DTN-30-8-18

Finally, NCC approves sale of 9mobile to Teleology Holdings Mathew Dadiya, Abuja, Motolani Oseni and Ladesope Ladeloku, Lagos

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on Wednesday, approved the sale of https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

dailytimesnigeria

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

9mobile - the third largest mobile network operator in Nigeria to Teleology Holdings Limited.

A source close to NCC exclusively informed The Daily Times that the sale of the third largest telecoms to Teleology was approved at cost of $500 million.

Continued on page 3

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018

As 30 days to assent lapse Sunday

VOL. 3

NO. 739

N100

g5

Buhari under pressure to sign amended Electoral Act Secondus, others want President to sign bill

No cause for alarm, bill under scrutiny – Ita Enang

L-R: Chancellor, Trinity International University, Dr. Jacqueline Mohair; Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 1991, Sabina Umeh; Dr. Dee Dawkins Haigler and others during the conferment of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) on Umeh in Atlanta, United States.

Buhari assures Theresa May of credible polls in 2019 g 6

CBN slams N5.87bn fines on 4 banks, directs MTN to refund $8bn g14

Benue vs EFCC: Court fixes Oct 8 for judgment over state accounts g 5 Nigerians’ debt in banks hit N15.9trn in one year g 14 – NBS FG, states external debts hit $22bn in Q2 – DMOg 13

2

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

Finally, NCC approves sale of 9mobile...

Continued from page 1

This puts to rest one year of back and forth struggle, process of selecting a preferred bidder amidst a media war that raged between leading bidders.

Teleology Holdings Limited, the preferred bidder for the acquisition of 9mobile, had in July met the deadline for ownership of the firm with the payment of $251million into Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) escrow account, pending receipt of ‘‘no objection from the NCC. The Daily Times had exclusively reported that the buyer is committed to playing its part in the telecoms industry, with payment of $251 million into CBN escrow account pending the regulatory body’s response to the payment.

“What Teleology has raised offshore exceeds the initial acquisition cost. It is inclusive of the amount needed for an audacious network expansion project for 9mobile.

“I can confirm this will change the telecoms landscape significantly.

The money coming will include the cost of over 5,000 additional base stations and a bullish acquisition of other fringe players in the telecoms sector to add to the 9mobile brand household. ‘‘This feat by Teleology is a highly commendable feat that will add a great deal of value to the Nigerian telecoms industry. Teleology had earlier communicated its commitment to the payment of the final bid price to the apex bank days ahead of the expiration of the 90-day payment timeline, which elapsed on Saturday, June 30. Besides,

it requested a 20 working days’ extension from the CBN “to enable it perfect the process for the final payout in consonance with the provision of the acquisition agreement”, source close to 9Mobile disclosed.

The Daily Times recalls that Teleology had on March 21 paid the initial $50million non-refundable deposit as a demonstration of its commitment to acquire 9mobile and was given a 90-day timeline to pay the balance having emerged the preferred bidder following the evaluation of the technical and financial bids for the telecom company. The process for the acquisition of 9mobile commenced in October 2017 while Smile Communications emerged as the reserved bidder.

9mobile is currently being supervised by Barclays Africa, the transaction adviser appointed by CBN, NCC and a consortium of 13 banks with a view to getting new investors inject fresh capital into the telecoms firm.

The bid for the sale of 9mobile equities followed disagreement between Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), formerly trading as Etisalat Nigeria, and the banks to restructure the repayment of a sevenyear mid-term facility secured by the telecoms firm to service an existing loan and expand its network in 2013.

The CBN and NCC had jointly, in their roles as regulators, opted for an innovative approach to deal with a distressed company - 9mobile operated by Emerging Markets Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Services Limited (EMTS) which its predecessor,

Mubadala Group, Etisalat International brand pulled out of the country due to heavy debt.

Over 4000 employees were thrown into the labour market and almost disconnected 22 million subscribers.

