the expatriates working in the sector.

Well, my basic challenge is that I cannot withstand injustice. That is why when I was in the university I was expelled twice, because I believe in things being done properly.

Even when I joined the aviation sector after getting my licence, I found out that most of my senior colleagues were working in a slave camp. That is a situation whereby you see an expatriate doing what a secondary school leaver can do, and he has been there for thirty years and he does not want to leave for Nigerians to take over, no technology transfer. The expatriates have been frustrating Nigerians.

I did not go into NAAPE because I am a racist, but to empower Nigerians, as I have come to discover that there is a need for full technology transfer. Having gone through all this, I observed that the only platform that can give me the mandate to fight for a change for Nigerians is NAAPE, the apex body that has been catering for the affairs of Pilots and Aircraft Engineers for over thirty five years in the country. I contested and God helped me, I won by over 92.5 percent across the country, this was because of my passion and I was able to let people know what my plans were.

What strides can you say you and your colleagues have been able to record in the sector?

Looking back to where we started from and where we have gotten to today, I am happy that if you go to airlines like Aero Contractors, Bristol helicopter, Pan African helicopters, Cavaton helicopters and all those small airlines like WestLink airlines, you will see that Nigerians are now fully in charge. For example, when I was in Aero Contractors eight or nine years ago, Nigerians could not even carry out airline engine change, you could count the number of captains, in terms of who is the chief pilot, the training Captain, the Chief Captain, the line maintenance engineer, the workshop manager, the business maintenance manager and the quality inspector manager for

the airline were all foreigners, but today I am proud to say that Nigerians have ran those offices successfully for the past five years without any accident in those airlines. This makes me to believe that we are growing, though there is still room for improvement but so far so good.

Can you give us an overview of the Nigerian Aviation sector as it is presently?

My understanding of the Nigerian Aviation sector is that we are good. Because just at a time a country as big as India which people consider to be more serious than us, when looking at the health and other sectors, with all their advancement and democracy were able to lose the American category one status, meaning that no aircraft registered there can fly from India to America, Nigeria was able to attain the same status.

Just about the time they lost their own, within few months, despite all the plane crashes, we were able to come together as engineers and pilots, we walked to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to give them all the necessary support. NCAA recruited more experienced aircraft engineers and pilots to support them and when the federal American authority came in, they were impressed with Nigeria and our licence was renewed that is a huge achievement. I think what we need to do now is to continue with the road map on what (former Minister) Princess Oduah started.

She had a good vision, stating that Lagos and Abuja should be the hob.

Also in the road map is Benue with regards to agriculture, so that we could export farm produce. We need to focus on those areas and then the regulations - NCAA still needs some more experience hands as most of the pilots and engineers with the NCAA are over 60 years and are mostly on contract. There is need to employ more people that are middle-aged to support them because the wok is becoming much as many airlines are coming on board, and there are a lot of old aircraft around so we need more experience and manpower to be able to meet that need for safety oversight.

What do you think is responsible for airline operators going under in Nigeria?

As to why the airlines are going down, it is predicated on poor funding, management, lack of government support, the environment is hostile, multiple taxation, no place to fix aircraft, as airliners earn their income in naira but

Balami at the end of the year, they go abroad and pay in dollars to fix the planes; some people cannot handle all these things. Hence, the government needs to look into these challenges.

What can you say is the fate of the Aviation sector under the new administration of President Buhari?

I think much was said about the Aviation sector during the campaigns but I think the media did not re-echo it properly. The current President during the electioneering period made it clear that he will revisit the issue of the Nigerian Airways. To me, that is a major statement because today it is so sad that after all these years of Independence, Nigeria is still struggling with some small airlines that cannot take care of themselves.

First of all, the government needs to work on the environment and those things I have recommended like maintenance and other things must be put in place.

And there should be a bank like Agric bank to cater for the Aviation sector where operators can draw funds from.

The government should ensure there is corporate governance, as there is need to merge all the Airlines together to at least two major airlines. If one should focus on the International route, the other should face the local route.

So others should merge with the two major airlines but we can still have some chattered flights for private movement around, but we need at least two major airlines in the country and Mr. President has assured us that he was going to look at that.

We expect that Aviation should be one of the top priorities within his first one hundred days in office. We do not have to wait until things begin to degenerate to plane crashes before we now start proffering solutions. In a letter I wrote to him on behalf of our association, I made it clear what we think the sector should look like.

How would you assess the administration of former President, Goodluck Jonathan regarding the Aviation sector?

It was during Jonathan’s tenure that the category one was renewed. A lot of airlines came on board but the issue is that the environment is not suitable for them. The average life span of an airline in Nigeria is ten years and if you look at the history, you will see it has been consistent and those things that make the airline not to go down have not

been taken care by the previous administration.

This government needs to look at those things and ensure that they are taken care of. If they are not, even if you have a National carrier and you give them two or three billion dollars to start, it will still crash.

That is why we are saying first things first: let the environment be conducive for airline operators and people should be empowered to do the right thing. Let’s have professionals to man the aviation sector. We do not want a situation where people who have no clue about the sector man the affairs of the sector - people who do not understand aviation language when disaster is going on. To move the sector forward, we need somebody who has wealth of experience.

That way, he or she will be able to operate effectively, not somebody who does not know when he is being told lies. The problem we have in the sector is that we have a Minister who has no background about the sector.

What is your idea of an ideal minister Buhari should appoint for the Aviation sector?

An aviation Minister should be a seasoned aviator. That is somebody with a licence; be it a captain, engineer or whatever. Such a person should have a good wealth of experience; we should know where he has worked before, what are his achievements and what he is doing currently. As for me, I do not have any name but I am sure the President must have come across somebody who has passion for the sector. I want somebody with pedigree, not a fraudulent person. That way, the problem of the past will be eradicated.

You recently developed a policy document for the industry.

What led you into coming up with that?

When the present government was elected, the National Association of Pilot and Engineers chaired by me wrote a concept note to the President about things that are affecting the Aviation sector and the solutions to the problems.

Problems like airline operator certificate; meaning when somebody wants to start an airline, they should consider the economic aspect.

Today, if you go to the sector, you will see airlines which are barely two years owing their workers between three to four months’ salary which is not good.

Before you start an airline, funding should be a top priority. Imag-

ine a pilot in the cockpit thinking about his children’s school fees, or an engineer working on a plane engines thinking about his family he cannot cater for. These are serious safety issues.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria should start using cutting-edge technology in doing their job. For instance, renewal of licence as a pilot or an engineer is done manually, and this should change as it has a way of causing delays. Things should be automated.

Why does Nigeria always witness flight delays and what should be done to redress this?

So many factors are responsible for delay in flight schedule. These are; fault from the airline, when the aircraft is not air-worthy.

