Wednesday, October 7, 2015 Edition

EFCC arrests Charles Okah attempts suicide Alison-Madueke’s business ally in court pg.7

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Team Buhari unveiled

Vol. 1 Edition 9 Wednesday, October 7 - Tuesday, October 13, 2015

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•Controversy trails ministerial list

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• PMB didn’t tell me about my nomination – Fayemi

Ayefele escapes death in Ondo page21 Metro

Lady burns self while attempting to bathe ex-boyfriend with acid page19

Boko Haram financier arrested in Bama page4 inside

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Wednesday, October 7, 2015

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Team Buhari finally unveiled • Controversy trails ministerial zlist

By Sylvester Ugwuanyi

N

igerians’ eagerness to know how President Muhammadu Buhari’s government will look became truly over by 10:45am on Tuesday when the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, opened a sealed envelope containing the list of nominated ministers which was sent to him last Wednesday by the President through his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.

Saraki, who disclosed that the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly would commence screening of the names on Tuesday, October 13, revealed that President Buhari had told him that subsequent names would come shortly.

The nominees announced on the floor are: Abubakar Malami (SAN) – Kebbi; Abdurahman Bello Dambazzau - Kano; Aisha Jumai Al Hassan - Taraba; Alhaji Lai Mohammed - Kwara; Babatunde Raji Fashola - Lagos; Adebayo Shittu - Oyo; Solomon Dalong - Plateau; Senator Chris Ngige - Anambra; Rotimi Amaechi - Rivers; and Chief Audu Ogbeh - Benue.

Others are: Mrs. Amina Ibrahim - Kaduna; Dr. Osagie Ehaneri Edo; Emmanuel Kachukwu - Delta; Dr. Kayode Fayemi - Ekiti; Eng. Suleiman Adamu - Jigawa; Mrs. Kemi Adeosun - Ogun; Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu - Abia; Hon. Ahmed Isa Ibeto - Niger; Ibrahim Usman Jubrin; Senator Hadi Serika - Katsina; Senator Udo Udoma – Akwa Ibom.

Five of the nominees came from the rank of former governors and they include: Fashola, Ngige, Amaechi, Fayemi and Onu. The women folk were not totally left out of the 21-man list as three women made it as ministerial nominees. They include: Amina Mohammed, Kemi Adeosun and Aisha Al Hassan (popularly known as Mama Taraba).

Mrs. Mohammed had worked as Special Adviser to Presidents Musa Yardua and Goodluck Jonathan on Millennium Development Goals for six years, while Adeosun served as Senior Manager at the Price Waterhouse Coopers, London.

Mama Taraba used to be the Senator representing Taraba North

Buhari in the Senate before running for governorship of the state under the platform of the APC in 2015.

Meanwhile reactions have already begun trailing the nature of people expected to make up Team Buhari. A former Governor of Kaduna state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, says he is disappointed at President Buhari’s ministerial list, arguing that that there is nothing spectacular about the names.

Wondering why it took the President four months to come up with the names, he said: “These are the same old names, ordinary Nigerians who the President knows and he must have even met them several times. So, what is particular about them that he wasted so much time in appointing them ministers?”

He continued: “But there are about two or three who I can say are distinguished among them, like Audu Ogbeh who I have known for a very long time. We were together during the Second Republic.

He was a minister while I was governor then. Audu Ogbeh has an outstanding public record that everybody knows.”

For a former Governor of Yobe

State now Senator, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, the names forwarded by President Muhammad Buhari are the best crop of generations that perfectly understand the direction of government if change agenda of APC administration is to be implemented to its fullest.

He explained that Buhari’s conservative-cum disciplinarian disposition calls for the assemblage of those of like minds, which to him explains why some octogenarian had to be on the list.

“You know the person of Buhari who doesn’t believe in flamboyant lifestyle and above all those that have been tested at one time or the other which he knew so well without being prompted by anybody were those he considered,” Bukar told DAILY POST. Speaking on why it took the President so long to forward their names knowing that these are those he has been working with over the years, Bukar noted that Mr President was studying the system he left since 1985, pointing that he was trying to fix the square peg in a square hole.

“He was taking his time to study the systems so that he would have

grasp of how things work these days and I believe that forms part of his opinion on the selection,” the lawmaker said.

Also reacting, a social activist and founder of the Chocolate City Music, Audu Maikori, took to his Twitter handle on Tuesday to lament the sidelining of youths in the ministerial list and the recycling of old hands. His tweets reads: “Instead of my juniors and my age mates getting nominated for ministerial roles, it’s their fathers that are being nominated.. #Relegation.

“You see, the reason why they keep us tagged as youth is to justify their long stay in power. We cannot be “Youth” forever.

“When I was 25, they said I was a youth, when I was 35, they said I was still youth and now at 40 am I still a youth?

“I am sorely disappointed with the ministers not because of their personalities but because of their age!

“Recycling is good for the environment, but not for Nigeria’s political environment... It’s a health hazard!” he posted.

Almost in the same vein, the Ijaw Youths Congress, IYC, has described as a “disappointment”, the unveiled ministerial nominees, saying they are made up of recycled politicians.

The IYC said, “Contrary to the impression created by Buhari’s government that the ministers would be agents of change and mainly distinguished technocrats, we are disappointed that most of the persons nominated by Buhari are recycled politicians and mostly disgruntled former members of the PDP. “We are most disappointed that persons with allegations of corruption pending before anti-graft agencies and are under investigation were nominated.

“This is an obvious compromise on the anti-corruption war and confirmation of the allegation that the Buhari’s anti-graft war is selective.”

Boko Haram financier arrested by troops in Bama

T

he Nigerian Army on Tuesday revealed that troops have arrested a suspected financier of the Boko Haram extremist sect.

The arrest of Mohammed Maina, who sells and supplies stimulants used by the insurgents, was made in Bama, Bama Local Government Area, LGA, of Borno State.

“The suspect, a native of Ngurosoye came from Shuari village in

Bama LGA. He was arrested with the sum of One Million Naira cash and some items.

According to a statement issued by the Army Spokesperson, Col. Sani Usman, “Investigation revealed that Mohammed supplies them Kolanuts and other items especially stimulants. He further revealed that kolanuts is in high demand among the terrorists as it keeps them active at night.

“It is apparent also that he

Buhari didn’t tell me about my nomination – Fayemi

D

r. Kayode Fayemi has admitted that his ministerial nomination came as a surprise to him.

The former Ekiti Governor, is one of the 21 names that President Muhammadu Buhari sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

But he has revealed that he had no inkling of his nomination, despite

his closeness to the president.

“Well, to the extent that I was not told by the President that I was going to be on his list; yes, it came as a surprise. The president is a surprise master; let me put it that way,” he told reporters at the National Headquarters of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja on Tuesday.

plies Maiduguri-Dikwa-Kulli axis where he gathers monetary and other materials contributions from Boko Haram sympathizers along that axis and sends same to the terrorists camps.”

The statement further disclosed that troops of 112 Battalion and Special Forces in Mafa and Dikwa raided a Boko Haram camp at Bulungwa Naibe in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno Stateon Monday.

“During the operation, quite a number of the Boko Haram terrorists were killed and the following items were recovered; 1 Buffalo vehicle mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, a Rocket Propelled Grenade, 2 Machine Guns and 1 Sub-machine Gun. Others include 5 AK-47 rifles, 1 Fabrique Nationale rifle and 2 Sewing Machines used for sewing uniforms by the terrorists,” Usman said.

“He did not tell anyone to the best of my knowledge and I would have thought that I was in a vantage position to know more than others. I was with him for five days before then.

“I was with him in New York at the United Nations General Assembly, and he never uttered a word about his list to me nor to anyone else.

“We came back to Nigeria together, I was with him up till 4pm on the evening he submitted the list to the President of the Senate and I didn’t have any clue as to what was going to happen. So, to that extent, I was pleasantly surprised.”

Fayemi also thanked Buhari, for nominating active party members, who worked hard to ensure that the APC toppled the PDP at the centre.

He added: “One must thank the President for reposing confidence in us and we thank the party because when you look at the list, you see that this is a galaxy of party men and women, people who have really been active, who have worked so hard to ensure the victory of our party.

“And we also owe it as a duty to deliver on the promises made to Nigerians by the party, so it is a call to duty really; it involved a lot of work, service and sacrifice of Nigerians.”

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Wike orders release of teachers’ arrears

By Ezeama Victor

A

s part of measures to boost the morale of Teachers, the Rivers State Government has directed the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission to ensure the prompt release of teachers’ promotion and payment of arrears due them.

The State Governor, Nyesom Wike stated this, in commemoration of the 2015 World Teachers’ Day Celebration, in Port Harcourt with the theme “Empowering Teachers, Building sustainable societies.”

Governor Wike, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, was optimistic that with the zeal displayed by the new Management of the State Civil Service Commission, issues of promotion and the associated entitlements for workers would be adequately addressed.

He described Teachers as critical elements in the enhancement of society, noting that the Present Government is a ‘Teacher-friendly’ administration that holds the teaching profession in high esteem.

The State Chief Executive noted that the present administration was committed to addressing the welfare needs of the Teachers to enhance increased productivity.

According to him, “Rivers State Government attaches importance to the teaching profession and therefore declared Monday School free to celebrate the day”, he asserted.

The Governor commended the teachers for their massive turn out at the event, pointing out that as character moulders, they must live up to their responsibilities, adding that the State Government would strive to fulfill its promises to the people, by giving education priority attention.

On his part, State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Rivers State Wing, Comrade Nkpogone Lucky, said the World Teachers Day was created by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 1966, as a Day for employers and employees to exchange ideas and plan the best strategies towards realizing objectives of education.

Comrade Lucky, said sustainable society could only be built through quality education where teachers were drivers and therefore called for adequate incentives to motivate educators to give their best.

Wike

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Wednesday, October 7, 2015

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special report

Imo family insists on justice over brother’s death

T

he family of Late Hon. Nicholas Ulokanjo Obiukwu of Umuoke, Umuoma Onicha Ezinihitte Local Government Area, Imo State have called on police authorities and the judiciary to ensure that nothing less than justice was done with regards to the alleged murder of their brother Mr. Godswill Uchenna Nick-Obiukwu.

Mr. Jude Nick-Obiukwu, who issued a statement on behalf of the family, alleged that their brother died as a result of a well-orchestrated conspiracy.

His statement was in reaction to an earlier claim by the daughter of the suspect in the alleged murder of the deceased, Jennifer Meribe, who had told DAILY POST that her father was being detained in the prison without trial for a crime he knew nothing about.

However, in a reaction, the brother of the deceased, said contrary to the claims made by Jennifer, his family was well known in the entire neighbourhood as responsible and decent.

His statement read in full: “Our parents (now late) were responsible and very generous.

They are till date celebrated icons of the Ancient Kingdom of Onicha Amairi that currently has five (5) Autonomous Communities.

Though they are late, but history still tells about their personalities and philantropism.

Everyone of us, their children, is a responsible orphan not armed robbers as insinuated by Jennifer Meribe in her publication.

The Late Mr. Godswill U. Nick-Obiukwu, was the first son and second child of the family of five children. He graduated in Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering at the Petroleum Training Institute Warri Delta State in 1994, before our mother’s death in 1995. He also holds National Diploma in Library Science from Federal Polytechnic, Oko. He was intelligent and impacted knowledge across the

youths of Onicha Amairi through tuition and mentoring. It was in search of job that he shuttled from home to any possible area of job vacancy and due to lack of a befitting job, he resided in the home before the ugly incident of his cold murder in our house at Umuoma

by Mr. Anthony Meribe, his first son Kenneth Meribe and two other hired accomplices.

NOW OUR STORY We regret the fact that the so called Jennifer Meribe who parades herself with multiple names as Jennifer Brown and Jennifer Smith for reasons best known to her in the United Kingdom but with real names as Ogechi Jenniffer Meribe has wrongly represented the incident that led to the death of our brother Godswill.

On Wednesday February 11th 2009, the said Anthony Meribe, father of Ogechi Jennifer Meribe (Jennifer Brown and Jennifer Smith of United Kingdom), who Jennifer Meribe said has been on imprisonment for crime he did not commit, gave a phone call to our brother in-law Comrade Hyacinth Ihekoronye, informing him that Mr. Godswill broke into his house and removed his iron rods, ladder and other household items. And our in-law asked him if he was very sure of what he said and he answered in the affirmative. Our brother in-law then advised him to note those items and promised to reach him over the weekend, and that if it was confirmed to be true that he will ask Mr. Jude Nick-Obiukwu to replace those items because to his knowledge Mr. Godswill has never been associated with stealing or any form of criminality. Mr. Anthony Meribe accepted and finally said that, “I will not let Godswill go free”. On the same date of Wednesday 11th February, 2009, Anthony Meribe also called our sister Mrs. Chikaodi F. Akujobi (Nee Nick-Obiukwu) and re-affirmed that, “I must deal with Godswill”. It was the same day that a letter written by Umuo-

keikpa family against Godswill as addressed to the then Traditional Ruler of Onicha Nweorie, Eze N.U. Uwakwe was read at the Aladimma Umuoma Onicha Nweorie without a copy of which letter given to our family.

The said letter which was signed by seven (7) persons among the Okeikpa family was written at Anthony Meribe’s sitting room on the 1st of January 2009, without any of our immediate (Nicks) family members being invited to the meeting. Even when our brother Mr. Chibuike P. Nick-Obiukwu noticed them in the meeting and went to greet them, they replied his greeting in a lukewarm manner and no one demanded his presence or attention in the meeting. From every indication, the meeting was where the plan to deal with our late brother was hatched. Yet we have not established any case of conspiracy, judging from the position of the rest of Okeikpa family members since the incident took place.

Then on Sunday 15th February 2009, Anthony Meribe, Jennifer’s father with his son Kenneth Meribe and two others now at large came around by 8.00am and tortured our brother to death.

During their period of torture, in our father’s parlour, there was no single soul from the Okeikpa Kindred that questioned what was going on upon our late brother’s screaming. One Ahuwaraezenma Agwulonu who heard the screaming and rushed to enquire of what was going on, was shunned by Anthony Meribe and his son Kenneth, threatening that they will kill him alongside our late brother.

He had to run away.

The following fact we are to buttress here has been hidden from the public before today and it is as if it is nothing.

Kenneth Meribe (first son of Anthony Meribe), Jennifer’s brother and accomplice to the murder case, sometime in the first week of February came home with his girl friend and found out that the key

Late Mr Godswill Uchenna Nick-Obiukwu to their house was not kept at the usual place, he had to break it and stayed for the period without replacing the key, only for the uncle Adolphus Meribe to find out and report to Kenneth’s father, Anthony Meribe, who had to capitalize on the already existing conspiracy against our late brother Godswill to organize for his murder on the 15th of February 2009.

This is the simple crux of the matter that has lasted for six (6) years now. The wife of Anthony Meribe, Mrs. Charity Meribe is aware of this and instead of making reasonable effort to stop the raging fire, went on to threaten that ‘I will perish your family should the arrest affect my son Kenneth, Anthony is enough for you’. This is a threat to our family, yet we did not start addressing it.

Unfortunately Mrs. Meribe is in the mortuary as at the time of this write up.

The case file in question is intact with the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) Aboh Mbaise and the Aboh Mbaise High Court.

The former Judge Mrs. Ogwuruike was retired some months ago and has been replaced with another judge who is now handling the case. Plea has been taken.

Contrary to Jennifer’s statement, autopsy was conducted and it was found out that our brother died as a result of a great shock and excessive loss of blood from his broken femur and tibia of the lower legs. There is a witness that narrated what transpired between our brother and Anthony Meribe and his team of murderers. It is

Kidnap: Olu Falae to be flown abroad for treatment

C

hief Olu Falae, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), spending four days in the custody of abductors was as good as being in hell.