Globally, flights are being delayed.

More so, weather or even the government agencies themselves can cause it.

An aircraft that is supposed to have eight landings after so much work the conveyor belt that is provided by the airport authority refuses to work passenger will not be able to get their luggage, also upon arrival an aircraft was want to park but cannot due to lack of space or your aircraft is having problems that should be fixed locally but due to lack of maintenance facilities you start calling people from outside the country, all these things add up to cause delays. It should be noted that flight are delayed all over the world.

The sector needs to be funded. Airliners should have spare aircraft, but the question is how many operators can afford to have a spear, just parking an aircraft in the hanger alone without buying fuel or flying it has an overhead cost of USD 250,000 thousand per day, imagine the turn over you need to cover to pay your bills.

Small operator like Aero spends over N700m monthly for fuel, over N600m on salaries. At the end of the day, you realize that the airlines need to be funded. If not for AMCON Aero and Arik, we would have had a major problem.

These are the issues we want this administration to look into.

We know these airlines and what are their strength. Aero for instance is 55 year’s old, so base on our advice, we believe that something will change Considering that Nigerians are complaining about the high cost of air fare, if government funds airliners shouldn’t that tell on what travelers pay as fares?

The fares will reduce when government assists in funding. As a matter of fact, it is exorbitant, but what about the environments, the cost of operation, are they making profit? These are things we should consider. Globally, the best airline like Qatar and Emirate make five to eight percent annually and they have the full support of the UAE government but here there is no support.

Where do you see the Aviation sector in the next four to five years from now?

We should be able to compete with Ethiopia and South Africa airways if the government is serious as we are ready. Our job is nothing but to just fly and maintain aircraft. That is what we are trained for. The government needS to make the environment conducive for us. Today, if you check the Ehiopian airline for example, it has the latest aircraft, airbus A380 depending on the seat configuration. It can take over 600 passengers excluding cargo and fuel at the same time.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

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dailypost.ng

opinion

Petroleum Industy Bill and challenges of 8th Assembly

By Atek’ojo Samson Usman

P

etroleum Industry Bill popularly known as (PIB) was an executive bill initiated by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo administration in 2007 to address oil and gas sector revolution and to generate revenue into federal government coffers as well as developing local contents in minerals exploration and exploitation.

To fulfill its vision 20:2020 component of the global vision, the Federal government took bold steps by setting up Presidential Committee on Sector Reforms which came up with the recommendation that Oil and Gas Sector needs critical reforms that eventually brought up the Bill on Petroleum and Gas. The critical concern of this bill was to re-energize oil and gas sector as nucleus for revenue generation and to position Nigeria as one of the most industrialized nations of the world.

To achieve this feat therefore, Nigeria was to take ownership of human and material resources thereby making in-house manpower resources possible for development for cost efficiency, high productivity anchored on corporate governance which is in tandem

with global best practices.

As the 6th largest producer of oil and gas in the world, it is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria is facing stiff competitions on the global level, hence the reform inherent in the Bill would have created the following agencies viz: an independent regulator; an energy council; a national petroleum directorate; an inspectorate commission, and a national petroleum company- thus generating employments in its quantum.

Understandably, they would be clash of interest between the Federal Government and foreign and local investors since the bill still retains federal government as a sole shareholder of 48% whereas any independent contractor who wishes to invest in the oil and gas resources through joint venture agreements was at liberty to source funds independently within the framework of 52%, hence, the proliferation of several versions of the contentious bill aiming at thwarting the effort of 7thNational Assembly under the leadership of Senator David Mark from passing the bill into law.

The ugly trend is traceable to several factors: the multinational oil and gas companies

Obasanjo

of foreign extraction wants maximization of profits on continual basis and thus wants status quo ante in operations to remain; that the oil and gas regime has given credence to tax evasion, thereby making the federal government to lose revenue on a large scale in connivance with officials of revenue generation agencies; that the so called foreign expatriates continue to be relevant in the oil and gas industry at the detriment of indigenous professionals et cetera.

At the twilight of 7th National Assembly, the bill was still pending for seconding reading, but the Senate Committee Chairman on Petroleum (Upstream), Paulker Izibefien Emmanuel confirmed the

readiness of the Assembly in passing PIB before the end of the regime.

Senator Paulker reminisced that its Committee was aware of public demand for transparency and accountability in oil and gas sector and that was why they created opportunity for public inputs as well as public awareness through timely grassroots education, enlightenment and information on the contents of the proposed bill in coordination with the media, civil society and diverse interest groups. According to him, all coordinated public hearings were massively and adequately responded to, which has reduced suspi-

At the

twilight of 7th National Assembly, the bill was still pending for seconding reading, but the Senate Committee Chairman on Petroleum (Upstream), Paulker Izibefien Emmanuel confirmed the readiness of the Assembly in passing PIB before the end of the regime

cion and entrenched public trust in the reforms envisaged in the bill.

This assurance by Paulker may hit the rocks as it’s barely one seating left for the outgoing Senators to either pass the bill into law or give up on it.

But whichever way the boat sails, the importance of the PIB cannot be over-emphasized. The reason, Nigerians that spoke the DAILY POST called on the 8th Assembly to be proactive to ensure that all pending bills including the PIB be passed into law as soon as possible.

According Andrew Agbaje, a Political Affair Analyst, ‘’there are many bills waiting for the 8th Assembly, and the earlier they realize that they are heading for serious business, the better for all of us as a country. If they choose to party like the 7th Assembly, then they will have themselves to blame. Four years is not what you think. It’s only a matter of flash of light and the years are gone.’’

Emmanuel Omeje said, ‘’The 7th Assembly failed us. Yes, they were not controversial, but is that why we elected them to represent us in the first place? I think the incoming Senators and honourables should understand that it’s not going to be business as usual as Nigerians now understand that they have got the power to recall any underperforming Senator or reps member. As important as the PIB, the 7th Assembly failed to pass it into law. The question is what did they achieve in the whole 4 years apart from just living fat on seating allowances?

Many other Nigerians have however queried that it was totally lackadaisical for the National Assembly not to have passed the PIB into law since it was initiated in 2007 by the Obasanjo administration, challenging the 8th Assembly to ‘tackle the bull by the horn.’’

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metro

Seun Opejobi seun.opejobi@dailypost.ng

T

hree students of the Edo State School of Nursing, located along Sapele Road, Benin have been arrested for allegedly defiling a sixyear-old girl in Oredo Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects, who are final-year students of the Edo State School of Nursing, were said to have lured their victim, a little girl from a makeshift store within the school hostel while her mother was not around.

It was gathered that the victim who later complained of stomach pain and urinated profusely, upon questions from the mother disclosed that she was sexually assaulted. The case was immediately reported at the Aidenyan police station, leading to the arrest of two of the suspects while the third evaded arrest.

The mother of the victim was said to have also petitioned the

T

he police on Monday arraigned a 58-year-old businessman, Momodu Oyakhamoh, before an Oshodi Magistrates’ Court siting in Lagos, for killing a pedestrian with his car.

Oyakhamoh, who resides at No. 8 Esado Street in Olodi-Apapa, Ajegunle area of the State is standing trial for careless driving and manslaughter.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. Kehinde Olatunde, while testifying in court said the accused committed the offences on May 5, at Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Oshodi area of the State.

Olatunde stated that the accused, who was driving a Nissan Pathfinder Jeep with registration number FST568 CL crushed a 26-year-old Korede Anishere to death.

“The accused drove his car in a dangerous manner and crushed the victim to death,’’ the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor said the accused who was coming from Anthony to Oshodi Oke, developed brake failure while trying to negotiate a bend and crushed the victim to death.

“He lost total control and rammed into unspecified number of pedestrians who were rushed to various hospitals for medical attention in which one of the victims died,’’ he said.

He added that the accused also hit a Honda Accord jeep belonging to one Mr Ona Enyle.

“The accused rammed into a Honda in front of him with heavy force and the car somersaulted and fell into the pit, the driver lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital.’’

Olatunde observed that the offence, contravened Section 227 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mr Akeem Fashola granted him bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum following his plea.

Fashola said the sureties must be blood related.

The case was consequently adjourned by Fashola till June 8, for mention.

with

Woman accuses student nurses of raping her 6-year-old daughter

Man docked for careless driving, manslaughter

Man sleeps with two daughters in Ibadan

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

dailypost.ng

oshiomhole

Principal of the school and the Edo State Commissioner for Health.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Stephen Onwochei, who confirmed the incident,

3 police men killed during gun duel with oil thieves in Kogi

T

hree police officers and a tanker driver have been shot dead by some suspected illegal oil bunkers in Okene, Kogi State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at Oguda area in Okene Local Government Area, a border town between Kogi and Edo states, a notorious hideout for oil thieves.

According to a source, the

police officers and the tanker driver were shot dead during a gun duel between the police and the oil bunkers.

The source further noted that sound of gunshots were heard from the direction where bunkering activities usually take place, adding that corpses were only discovered at the scene after the duel

ended.

Commissioner of Police, Samuel Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, while confirming the incident, said what happened was the handiwork of suspected oil bunkers, adding that anybody with useful information on the whereabouts of the culprits should hesitate to share it with the police.

Herbalist, others nabbed over theft of motorcycle

D

etectives attached to the Ondo State Police Command have rounded up a herbalist, Rasaki Oyeyemi and others who are leaders of motorcycle snatchers in Ore town of the State.

According to the police, the suspects have been on their wanted list for some time before they were arrested.

The police said, a team of detectives nabbed Tunde in his hideout at Asewele Korode, in Ore, adding that five other suspects arrested in the hideout with him include John Patrick

T

he Oyo State Police Command has arrested one Mr. Tajudeen Awoniyi for allegedly defiling his two daughters and nieces in Ibadan.

Awoniyi, a herbalist, allegedly committed the act on Friday night at Moniya area of Ibadan.

The 60-year-old’s daughters had brought home their nieces to sleep in the house because their mother travelled to Lagos.

Awoniyi’s two daughters –

of Majidun, Ikorodu, Lagos State and Adebayo Abiodun of Idobi Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Others are Azeez Odunayo and Ohoya Ojo both of Asewele Korode, and Kunle Robert of Ajegunle Street, Ondo.

Rasaki, is reportedly their spiritual leader whom they consult before embarking on any of their missions.

Police source said Rasaki had confessed that he was contacted by one of the suspects to be part of the syndicate.

The source noted that items recovered from the gang in-

Barakat Awoniyi (15) and Sefiat Awoniyi (13) alleged that their father slept with them three times each anytime he is drunk.

The nieces – Nahinmat Olayiwola (14) and Kehinde Rilway (15) claimed that Awoniyi gave them a black soap to bath around 1am and had carnal knowledge of them over the night.

Speaking on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Katsina, confirmed the incident.

clude some stolen registered and unregistered motorcycles.

The suspects operate by luring their victims with large sum of money to a lonely place late at night, adding that they also attend ceremonies from where they steal parked motorcycles.

DSP Wole Ogodo, the State police Spokesperson disclosed that the suspected kingpin of the syndicate, Tunde Adeyemi, had confessed to the crime, adding that efforts are on to recover some of the stolen motorcycles.

He added that doctors’ report showed penetration and STD infection on the girls.

“This is a warning to others who are in such act to desist or they will face the wrath of the law.

“Criminals have three options in the state. One- they should abandon their criminal ways and embrace decency. Two- they should relocate from Oyo State or they should be ready for arrest and prosecution.

said no proper case of rape has been reported to the command; rather it was the accused persons that have petitioned the Area Command against the mother of the victim for false accusation.

He added that the case will however be investigated by the Area Commander.

“That matter is not too straight forward. The little we know is that on May 15, the mother of the girl, who sells within the school, had a problem with some student nurses because they asked her to pack out of the shop.

“Later, on May 16, she reported to the school that something of that nature (defilement) happened but she did not report to the police at the first instance.

So, it was later that the lawyer to the persons accused wrote a petition to the Area Commander that someone was trying to tarnish their clients’ image.

Police nabs rapists of 6-year-old in Edo

T

he Police in Benin have said it has apprehended two of the three persons suspected to have sexually assaulted a 6-year-old girl at a primary school in the State.

The Edo State Police Command said the two persons arrested are currently undergoing interrogation while the last suspect who is at large is currently been trailed.

The incident which occurred last week saw the family of the victim calling on both the police and state government to ensure the suspects are brought to

justice.

Mother of the victim, Magdalene was said to have reported at the Aideyan Police Station that her daughter complained of severe pains in her private part, adding that after he confronted her, only then she admitted that she was sexu-

ally assaulted by some persons.

She said: “I want to thank the police for arresting the suspects.

Though one is still on the run, I have confidence in the police.

“What they did to my daughter, a six-year-old child, is wicked and evil. I want justice to be done; they should be punished accordingly.”

The Edo State Coordinator of Child Protection Network, Jennifer Ero, described rape as man’s inhumanity to man, and admonished the constituted authorities to ensure that the suspects are brought to book.

Ero affirmed: “Three of them connived and forcefully raped and defiled a child of six years old.

Right now, they have arrested two of them and they are at Aideyan police station while the third person absconded.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Auto crash kills 13, injures 5 in Bauchi

N

metro

dailypost.ng The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Haruna Mohammed, disclosed this to journalist in Bauchi. He said both vehicles which were coming from opposite direction had a head on collusion.