Falae, a seasoned Politician and Chieftain of the pan Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere said he went through the most horrible and agonizing part of his life when he was abducted by some suspected Fulani’s herdsmen in his farm at Ilado in Akure, the Ondo State capital on the day of his 77 birthday.

However, indications have emerged that the foremost politician may be flown abroad for medical treatment considering

the terrible situation he went through while in the custody of his abductors.

A source close to the family of Falae revealed to DAILY POST that arrangements were on by family members, especially the children of the freed Politician to take him abroad for medical examination, having gone through serious trauma during his abduction.

The source hinted that Falae has since his arrival been examined by his personal physician, adding that the Ondo state government may likely support the family in the care of the elder statesman, especially his medical trip abroad.

It was learnt that Falae will go through medical treatment in Akure, the Ondo state capital, but

may be flown abroad for better medical care considering his horrible experience at his age.

Falae, who was the former Presidential candidate of the All Peoples Party (APP) in 1999, may have had serious health challenges considering the horrifying encounter he had with his abductors, who were said to be Fulani herdsmen, and his health could have been drastically affected.

It is not certain whether he (Falae) has any health challenge before his abduction, but it was reliably gathered that his health has failed as he had no access to good foods, drinks and drugs while he was held hostage.

Recounting his ordeal in the hands of his captors shortly after he regained his freedom, Falae who is also a former Minister of

Falae Finance said he refused to eat the foods offered him by his abductors saying that he was helpless for the period of his abduction.

Although Falae, refused to speak openly as a result of his health, which many believe has seriously derailed, he told the Ondo state Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko that he slept on bare floor with his shoes removed all through the period that he was held hostage.

Falae who looked weak when he arrived at his residence at Oba-Ile area of Akure penultimate

good to note that our brother was met by Police that assisted him to the hospital before he died and he made dying declaration before the police that is contained in the police report / investigation.

For further clarification, you may wish to contact either the Ministry of Justice Imo State, the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) Aboh Mbaise or the Imo State Commissioner of Police for confirmation. Mr. Anthony Meribe is not in prison at Wetheral Road as claimed by Jennifer Ogechi Meribe (Jennifer Brown and Jennifer Smith of United Kingdom) rather he is awaiting trail (ATM) at the Imo State Prison Headquarters Okigwe Road, Owerri, Imo State.

We would greatly appreciate the Human Right Groups, the Imo State Governor and all those that Jennifer has pleaded to, for help, to avail themselves the opportunity to speak to the authorities handling this case to appreciate the level of deceit in her publication.

Finally, our advice to Jennifer and entire Anthony Meribe family is that ‘he who goes to equity must go with clean hands.’”

He further alleged that the family of the suspect had stopped at nothing to ensure that the case did not proceed at the court, noting that “the case even came up some days and we were not informed until few hours; all these are intended to make the court think that we no longer have interest and then the matter will be struck-out.”

Thursday evening explained that he went through hell, describing his experience during the period of his abduction as that of hell.

He said his release was as a result of prayers of the saints, as according to him “I never knew there could be opportunity for me to see my people again. But thank God for answering your prayers.

He showed me his favour even when I think all hopes had been lost.”

The septuagenarian Politician who was released four days after his abduction maintained that, “the horrible experience gained during my period of captivity will remain fresh in my mind forever, because it was like being in hell for four days.”

He attributed his safe release to the powers of God, as according to him, the prayers offered by his people, especially his church were answered by God, hence his release.

It was gathered that the Afenifere Leader had serious issues with some Fulani herdsmen before his travail, and this many alleged could be responsible for his abduction by hoodlums suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

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Perspectives to Buhari’s headship of Petroleum Ministry

By Sylvester Ugwanyi.

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ven before the Senate President yesterday unveiled to his colleagues the names of those selected by President Muhammadu Buhari to serve in his Federal Executive Council, FEC, one thing was already certain; that as in the days of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, there will be no Minister of Petroleum, as Buhari is set to add that portfolio to the hydra-headed responsibilities he is shouldering as the President.

This indication emerged penultimate Tuesday when the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, confirmed to the AFP news wire President Buhari’s disclosure in New York that he will take charge of the nation’s crucial oil ministry with a minister of state running the day-to-day affairs in the sector. This revelation came few days to the September deadline given by the President for the unveiling of his ministers.

Ever since, the President’s intention became public knowledge back home, opinion has been sharply divided on the propriety or otherwise of the President acting as the Petroleum Minister. One point of argument that always gets prominent mention is that the President was able to creditably acquit himself when he manned the position in time past.

Buhari’s earlier stint in the oil sector General Olusegun Obasanjo as Head of State appointed Buhari as the Federal Commissioner (position now called Minister) for Petroleum and Natural Resources in March 1976. During his tenure as the Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, he was able to get government to invest in pipelines and petroleum storage infrastructures.

It was under his stewardship that the government built about 21 petroleum storage depots all over the country from Lagos to Maiduguri and from Calabar to Gusau; the administration, he served, constructed a pipeline network that connected Bonny terminal and the Port Harcourt refinery to these depots.

He equally worked to have the Obasanjo regime sign the contract for the construction of a refinery in Kaduna and an oil pipeline that will connect the Escravos oil terminal to Warri Refinery. At the time the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, was created in 1977, Buhari was also appointed as its pioneer Chairman, a position he held until 1978.

Also in the General Sani Abacha military junta, Buhari was given the responsibility of chairing the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), a body created by the government and funded from the revenue generated by the increase in price of petroleum products, to pursue developmental projects around the country. He is believed to have gone about this responsibility genuinely and reasonably as the works of the PTF (now replaced with PTDF) was very evident.

Dissenting voices to Buhari’s headship of Petroleum Ministry Despite coming into the job with such a prodigious amount of experience and track record of performance in the sector, not a few Nigerians, especially experts, feel the President need to get too involved with the sector by appointing himself as Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Fearing that combination of the role of a petroleum minister with that of Nigeria’s President will

Buhari surely have adverse effects on the economy and governance, these experts and other Nigerians have been vociferous against the move with the hope that the President would have a rethink and appoint someone else, “with the qualities and experience he see in himself” as Minister of Petroleum Resources.

Leading those against this combination of roles is the National Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Mr. Billy Harry, who said in an interview published last week that the President already had too much work to do to get saddled with a ministerial appointment.

According to him, “We have so many more issues other than oil.

Agriculture alone can swallow everything that oil is doing.”

“Agriculture alone can give us over 500 per cent of income stream of what oil is doing. So, does it mean that if he wants to curb corruption in that sector, he has to also be minister of agriculture?

“The President has to be very focused on the job of supervising the entire economy as a polity. I don’t think I will advise him to saddle himself with additional responsibility,” he said.

For Omolade Adunbi, a professor of African Studies at the University of Michigan, the United States, that specialises in oil and natural resource politics, taking

up the responsibility of petroleum minister, would take away the President’s gaze from other areas of the economy and governance.

He warned that it would make the President divide “his time between looking at the petroleum sector and governing the nation, which I think is not the appropriate thing to do when the economy is in deep crisis.

“Buhari is not a petroleum engineer. He is not a technocrat.

He is not a specialist on oil. So people can still successfully [steal] without him knowing. That’s why it’s important for him to appoint someone who knows the economics of oil as well as the politics to manage the industry and move it from where it is right now to where it can be an agent for growth,” he asserted.

Observing that Nigeria’s economy is heavily dependent on crude oil which has been at risk due to massive and chronic oil thefts and recently, falling crude oil prices, a former energy consultant to the Federal Government, Sola Kasim, suggested that the President, even though he had been adjudged as a man of integrity, should leave the job for someone else who is an expert in the sector, while he focuses on administration.

The research fellow in energy economics at the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom, said: “To be brutally honest, I do not recollect Buhari being an effective petroleum minister. A very honest one, though. I venture to postulate

“The research fellow in

energy economics at the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom, said: “To be brutally honest, I do not recollect Buhari being an effective petroleum minister”

that Buhari is the cleanest, least corruptible, petroleum minister Nigeria ever had.”

Corroborating what the others have said, a director of governance programmes at the Natural Resource Governance Institute, a policy think-tank in New York, Alexandra Gillies, said, “Being the President, he (Buhari) doesn’t have the time. It worries me from the scale of things that need to be done.

“If you don’t delegate, you’re not going to be able to make progress on all of those urgent fronts.

From a governance standpoint, it’s not ideal. You need that [petroleum] minister to balance it out.”

Presidency’s justification for Buhari’s dual role as oil minister Owing to the contentious nature of the President ‘s decision to add the challenging oil sector to his direct responsibilities, the Nigerian media have not failed to present the issue before the presidential spokesmen for them to shed more light on it. The latest is an interview granted to an Abuja-based radio station, We FM, by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, where he reminded Nigerians that precedence had been set

by Obasanjo who “also held that portfolio for about six years in his eight-year term”. He further made it clear that the President has the right to retain the petroleum ministry to himself because the buck stops at his table at the end of the day.

Speaking further, he said: “I’ll say nothing is wrong in the president holding that portfolio because if you ask yourself: what will he be bringing to the table, and I think that is what matters, he has been petroleum minister before for three and half years in the 1970s and those were years when things were done properly in that sector.

Now, we are at an era when that sector has been completely degraded. There are no rules. In fact, the rule in the petroleum sector is that there are no rules. So you have a man who knows that sector quite well and he can make a difference. So why not, he can hold that portfolio.

“It is doable, because like he said, he is going to have maybe a minister of state and there is still going to be a GMD of the NNPC. His own role is basically supervisory and you know that when you have someone who is like a moral authority supervising a sector that was degraded in the past, a lot of change can be brought to bear in that sector.

“In an event where something goes wrong with the sector and the National Assembly summons the minister, he has said that there may be a minister of state so may be the minister of state would be available to answer the summon and don’t forget that for about six years, Obasanjo held that portfolio. Was there any summoning of the president? No. “If the president comes and we run through his tenure and the oil sector remains as it was, he will be the one to carry the blame at the end of it. And don’t forget that this administration will be called the Buhari administration.

It is not going to be called after any minister, it is not going to be called after any special adviser; it will be called the Buhari administration. He will answer for what-

ever goes right and whatever goes wrong. So if he has what it takes to straighten the oil sector and he didn’t do it, he will be blamed later,” Adesina said.

On his part, the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, on Sunday described those attacking President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing himself the Minister of Petroleum Resources as “briefcase-carrying crooks.” He told the Punch that the said crooks knowing very well that Buhari would not “do deals” with them, have resorted to criticizing the idea.

His words, “the oil industry is one other area where the President is very knowledgeable… The President has a lot of experience to bring to the oil industry. Besides the military, the oil industry is another area where he is knowledgeable.

“Mr. President also has tremendous integrity which he is bringing to the sector, which is the most rotten in the nation’s economy.

“The criticisms are coming from deal makers and briefcase-carrying cooks because they know that Buhari is not a deal maker.

“The deal makers are not ready to go down without shouting because they know that their days are over.”

Conclusion Be these as they may, there are however other issues to be thrown up by the President’s decision to head the petroleum ministry.

Many have wondered whether investors who would want to see the substantive minister before committing their capital in the country will find it easy meeting with the President who would surely be busy with statecraft.

By throwing his hat into the petroleum ring, there are some Nigerians who are wondering if the President has not consciously or unconsciously betrayed his administration’s determination to perpetrate Nigeria’s mono-economic reliance on oil rather than shifting attention to other sectors of the economy. For as it seems, Buhari’s bias towards the Petroleum Ministry, which he has elected to head, indicates that he wouldn’t give as much attention to opportunities in the non-oil sectors which many experts have requested Nigerians to exploit in view of the dwindling oil revenues and other hardships Nigeria is experiencing owing to its reliance on oil. Nevertheless, time shall tell how all these will unfold.

Suffice to end with Denzy Joseph Onyilo’s reaction to a story on DAILY POST, who posted that: “It is wrong for a government that mouths Change as its slogan to rely on a warped precedence to make a point, Buhari should realize that age is not on his side and should avoid biting more than he can chew”, lest the country suffers the consequence, one may add.

Some have, however, justified President Buhari’s decision, arguing that the rot in the oil sector will continue if it’s left unsupervised by the President whose record in the sector is commendable.

The argument is that instead of chasing after Petroleum Ministers for probe after every administration, precautionary measures such as that of the President’s resolve should be encouraged instead of the ongoing criticism. This argument further holds that emergency declaration in the oil sector can become more effective if the Chief Executive himself takes charge.

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news

EFCC arrests AlisonMadueke’s business ally

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he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Jide Omokore, owner of SPOG and Atlantic Energy, who is believed to be a business associate of the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Omokore allegedly used his companies to facilitate bogus oil swap deals that cost the country billions of naira. The anti-corruption agency had in the past invited him several times to its head office for questioning as part of ongoing-investigations of corruption in the Oil sector.

The businessman is accused of involvement in multi-billion dollar oil deals, including kerosene scam that rocked the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. Sources at the EFCC revealed that, before the Monday night arrest, the commission had conducted simultaneous searches on Omokore’s houses in Lagos and the house of the former minister in Abuja, as she was being questioned in England.

As at the second of October, Omokore’s house at No 9 Turnbull Street home in Ikoyi as well as his office on Glover Street, also in Ikoyi were locked down

by EFCC officials.

Omokore’s arrest is coming as a follow up to the recent arrest of the former Petroleum Minister by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency on Friday over corruption allegations. She was arrested alongside four others who were questioned and freed on bail.

However, a Magistrates Court in London has granted an application by the National Crime Agency (NCA) to impound 27,000 pounds seized from the former minister.

The cash was seized under Section 295 of Proceeds of Crime Act 2012. The money was seized from Alison-Madueke after a raid in her London House as part of the agency’s investigation.

The Westminster Court on Marylebone Road said the money would be held in the custody of the court until April 5, 2016.

In its ruling, the Magistrate court granted the prayer that will allow the police office to continue their investigation on the former minister over the allegation, BBC Hausa reported.

The BBC reports that four other persons involved in the investigation are also being questioned.

Benue South: My relationship with Mark’s election Abiola’s family still robust upheld, Onjeh despite June 12 - Babangida heads for Appeal Court A T

By Sylvester Ugwanyi former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida yesterday disclosed that his regime’s annulment of the June 12 presidential election presumed to have been won by the late Moshood Abiola never affected the cordial relationship he has with Abiola’s family.

The elder statesman, who made this known in a condolence message he personally signed to the family over the death of Mubashiru Abiola whose sad event took place a week ago, stressed that his relationship with the family which has spanned three decades was still robust and intact.

According to him, “On behalf of my family, let me use this medium to convey my heartfelt condolence to the family of late Mubashiru Abiola, which sad event took place a week ago.

“As a member of the Abiola

Babangida

Family, I had a very robust and close relationship with him; a relationship that spanned over three decades.

“Even though his death came to me as a shock, I am consoled

by the fact that he lived a very honest and straight-forward life without given to sentiments. He was very downto-earth, unassuming, and a devout Muslim, whose sense of purpose was not in doubt.

“Despite the annulment of June 12 general elections presumed to have been won by his elder brother and irrespective of the backlash, our relationship still blossomed; largely because he understood the circumstances that necessitated our action. He was a very brutally frank family man who abhorred malice to a great extent.

“I feel a sense of personal loss at the news of his death, but since death is the last testament of man, one can only wish the Almighty Allah grant him Aljanat Firdaus and console the family he left behind.

May the Almighty Allah, give them the fortitude to bear with this painful loss.”

Three Boko Haram militants killed by their bomb in Niger

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hree militants of the Boko Haram group died on Tuesday when a bomb they were transporting exploded in Niger’s Far East region of Diffa, local sources said.

The bomb exploded when they were about to enter Bosso town, one of the sources told newsmen, adding that the militants were planning to

carry out an attack.

On Sunday, 10 people, among them one soldier, five civilians and four suicide bombers, were killed in two separate suicide attacks by Boko Haram in Diffa.