Mohammed identified some of the victims of the crash as Sule Abubakar, driver of the bus, Buba Shuaibu, aged 30, from Doleri village; Ibrahim Mohammed, 25 years, from Busuri village; Yusuf Busuri, 17 years, from Busuri; Sadik Bello, 20, from Busuri.

Others are Yahai Suleiman, 30, from Busuri village; Hudu Isah, 30, from Kafinta village; Haruna Yusuf, 15, from Busuri; Sale Waziri, 50, from Busuri and Yahai Manini, 40, from

Busuri village.

The PPRO added that a patrol team attached to Azare Police Division, on getting the information on the accident rushed to the scene and evacuated all the affected persons to the Federal Medical Centre, Azare.

He further noted that two corpses were yet to be identified while the police is in the process of contacting families of the deceased.

The Bauchi police spokesperson also appealed to members of the public, whose family members traveled and nothing has been heard from them to check the Federal Medical Centre in Azare for identification.

o fewer than 13 persons lost their lives on Saturday as a Toyota Hiace bus had a head on collision with a truck along Bulkachukwa and Danbam road in Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

It was gathered that five other persons sustained varied degrees of injuries involving the Hiace bus, with registration number AQ 79 AKR, ONDO, driven by one 28-yearold Sule Abubakar, and the truck, marked XB 907 GWL, KANO.

Fire destroys 9 cars, 5 buses in Lagos

Armed robbers kill Rev Father, brother in Ondo

A

fire outbreak along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway on Tuesday has left about 9 cars and 5 buses completely destroyed.

The incidence which occurred at Jafojo Street along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway in Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos State also saw many shops and houses raised down by the inferno.

An eyewitness while narrating the incident said the fire started from one of the houses on the street and it fast spread to other buildings.

The source further stated that the fire spread to other building due to the inability of officials of the State Fire Service to turn up at the scene of the incidence, adding that they had to leave when they ran out of fire extinguishers and water.

He said no life was lost.

House keeper docked for stealing employers N4.6m jewellery

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esidents of Ugbe-Akoko community in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into mourning after armed robbers shot dead two siblings, Rev Father Onyeka and his younger brother, Obi Onyeka over the weekend.

The bereaved family is from the South-East but resides in Ugbe- Akoko.

Sources said the two brothers were shot by armed bandits who laid a siege on Owo-Oba-Akoko- Ikare road for daylight robbery.

It was learnt that the deceased were coming from Lagos when hoodlums waylaid

them between Ose and ObaAkoko and shot them several times.

The vehicle in which they were travelling was said to have consequently burst into flames.

Scores of symphatisers were seen at Ugbe-Akoko residence of Mr Onyeka, the father of the deceased, who is said to be a celebrated baker in the ancient community.

Igbo residents in Ugbe-Akoko were in pensive mood following the incident.

Many shops in the community were also closed as people discussed the incident in hushed tone.

Robbers steal from patients, rape nurse in Lagos hospital

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ome persons alleged to be robbers have stormed a hospital on Santa Maria Street, in the Egan, Igando area of Lagos State carting away items belonging to patients and raping an 18-year-old auxiliary nurse.

The incident which happened around 3am on Thursday saw the bandits scaling the fence before gaining entrance into the premises.

The robbers were said to have overpowered a 19-year-old security guard from Niger Republic, tied him with rope and locked him in a room before descending on their victim.

It was gathered that the hoodlums resorted to raping the teenage nurse as they could not get enough money from their victim.

A source said, “The girl was

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wenty three-year-old house keeper, Idowu Adeyeye was on Monday brought before an Abule-Egba Magistrate Court sitting in Lagos for allegedly stealing her employer’s jewelry worth N4.6m.

The suspect, who resides with her employer at Ijaiye Medium Housing Estate, is standing trial on a three count charge of conspiracy, stealing and causing a breach of the peace.

While testifying in court, the prosecutor, Inspector Rachael Williams said the offences were committed on May 28, 2015, at

When contacted, the State Police Spokesman, DSP Wole Ogodo said the hoodlums came out of the bush and shot the deceased, who were travelling in a Toyota Highlander Jeep.

According to him, the robbers’ bullets hit the tank of the ill-fated vehicle and it caught fire, burning the occupants.

He said the driver sustained injury and was now receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

Ogodo said “Our patrol team quickly went to the scene to rescue the surviving driver and deposit the corpses of the deceased in a mortuary”.

actually the one who went to the police station to report. She accused the management of the hospital of dereliction of duty and said she was raped by the men.

She also alleged that the owner of the hospital did not provide adequate security for his workers and thereby subjected her to mental torture after she was raped and she lost her virginity.”

He added that the medical director of the hospital was apprehended but was later released on bail.

While confirming the incident, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Adegbola Dominic said he is not liable for the rape of the nurse.

The Medical Director stresses that he was only told that one of his staff was raped and when

he asked her she denied saying it was an allegation, he added that he was thrown overboard when the victim’s parents in company of some police officers came to the hospital and took him to the station over the nurse’s claim that she was raped.

Adegbola affirmed, “It is an everyday affair here. The robbers come to the street almost every time to rob residents. It is the third time they would come to the hospital. They came in and dispossessed patients of their valuables.

He further noted that a lab test was conducted on the nurse immediately the incidence occurred and the result showed that she is still a virgin and nothing happened to her. It is just that she suffered some shocks.

“I am doing all these because of the girl. And if it is her parents or anybody that spreading wrong information, I don’t think I am to blame. I have already tried my best.” He said.

Suspected kidnappers den discovered in Oyo

the employer’s residence.

According to the prosecutor, the accused, with others now at large, connived and stole the said jewelry valued at N4.6m, belonging to Mrs Titilayo Ogundipe, the complainant.

“The complainant got home from work to discover that the door to her room was opened and all her gold jewellery were missing.

“The housekeeper disappeared after the incident, but was later arrested following a tip-off,’’ Williams said.

The offence, she noted, contravened sections 166 (d), 278

and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Adeyeye however pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The magistrate, Mrs Adenike Shonubi, however granted the accused bail in the sum of N2.5m with two sureties in like sum.

Shonubi however adjourned the case till June 15 for trial.

Police officer kills 2 robbery suspects, arrest one other Two alleged armed robbers belonging to a robbery gang, who have been terrorizing residents of Agbor community in Ika South Local Government

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Police arrest car snatcher in Lagos

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he Lagos State Special Anti-Robbery Squad has apprehended a 29-yearold Donatus Okike for allegedly snatching different cars across the State at gun point.

Twenty nine year old Okike who is a member of a fourman gang was rounded up in an auto-spare parts market in the Igando area of the State where they usually go to sell parts of vehicles stolen.

It was gathered that the gang usually remove number plates of stolen vehicles so that the buyers would think the vehicles were fairly used and imported.

Okike, who hails from Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, while confessing to the crime said, he was arrested by the police while preparing to take the stolen vehicles to Port Harcourt, where they will be sold.

He added that his role was only to drive the vehicles to the buyers.

He said, “I worked formerly as a truck driver. That was in 2009. My boss was Mr. Ogbonna Okorie, who used to load bags of rice in the Seme area. My route is from Mile 2 to the border area. I also ply the Idiroko area in Ogun State.

I came to Lagos in 2005, and I used to stay with my uncle in the Maryland area before I joined the gang.

“The first vehicle we stole was a Toyota Camry. I drove it to Benin, Edo State, where we sold it for N600, 000.

The second car was a Toyota Sienna which I took to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and sold for N700, 000. I sold it to one Lucky Oboh. We usually removed the plate numbers when selling so that our buyers would not suspect the vehicles were stolen. I was given N300, 000 as my share.

“The third one was another Toyota Camry, which I drove to the Badagry area of Lagos to sell. The fourth was a Toyota Sienna and I was to also take it to Port Harcourt when the police arrested me. I am not the gang leader. The leader is known simply as Segun.

“My role is to find a buyer for the vehicle and drive it to his location after an agreement. It was the gang leader who operated with this gun.

I was also a drug addict and I used the robbery proceeds to take care of my mother who had a poor health.”

According to the police, other three members of the gang are still at large.

Area of Delta State, on Sunday, met their waterloo in the hand of an officer attached to the Delta State Police Command; one of the gang members was also arrested.

This was disclosed by DSP Celestina Kalu, the State Police public Relations Officer in a press release.

According to Kalu, a police sergeant attached to Agbor Police Division, ran into the bandits while returning from night duty, adding that the robbers were robbing residents around the old Asaba/Lagos road with a motor cycle.

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Meet top famous Nigerian celebrity twins

t was popular comedian and singer, Gordons who once cracked in one of his jokes that the likes of P-Square, Mamuzee and other celebrity twins should be thankful to Mary Slessor who stopped the killing of twins in Nigeria, if not their stories would have been like that of Solomon Grandy.

In the extant time, the birth of twins was considered a particularly evil curse. Natives feared that the father of one of the infants was an evil spirit, and that the mother had been guilty of a great sin. Unable to determine which twin was fathered by the evil spirit, the natives often abandoned both babies in the bush or bury them alive.

However, the timely intervention of Mary Slessor in 1888 changed the old order, and today most couples crave and pray for such double bundles of joy in form of twins.

DAILY POST entertainment takes a quick look at the Nigeria’s twin celebrities who have so far used their double efforts to catapult to stardom and huge success.

Peter and Paul Okoye Nigeria’s most successful and celebrated twin singers; Peter and Paul Okoye of P-square fame are like golden fish out of water.

Their songs are always street anthems, from Busy body to Roll it, Game over, Onyinye, Oga Police, to Personally, the list of their hits seems endless. They make their teeming fans keep demanding for more.

The story of P-Square began in St. Mulumba secondary school, a small Catholic school in Jos, Nigeria. Identical twins Peter and Paul joined their school music and drama club where they began singing, dancing, and mimicking songs by MC Hammer, Bobby Brown and Michael Jackson.

They later formed an Acappella quartet called “MMMPP” (MClef a.k.a. Itemoh, Michael, Melvin, Peter and Paul). Drawing inspiration from their music idol Michael Jackson, they began break dancing, formed the group called “Smooth Criminals” in 1997.

In 1999, they applied to the University of Abuja to study Business Administration. The Smooth Criminals disbanded when its members left to various other universities.

Subsequently Peter and Paul formed their own group, variously called “Double P”, “P&P”, and “Da Pees”, until they eventually settled on “P Square”.

In 2001, “P-Square” won the “Grab Da Mic” competition, and hence Benson & Hedges sponsored their debut album, titled Last Nite, which was released under Timbuk2 music label.

P-Square was also nominated as “Most Promising African Group” in the Kora Awards three months after the release of their debut album.

They eventually won the 2003 Amen Award for “Best R&B Group.

Of all the twins artistes, the duo of Peter and Paul have remained the few that have continued to keep the stardom and rising above challenges, especially normal family issues that had severally breed their ugly

the wedding to hold on the same day. God said ‘my daughter, ask anything you want and it shall be granted.”

These were the words of Nollywood actresses, Chidimma and Chidiebere of the famous Anenke twins in a recent interview.

After thrilling movie buffs in hit flicks such as: Crazy Twins, Jealous Friends, Desperate Twins and et al, the down to earth actresses’ career has continued to witness upward swing. They both have several great flicks to their credit. It’s believed generally that they have much in the offing to deliver to their fans.

Iya Mi Jowo in 1969 after winning a record contract with Decca Records. They worked with the late Biddy Wright on their third albumDanger (1976).

They recorded Sunshine in 1978 and Horizon Unlimited in 1979.

heads, attempting to disrupt their long-time, and well-built musical career.

Like it is the norm, they both have their choices to make, yet their different choices and tastes have over time become their strength.

Tracy an d Treasu They have on re a several occasions Eku & Kessian admitted their shortcomings as well as their differ‘Abi ences, but have not been deterred you no from pursuing their musical goals. know say The To many Nigerians, P-Square has Jesus na Osuolale remained one of the most successGod’, a Twins ful group in Nigerian musical scene. song which TaiTalking about their differences, became an ye and Peter said in an interview that, ‘’ anthem in Kehinde The truth and nothing but the truth many local Osuois it had nothing to do with money, churches. lale are it had nothing to women, it’s just a Mamuzee twins The indusidentical normal thing like where you argue trious duo twins or quarrel with your sibling. It’s later married popularly normal.’’ another set of known as Ibeji Oran in the Yoruba identical twins and they are living movie genre.

Eku Edewor and Kessiana together as one big happy family.

These names were given to them Edewor Even though they appear to be on account of their roles in an epic Unknown to many, popular TV struggling with their musical career movie entitled, ‘Ide’, produced by presenter and co-host of Mnet 53 at the moment, they once enjoyed late Yekini Ajileye in 1993.

Extra, Eku Edewor has an identical the same stardom P-Square is enjoySince then, the diminutive actors twin. ing today. have not looked back as they soar They are Itsekiri indigenes, and in their quest for more fame and granddaughters of late Chief James Tracy and Treasure Daniels success.