The two bombs targeted a military camp and a Mosque in Diffa, a few days after two Nigerien soldiers were killed in an ambush by the militants in the same region.

PUBLIC NOTICE - PUBLIC NOTICE AFEMAI UNITED ASSOCIATION, SAGAMU CHAPTER

The general public is hereby informed that the above named association has applied for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

NAMES OF TRUSTEES: (1) Mr Alfred Ikiebe -- Chairman (2) Mr George Akhalu Eghabor -- Secretary (3) Pastor Ezekiel Izilein Mamudu -- Member (4) Mr Okhipo John -- Member (5) Mr Abbey Umoru Aliu -- Member (6) Pastor Anoyomoh Ibrahim -- Member (7) Mr Godifo Mathias -- Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. (A) To foster unity among members with the spirit of brotherhood and oneness.

(B) To promote and showcase our rich cultural heritage to the people of our immediate community and its environs.

(C) To render all possible assistance to one another in times of need.

(D) To bring all Sons and Daughters of Afemai in Sagamu and its environs together for peace, unity and development.

Any objections should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B. 198, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Alison-Madueke

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

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Signed: TRUSTEES

In the last seven months, Niger, like other countries within the Lake Chad basin, came under Boko Haram attacks from its bases in Nigeria.

A multinational force including troops from Nigeria, Cameroun, Chad and Niger are fighting Boko Haram as Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to defeat the group.

Osinbajo, El-Rufai rift fabricated, lacks credibility - Presidency

M

r Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Publicity to the Vice President, has described report of rift between Osinbajo and Gov. Nasir el’Rufai of Kaduna state as “a bunch of lies”.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Akande questioned the credibility of the report and described it as “sponsored attempt by political dissidents” whose purpose is to provoke acrimony in the country.

He said that report was consistent with similar other baseless reports published online against top officials of the presidency, adding that it lacked evidence or details.

Akande said that the relationship between Osinbajo and El-Rufai was cordial in spite of the smear campaign to disparage them.

“There is no truth to the story.

It is outright falsehood. This is an invention; somebody sat somewhere and invented a lie. It is outright fabrication.

Akande said that the VP and Kaduna State governor had been friendly even before they got to their current positions.

he National and State Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, yesterday upheld the victory of the immediate past Senate President, Chief David Mark in the March 28, 2015 election.

The Justice Mosumola Dipeolu-led tribunal in a unanimous judgment that lasted for over two and half hours dismissed the petition brought by the All Progressive Congress, APC, candidate in the election, Comrade Daniel Onjeh challenging the election of Senator Mark of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. While delivering its judgment, the tribunal held that the petitioner failed to establish any case against the lawmaker, stressing that Onjeh and his APC failed to prove allegations of rigging, multiple thumb printing, over stuffing of ballots, allocation of votes, intimidation, harassment and inducement of voters among others.

The tribunal, which held that the petitioner failed to substantiate any of his claims, went on to discountenance scanty evidence of PW 18 (Expert witness) called

by Onjeh because the witness under cross examination accepted that there was error in his data analysis.

In his reaction, Mark noted that the judiciary remains the hope and defender of the rights of the oppressed, even as he reaffirmed his faith in the sanctity of the Judiciary and rule of law.

In a statement sent to DAILY POST by his Media Assistant, Paul Mumeh, the former Senate President expressed appreciation to the judiciary for standing by the truth which led to the reaffirmation “of the mandate freely given to him by the people of Benue South Senatorial district.”

On his part, Onjeh, a former students’ union leader faulted the dismissal of his case by the tribunal, stressing that the ruling was a miscarriage of justice. He told DAILY POST that he would appeal the case.

According to him, the decision of the tribunal was a “miscarriage of justice! My petition was dismissed without looking into the substance of my case. I’m headed for appeal.”

Mark

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

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Charles Okah attempts suicide in court

S

ecurity operatives attached to Justice Gabriel Kolawole at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday prevented Charles Okah, the alleged mastermind of the 2010 Independence Day bombing from committing suicide in court.

Okah, who is standing trial on charges of terrorism, had sought the permission of the judge to speak on what he termed “endless trial”, as his counsel was absent in court.

The judge granted the oral application and permitted Okah to speak for about five minutes.

Okah said ``I have been incarcerated for about five years now and I have a family to cater for.

“My children would grow up without feeling the warmth of their father and I am tired of this endless trial.

“I really do not know what I have done to be treated this

Okah

way.

“Is it not better to die than to wait and be messed up this

There’s nothing exciting about Buhari’s ministerial list - PDP

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he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has added its voice to the criticisms trailing the list of ministerial nominees by President Muham-

madu Buhari, as announced by the Senate on Tuesday, saying that the list is not something to rejoice about.

National Publicity Secretary

way?’’ he asked.

Immediately after Okah ended his speech, he grabbed a of the opposition party, Chief Olisa Metuh, who made this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, asserted that those selected to serve in Buhari’s cabinet raised doubts on the sincerity of the present administration’s anti-corruption crusade.

According to him, “By a mere look at the list, one can tell that there is nothing to be excited about, especially considering the length of time it took the President to come up with it.”

“Looking at the list, it is

chair in the court and quickly moved towards a window on the third floor of the five-storey building and attempted to jump down.

He was immediately pulled back by security operatives, lawyers and other litigants from embarking on the action.

Consequently, Kolawole adjourned the case to Oct. 20 for continuation of the trial.

Others charged in the case are Obi Nwabueze and Edmund Ebuware.

The fourth accused, Tiemkemfa Osuvwo, died in Kuje prison, while Ebuwari has been jailed for life as his case was separately decided.

However, Okah and Nwabueze have been facing long trial as a result of the introduction of numerous injunctions from both the prosecution and defence teams.

(NAN).

hard to put a finger on why it should take any serious-minded and focused government, six months after its election to assemble such a regular team.”

Metuh went on to state that the nominees and the length of time it took had further confirmed the fact that the All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration was driven by propaganda and deceit, a development he said was not healthy for the nation.

Buhari applauds British support for the repatriation of Nigeria’s stolen funds P resident Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja applauded the renewed support from Britain and Switzerland for the recovery and repatriation of public funds stolen from Nigeria.

The president gave the commendation at separate audiences with the new British and Swiss Ambassadors to Nigeria, who were at the Presidential Villa to present their letters of credence.

Buhari noted that British, Swiss and other foreign anti-crime agencies had already given his administration much help with relevant information and intelligence on public funds that were stolen and illegally transferred to personal bank accounts by officials of past administrations.

The President, however, called for the speeding up of

the processes of investigation, prosecution and repatriation of Nigerian funds stolen by corrupt public officials and their accomplices. ‘‘Switzerland and Britain have been very helpful indeed in the recovery of our assets.

But we must build on what we have started. ‘‘It is also important to send a signal to the elite that it is no longer business as usual.

“I personally appreciate the efforts of Prime Minister David Cameron on this issue.

“He has honoured his commitments to us. He promised to support our government to build a strong and dynamic economy and he has been faithful to his words,’’ the President told the new British High Commissioner, Mr Paul Arkwright.

In his remarks, Arkwright assured him of Britain’s pre-

paredness to give Nigeria the fullest possible support and assistance in the recovery of its looted resources. ‘‘We are most ready to help.

We have a good team at the National Crime Agency (NCA) working with your Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“Tell us where and how we can help and we will provide the assistance,’’ the British High Commissioner assured the President.

President Buhari also welcomed assurances from the new Swiss Ambassador, Mr Eric Mayoraz, that his country would expedite action on the repatriation of millions of dollars stolen by Nigerian public officials and still held in Swiss Banks. ‘‘I am very pleased and we will get our Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign

Edo Assembly approves suspension of four LG Chairmen

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he Edo House of Assembly on Tuesday approved the suspension of four local government chairmen for alleged diversion of funds and inability to pay staff salaries for two months.

The suspension followed a request letter sent to the House

by Gov. Adams Oshiomhole and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Julius Ihonvbere .

The affected chairmen are: Mr Emmanuel Momoh, Etsako Central Local Government; Mr Victor Enobakhare, Egor Local Government; Mr Osaro Obazee, Oredo Local Government;l and Mr Roland Ibierutonmwen of Orhionmwon Local Government.

According to the letter, the four chairmen contravened the Local Government Act by engaging in illegal employment without going through the Local Government Service Commission.

Oshiomhole stated in the letter, that the suspension of the four chairmen was to pave way for investigation into the allegations, adding that a panel of inquiry would be constituted to undertake the assignment.

The lawmakers unanimously approved the governor’s request.

Meanwhile, the speaker, Mr Victor Edoror said the governor had the power to suspend any local government chairman found wanting.

He said that the four chairmen stood suspended for two months in the first instance.

Edoror directed the vice chairmen of the affected councils to take over the administration of the local governments. (NAN)

Tribunal nullifies APC lawmaker’s election in Niger

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Buhari

Affairs to work with you to ensure that all the stolen funds are returned safely to government coffers as quickly as possible,’’ the President added.

The President also received the letters of credence of the Ambassador of the State of Palestine, Mr Saleh Fhied Saleh, the Ambassador of Myanmar, Mr Tha Aung Nyun and the Ambassador of Slovakia, Mr Peter Holasek. (NAN)

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he State and National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Minna on Tuesday nullified the election of Murtala Badaru (APC-Suleja) in the Niger House of Assembly..

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Olatunde Oshodi, while delivering judgment, said Badaru was not found guilty of certificate forgery as alleged by the petitioner.

However, Oshodi held that Badaru did not attain the constitutional age of 30 to be a lawmaker.

He thereafter nullified the election and ordered INEC to conduct fresh elections within 90 days.

In a swift reaction, Counsel to Badaru, Mr Chris Osuagwu, told newsmen that his client would appeal the judgment.

Meanwhile, the tribunal had affirmed the election of Alhaji Musa Sule (APC-Kachia) in the state House of Assembly.

The tribunal held that the petitioner, Ibrahim Ndaman of the PDP, failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Sule forged his certificate from Zungeru Polytechnic and was an ex-convict.

It dismissed the case for lack of merit and ordered the petitioner to pay the sum of N100, 000 each to the first (Sule) and second (APC) respondents in the matter as cost. (NAN)

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UK’s request for Alamieyeseigha’s extradition politically-motivated - IYC

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he umbrella body of Ijaw youths, the Ijaw YouthCouncil, IYC, Worldwide, has claimed that the British government’s request for the extradition of a former Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, to the United Kingdom, UK, to face alleged money laundering charges was politically motivated.

The IYC claimed that although the request was coming from the UK, the action is politically motivated and instigated by the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration while the UK is being used as a subterfuge.

The group, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Eric Omare, on Tuesday, said the suspicious request from the UK government and the immediate justification by the head of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Committee, Prof. Itse Sagay, betrays a clandestine plan to arrest and jail Alamieyeseigha over his open criticism of the present administration.

The group held that, “The real brains behind the extradition request are some key players in the Nigerian government, who want Alamieyesegha to be punished because of his recent statement on his

Alamieyeseigha

ordeal in the past and because of Alamieyesegha’s consistent opposition to the ruling party.

“The IYC also condemned Prof. Sagay, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption for justifying the extradition request by the UK government.

“It amounts to professional misconduct for Sagay who was one of Alamieyeseigha’s lawyers during his arrest and

subsequent trial in Nigeria to now be acting as Adviser to the federal government on same matter.

“Nigerians would recall that Prof. Sagay fell out with his old time friend and benefactor, Chief Gani Fawehinmi because of the arrest of Alamieyesegha in London.”

“Also, when Chief James Ibori was sentenced in London, he condemned the sentence for

being excessive.

“Now same Prof. Sagay is singing a new song. We make bold to state that Prof. Sagay’s conduct is not only unprofessional but he also lacks consistency and integrity. Prof.

Sagay is nothing but a man who speaks from any side of his mouth and no useful advice can come from a committee headed by such an inconsistent character.”

While warning the government of the United Kingdom to desist from being used or interfering in the internal affairs of Nigeria, the IYC averred that the excessive interference of the UK and the United States governments in the internal affairs of Nigeria is deliberately designed to cause crisis in Nigeria.

They warned that such development would result in double jeopardy for Alamieyesegha to be extradited to the UK to face trial having been tried and convicted of the same offences in Nigeria for which the UK government is requesting his extradition.

IYC went ahead to state that the people of Niger Delta would no longer accept the continued persecution being meted out to it by the Buhari-led Federal Government.

Fake DSP arrested by Anambra police

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he Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man identified as Makong Abdul for allegedly parading himself as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

DAILY POST gathered that the self-acclaimed DSP, before his arrest, was going about extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public with a promise of assisting them during the recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

According to reports, the command also apprehended no fewer than 43 members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

Mr. Hosea Karma, the state Commissioner of Police made this disclosure while welcoming the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 9, Mr. Usman Gwary, on Tuesday to the state police command headquarters, Amawbia, Anambra State.

The Commissioner, while parading Abdul, explained that he was apprehended following a tip-off.

Karma further noted that the suspect, who is a native of Gari-Lamido in Taraba State, had just served out a prison term in April after he was convicted in 2013 for an impersonation-related offence.

According to him, Abdul had reportedly gone to the palace

of a traditional ruler in Awka-South Local Government Area of the state, influencing the people to pay various sums of money in order to facilitate the recruitment of interested members of the community into the Police Force.

He, however, warned members of the public to be cautious of characters like the ex-convict.

Karma stressed that recruitment into the NPF was transparent, devoid of any manipulation.

In the same vein, the Commissioner enumerated the problems confronting the police in the state to include shortage of manpower, the location of the command and lack of police barracks.

The AIG, in his address, said his visit to the command was in compliance with the directive of the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase.

Gwary said his visit was primarily to tour police headquarters in the zone to sensitize the security operatives on the new security initiatives of the current administration.

The AIG cautioned officers and men of the command not to compromise the peaceful security atmosphere prevailing in the area.

He said according to a recent investigation conducted by a special team, set up by the IG, the South-East is one of the most peaceful zones in the country.

Abuja bombing: Senate condemns attacks, wants security agencies re-equipped

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he Senate on Tuesday condemned Friday’s multiple bomb attacks in Kuje and Nyanya areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This followed a motion by the Minority Whip, Philip Aduda (PDP FCT), who said that the attacks were fresh calls for increased

security consciousness and equipment of the military.

The upper chamber, which observed a minute silence for those who lost their lives in the attacks, urged the Federal Government to compensate the families of the dead and cater for the injured.

It also urged relevant

security agencies to increase their intelligence gathering and embrace new technologies of combating terrorism, including bomb detection.

Also, the Senate commiserated with the family of the late Olu of Warri and sent a four-member delegation to visit the bereaved

family in Delta.

Members of the delegation comprised Sen. Adetunde Adeleke, Sen. Godwin Ugi, Sen. Danjuma Goje and Sen. Godswill Akpabio The senate also congratulated the Olu-designate and wished him a peaceful reign.( NAN)

Tribunal nullifies Ondo PDP Rep’s election

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he Ondo State National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Akure, the state capital has nullified the election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Kolade Akinjo in the March 28 election in the state.

Chairman of the tribunal , Justice Anthony Ogar ruled that Mr. Akinjo was not a member of the PDP as at the time of the election and not qualified as a candidate of the party in the said election.

The APC and its Candidate, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa had challenged the election of Mr. Akinjo on ground of non compliance and his qualification to contest the said election.

However, the tribunal noted that APC and its candidate did not prove the case of non compliance and how it affected the outcome of the election.

But, the tribunal agreed with the petitioners that Mr. Akinjo was not a member of the PDP as at the time he contested the election.

The tribunal said that Mr. Akinjo did not follow constitutional procedure in joining the PDP, saying the PDP is different from the Labour Party on which platform he contested in a bye election in 2014.

Besides, the tribunal said Mr. Akinjo nomination as the candidate of the PDP in the election did not comply with due process as he was still a member of Labour Party while he contested on the PDP platform.

Justice Ogar said Mr. Akinjo still executed a process on behalf of the Labour party when he settled the dispute of the 2014 bye election out of court and signed as the candidate of the Labour party even when he claimed to have joined the PDP. The tribunal said from the evidence of the membership card tendered before the court, the column of the party’s ward chairman and secretary were not signed, which according to the tribunal means that Akinjo was not a member of PDP when he contested the election.

Reacting to the judgement, Mr. Akinjo said he will appeal the judgement at the appellant court.

Representative of the APC at the tribunal, Mrs Kehinde Adeniran described the judgement as a sound one, saying the light is begining to shine on the state.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

opinion

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9

Blaming Fulanis for spate of kidnapping is unfair - Alhaji SuleimanI

Odumakin, described the abduction as an insult on the Yoruba race, stressing that, “We demand that nomadic cattle rearing should be stopped in every state of Yoruba land.

“We believe now that after what has happened to chief Falae, people would not tolerate such thing in any part of Yoruba land.

“So while we await the arrest of the criminals, the cattle rearing should be stopped in Yoruba land,” it stated.

From AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna

C

hairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State, Alhaji Ahmadu Suleiman, has declared that the Fulani man should be seen as a man of peace rather than a trouble maker. He stressed that they should be perceived as people who desire peace at all times in order to have their cattle grazed everywhere in the country.

He spoke exclusively to DAILY POST against the backdrop of the disquiet generated by the recent abduction of a former presidential candidate, Olu Falae, who maintained upon his release that his abductors were Fulani herdsmen, stressing that “They were Fulani, they spoke Hausa,” he disclosed that only two of the abductors could speak English. He said that they slashed him with their cutlasses and dragged him into the bush, threatening to kill him every half an hour.

The development led the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, to call an emergency meeting where it called for the stoppage of cattle rearing activities in all Southwestern states.

But Suleiman insisted that the typical Fulani man is very much concern on how to take care of his cattle, ensure their safety, good pasture and should not be given a bad name in order to hang him wherever he is seen in the country.

Also speaking with our correspondent, the Sardauna of Ladduga from Kachia Grazing Reserve, Dr Mohammed Abdulmalik Durunguwa asserted that the Fulani man should not be blamed for any uprising in any part of the country, noting that

“The issue of

Herdsmen

“concrete steps should be taken to fish out perpetrators of crimes in the country rather than pushing the blame on a particular group of people.”

He called for proper investigation in order to identify whoever or those responsible for the kidnap of Chief Falae, stressing that it is wrong for a group of people in the country to be seen as responsible for whatever happens in the society.

While condemning the kidnapping activities in the country, he observed that efforts by security agents to ensure a thorough investigation in order

to bring to book those behind such illicit act will fail, “unless we disabuse the notion of pushing blames on a particular group of people in the country, the truth of what is going on in the society may not be told.”

“The issue of kidnapping has been a problem in the country for long and anybody or group of people to singlehandedly point to an ethnic group responsible for such act is unfair and l think steps should be taken to find out those behind such vices,” he lamented.

The Sardauna called on Nigerians to approach every issue

Election: Court strikes out case against Oyo Speaker

Adeyemo

J

ustice Eni Esan of the Oyo State High Court on Tuesday struck out a suit instituted by Mr Mark Akinyode against the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Michael Adeyemo.

Akinyode had prayed the court to compel the Independent Nation-

al Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise him as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Ibarapa East for the state House of Assembly election.

He informed the court that he won the primary election, instead of Adeyemo whose name was submitted by the party to INEC despite losing the primary election.

Akinyode also informed the court that he had 137 votes while the defendant, who is now the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, had 134 votes.

Esan struck out the suit when Mr Adedotun Ishola, counsel to Akinyode, informed the court that his client had instructed him to discontinue the case The judge struck out the case and awarded N20,000 in favour of the defendant.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the claimant’s counsel informed the court that his client discontinued the matter due to pressure from the party. (NAN)

in the country with caution so as to find out those behind the scene, adding that this could be done with a high sense of maturity in order to put an end to the various challenges confronting the country.

Recall that Afenifere had stated shortly after the kidnap of the former Secretary to the Federal Government that the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the Southwest have endangered the lives of the people, even as it called for the arrest of those behind the abduction of their chieftain.

The group, in a communiqué read by its spokesman, Yinka

kidnapping has been a problem in the country for long and anybody or group of people to singlehandedly point to an ethnic group responsible for such act is unfair and l think steps should be taken to find out those behind such vices”

Bank manager remanded for allegedly stealing N12m A

n Akure Chief Magistrate Court has remanded a 43-yearold bank manager, Fatai Aguntasolo at Olukuta prison custody for allegedly stealing N12 million given to him to load into the bank’s Automated Teller Machine(ATM).

The accused person, who is the manager of a new generation bank is facing a charge of stealing and fraudulent conversion of N12 Million to his own personal use.

It was gathered that the accused person committed the offence at Ido-Ekiti cash centre of Skye Bank Plc under the Akure Regional Office, in Akure Magisterial District on July 8, 2015.

The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Ajibola Aderemi prayed the court for an adjournment of the case to enable him

assemble his witnesses and study the case file.

Counsel to the accused person, Barrister Ajayi Adeolu urged the court to grant his client bail in most liberal terms assuring the court that he would not jump bail if the application is granted.

Besides, he reiterated his readiness to provide a credible and reliable surety who would stand for the accused person.

The prosecutor however opposed the bail application on the ground of the nature of the charge and possibility of influencing the witnesses.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Olayinka Omole, in her ruling granted the prosecutor ‘s application and ordered that the accused person be remanded in Olukuta prison custody.

She, thereafter, adjourned the case till October 7,2015 for continuation.

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business Akwa-Ibom to invest in pension equities for revenue generation – Governor Emmanuel

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he Akwa-Ibom Government says it is ready to invest in the pension industry to generate income for the state.

Gov. Udom Emmanuel stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the on-going World Pension Summit in Abuja on Monday.

He said that the accumulation of 5 trillion naira pension fund in the country could create a lot of investment opportunities for interested investors.

“The main reason for this is with over 5 trillion naira, which is over 25 billion dollars, we have a whole lot of investment opportunity where we are doubly sure the pension fund can actually be invested and they can also realise the money because that is the essence of investment.

“You don’t invest to lose your capital; you invest to actually get adequate return on your investment.

“Even in terms of road infrastructure, the economic viability of the roads in the South South (zone) is being linked up by Akwa-Ibom.

“So, we can actually earmark some of these for the investors to come under the PPP (public private partnership) model.

“We as a state government will also be interested in taking up some equity.`` The governor said that pensioners in the state were receiving their monthly pension regularly.

According to him, the state government has been concentrating on the development of infrastructure in the past few months.

“We have concentrated on some of this infrastructures, especially in terms of the human capital development,`` he said.

Emmanuel told NAN that the state had the natural resources and the creativity to drive development in all sectors of the economy.

He, however, said that adequate funding was required to develop the infrastructure needed to drive the development process.

“You could actually hear when I talked about the three Cs - cash, commodity and creativity.

“In this case we are creative in ideas, policies and in our approach on programmers that we invent.

“In terms of commodity, we all know how wealthy we are in terms of the abundant natural resources.

“Cash could be a problem, but who owns the cash? It is either the capital market or the pension fund,`` he said.

Nigerians must look for ways to diversify economy – CBAAC boss

M

r Ferdinand Anikwe, the Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) has called on Nigerians to reflect on the need to diversify the economy of the country.

Anikwe made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said that Nigerians needed to sit down, go through their history and take important decisions that would contribute to the progress of the country’s economy.

“Nigerians are complaining of non sale and low level of income from the oil sector, this could be a blessing in disguise.

“There are so many other things that we can do to improve the revenue generation for the country.

“Apart from falling back on agriculture, we can also talk about small and medium scale enterprises and small scale industries,” he said.

According to him, ``over 80 per cent of every nation population has always been engaged in small businesses, we can maximise the opportunity and use our small business contributions.”

He said that the challenge of

VP Yemi Osinbajo shakes hands with Shawn Flatt (left), U.S. Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, while USAID/Nigeria Mission Director Michael Harvey looks on, during the signing of $2.3bn developmental aid to Nigeria.

non-sale of oil ``is an opportunity for the country to look inward, reflect on its history and correct past mistakes.’’

“With that, we can shift away from our imperfection and face the path to progress that can engage us in mean-

ingful agriculture production.

“Most country of the world have always moved from agriculture to industry and go back again to agriculture to enriched industry,” Anikwe said.

ABUCCI calls for conducive environment for business T he Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited (ABUCCI) has urged the three tiers of government to provide environment conducive to growth of business.

President of the chamber, Mr Tony Ejikonye, made the call at the closing ceremony of the 10th Abuja International Trade Fair on Monday.

He said that environment

conducive for business included adequate infrastructure, security and tax reliefs.

“It is our belief that a lot of ideas must have exchanged hands between our exhibitors and the visitors.

“The purpose of the fair in summary, is to promote accelerated development of commerce and industry, which I hope will soon

manifest at the end of the fair,’’ Ejikonye said.

He said that most of the stands he visited during the fair showed that lot of innovations had taken place.

He, however, disclosed that one of the challenges faced during the trade fair was electricity, but said that it would be addressed before the next fair.

2016 Budget will focus on other sectors – Buhari

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has said that the 2016 National Budget will include policies and measures to encourage rapid diversification of the Nigerian economy away from its over-dependence on the oil and gas sector.

The president made this known in Abuja at an audience with a delegation of French Investors, led by the President of the Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF), Mr Pierre Gattaz.

According to him, the policies being evolved by his administration to boost domestic manufacturing and attract greater investment to Nigeria’s agricultural and mining sectors will be given full effect under the 2016 budget.

The President, therefore, urged Gattaz and the French trade mission, which included over 50 com-

panies with interest in manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure development and other areas, to return to Nigeria again next year in order to take full advantage of the new policies.

He also assured the French investors that under his leadership, Nigeria would not fall short of international standards in the protection of foreign investments and the repatriation of returns on such investments.

While agreeing that domestic security and the inflow of foreign investment were intrinsically linked, the president told the French investors that the Federal Government was taking all necessary measures to overcome Nigeria’s security challenges.

“Our government came into office at a time when many people had abandoned the country’s

manufacturing, agricultural and mining sectors.

“We are doing our utmost best to encourage diversification into these sectors which can employ a lot of people and we will welcome your support in this regard.

“Ultimately, reducing unemployment will also help to improve security because unemployment and insecurity are inseparable,’’ he added.

The president said that Nigeria would also welcome more French investment in its power sector ``because availability of steady power supply will lead to the reopening of closed factories and the creation of more jobs’’.

He assured the delegation that his administration was tackling corruption with vigour to ensure greater probity in the management of national resources.

NCC prosecutes 179 pirates, secures 53 convictions in 4 years Mr Afam Ezekude, the Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), said on Tuesday that the commission prosecuted 179 suspected pirates while 53 were convicted in the last four years.

Ezekude made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

The commission, he said, was able to achieve the feat due to its determination to completely check piracy in the country.

“I declared a zero tolerance to piracy when I came on board as the Chief Executive of NCC in 2011.

“I designed a proactive enforcement and prosecution plan that had yielded results,” he said.

Ezekude also said the commission carried out 210 anti-piracy raids across the country between January 2011 and June 2015.

He said the operations led to the arrest of some 459 suspected pirates and the seizure of 7.6 million pirated items from Nigerian markets.

“These anti-piracy raids, in the last four years, were carried out in endemic piracy havens which included Alaba International market and Onitsha market among others.

“It has also led to the seizure of 44 containers of pirated DVDs, CDs and books coming from Asia.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

11

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dailypost property ULTIMATE CRYSTAL LIMITED Leasing / Investments / Projects / Real Estate 16. Amore Street, Off Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

Tel: 07014094250, 08037447668 E-mail: theuclinvestments@gmail.com

3 Bedroom flat off Ogunsolu street cement b/stop Ikeja 450k p/a 3 Bedroom flat at Ereko Ibafo, Ogun, 300k p/a 7 Bedroom semi detached house at Alhaji Bankole cresent, Off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja 3.5m p/a

1.

A block of four 3bedrooms flat with a pent house( self contained) at Ibafo N35M Plots of land at Millenium Estate Gbagada with C of O, N20m asking Land at Mosowo Village Ibeju Lekki - N 2.5m per plot ( Village Excision) Land at Noibi/ Owoyade Village Ibeju Lekki N2.5m (Village Excision) Land at Awoyaya Saphire garden N5.6m per plot with C of O Vacant land at Ikosun Ibeju Lekki N5m Cof O 100 plots of land after Abraham Adesanya N15m per plot ( Gov consent) 100 hectares of dry land @ Fara park & May fair gardens N90m per hectare C of O A plot of Land measuring 726.937sqmeters on Lagos State Scheme @ Isheri North N8.5m C of O Selling fast Ibeju Lekki for N1.8m per plot Gazette Ajah for N6m with C of O Land @ AIT road Alagbado Ijaiye N8m asking A plot of Land @ Isheri Osun with a 3bedroom flat N6.5m asking 3 acres of land @ Eleko Beach (free trade zone) N2.5m per plot A plot of land fully fenced by Action b/stop Oke Ira Nla Ajah N5m asking.

Plot of land @ Badore very close to Co-operative Estate N10m asking 15 acres of land @ Powerline Oke Ira Nla Ajah N4.5m asking.

4 blocks of 3bedrooms flat with detached buildings in a big compound for sale @ Fadeyi with C of O N120m asking.

Plot of land with title C of O for sale at Ewu Elepe after Itamago Ikorudu 3 bedroom apartment for sale at Cranbel Court Opic 2 bedroom custom built apartment at Cranbel Court, Opic 3 Bedroom terrace duplex at Cranbal Court, Opic - call for further enquires

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(PROPERTY LIST) Houses For Sale.

TO LET

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BAMO PROPERTY NIGERIA LIMITED

FOR SALE

Location: Sunnyvalle Estate Apo Lokogoma Description: 3 Bedroom Bungalow Price: 20 Million Location: Rau’s Court Behind Apo Legislative Quarters Apo Description: 4 Bedroom Terrace Duplex With A Room BQ and Generator Price: 120 Million.

Location: Gold Court Estate Jahi/ Mabushi Description: Fully furnished 4 bedroom Terrace Duplex with one room BQ, A.C. and Generator Set. Price: 58 Million Location: Army Post Service Homes Kurudu Description: 3 Bedroom Bungalow with Furnitures and Interlocked Compound Price: 11Million Location: Wuse Zone 4 Description: Well Built 5 Bedroom Duplex In A Serene Environment Price: 180 Million Location: Urban Shelter Estate Kubwa Description: 1 Bedroom Flat Price: 5.5 Million Instalmental payment.

Location: Gwarimpa Description: 3 Bedroom Flat Price: 22 Million

Lands For Sale

Location: Kado By Bua Estate Description: 2061Sqm fenced residential C of O Land Price: 50 Million.

Location: Bwari behind Law School Description: 500Sqm C Of Oresidential Estate Land Price: N800, 000 Location: Army Post Service Homes Kurudu Description: 2 Hectares of FCDA (R of O) Land Price: 8 Million Location: Jabi /Dakibiyyu Description: 2 Hectares of Land C of O with approved building plan Price: 350 Million Location: Guzape Description: 1561Sqm Residential C of O Land Price: 75 Million

Shops/Office Space

Location: Hatlab Place Wuse Zone 5 Description: Office space to let Price: N35, 000 Per Sqm Location: Ultra Modern Market (Garki & Mabushi) Description: Shops /Office Space to let Price: 10Sqm -4.5 Million (Mabushi) 6Million (Garki).