Edewor, a philanthropist and a Golden Girl twins and new music The happily married twins have business mogul. Their mother, Jusensation, Treasure and Tracy Danalso featured in movies like ‘Koto liana Edewor runs the Green room iels were once actresses in NollyAiye’, ‘Seranko Seniyan’ among in Lagos. wood before they veered into music. others.

Eku’s identical twin, Kessiana The duo became fans’ favourites Their horrible look and stigmatiEdewor-Thorley, is a full time modafter dazzling in some Nollywood zation has never been a hindrance el abroad. Both of them are doing flicks before pitching their tents to their progress in the industry. very well in their chosen career dewith music.

The Osogbo born entertainers still spite that each took her own path, One of the fair beautiful twins, believe there is ability in deformity. justifying the general belief that the Tracy had her traditional margods are for the twins. riage on Friday April 7, 2013, in The Lijadu Sisters their country home of Ohaukwu, Taiwo and Kehinde Lijadu are Mamuzee twins Ebonyi State. Her husband is an identical twin sisters who achieved The energetic music duo; AnthoIndian expatriate who is said to be a success in Nigeria and had modest nio Akpos Dixon and Andre Andos multi-millionaire. influence in the United States and Dixon of the Mamuzee fame are Though, not much has been heard Europe. no doubt the first set of twins to of them lately, sources have disThey were notable for being a venture into entertainment. closed that they would soon release West African version of the Pointer The tall, dark and handsome their debut album.

Sisters who mixed Afrobeat sounds brothers are never caught in difwith jazz and disco, according to a ferent wears when they appear in The Aneke Twins source. public.

“Our prayer is to marry twin Although, they retired from the Their foray into the music indusbrothers and have our weddings movie scene since 1980’s, their try kicked-off in 1999 when they same day. We pray for this every name still ring a bell in the ears of released their first single entitled, day. Our suitors can pay our bride Nigerian music lovers.

Bobo followed by a gospel track, prices differently, but we want They released their first album

The Twin-X They are Nigerian pop duo made up of identical twin brothers Tywo and Keni Akintoye.

Born in Ogun State, Taiwo and Kehinde Akintoye grew up listening to their father’s favorite musicians such as Ebenezer Obey, Orlando Owoh and Bob Marley.

They later blended it with their own love for Shalamar, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Sonny Okosun, Lijadu Sisters and Diana Ross, who all greatly influenced their music styles.

On May 27, 2001, their debut “Mother mi” was released to a wide acceptance. The video featured many celebrities including Tony Tetuila, Uche Jombo, Kenny Ogungbe of Kennis Music and Steph Nora Okere. Though not much is heard of them today, stardom had once shone on them.

Peter and Paul Okoye

Osha Ibeji They might be new in the highly competitive industry but sure have something fresh to offer.

When Osha Ibeji released their first single-Celebrate, many fans mistook their voices for the Okoye brothers, P Square.

Hear what they have to say about themselves, “We are cool and kind twin brothers from Africa, Nigeria.

We are proud to be a Nigeria Small God.”

Oshadipe twins Kehinde Oshadipe, the twin sister of the late Taiwo Oshadipe of the Oshadipe Twins didn’t allow the demise of her sister weigh her down.

Oshadipe passed on to glory on October 3, 2014 after a brief illness: To keep the memories of her sister, Kehinde dropped a tribute single entitled `My Reflection’.

The emotion laden track describes the ordeal of losing a loved one who holds a special place in one’s heart. until the ugly incident of October 3, the duo needed no introduction in the showbiz terrain.

They started out in the late 90s and have since then remain one of the celebrated twin entertainers in the country.

The twins who are graduates of English Language and Literature from the University of Lagos at a point became the family’s breadwinners.

“The first money we earned was N14, 000 and we gave it to our mother.

She went to buy a grinding machine and started using it to grind pepper. Whatever she made from there, we used it to eat on a daily basis, and then she’ll buy us shoes and clothes. She’s a very happy woman today and we feel proud of her,” they once disclosed.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Ace rapper, Tony Harmony is dead

I didn’t date 2face Idibia – Actress, Yvonne Jegede

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ce rapper, Anthony Akpovwovwo Harmony, popularly called Tony Harmony is dead.

Harmony, a native of Delta State reportedly passed away over the weekend after suffering from an ailment believed to be stroke.

His childhood friend and boss of Now Muzik, Efe Omorogbe, who confirmed the demise said: ‘Yes, Tony is dead, I was told he suffered stroke a few days after he returned to Nigeria from his base in Ghana to attend his brother’s wedding.’

The burial arrangements are yet to be announced.

It would be recalled that Tony relocated to Ghana in 2003 where his career hit the roof with his electrifying performances on TV3 network music programs as star of the week. He’ll be remembered for some of his hit songs including ‘My Body’ released in 2006, ‘Pain Me’ featuring Mr. Raw Nwanne as well as ‘Hold your baby’.

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ctress Yvonne Jegede has disclosed that she never dated music star, Innocent Ujah Idibia, famously known as Tuface.

The heavily endowed thespian said she only featured in Tuface’s hit song, African Queen.

Her words: “I didn’t date 2face. I only featured in his “African Queen” video. I have never kissed him before.”

Asked at a recent event about her fetish for cleavage-baring

dresses, she responded that her clothes should be blamed.

“Well, it depends on the clothes.

I have big boobs, so, if the clothes are not big enough to cover my boobs, you would not blame me for that. I am not the person who made my clothes. I just put the clothes on,” she said.

Yvonne ranks high up in the cleavage-baring business alongside the likes of Cossy Orjiakor and Afrocandy among others.

Osita ‘Pawpaw’ Iheme reveals political ambition

Controversial actress, Tonto Dike set to wed O

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fter playing what would be described as seek and hide game, Nollywood’s Queen of Controversy, Tontochukwu Dike is ready to settle down with her lover.

It probably wasn’t the best decision after she revealed the real identity of her man, as the social media threw up new claims that Mr. X, real name Churchill Oladunni, is actually married to someone else.

Unmoved by the controversy, the actress is ready to move in

with the ‘second hand’ lover.

Earlier this week, the actress-cum-singer was on weekly podcast- My Africa podcast, where the host, Andre Blaze noticed the singer was putting on an engagement ring.

Are you going to get married? Her host asked, and she cast a look at her engagement ring and answered with a resounding ‘Yes.’ When show host, Anre Blaze pressed further, she said, “You have a very good eye!

Yes I will be getting married.”

She also revealed the wedding will be taking place soon. “I can tell you now that the wedding will take place anytime soon” she added.

ne of Nollywood comic actors, Osita Iheme popularly identified as Pawpaw in a movie titled ‘Aki and Pawpaw’ has disclosed that he is hoping to take a political position in the near future.

The diminitive Actor also spoke of his life, and how he has been handling the situation surrounding his height among his peers and his reasons towards his political aspiration.