Head Office: Ground Floor, Hatlab Place, Plot 1952, Sokode Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

Tel: 08168406945, 09096901917, 08024003863 TO LET

TO LET 1.OFFICE SPACE IN LEKKI 1: An ultra modern purposed built serviced office space of 400m2 ground floor by the lekki Expressway,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,N35/m2 2. OFFICE SPACE: Serviced partitioned office, 140m2, 70m2 off Awolowo Road s/west ikoyi,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,N2.5m/N5m 3. IKOYI: A block of 16 luxury flats ,exquisitely finished , fully fitted kitchen,swimming pool, club house,2 Gen 500kva, 24hours security, cooperate tenant preferred ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,pls call

PROPERTIES FOR SALE ON THE ISLAND 1.IKOYI. 2346M2 with building plan at Iru close off Queen’s drive,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,N650m 2. IKOYI; Luxur terrace houses, serviced,off Banana island Road,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,N170m 2. VICTORIA ISLAND. Office building on Femi Elsie Pearse, 4200m2,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,N1.2m 3. VICTORIAL ISLAND. Detached House on 1250m2 along Akin Adesola,,,,,,,,,,,N480 5.VICTORIA ISLAND; Detached house on 1100m2 0ff Saka Tinubu,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,N280m 6. S/WEST IKOYI. A block of 6 Nos2bedrooms flat on 4800m2 at Okotie Eboh ,,,,,,,,,,,,N950m 7.AJAH .Large expanse land, ideal for estate development,(we can do J/V),,,,,,,,,,,,,,,N3m/plot

PROPERTIES FOR SALE ON MAINLAND 1.IKEJA: 4 units 4bedrooms luxury top ranged serviced terraces, fitted furnished kitchen, and boys quarters, within a well secured, serene and accessible environment of Opebi,,,,,,,,,,,N75m 2.IKEJA: A plot measuring 650m2 within a gated upcoming Estate, by Shonibare off Bank Anthony road , Deed of Assignment,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,N35m 3. MARYLAND: A fenced plot measuring 1000m2, corner piece off Ajose st, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,N30m 4 KETU: 2 fenced plots with structure behind , dry and with good accessibility,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,N35m 5.ISHERI NORTH:A plot measuring 600m2 within Oshorun layout by Isheri Gov’t scheme, N7m 6.YABA, 4 bedroom Terrace at Jibowu in a quiet location by WHO ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,N60m Contact:

FORETRADE PROPERTIES INVESTMENT LTD

VICTORIA ISLAND: - 12 nos. 3 bed newly built Luxury flats +BQ; Fitted Kitchen, AC’s; S. Pool; Gym off Adeola Odeku St. - 230m2; 660, 1200m2; 1500m2 & 3800m2 luxury high rise office complexes in different locations in V.I. - 5 & 7 bedrooms Semi Detached & Detached Houses in different locations in Victoria Island - 50, 80; 90; 160; 124; 200; 300; 700; 1000 & 2800 sq mts. Open Plan Serviced office spaces off Sanusi Fafunaw st.

IKOYI: - 2 nos 3 Luxury flats + BQ fitt kitchen, AC’s, GYM, S. pool,24/7 power in a high rise bldg around Awolowo Rd N5m - 5 bedrooms detached house with Bq on about 400m2 at Old Ikoyi - 6 nos. 3 bedrooms newly built luxury flats with bq, gym, swimming pool at Parkview Estate N5.5m/flat - 4 nos. 4 bed luxury flats with S. Pool; GYM; AC’s; Fitted Kitchen, 24/7 power supply off Awolowo Rd N8m/flat - 6 nos 4 bedrooms newly built Serviced Town Houses with fitted kitchen, S. pool, 24/7 power supply at Old Ikoyi LEKKI PHASE 1: - 2 bedrooms serviced town house with fitted kitchen, AC’s, Jacuzzi bath, 5kva inverter, uniformed Security etc N2.5m - 4 bedrooms Semi-detached house with BQ at Mobolaji Jonshon Place (2nd roundabout) N3.7m - 4 bedrooms back wing duplex off Emma Abimbola Cole Street for office/residential use off Admiralty way N3.5m - 17 nos 3 & 4 bedrooms newly built luxury flats with Bq, fitted kitchen, S. pool, GYM, 24/7 power off Admiralty way - 2 and 3 bedrooms Serviced and Un-serviced flat + BQ off Admiralty Way N2.5m; N3m & N3.5m - 4 & 5 bedroom Detached and Semi-detached houses + BQ off Admiralty Way between. N4.5m to N7m - 2 nos 3 bed tastefully finished serviced flats with BQ, fitted kitchen, S. pool(newly built) @ Lekki Right Side ONIRU ESTATE: 3 bed luxury flats+bq, fitd. Kitchen,S. pool,GYM, 24/7 power. N4m -8 nos. 3 and 4 bed tastefully finished serviced town houses with fitted kitchen, BQ, GYM, S. pool, AC’s etc APAPA GRA: 8 nos 2 & 3 bedrooms flat with bq N2m and N3m respectively.

OPEBI, IKEJA: 8 & 12 bed detached houses on about 1500m2 land off Agbaoku Str{WITH OPTION OF SALE}

FOR SALE

IKOYI: - 3 bed Luxury flat on the 5th floor with BQ; fitted kitchen; S. pool, GYM; AC’s@ Mosley St. Old Ikoyi - 4 nos. 4 bed luxury flats + 4 bed Pent house with S. Pool;GYM;AC’s;Fitd. Kitchen off Awolowo Rd - 4 bedrooms Serviced Town Houses with BQ at old Ikoyi N160m to N175m per unit - 5 bedrooms tastefully finished Detached House with bq & Swimming pool on about 500m2 land at Parkview Estate - 5 bedrooms detached house with Bq on 900m2 land in a Close at Parkview Estate - Detached house on about 1000m2 at Glover road, Ikoyi with FGN C of O. VICTORIA ISLAND: - 4000m2 fully fenced land with rundown structure on it off Elsie Femi Pearce Street. Victoria Island - A detached houses on 1200; 1800 & 2400 sq. mts land respectively along Akin Adesola Street, V.I with Land Cert.

ONIRU ESTATE VI. ANNEX:4 nos. 4 bed tastefully finished terrace houses+ Bq. S. pool(newly built)@ Oniru Estate - 2 nos. 3 bed serviced flats with BQ; fitted kitchen; GYM; S. Pool; AC’S; off Palace rd LEKKI PHASE 1: - 5 bed Semi-Detached house + BQ, Garden, fitted kitchen on 600m2 plot off Babatunde Anjous Street N137m ONO - 4 & 5 bedroom Detached & Semi Detached houses + BQ (with option of Swimming Pool)off Admiralty Way - 3 & 4 bedrooms tastefully finished terrace houses and flats(newly built) in different locations in Lekki N70m to N95m IKATE ELEGUSHI, LEKKI 3RD ROUNDABOUT: - 3 & 4 bedrooms tastefully finished Serviced Town Houses along a paved road off Oba’s Palace road N50m & N55m - 4 and 5 bedrooms newly built detached houses with BQ. off Oba’s Palace road IGBOKUSHU, IKATE LEKKI: - 3 bed newly built flats & Town Houses in a serviced Mini Estate by Femi Okunu Est. N33m & N35m respectively ILASAN BEHIND ROMAY GARDEN LEKKI: 4 nos. 669m2 fully fenced and sand filled plots N32m/plot asking ATLANTIC VIEW ESTATE, ALPHA BEACH ROAD: 953 sq. mts. fully fenced corner piece land with good title CHEVY VIEW ESTATE & IDADO, LEKKI: 5 nos. 4 & 5 bed newly built Detached Houses +Bq. N50m to N73m IKOTA VILLA ESTATE,LEKKI: 3 & 4 bed newly built Semi-detached houses+ Bq on a paved road N35m & N38m OGOMBO ROAD BY LEKKI PHASE 2: 5.5 hectares of sand filled land behind Abraham Adesanya Est. Ajah -4 nos. 700m2 plots of land directly on Ogombo road by Abraham Adesanya Estate with good title.

LEKKI PHASE TWO (RAINBOW SCHEME): 10,000m2 land with C of O APAPA GRA: 900m2 fully fenced plot of land with registered deed of assignment at North Avenue ENUGU LIFESTYLE & GOLF CITY: A Site & Serviced estate with various sizes of plots i.e. 400m2; 600m2; 800m2; 1000m2 & 2000m2. This is an emerging city in Enugu, Enugu State.

PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE: 926 & 1061m2 plots along East/West road, Port Harcourt with good title

Block A3, Suite 36,Sura Shopping complex , Simpson Lagos.

Tel: 08023450044, 08167640497.

www.dailpost.ng/property

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

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Colour Size Full page Half Page Quarter Page 10”x6 cols 10”x5 cols 10”x4 cols 9”x6 cols 9”x5 cols 9”x4 cols

Rate N84,000 N42,000 N24,000 N60,000 N50,000 N40,000 N54,000 N45,000 N36,000

Size 8”x5 cols 8”x4 cols 8”x3 cols 7”x5 cols 7”x4 cols 7”x3 cols 6”x4 cols 6”x3 cols 6”x2 cols

Rate N40,000 N32,000 N24,000 N35,000 N28,000 N21,000 N24,000 N18,000 N12,000

Size 5”x4 cols 5”x2 cols 4”x4 cols 4”x2 cols 3”x3 cols 3”x2 cols 2”x6 cols 2”x2 cols 1”x1 cols

Rate N20,000 N10,000 N16,000 N8,000 N9,000 N5,000 N12,000 N4,000 N1,000

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Rate N30,000 N24,000 N18,000 N26,250 N21,000 N15,750 N18,000 N13,500 N9,000

Size 5”x4 cols 5”x2 cols 4”x4 cols 4”x2 cols 3”x3 cols 3”x2 cols 2”x6 cols 2”x2 cols 1”x1 cols

Rate N15,000 N7,500 N12,000 N6,000 N6,750 N3,750 N9,000 N3,000 N750

Black & White Size Full page Half Page Quarter Page 10”x6 cols 10”x5 cols 10”x4 cols 9”x6 cols 9”x5 cols 9”x4 cols

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feature

15

Bayelsa 2015: Fear of defeat grips Governor Dickson, PDP ....As accusations and counter-accusations trail elections

By Valentine Franco he fear of defeat may have gripped Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and his ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) ahead of the Dec. 5 governorship elections in the state, investigations by DAILY POST has revealed.

The latest revelation follows accusations and counter-accusation trailing the build-up to the Dec. 5 governorship elections, as the PDP allays fear that the opposition All Progressive Congress(APC) is desperate for power.

A PDP youth leader in the state, Mr. Sylvester EbiDorgu, in an interview with DAILY POST in Yenagoa, alleged that there exists a high-leveled conspiracy by the APC national leadership to muzzle power from the PDP in Bayelsa at all cost.

He claimed that the plan of the conspiracy is to employ intimidation and violence to take over the home state of former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in order to make mockery of him.

“We have seen their handwriting on the wall. There is desperation on the part of the APC leadership to dethrone the PDP government in Bayelsa with violence and intimidation.

“The target is to make mockery of our leader, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, by taking over his home state at all cost. But, we will resist any form of violence and intimidation of our people,” EbiDorgu said.

However, the current political whirlwind seems to be causing apprehension in the state, as the PDP recently held a meeting in the state capital to fashion out a counter-plan ahead of the elections.

At the meeting, Gov. Dickson, who affirmed the fears of the PDP, tasked party leaders, political appointees and supporters to be vigilant and work collectively as a family to guard against any loophole that may lead to the defeat of the party.

He urged Bayelsans not to be misled by members of the opposition party, as they did in the past, saying that his administration has set the standards that have eradicated politically-motivated

T

Dickson

killings and other electoral violence.

Consequently, the governor charged party leaders and other stakeholders to mobilize people in every unit, community and local government area towards ensuring that their votes count in the Dec. 5 elections.

“Gather yourselves in every unit, community, ward, local government, mobilize yourselves and vote and protect your votes. Your votes must be counted to elect a leader that would protect their future.

“I want you to take this message home. Even for the sake of our state and economy,” Dickson said.

The governor, who sounded weary of the alleged ploy to use federal might to intimidate the people of the state, however expressed hope that his achievements across the state would speak for him.

He said: “It is going to be most unfair if some people say, they want to take over Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s state by hook or by crook.

“I hope President Buhari will not descend from that hallowed office and either look the other way when security is breached and violence is promoted and

the state and the Niger Delta region slide into anarchy and insurgency again.

“That will be very unfair to him and our country and to the legacy that the PDP-led government laid in terms of free and fair elections, which consumed a sitting president and above all unfair to God.” Dickson challenged the federal government and its agencies saddle with the task of conducting the Dec. 5 governorship elections, to ensure a credible, free and fair election in the state.

He reminded President Mohammadu Buhari that the PDP-led government under former President, Goodluck Jonathan established the institutions that made him a major beneficiary.

“This state produced the leadership that ushered in a free and fair election at the federal level, of which Mr. President is the number one beneficiary and our country has come to be known as the bastion of democracy in Africa.”

“I believe that the security agencies will do their jobs.

I also believe that President Muhammadu Buhari will not for the sake of his party, undermine the security of our country.

“I equally believe that Mr. President will not allow the security forces and other institutions to be compromised.

“The opposition members hold meetings in this state, but nobody’s house is burnt, nobody has been harassed or assassinated. That is the standard we have set in this government,” Dickson said.

The Governor argued that the opposition party does not stand a chance in the forthcoming election as it cannot boast of any political structure in the state.

He reiterated his call on the people of Bayelsa to vote wisely, reminding them that it is only a committed and focused leadership that can take Bayelsa state out of the woods.

But the opposition APC in Bayelsa has rubbished the allegations of the PDP, describing all the allegations as being borne out of fear of impending defeat occasioned by the internal crises that have polarized the ruling party.

APC’s Publicity Secretary in Bayelsa, Mr. Fortune Panebi told DAILY POST in an interview that the allegations

“I hope President Buhari will not descend from that hallowed office and either look the other way when security is breached and violence is promoted and the state and the Niger Delta region slide into anarchy and insurgency again”

made by the PDP against the APC were unfounded, saying that Gov. Dickson and his ruling party were only crying wolf.

“Politics is a game of power, so it amuses me when I hear them say that we are desperate. We are not desperate, we are only prepared and set to take over power in Bayelsa, because change has come.

“The APC in Bayelsa is not a violent group as being alleged by the ruling PDP in the state. I laughed when I read Gov. Dickson accusing the APC of violent conduct, the ruling party is only being hunted by fear of defeat.

“The APC in Bayelsa is working with the people of the state to take over power, that is the ultimate fear of the PDP, but we are determined to do that, because our people need to be free to embrace the new change.

Panebi argued that rather than making unfounded accusations, Gov. Dickson and his ruling PDP were promoiting violence and intimidation against perceived opponents in the state.

He recalled a particular incident in 2011 where he said Dickson’s supporters denied Chief Timipre Sylva’s campaign convoy road access when the convoy drove past the PDP secretariat in the state capital.

“I laughed each time Gov. Dickson accuses the APC of intimidation and violent conduct, because I see it as a case of he who uses a dagger, and now being afraid of a dagger.

“I can recall an incident in early 2011, during campaigns for the general elections in that year. PDP thugs and supporters blocked the road when the convoy of Chief Sylva was passing in front of their party secretariat,” Panebi said.

The APC scribe reiterated the commitment and determination of the party to win the Dec. 5 governorship elections in the state, stressing that the tenure of Gov. Dickson in power has elapsed.

He advised the ruling PDP to trade its accusations with caution, stressing that no amount of lies, blackmail and media propaganda would help the PDP, as Bayelsans were already yearning for the change that has come to stay.

16 interview

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

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President Buhari’s song of probe is mere noise making - Senator Amori Senator Ighoyota Amori (PDP), Delta Central Senatorial District says it is inexcusable that President Muhammadu Buhari has not achieved anything since his administration. According to the Senator, the President had wasted most of his time on probes.

In an interview with DAILY POST’s Samson Atek’ojo Usman in Abuja, the lawmaker expressed that it was the United States of America that helped push PDP out of power in the last general elections and that was why President Buhari had to pay a ‘thank you’ visit to the country with a large entourage, against the popular notion that he went there to seek international cooperation. The lawmaker is of the opinion that the current government was taking credit for the achievement of the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan.

Excerpts:

By Samson Atekojo Usman

P

lease, can we meet you?

I am Senator Chief Ighoyota Amori representing Delta Central Senatorial district on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. We have seen hundred days of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government and despite that you are of the Peoples Democratic Party, what are your views on the government of the day in terms of meeting up with its campaign promises?

Well, first as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, my interest is for the whole of the federation and not just a PDP Senator. The interest is that which represents the interest of the entire nation, so when I talk, I talk as a Nigerian for the interest of Nigeria.

But so far, it takes time for a government to stabilize and as far as I am concerned, not much activities and progress have been made by the present administration. I’m yet to see any action that has been taken that one can take it to the bank as success made in the last 100 days. But hopefully and with time, development can take place, but so far, there is nothing yet.

Government is being run without executives, we don’t have Attorney General, and we don’t have Minister of Finance. There is no federal executive council, and in the executive, development comes with memos presented by various Ministers and parastatals to the executive council for approval before execution. When you don’t have executive council, it becomes difficult for memos to be approved by the Federal Executive Council and it takes time.

And for that, the government is zero and they know that they have done nothing. They may take their time to select angels, and to appoint Popes and Imams to become their Ministers. Since May 29th till date, it has been one man show and there is no way one can develop the country without the Federal Executive Council because memos for development are channeled or approved through Federal Executive Council.

The other one is the issue of insecurity. Well, the government is still continuing from where former President, Jonathan stopped, but I have not seen any progress yet. The progress has been on paper and in the media by Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Adams Oshiomole and partly from Rochas Okorocha who have turned themselves to Minister for Information and Defence under Buhari’s Administration and particularly Oshiomole who is now the Minister of Information. In fact, he works like a security agent as he now has figures of what happens in America, what happens in Britain and everywhere. He knows all the corrupt people and he has suddenly turned himself to EFCC and Minister of ‘Attack’, on behalf of the government. Just like somebody described him as Villa sycophant, so he is.

He has been a governor of Edo State for 7 years and he is just waking up from slumber, taking advantage of the government not having Minister of Information and Defence, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation, no Minister of ‘Attack’, hence Oshiomole has created that for himself. We are watching him.

He has forgotten that one day; he will leave that place to come around. When Jonathan was President of this country, he benefited so much from him, Jonathan helped him and the Peoples Democratic Party helped him to become governor of Edo State. They helped him again to be returned as governor for the second tenure.

Today, he has turned against Jonathan, he has turned against PDP, and he has turned against the people that helped him. Remember that Oshiomole never won elections. He jumped from Labour Party to ACN and was moving here and there and he was packaged by PDP because of internal disagreement in the PDP. Of course, he maintained that relationship with PDP until PDP was out of power, before he turned against all those that helped him, even the hierarchy of PDP in Edo State.

Today, he is a villa sycophant, praising Buhari, tomorrow; you will hear what will happen again.

Amori That is a character of a man who never appreciates what his people have done for me. Today, he is an un-official Minister of Information and if you consider his attack on the past government of Goodluck Jonathan, tomorrow, he is going to be an ex-governor. The same way he attacks, he would be attacked. For now, let’s allow him to enjoy his villa sycophancy.

Besides, let us look at this government in the last three months though this government has four years, except am reminded of what it has done, if not, I can say with all sense of seriousness that in the last three months into this administration, nothing concrete has been achieved.

I have not seen the foundation of any project being laid, I have not seen road construction going on, I have not seen any housing projects. I have not seen any improvement in the insurgency war, apart from ‘we will, we shall’ which we keep hearing from Buhari everyday. He said they will wipe out insurgency within three months, but one month has gone remaining two months and there is no end in sight as we speak.

Another highlight of President Buhari’s administration was his thank you visit to the United States of America for the assistance they gave him and his party (APC) in winning the election in the last polls. To whom much is given, much is expected, so I don’t see anything wrong in going to the US to thank them for the support given to him when he went there with large entourage. He did that because US helped him to push out the Peoples Democratic Party from power in Nigeria and apart from that, nothing has been achieved by this government.

In democracy, the world over, legislative arm carries out the functions of checks and balances and in the last three months into this administration, capital budgets for the year is not being implemented and if what you are complaining of is anything to go by, why is the National Assembly not calling the

Executive Arm of government to order in this regard and particularly what is the opposition (PDP) doing?

I do not see myself as an oppo-

“To whom

much is given, much is expected, so I don’t see anything wrong in going to the US to thank them for the support given to him when he went there with large entourage.

He did that because US helped him to push out the Peoples Democratic Party from power in Nigeria and apart from that, nothing has been achieved by this government”

sition because I want the government to succeed. When government succeeds, Nigeria succeeds and it brings happiness to the people. My own as a Senator is to provide a platform for the country to move to the next level and that is my ultimate. So how do we collectively move the country to the next level? It is not being in opposition and sometimes, it is normal to encourage opposition because you cannot see everything. Somebody must have a third eye to see what you are doing wrongly to point out to you. Opposition must be constructive. You tell yourself that if I do this, will it enhance or improve the Nigeria state? I am not talking as a PDP Senator. I am talking as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am sincerely saying this from the bottom of my heart that if there are Nigerians who don’t feel agitated about developments , that when you vote a government out of power and another government comes in, you expect the new government to be on the fast track. Something unusual should happen for people to applaud from day one. In your manifesto, you do something that the previous government was not doing. These excuses now are not acceptable to Nigerians. It may be for good intention, but the expectation of people is so high, which is normal. In 1975 I think so, when late General Murtala Mohammed took over government and within the six months he governed, people saw that there was a new government because every day was eventful within those six months. That is why Murtala Mohammed died a hero and people mourned when he was killed because people were close to their Television waiting to hear the next line of action. Though that was a military regime, but that was not the only military regime and it is the same high expectations Nigerians are having on this administration right now.

When PDP was in power for 16 years for one reason or the other and they have achieved something in their own right, play it down as if nothing have been achieved by that administration and reposition yourself so that in the first 100 days or more, do something better so that you build confidence in people by your action and when they are expectant, they feel relaxed.

But today, whatever hope we have is still a carryover of Jonathan’s achievement because nothing concrete has happened on the side of Buhari or APC administration. This is a statement of fact, let nobody pretend. If you say there is improvement in electricity, has Buhari awarded any contract on power generation since he came to power?

The second achievement of Buhari is probe; probe this, probe that and you know probe buys time and is purely diversionary.

What Nigerians are expecting is not probe. You know nothing will come out of probe, no matter what. Think of it, since you were born, all the probes by government, what has come out of it? Nothing! At the end of the day, you say you recovered money from this, recovered money from that and even recovered money from yourself because we are all Nigerians. That is all the noise and then, you are now tying the failure of your administration to probing the previous administration.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

opinion

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Coup no longer possible in Nigeria - Former FCT Minister, Useni An erstwhile Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in the late Sani Abacha military regime, Senator Jeremiah Timbut Useni, who represents Plateau South Senatorial District, in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST’s Atek’ojo Samson Usman, in his office in Abuja expressed opinion that democracy has come to stay in Africa and that Nigeria was in the forefront of championing it if its role in the recent restoration of civil rule in Burkina Faso was anything to go by. Excerpts!

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ooking at your background from the Military and now as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, how will you assess Nigeria at 55 years of independence?

So far it is not bad. In fact, we discussed at length at the plenary of the Senate when there was a motion to that effect. We moved a motion congratulating Nigerians and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 55 years of independence anniversary.

In the last 55 years, it was not smooth for the nation. We had crises and all manner of problems and don’t forget, we had Boko Haram which is being tackled conclusively now, but it used to be very bad before.

The other time it was Niger Delta problems, but by and large there have been improvements and on the other hand, we are making progress democratically because it is not easy for an incumbent president to lose an election to opposition, especially in Africa; but today, it is on record that in Ghana and Nigeria the opposition party have unseated the sitting president without further qualms.

I think we are making progress. Now the new government is facing the gauntlet of anti-corruption and Nigerians are highly expectant that this will pay off in forms of better living standard. It is a healthy development for Nigerians because in times past, the Western world was seeing Nigeria as a damn corrupt nation and a country that has no respect for human right such that they have nothing to do with us.

If you go outside the country and you identify yourself as a Nigerian, they will be looking at you with disdain, but now I think the respect for Nige-

ria was being heightened as a result of change that has taken place.

The other side that Nigeria did well was in health sector where the nation was able to curtail Ebola dreaded disease.

The rate at which Nigerians rallied against Ebola was quite commendable and if that tempo was to be maintained in all challenges confronting the nation, we would make serious progress.

Looking at your military background too, don’t you think that Nigeria may be taking its democratic progress for granted?

Not at all and it depends on government in power. Even in Military administration, Military overthrows another Military government.

When Civilian government is bad, military takes over and when the Military government would not do what it is asked to do, another one will overthrow it. When civilian administration was finally restored in 1999, it was much better, save for corruption issues which is lamentable, but that is not justified enough for military interregnum anymore, because it means that such would not be tolerated anymore.

The good example now is that of Burkina Faso where Military took over government and before you knew it, Africa rose in condemnation and particularly ECOWAS was in forefront of making sure that civilian administration was restored. There are no fears anywhere in civilian administration and the issue of coup on grounds of civilian bad governance is no longer frequent unlike before, when it was happening almost every month. If Civilian have problems with governance and Military was

to take over, it will kill Civilians and it is the same Civilians that forms the majority of military government, but what is in vogue now is that when Civilians have problems of governance, they have to solve it by themselves. The Head of State may be a Military man quite alright, but his Ministers, including Secretary to the government of the Federation and Head of Civil Service of the Federation are all civilians.

When Military Administrator

“So when people say Military, Military, it is just because the head is a Military man. If not, it is civilian dominated government.

At a point I have retired as a Military General to become a civilian and today am a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”

Buhari

of a State, which I was one, appoints his cabinet, they will all be civilian Commissioners, there are no military men there. So when people say Military, Military, it is just because the head is a Military man. If not, it is civilian dominated government. At a point I have retired as a Military General to become a civilian and today am a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

You see, I have been involved in about 3 coups, successful ones, but as I said, it was for reasons and don’t forget, Ibrahim Babangida took over from General Muhammadu Buhari and not that Buhari’s government was bad, but somehow, it was a personal disagreement between two of them.

So, when things started going bad in Babangida’s administration after spending eight years, especially the annulment of June 12 general election that would have produced Chief Moshood Abiola, he has to step aside for Chief Ernest Shonekan, who was sworn in as Head of State while Babangida’s reason for annulling June 12, 1994 was not even strong enough. Of course Shonekan has to be told to move away for late General Sani Abacha to come in.

So how will you describe 16 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria?

The two major crises have been that of Niger Delta and Boko Haram and late President Yar’adua did well in his time, before Goodluck Jonathan took over from him. It has been smooth in a way because

anybody can talk on issues without being incarcerated, even if such was against the government in power.

When Chief Obasanjo was president in 1999, international community said Nigeria’s corruption menace was in the Presidency. When he was leaving at the end of his two tenure, he did all he could to tackle corruption, but he failed.

So, when you have corruption in the Presidency, it affects all Ministers, governors of States up to the local government level. Now President Buhari is battling with it. In Military administration, there is nothing like security vote,which is not accounted for.

This security vote is what governors use anyhow without accounting for it and last year when I participated in National Conference, we took this issue there and after deliberation on it, it was recommended that there should be no security vote anymore. You see some governors working for 7 to 8 months and they will start looking for loans. Well, Buhari is good. He gave them bail out, left for me, I will not do that because it is obvious that Nigerian governors are reckless with public funds given to them. They derive joy in owing workers salaries, no water, poor health and lack of necessary infrastructure that makes their people happy, yet, it does not bother them. So, in the last 55 years, it has been good and bad, but we will survive it.

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Police arrest robber who disguises as scavenger in Lagos

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ne Abdullahi Umar, 24, who has been disguising himself as a scavenger to rob residents of Ojota, has been arrested by operatives attached to the State Police Command.

Umar, an indigene of Kawo Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was apprehended by men of the Rapid Response Squad while on patrol in the area.

The police disclosed that Umar was a member of gang, which usually disguise as scavengers and hid arms in their trucks with which they use in dispossessing residents of their belongings.

Confessing to the crime, Umar said he had a trader in the Mile 2 area who usually receives the stolen property from him to sell.

His words, “I usually disguised as a scavenger to rob people in the area. I work with other gang members such as Papa, John, Muscle and Akeem. We are a group and we normally attack people during the night.

“I have a trader who owns a shop at Mile 2 in Lagos. I sell whatever I took from my victims to him like phones wristwatches and jewellery. I am ready to cooperate with the police to arrest other members of the gang.”

Commenting on the arrest, the RRS Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, stressed that the police was working towards apprehending other members of the gang.

“The police, while on a patrol duty, saw two people crying for assistance after they had been robbed by the suspect. Both victims were on the way to their different places of work.

“Immediately, the policemen combed the area, and the suspect was arrested. The police would go after the fleeing members of the robbery syndicate, and we will charge the suspect to court when investigations are concluded,” he disclosed.

with

Seun Opejobi seun.opejobi@dailypost.ng

40-year-old tipper driver stripped naked for beating wife to coma in Delta

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40-year-old tipper driver, Umuokoro has been stripped naked by an angry mob for beating his wife to coma in Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Umuokoro who hails from the community, was alleged to be fond of beating his wife at the slightest provocation.

A resident who reacted to the incident has this to say, “After the wife slumped, sympathizers descended on the man and beat him to pulp after he was stripped naked.

“The man, who had two children, had initially attempted to flee, thinking that his wife was dead. He had hit the woman with a pestle, but the angry mob caught up with him.

“The suspect faked mental disorder to avoid any punishment that would have been

Court dissolves pastor’s 15-year-old marriage over constant beating by wife

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Angry mob

meted out on him by the angry mob, but the mob ignored his antic.

A police source from the Irri

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Police Division who confirmed the incident said the police had commenced investigation into the matter.

Beware of fraudsters on Facebook, I don’t have a profile – Lagos CP

By Seun Opejobi

T

he Commissioner of Police (CP), Lagos State Command, Fatai Owoseni, has debunked the existence of false Facebook accounts credited to him, urging members of the public to beware of fraudsters.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Joseph Offor, urged the public to ignore such accounts, saying the CP did not operate on any social media platform.

He said the accounts were not only fakes; they were created to deceive and defraud members of the public.

The statement, issued to newsmen in Lagos, reads in

Owoseni

part: “The attention of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Owose-

Woman arrested in Anambra over theft of 9-months-old baby

ne Jennifer Onyebuchi, has been arrested by operatives attached to the Lagos State Police Command over the theft of a 9-month-old baby in the Ajegunle area of the state. She was alleged to have absconded with the baby to Okija, Anambra State.

The suspect was nabbed on September 30 by operatives from the Lagos command.

Onyebuchi, a native of Anambra was alleged to have been a friend of the baby’s mother, Aina Adetola, for about two weeks before committing the act.

On the fateful day, the suspect who owns a shop close to the baby mother’s shop on Orodu Street in Lagos lied that she was going to buy an item for the baby when she fled with the toddler.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

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The matter was consequently reported at the Agejunle police station and the police went on the trail of the suspect. After four days, The police arrested Onyebuchi in Okija, Anambra State while the toddler was rescued.