Osita revealed that his height has always been an added advantage in his life as he sees himself as an individual with a bold personality and hardly moved by setbacks in life.

“I have always seen myself as a leader especially when I am around my age mates. I have always put up a bold front because I am a bold person. I have been able to conquer and overcome the challenges that are around me irrespective of my nature and other things about my physical stature. I have been able to set aside anything that could bother me and moved on. I didn’t allow anything to really bother me while I was growing up,” he explained.

The comic Actor disclosed his interest of going into active politics in future, adding that his reasons were not cynical but for the benefit of the entertainment industry.

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How Mourinho went crazy over ‘backstabbing Madrid rat’ F

Pastore pens three-year extension with PSG

ormer Real Madrid goalkeeper, Jerzy Dudek, has revealed how Jose Mourinho furiously accused players of “back-stabbing” him, during their time in Spain.

The Spanish press got wind of Mourinho’s tactical plans ahead of an El Clasico match against Barcelona in 2011 and the Portuguese felt one of his squad members was the “rat”, who leaked the information.

“Two years ago I read that Spanish press was looking for a ‘rat’ in Real dressing room and it immediately took me back to the match against Barcelona in 2011 that we drew 1-1 at Santiago Bernabeu,” the Pole wrote in a passage of his book obtained pre-publication by Elconfidencial.com .

“Mourinho came to the dressing room and said that the result was not bad. Indeed, as for almost the entire second half we played with 10 men after Raul Albiol’s red card.

“And then he added: ‘I see your relations with media are quite good. I know we have to get along with them but I didn’t think you were getting along that well. I heard from them that you do not want the meetings before the games, that we practice set-pieces wrong way and our tactical trainings are not good enough. “’I turn on my TV four hours before the game and what the f*** do I see? That the journo is giving away our squad.’

“Mourinho started shouting: ‘How could we ever surprise Barca if one of you is a rat! Yes, yes a rat! Somebody released the info about the starting XI before the game. “’They knew everything about us. We trained all week. We wanted to surprise them. We wanted to make some changes. We put Pepe in midfield to play against Lionel Messi and we talked about how Pepe knows how to deal with him. “’He knows when to let him go so he’s not the danger for us when he has the ball and makes the difference and we start panicking.

That’s why Pepe had to play in midfield, right? Right. And everything was perfect. Why could it not work out?’

“Nobody said anything. But Mourinho started shouting again: ‘I always go ahead of you, in the first line, I control everything that happens.

Like a general, I always go into fire for you. “’We were about to attack them when somebody backstabbed me. One of you sticks a knife in my back before the game that is so important for us.’

“Mourinho had tears in his eyes. I had never seen him in such state, so emotional. And he still shouted: ‘Where is this rat? Who is it? Who could it be?

Maybe you...’ and he pointed at Esteban Granero, who was born in Madrid.

“Mourinho explained: ‘It may be somebody who plays here for a long time.’

He pointed at three or four other guys and asked: ‘How can you destroy what we’ve been working for all week?

Tiger Woods’ former caddie speaks on their relationship

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iger Wood’s former caddie, Steve Williams, has admitted he is still “disappointed” with how their 13-year relationship ended in 2011.

Speaking in an interview with Golf Digest, the Kiwi looper revealed how Woods subtly intimidated Andrew Coltart ahead of their Sunday singles match at the 1999 Ryder Cup and also caddying for Woods for 13 of his 14 major wins.

“He then hit that old ball mark exactly, from 20 feet away from a tough lie,” Williams said.

“That the ball went in the hole was sort of a miracle, but hitting the old ball mark on the fly was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen.”

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avier Pastore has committed himself to Paris Saint-Germain, by signing a three-year contract extension with the club.

The Argentina international’s deal was due to expire at the end of next season, but he has decided to remain with the Ligue 1 champions until 2019.

“I am delighted to extend my contract. I just experienced the best season of my career,” Pastore told PSG’s official website.

“I am very proud of the year I made, but I could not have done it without my teammates. So, I want to thank them, as well as the technical staff and all the people who work at Paris Saint-Germain.

“I hope to continue to win titles here, and get to play in a Champions League final with this team.

That’s my main goal now.

“I think we can achieve that in the coming years and why not next year?

“My goal is to win the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain. That would be the ultimate.”

Pastore enjoyed a fine season with PSG, as they clinched an unprecedented Treble and reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Williams also recalled how Woods won the 2008 US Open - his last major win - on one good leg.

“On the course, the sickening click of bones rubbing together as he walked made me queasy,” he said. “The groans and squeaks he made were unreal.

“It’s the most heroic thing I’ve ever seen in golf.”

Djokovic st ain ag l na r-fi te ar qu en Op ch en Fr up ts se l Nada

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efending champion, Rafael Nadal and world No 1 Novak Djokovic, will come face to face in a mouthwatering quarter-final clash at the French Open.

The Spaniard overcame a spirited Jack Sock 6-3 6-1 5-7 6-2 and set up a meeting with Djokovic, who outclassed Richard Gasquet 6-1 6-2 6-3 in a dominant display.

Speaking ahead of the showdown, Nadal said: “He’s the world No 1 and is having a great season. It’ll be a complicated match.”

The nine-time champion will be putting his crown on the line at Roland Garros and Djokovic is desperate to win a French Open title, to

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complete the career Grand Slam.

“It’s the biggest challenge I can have on clay,” Djokovic said. “He’s lost just once here in his career.”

Djokovic has won five of his last six meetings with Nadal and two of those victories came on clay.

However, Nadal holds a much bigger 14-5 advantage on matches played on clay, while he has a 6-0 record against Djokovic at Roland Garros.

Ahmed Musa signs four-year deal with CSKA Moscow

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uper Eagles winger, Ahmed Musa, has put pen to paper on a new four-year deal with CSKA Moscow.

The Aminchi Football Academy of Jos product joined the Russian club in 2012 from VVV Venlo in Holland and has now extended his stay until 2019.

CSKA’s General Director, Roman Babaev, revealed that an agreement has been reached after the negotiations went well.

“Negotiations went very smoothly. During the talks, we were concentrating on technical details, as Musa’s intention to continue performing in redblues shirt was obvious from the first day,” Babaev told the club website.

“We are delighted that Ahmed prolonged his contract with the club.”

Musa has won two Russian league titles, a Russian Cup and two Russian Super Cups, during his three-and-half years with the club.

He has scored a total of 36 goals in 124 matches.

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Sepp Blatter resigns as FIFA president

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epp Blatter has announced that he is stepping down as FIFA president.

The Swiss announced his decision at a press conference in Zurich, which was quickly arranged on Tuesday evening.