Narrating the incident, mother of the toddler, Adetola, said her husband sent her packing from their house, when he discovered that the woman she gave their baby to had absconded.

“I could not eat for four days. I thought I was going to run mad. I wanted to kill myself, but people continued to calm me down. My husband was so angry that he sent me out of his apartment, and I had to be sleeping in my friend’s house. He said if I did not bring the baby back, I should not

return to his apartment. I wept throughout that period.

“I first met Jennifer (Onyebuchi) at a filling station around Boundary bus stop in Ajegunle.

She would always assist me when I wanted to buy petrol. She had a shop in the area too. On that Saturday, she had come to my shop when my baby was crying.

She carried him and said she was going to buy a drink for him.

“That was my mistake. After hours of waiting for them, I rushed to Akinbo Street at the house where I knew Jennifer stayed, only to be told that she had travelled. I was shocked.

That was when I went to the police to make a report,” she said.

ni, has been drawn to several Facebook accounts in his name created by certain fraudsters, ostensibly to defraud the unsuspecting members of the public.

“The Commissioner of Police wishes to inform the members of the public that he does not have any Facebook account and they are therefore reminded that the CP does not operate on any social media platform.

“Finally, members of the public are advised in their own best interest not to have any dealings with the fraudsters camouflaging in the name of CP Fatai Owoseni, while effort is underway to unravel those behind this scam,” the statement read.

customary court sitting in Akure, Ondo State has dissolved the 15-year-old marriage of the General Overseer of Christ Living Church, Pastor Tunde Adekunle to his wife over incessant beating by his wife.

50-year-old Adekunle sought divorce from his wife, Agbeke due to the continuous beating and assault he had suffered in the hands of his wife.

Adekunle, while narrating his ordeal to the court said his wife has turned him into a punching bag, thereby making him a laughing stock in public places including his church.

The 50-year-old noted that he had to run to the court to dissolve the marriage so as to save his life as Agbeke was a troublesome person who takes delight in beating him up both at home and in public.

He added that his wife was a disgrace to his pastoral calling and ministry, stressing that she once tore his cloth into shreds in the presence of his congregation while service was ongoing.

In order to prove his claims, Adekunle showed the court scars on his body which was as a result of his wife’s assault.

“There is no more affection existing in our marriage and home, therefore, I want this court to separate us for me to enjoy peace in life.”

Delivering the judgment, the President of the court, Mrs. Olayinka Falo¬dun dissolved the union based on the agreement of the pastor’s wife.

Lagos-based businessman arraigned over alleged N4m fraud

By Danielle Ogbeche

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33-year-old Lagos-based businessman, Cletus Iyohan, was Monday, arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a woman, one Mrs Juliana Obabi, to the tune of N4m.

DAILY POST gathered that the accused, a resident of Blessed Valley, Berger, Ikeja, Lagos, is being tried for stealing and fraud.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Olatunde, speaking in court, said the accused committed the offences between the month of May and June 2014 at Maryland, Lagos, adding that the accused fraudulently obtained N4m from one Mrs Juliana Obabi under the pretext to

invest on forex trading.

Olatunde said, “Iyohan persuaded the complainant to pay N4m into his account under the pretext of investing the money on forex trading and after the accused received alert for the money, he refused to invest it for what it was meant for.

“He converted the money to his personal use and thereafter, threw threats at the complainant’s life.”

The prosecutor went further to say that when the complainant went to his office to demand for her money, his boys kicked her out, following his orders.

“The accused threatened to kill her anytime she comes to her office again,’’ Olatunde added.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Lady burns self while attempting to bathe ex-boyfriend with acid

By Danielle Ogbeche

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21-year-old girl, Ung Limey, from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, who allegedly tried to pour acid on her ex-boyfriend, Leng Socheata, while riding on the

Kaduna State uncovers N1.3 billion pension racket

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pension racket that costs Kaduna State government N1.3 billion annually has been uncovered.

The development is one of the highlights on the verification of pensioners in the state.

The report confirmed that 2,484 ghost pensioners were identified and removed from the pension payroll.

Another set of 1,404 were classified as probable ghost pensioners because while they managed to get verified, they curiously failed to pick their pension cheques.

A statement from Samuel Aruwan, spokesman to the Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, said that the state executive council had ordered investigations to identify the person(s) that had been collecting the pensions of the ghost pensioners.

The statement said, “In July 2015, the total pension payroll from the state and local governments stood at 18,265. It cost the state government N543, 771,967.43 monthly to pay the pensioners.

“But at the end of the biometric verification exercise, only 15,781 pensioners were verified on the payroll.

As many as 2,484 supposed pensioners did not show up at all. Of 15,781 pensioners that were verified, 1,404 pensioners did not collect their cheques, and they are being treated as probable ghosts.

“The Kaduna State Executive Council has ordered further investigations into the precise identities of the syndicate behind the pension scam.

The council welcomed the fact that the verification of the pension payroll will now enable the state to save N1.3 billion every year.”

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back of his motorcycle, has reportedly gotten burnt eventually.

Reports claimed that although the target was injured, most of the acid was blown back onto her face.

According to reports, Limey

fled the scene before the police arrived. The family of the 23-year-old ex-boyfriend reportedly told the police it was an act of revenge after they had convinced him to break off the relationship.

“Although she’s currently

missing, the police believe she has been treated for her burns at a private hospital and the social media reportedly reveal photos of Limey with a bandaged face,” a police source disclosed, adding that the suspect will be apprehended and soon be charged to court.

Meanwhile, reports say she had been arrested for jewelry theft and drug charges in the past.

Acid attacks are way more common in Cambodia than they are in the U.S., but stringent new laws have seen an 80 percent reduction in those incidents, Daily Mail reports.

Man who removed father’s heart after killing him remanded in prison A

35-year old man, Nelson Oamen, who allegedly stabbed his father to death, removing his heart afterwards, was Monday, remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons by an Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

It will be recalled that Oamen, who reports claimed was suspected to be a drug addict, allegedly stabbed his septuagenarian father, an indigene of Edo State to death during squabbles on Monday, September 21 and reportedly escaped from his father’s apartment at Block 272, Abesan Estate in Ipaja after the incident. He had also reportedly removed his father’s heart and took it away, covering his corpse with a blanket. More so, he reportedly sneaked out of the house.

Meanwhile, Oamen, on Tuesday, September 29, had report-

edly turned himself in at the Ipaja Police Division and was reportedly transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigation (SCID), Yaba, for further investigation.

According to Punch Metro, Nelson was said to have walked into the police station to report himself during which he allegedly confessed to the crime.

Confirming the arrest, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joe Offor, said, “The man has been arrested.”

Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Folasade Botoku, speaking in court, said the plea of the accused was not taken as the court lacked the jurisdiction to prosecute murder cases ordered. She, however, ordered that the accused, facing a count charge of murder, be

remanded in prison pending the release of legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The Prosecutor, ASP Olagoke Akinlabi, had earlier told the court that the accused used a broken bottle to stab his 75-year old father, Sunday Oamen, ripping open his stomach.

“He claimed that his father refused to give him money to purchase a bus and on the said day he went into his father’s room where he was sleeping and stabbed him with a broken bottle,” Akinlabi said, noting that the offence contravened Section 221 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Section 221 prescribes death sentence for convicts.

Akinlabi adjourned the case to November 5, pending legal advice from the DPP.

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Three men charged with robbing ATM users of N215,000

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n Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Monday, charged three persons, Biodun Aguda, Dapo Olanrewaju and Olalekan Abraham, with conspiracy and stealing after the trio allegedly robbed two men of their ATM cards and forced them to divulge their pin numbers in order to withdraw money from their accounts against their wishes.

Report claimed that the accused aged 30, 27 and 30, respectively, reside at different parts of Agege, a suburb of Lagos State.

Corporal Mike Unah, the Prosecutor, told the court that the accused committed the offences on September 20 at the Iju-Ishaga area of the state.

Unah said, “The trio conspired to forcefully collect the ATM cards and pin numbers of the complainants one Mr. Allen Sosu and Mr Tunde Fawehinmi and withdrew money from their accounts.

“The accused targeted their victims such that after the complainants finished using the ATM machine, they followed them and forcefully led them back to the ATM machine, compelling them to reveal their pins.

“The trio threatened to kill them if they refused to comply and withdrew N70, 000 from Sosu’s account and N145, 000 from Fawehinmi.

“The offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Section 285 prescribes a three-year jail term as penalty for the offence of stealing.

The Magistrate, Mrs A. O Gbajumo, granted bail to the accused, each in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety each in like sum, after they pleaded not guilty.

Gbajumo adjourned the case to October 28 for hearing.

Sex worker bites off customer’s ear over refusal to ‘settle’ O

ne Precious Osas, 36, has been arrested and reportedly charged before an Isolo Magistrates’ Court for biting off a 25-yearold man’s ear, Omokwa Chikwado, over a scuffle which emerged after sex at an unidentified hotel in Okota, Lagos State, where they lodged for a night, P.M.News reports.

Osas who reports claim is a commercial sex worker, allegedly collected N3, 500 from Chikwado for an allnight sex romp and allegedly failed to fulfill her own part of the bargain.

Trouble started after Osas reportedly allowed Chikwado a round of sex and told him

she wasn’t ready for another round until he paid her more money, however, Osas allegedly struggled to cope with Chikwado throughout the period the sex lasted because of his alleged high libido.

Chikwado, according to reports, was angered as Osas didn’t meet her side of the bargain. He reportedly started an argument which resulted in exchange of words and a fight ensued between the alleged sex partners.

During the fight, Osas allegedly grabbed Chikwado’s right ear and bit off part of it and Chikwado who was bleeding profusely, allegedly raised an alarm which

attracted the attention of the hotel workers.

Reports revealed the duo were handed over to the police at Ikota division.

Chikwado on interrogation at the station told the police how he paid Osas N3, 500 for sex throughout the night and equally paid extra N350 for registration.

Afterwards, Osas allowed him to have sex only once and told him if he wanted another round, he should pay extra money.

Subsequently, Osas reportedly admitted that Chikwado paid the said amount and she allowed him to have sex with her as agreed, but that after the first round, he was

demanding for extra round which she refused, noting that Chikwado had a high libido because he was drunk and was puking in the room.

According to reports, the police charged Osas with conducting herself in a disorderly manner by inflicting grievous harm on Chikwado.

Osas however, pleaded not guilty.

The court Magistrate, Mrs. O. A. Adebayo, granted her bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum, reportedly ordering her remand at Kirikiri prison pending when she will perfect her bail.

Adebayo adjourned the case till 19 October, 2015.

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Wednesday, October 7, 2015

entertainment

with

Ameh Comrade Godwin comrade.ameh@dailypost.ng

I don’t have any lovechild, my man must be tall, caring – Chidinma Ekile who did you actually date among them?

Several stars have been crushing on me, in fact, I thought I would have been crushed by now. But to be honest, none of them. For Adams, if I start telling you about him, we won’t leave here. He’s my good friend. We both insult each other every time. When the story came out, I was not surprised because we both are very close. For Flavour, music brought us together and nothing more.

Are you telling me that if Flavour ask you out you will turn him down?

Capital YES. Do you have any crush in the industry, maybe aside me?

This journalist you are just so weird (laughter), honestly none.

What would you say is the most scandalous thing that has ever happened to you as an entertainer?

That would be when this sextape thing came out. My God, it was crazy. I cried for days. I am still in shock on how and where the whole thing came from.

Thanks for your time.

You are most welcome.

In this interview with DAILY POST’s Entertainment Editor, AMEH COMRADE GODWIN, Kedike singer, Chidinma Ekile speaks on her alleged romance with Ada Ada crooner, Flavour.

The diminutive music singer also gave opened up on her alleged baby father as well as other issues bothering on her life and career.

Excerpts:

Y

ou are always looking beautiful, who is the man behind this beauty. I hope it’s not the person I’m thinking though?

Am I beautiful? (Laughter), well, if you said so, then it is God. God can’t come from heaven and make you look this charming, there must be a guy.

Common...I’m still a young girl and you don’t expect me not to look ‘take away.’

So why are you still single?

Maybe, because I’m yet to see the man who is made for me or the person is yet to find me.

Are you now telling us you are single at the moment?

Yes sir. Single and happy.

When are you getting married then?

Though, my mum got married at age of 19, I hope to settle down before I clock 30.

What happened to your last relationships?

Did I ever tell you I had any?

So you’ve been practicing celibacy?

(Laugher) Not really. Ok, the thing is, I had few friends. I had some that I wanted to take the relationship seriously, but it never worked out. Though, I have a lot of male friends around me, but there has never been anything serious.

What happened to the baby you had?

(Long laughter) this is the most hilarious thing I’ve ever heard in my entire life. Well, people are entitled to their opinions. Several things had been said about me. I hope it is one of those things.

Tell us, who is your ideal man.

Unlike every African woman who would say, tall dark and handsome, for me, I would rather prefer a guy who is tall and intelligent as well as caring.

What are you up to lately?

Trying to promote my latest single -If No Be God’. I am also working on couple of videos. Just studio things.

When is your next album dropping?

Like I said, I am working on some videos right now,

thereafter, the album. One step at a time.

What inspired your latest single, ‘’If No Be God’’?

I was just at a thankful state of mind. I just wanted to thank God for everything. The inspiration of the song came at the time I lost my dad and I was just trying to uplift myself.

Seems you are yet to recover from the shock of your father’s death.

Of course, I have, but it is not possible to just forget about it like that. He was my dad and I have every reason to think about losing him. But I try not to allow that distract me anyway.

I thought you were a gospel artiste, why did you deviate?

Though, we all started out in the church choir but that does not mean I’m a gospel artiste. I am a child of God, I still sing in the choir in my church. For the fact that I did a soig about God recently doesn’t mean I’m a gospel singer either.

If music hadn’t worked out for you, what else do you think you would have done?

I’d have been a broadcaster.

You have been romantically linked with several entertainers, such as Phyno, Flavour, Dammy Krame, Adams, Praiz and host of others, tell us,

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

entertainment 21

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If you don’t like my nose ring report to God - Eniola Badmus attacks critics gave you VISA and upgraded you but you decided to tell God that he did not do a good job on your body.

Do you have parents or you think niola money is everything.

Badmus, one of Nigeria’s “You are a disgrace to Nigeria. top comic actresses, who I am sure you have no respect for recently took to a new style by your parent because you gives adding a nasal fashion accessothem some change to eat. You are as known better ring, septum ry, a beautiful woman. Your size is critics ted nose ring, has lambas already a challenge. If you want who claimed it wasn’t fashionto be like an American, then lose able. weight and wear the right clothes.

From all indications, since the Who is the man in love with you? her d unveile ‘Gbogbo big girls’ He will dump you soon because his septum ring, she has gotten a lot friends will make comments and of attentions and criticisms from he will tell them he is in love for fans. a while until one day he will feel wrote: at, SnapCh Some critics on ashamed of himself as a man from @LILILL Zamfara: “Eniola a good home. badmus, with your nose ring, you “Will you go to church like this? gorilla. female a like exactly are mosque. Eniola, l believe you or 9ja in live to God You should thank are depressed. Get help very soon where at most 75/100 of people are because you do not like yourself. blind.

Look at the dress you even wear to “Indeed, in other “sky”, ugly red carpet (shine shine) you looked chased be will women like you 6 months pregnant. Did you see and will have no role in any your self in the mirror before you good movie, except perhaps attended the party.? Money is not horror movies. Eniola, you everything. Again, you are a bush and ugly, ly are extreme girl, those street girls do not put a your ugliness makes 9ja big one . Village girl.” shame.”