Blatter also called for an extraordinary Congress “as rapidly as possible”, where his successor will be chosen.

“I have been reflecting deeply about my presidency and about the forty years in which my life has been inextricably bound to FIFA and the great sport of football,” he said.

“I cherish FIFA more than anything and I want to do only what is best for FIFA and for football. I felt compelled to stand for re-election, as I believed that this was the best thing for the organisation.

That election is over but FIFA’s challenges are not.

“FIFA needs a profound overhaul. While I have a mandate from the membership of FIFA, I do not feel that I have a mandate from the entire world of football – the fans, the players, the clubs, the people who live, breathe and love football as much as we all do at FIFA. “Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate at an extraordinary elective Congress. I will continue to exercise my functions as FIFA President until that election.

“The next ordinary FIFA Congress will take place on May 13, 2016 in Mexico City. This would create unnecessary delay and I will urge the Executive Committee to organise an Extraordinary Congress for the election of my successor at the earliest opportunity. This will need to be done in line with FIFA’s statutes and we must allow enough time for the best candidates to present themselves and to campaign.

“Since I shall not be a candidate, and am therefore now free from the constraints that elections inevitably impose, I shall be able to focus on driving far-reaching, fundamental reforms that transcend our previous efforts. For years, we have worked hard to put in place administrative reforms, but it is plain to me that while these must continue, they are not enough.”

“I have thoroughly considered my presidency and about the last 40 years in my life. I only want to do the best for football.” – Sepp Blatter N100

FROM TROUBLE TO TREBLE by ‘Ifreke Inyang

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arcelona have already won two trophies this season.

The Catalans - thanks to the hypnotic magic of Lionel Messi of course - wrestled back the La Liga title from Atletico Madrid. And just last weekend, the 27-year-old produced another superlative performance, as they clinched their 27th Copa del Rey trophy, outclassing Athletico Bilbao 3-1.

Well, it does seems that Messi is always at the centre of everything at the Nou Camp.

Early in January, the Argentine forward was left out of the team, as Barca lost at Anoeta. He was nowhere to be found the next day, as the only training session of the year open to fans was held. The excuse was that he was suffering from “gastroenteritis”. As if to demystify it all, a Xavi Hernandez interview was published, in which the departing midfielder revealed that “gastroenteritis” is the classic excuse given when something else is wrong.

Rumours began to filter through. Messi and manager Luis Enrique were not Seeing Eye to

eye. Of course, Messi is never hung out to dry. Other heads have to roll. Andoni Zubizarreta was sacked and Carles Puyol resigned.

Then followed intense media speculations that Enrique would be next out of the door. Defender Jeremy Mathieu even confirmed that the coach and Messi had clashed on the training pitch.

One of the most profound statements Enrique made at the time was: “Victories are the only things that can calm this wave.”

And he began to rack up the wins.

Barcelona played every team in the league, won 17, drew one and lost only once.

With the Double already secured, they have just one game left. Juventus awaits in the final of the UEFA Champions League this weekend.

“We have two [trophies] now, but we want the third,” Enrique - who has now won the Copa as a player and manager - said.

Since their season threatened to unravel in January, Barca have put behind their differences and emerged stronger and are on the verge of something special. Even Enrique dumped his rotation

Mourinho blasts Loftus-Cheek over “unacceptable work rate”

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helsea boss Jose Mourinho, has slammed youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek, after his display in the club’s post-season friendly against Sydney FC. Loftus-Cheek was taken off after only 25 minutes on the pitch, during the game at Sydney’s ANZ stadium, played in front of 84,000 fans.

Mourinho expressed his displeasure with the 19-year-old’s commitment and admitted that his relationship with the player has been damaged.

The former Real Madrid manager said Loftus-Cheek’s attitude was “unacceptable” and said his relationship had “taken a step back”, before adding: “He said it was a pain in his back but to me it looked like he only had that pain when Sydney had the ball.”

policy, which saw him leave Messi, Neymar and Dani Alves on the bench early in the year as Real Sociedad won 1-0.

But all is well again.

Two poignant moments stood out in both Cup celebrations. Messi gave him a pat on the back after securing the league title and gave him a warm hug after the Copa final.

“We believed at difficult moments,” utility man, Javier Mascherano said after they won the La Liga.

“We overcame adversity. We laughed when we had to laugh and suffered when we had to suffer.”

They also dazzled. The trident of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez have been incredible. They have led the war from the front, plundering in a record-smashing 120 goals between themselves in all competitions.

Saturday is almost here. And you can put your mortgage on it.

Of the two teams chasing a Treble at the Olympiastadion Berlin, Barca look likelier to claim it.

Lewis Hamilton chasing Canada win after ‘huge’ Monaco disappointment

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Mourinho had promised to include the midfielder in his first team squad regularly next season, after he put in some impressive performances for the U-21 squad.

Chelsea defeated Sydney 1-0 thanks to Loic Remy’s strike.

ewis Hamilton has said he is determined to “bounce back” from the “huge disappointment” of missing out on a certain Monaco win.

The 30-year-old has his eyes on a fourth Canadian GP victory, as he prepares to return to one of his happiest hunting grounds in F1 in a fortnight.

A Mercedes strategy call cost Hamilton victory to team-mate Nico Rosberg. It effectively produced a 17-point swing in the title race, with the world champion’s lead now at just 10 points.

However, he is now more focused on returning to winning ways, after back-to-back successes for Rosberg.

“I think everything that needs to be said about Monaco has already been said,” Hamilton said.

“Obviously, it was a huge disappointment for me and also for the team. But we’ll learn from it and move forwards together like we always do. I just want to get back out there and bounce back – and I could hardly ask for a better place to do that than Montreal.”

Amir Khan denies avoiding fight with Kell Brook

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mir Khan has come out to deny he is scared of fighting Kell Brook.

A bout between the English welterweights is no close to being finalised, since Brook won the IBF Championship last August.

Khan, who defeated Chris Algieri on points last week in New York, insists his reluctance to square up against Brook is not down to fear.

“I think everyone realises that Amir Khan is never scared about fighting anyone,” he told Sky Sports News HQ. “I’ve fought everyone that’s been put in front of me – and I will fight anyone who is put in front of me.

“At the moment, I have a different route. I’m going to America and selling out arenas, beating their big names, so I’m not scared.

“If the fight between Kell and I happens, then my team will put it together, but at the moment I have no interest in it.”

Khan is however keen for a showdown in September with Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas, before the undefeated boxer quits the sport.

“Mayweather is the biggest fight out there for me,” he said. “I’d love to have that fight against the pound-forpound and welterweight champion. That’s what I’m hoping for.

“We have the same advisor in Al Haymon so he could get the fight made. I’m in touching distance of it. I could fight in September because Ramadan is early this year.

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