The Nollywood actress, through @ Unbelievable wrote: SnapChat has, responded to the her trying are You ‘’Why? criticism, urging all her critics to what street girl does in face their own personal businesses overseas. I could remember and leave her to face hers. one time you were praying “It’s my life and my nose ring. If and VISA n to get America you don’t like it, report to God.’’ looking for American men. God

Stories by Danielle Ogbeche

E

Aki is mischievous, Chinedu Ikedieze is not – Nigerian actor says

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opular Nollywood actor, Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly called Aki, and well known for his child-friendly movies, has stated that it was the opportunity given to him by his grand mum that paved way for him to know how children play, which consequently made him the star that he is today.

Aki, who allegedly grew up with his grandmother in Abia State, has attributed his acting skill to the freedom he was able to get from her.

The petite-sized actor also explained that though he might act mischievous roles, all that were just the characters of Aki and not the real personality of Chindedu Ikedieze, who he really is.

While speaking with Nigerian film recently, Aki said, “My background contributed a lot to who I am today and it is still contributing.

“I grew up with my grandmother in Abia State and I learnt a lot from her. She probably just gave me a free hand to operate as a little boy and that gave me the opportunity to know how to set traps, play pranks on people and to know other little things that children usually do.”

Why I couldn’t change my African surname - Hollywood actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor

3

8-year-old Nigerian Hollywood actor, Chiwetelu Umeadi, popularly called Chiwetel Ejiofor, has disclosed that his Igbo native surname helped push his career in Hollywood.

Chinwetel, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, was allegedly advised to change his surname at the initial stage to avoid

only being offered African roles, but he reportedly refused to do so and thinks it has actually given him more opportunities.

In a recent chat on ‘talk-variety’ at the Ellen DeGeneres Show, he said, ‘’I couldn’t understand what the problem was. I mean, bring it on. Let’s do that!

“They seemed to think it was a negative, but it allowed me to work in Africa, in England and in the States.’’

The Actor and Director, having starred in a good number of movies including 12 years a slave, said although he had worked in the theatre since he was 15 years old, he never imagined he’d make it as a film star.

The actor said: ”I didn’t think I had a chance of being a film actor.

My focus was trying to get into the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) or the National Theatre. The thought of being a star never occurred to me.

“I got good grades, so my mother who initially wasn’t very happy with my career ambitions, wanted me to go to university at least.

“But at 15 I was quite willful and demanding,” the actor noted. “I got a scholarship to MALDA and said I’d support myself with this job and that. It was a fait-accompli, you know.’’

“I am very proud of my African heritage. I stand out in all aspects and I am glad I didn’t give in to changing my surname,” Chinwetel added.

I dress to show off my sexy legs - Chika Ike

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ontroversial Nollywood actress, Chika Ike has disclosed why she seems to wear dresses that show some vital parts of her body.

The Fancy Nancy boss, speaking recently with newsmen, said, “I can’t do without my tan-top and my short, so I can show off those sexy legs.”

Fans of the actress have recently alleged that her recent outfits were not befitting.

“I hear some fans are expressing their displeasure over my recent outfits but really, I wear what I am comfortable in.”

Chika added, “I cannot imagine not flaunting my charming legs, so whenever I dress up, I have to show them off.”

Ayefele hospitalized after attack by hoodlums in Ondo

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ollowing the attack vented on popular Yoruba musician over the weekend in Ondo state, the versatile artiste has been reportedly hospitalized.

It will be recalled that the music act had on Saturday, performed at the burial ceremony of an 85-yearold woman, one Madam Ebunoluwa Lydia Odumakinde, at Odo Oja Street in the town, where he reportedly got N3m for the performance.

However, hoodlums launched an attack on him for allegedly refusing to settle the ‘area boys.’

According to reports, about 15 persons were wounded as the hoodlums attacked those invited.

Reports, however, revealed that Ayefele sustained injuries from the attack and had since been hospitalized in an unidentified hospital.

A press statement from Ayefele’s management signed by his publicist, Mr. David Ajiboye, following his attack was issued to newsmen in the state.

According to the statement, the ‘Tungba’ crooner was hit with a plank on his chest during the attack.

The statement reads in part: “The hoodlums, after collecting N200, 000 from the artiste as ‘settlement’ later demanded for a sum of N500, 000 which did not go down well with Ayefele and in the process of the argument, he was hit on the chest by a plank which was thrown at him.

“The hoodlums vandalized the newly acquired musical equipment and the truck while his new Ford Explorer 2015 model SUV was also vandalized, as well.

“The band boys escaped unhurt contrary to reports in the media that they were beating,” the statement read.

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Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

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How Ferguson failed to make me his successor - Mourinho C

helsea manager, Jose Mourinho, has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson could not tempt him to replace him as Manchester United boss in 2013.

Ferguson stepped down as United boss after a 26-year spell and was eventually replaced by David Moyes, who did not last a full season before he was sacked.

It was in the same summer that Mourinho returned to Chelsea, despite being linked with the United role and he has explained in an interview for a new BBC documentary “Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets of Success,” that his heart was set on returning to Stamford Bridge.

“Every manager in the world looks at Man United as a huge club but I wanted to come to Chelsea and we didn’t bring that to the table because we were so open and he knows so much about myself.

“He knew that for almost a season, I want to leave Real Madrid and I want to come to Chelsea.”

Ferguson also spoke about how difficult it was to pick his successor and admitted he would have chosen Ryan Giggs if he retired earlier.

I am not the new Henry – Martial

A

Pistorius to remain in jail

Khan edges closer to mega-fight with F Pacquiao

A

nthony Martial has rejected comparisons with former France striker, Thierry Henry and insisted they have ‘different characteristics.’

The former Monaco striker has scored three times in the Premier League, since his transfer deadline day move to Manchester United for an initial £36m.

His style has prompted comparisons with Henry, but Martial has distanced himself from such talk.

“I know this is a very great player who is a legend in England,” Martial told French TV channel BFM. “I do not think we have the same characteristics. Thierry Henry is Thierry Henry. I still have everything to prove. By continuing to work, I will try to reach his level but I am still very far off.”

Martial also spoke about his transfer to Old Trafford and how his mother acted as a translator when United manager, Louis van Gaal called.

“Basically, I was told ‘untransferable’ so I thought staying in Monaco,” he said.

“When I knew about the offer, I did not hesitate a second and it was done quickly. I really wanted to continue to play in the Champions League. Van Gaal called me and spoke to my mother who did the translation.

When I arrived in Manchester I met him, we discussed at length and it was done quickly.”

Of his hefty transfer fee, which could reach a reported £58m if all of the clauses are met, Martial added: “It did not bother me too much. It was more my family with all that was written in the newspapers and what was said. I was just in a hurry to go to Manchester and play football.

“I try to ignore it all. I stay in my bubble, I concentrate on the football, I work and I try to learn English as quickly as possible.”

He said: “When I announced my retirement, do you honestly believe that one man could decide the future of Manchester United?

“That’s absolute nonsense. There was a good process. They’re a professional football club. They know what they’re doing, the Glazers, David Gill.

“Jose was going back to Chelsea, Carlo Ancelotti was going to Real Madrid, Jurgen Klopp had signed a contract with Dortmund, Louis van Gaal was staying with Holland for the World Cup. “The other thing was I took Pep Guardiola for dinner in New York in the September and I had no idea I was ever going to retire and I said to him give me a call and tell what you’re going to do. No answer.

“I was just trying to think way ahead. But I didn’t get any answer and then he goes to Bayern Munich.

“We’d like to have spoken to many managers because that’s a process.

We’d like to have asked them what they felt about leaving a big club to go to a bigger club -- to come to Manchester United. It wasn’t there for us.

mir Khan’s hopes of landing a mega-fight received a boost last weekend, after Argentine slugger Lucas Matthysse was flattened in a Los Angeles ring.

As a result of this, he was also knocked out of contention as Manny Pacquiao’s comeback opponent next year.

Khan had been left frustrated in his pursuit of both Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. Following Mayweather’s retirement last month, he has now switched his attentions to the Filipino boxer.

Pacquiao is however undergoing treatment for the shoulder injury, which hampered him against Mayweather in May. Negotiations for Khan to take on Pacquiao will begin early next year.

23

ormer Paralympic star, Oscar Pistorius, has been ordered to remain in jail and not be transferred to house arrest, following another delay in a decision to grant him parole.

His lawyer, Brian Webber, told AFP news agency, that a decision over his early release has been referred back to the parole board.

Pistorius was jailed for five years in 2014 for the culpable homicide of Reeva Steenkamp, but has been fighting to be released early from jail.

He was due to be released in August, but will now remain in prison after Justice Minister Michael Masutha, intervened in the last minute.

The parole review board met on Monday, to decide if Pistorius should be allowed out on house arrest.

Formula 1 title race not over yet – Nico Rosberg

M

ercedes driver, Nico Rosberg, has warned Lewis not lost Hamilton, that he has rmula Fo the ing hope of winn n. so sea s 1 title thi iling The 30-year-old is tra s, int po 48 his team-mate by sRu d’s en ek we s ahead of thi ix.

Pr d an sian Gr d Rosberg finished behin ins ha t bu , 14 Hamilton in 20 piam Ch s ar’ ye s thi sisted that t. onship will be differen and “I’m not backing down

in my t,” he mind, it’s not over ye BBC by g is quoted as sayin Sport. quite “The gap on Lewis is ole wh big. “But the way the year s thi ed team has perform the to ies tor – from the fac incredgarage – has been just ed to ne ible. I have the car I p.” ste get back to the top Rosberg has won three while races so far this year, ht.

Hamilton has won eig

daily post sports

with

‘Ifreke Inyang

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Vol. 1 Edition 8 Wednesday, October 7 - Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Homebased Eagles still without Belgium visas

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ome-based Super Eagles and officials, are still stuck in the country, due to the non-issuance of Belgium visas.

They were scheduled to fly out last week and meet up with their foreign-based colleagues, but the hitch has not been resolved yet.

“We still don’t have visas,” a top official told AfricanFootball.com “We are now hoping we will be given visas on Tuesday to travel out later that same day.”

The six players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) affected are goalkeepers Femi Thomas and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Chima Akas and Austin Oboroakpo, midfielder Paul Onobi and forward Prince Aggrey.

Nigeria will play DR Congo on Thursday and Cameroon three days later.

N

nal.

The 19-year-old impressed manager Arsene Wenger, when he featured for the first team in pre-season and has now committed himself to the Premier League team.

Iwobi scored nine goals in nine games in the 2014/2015 campaign for the U-21s and has already netted twice in five appearances this season.

A statement on the club’s official website added: “A graduate of the Arsenal Academy, Alex first joined the club while still in primary school.

“Having represented England at youth level, the Lagos-born youngster is currently away on senior international duty with Nigeria.

“Everyone at Arsenal would like to congratulate Alex on his new contract and looks forward to his continued progression in the season ahead.”

N100

INGS FALL APART by ‘Ifreke Inyang

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rendan Rodgers is back in the labour market.

Few hours after Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton in the Merseyside derby on Sunday, Fenway Sports Group released a statement, confirming their decision to let the Northern Irishman go.

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Brendan Rodgers for the significant contribution he has made to the club and express our gratitude for his hard work and commitment,” a part of the statement read.

After the Merseyside derby, Rodgers sounded as if he knew what was coming. He warned that the club faced a lengthy rebuilding job: “whether that is with me or someone else in the job.”

Truth is that he has been under pressure before last season ended.

The 2014/2015 season ended with a humiliating 6-1 defeat at Stoke City.

Less than a year earlier, the Reds finished in second place and were desperately unlucky to lose the Premier League title to Manchester City.

Iwobi signs new Arsenal deal igerian youngster, Alex Iwobi, has signed a new long-term deal with Arse-

Mourinho is a great coach, but after a year and a half, he ruins his players.

They’re psychologically unable to give him what he wants - Fabio Capello

Fenway Sports Group Principal Owner, John W Henry, Chairman Tom Werner and President Mike Gordon, chose to keep Rodgers despite the shameful end to last season, but his assistant Colin Pascoe and first team coach Mike Marsh paid the price.

Liverpool’s uncertain start to the current campaign did not help. He leaves the team 10th on the table, having taken 12 points from their first eight matches.

Rodgers’ undoing was two-fold: dodgy transfers and constant tweaking of formations.

He spent a further £80m on seven new first team players this summer.

He lost key players such as Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling in the last 15 months and replaced them with Danny Ings, Firmino and James Milner. The three players mentioned are not by any scale terrible footballers, but they are not in the bracket of top quality players Anfield have seen.

It is even believed that Suarez was the reason Rodgers looked so good.

From the time he arrived in June 2012 till he left, Rodgers spent almost £300m and won nothing.

Klopp coy about Liverpool talks

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ormer Borussia Dortmund manager, Jurgen Klopp, is refusing to let anything slip, over the prospect of becoming the new Liverpool boss.

Klopp is the Reds owners’ number one choice to take over at Anfield, after Brendan Rodgers was sacked on Sunday.

It is understood that a formal approach has been made and talks are progressing quickly, with Liverpool confident they will reach an agreement before the end of the week.

“There’s nothing to say,” Klopp told a Bild reporter, when asked about Liverpool.

“Neither a definite yes nor a definite no. I’m going home now.”

Klopp is likely to sign a three-year contract, with an option for a fourth year. He is also looking to bring in his long-term Dortmund assistant Zeljko Buvac, along with a fitness coach from Germany.

Jamie Carragher, who played under him, summed it all up nicely.

“Rodgers can’t argue in some ways.

He’s been there three years, he hasn’t won a trophy and they’ve played Champions League football once. That’s not good enough for Liverpool. He has lost big players but he has reinvested money and very few of his signings have come off.”

The Fenway Group statement added: “Ambition and winning are at the heart of what we want to bring to Liverpool and we believe this change gives us the best opportunity to deliver it.

“The search for a new manager is underway and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner.”

Jurgen Klopp is almost certain to replace Rodgers. The former Borussia Dortmund coach, who favours heavy metal football, has been out of job since he stepped down at Signal Iduna Park earlier this year.

The charismatic German manager is renowned for how he transformed Dortmund, from a mid-table team to Bundesliga winners.

A similar task awaits him at Liverpool.

McGregor set to sign £100m-plus deal with UFC

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onnor McGregor is set to agree a stunning nine-figure deal with the UFC. The Irish featherweight, who is scheduled to fight champion Jose Aldo in Las Vesgas on December 12, insists he is already the highest-paid fighter on the promotion’s roster.

“I’m waiting on my next multi, nine-figure contract, which is en route,” he told The MMA Hour.

“I just let everyone up there know, I let the bosses know and everybody there know what I bring and my worth.

“I’m still here the highest-paid. Let’s compare contracts. Because the contract that I’m talking now is nine figures, nine figures I’m talking. Nobody in the game has talked nine figures. That’s $100 million plus. That’s my contract, so, that’s where I’m at and I’ve done it the way I’ve done it.”

Salami, Chikatara score hat-tricks as race for NPFL Golden Boot heats up Gbolahan Salami and Chisom Chikatara, both scored hat-tricks over the past weekend in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), to heat up the race for the top goal scorer award.

Both players scored their 13th goals of the current campaign, closing the gap on Esosa Igbinoba and Tunde Adeniji.

Salami’s goals were all Warri Wolves needed to thrash Sunshine Stars 3-0 in Warri, while Chikatara scored all his team’s goals, as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Enugu Rangers.

Below them is Bright Ejike who has not scored in almost 10 games, but has 12 goals this season.

Tony Okpotu (Lobi Stars) and Mubarak Umar (Wikki Tourists) have both scored 10 goals each. Prince Aggreh (Sunshine Stars) has 9 goals.

Published by Daily Post Media Limited, 308B, Murtala Mohammed Way, Yaba, Lagos. Email: newsdesk@dailypost.ng, advert@dailypost.ng. Phone: Newsroom: 07085753069, ISSN:2449-1128 Advert hotline: 07062594490. Website: dailypost.ng. Social Media: facebook.com/NigeriaDailyPost, twitter.com/@dailypostngr