But in an effort to save jobs and protect the 22 million subscribers on the network, the CBN and NCC jointly took over the running of the distressed network under a new name, 9mobile and invited prospective buyers to bid.

Of the companies that indicated interest, five made it to an advanced stage. One pulled out of the acquisition bid, two were dropped for not including financial offers in their bids, leaving Smile Telecoms and Teleology Holdings Limited, which made offers, as the last two standing.

When contacted on the latest development, the Director Public Affairs of the NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, declined to speak on the matter, saying he was on vacation.

Also, the Head, NCC’s Media Management Unit, Public Affair, Mr. Sunny Aragba, refused to comment on the development.

Aragba stated categorically that only the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, could comment on such matter.

However, Mr. A Osunsedo, the spokesperson of 9mobile, said he was not in the office and could not comment on the matter.

When Daily Times contacted another official from 9mobile, Anthony Elikene, he simply replied in a text message that : “I dont have any information on that. 9mobile will issue a statement in due course.”

Buhari rejects assent to PIGB, says bill unconstitutional As Atiku cautions President on bill

By Idu Jude & Tunde Opalana, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has withheld his assent to the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) for legal and constitutional reasons.

The Special Assistant to the President on Legislative Matters, Senator Ita Enang, however, described as blackmail reports that Buhari rejected the bill because it whittled down his powers as minister of Petroleum Resources.

In a statement made

available on Wednesday, Enang said the three major reasons leading to the president’s refusal to assent to the bill is based on the fact that the provisions of the bill permitting the petroleum regulatory commission to retain as much as 10 per cent of the revenue generated, which unduly increases the funds accruing to the regulatory commission to the detriment of the revenue available to the federal, states, Federal Capital Territory and local governments in the country.

The Presidential aide also

cited expansion of the scope of Petroleum Equalisation Fund and some provisions that are in divergence with the administration’s policy and indeed, conflicting provisions on the Independent Petroleum Equalisation Fund.

He said, “Part of the reasons include some legislative drafting concerns which if assented to in the form presented will create ambiguity and conflict in interpretation.

“It was observed that part of the reasons unmentioned

Continued on page 5

3 News

PHOTO TIMES

L-R: Senate President, Bukola Saraki and former President Goodluck Jonathan, during the visit of Saraki to Jonathan in Abuja... on Wednesday.

L-R: Osun State Governor Raufu Aregbesola; Chairman of Osun Election Campaign and Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje; APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha during the inauguration of Osun State Election Campaign Committee at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

Photo: Temitope Balogun

L-R: Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; British Prime Minister, Theresa May and others during the arrival of the British Prime Minister at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos ... on Wednesday.

L-R: State Governors: Muhammad Badaru Abubaka (Jigawa); Kashim Shettima (Borno); Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger); Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) during the APC caucus meeting at the State House in Abuja... on Tuesday night.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

5 News

As 30 days to assent lapse Sunday: Buhari under pressure to sign amended Electoral Act Patrick Okohue, Lagos

As 30 days grace for President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the Amended Electoral Act to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the green light to kick-start the process for the 2019 elections elapse on Sunday, Nigerians have continued to express concern over the failure of the President to do the needful.

They are worried that less than six months to the general election, Nigerians are not aware of the ground rules that will guide their participation in the process and have therefore called on the President to sign the bill without further delay.

Leading the pack of those calling for the immediate assent to Electoral Act is the National Chairman of the major opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, who has called on the President to immediately sign the Electoral Act amendment without further delay.

He is not alone, the Yoruba Social

cultural organisation, Afenifere, described the failure of the President almost a month after the bill was sent to him as an affront on the collective interest of the people.

The PDP National Chairman, Secondus, in a statement signed by his media aide, Ike Abonyi, expressed his concern when he received the former Sokoto State Governor Atahiru Bafarawa and the Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, both presidential aspirants in his office on Tuesday.

Secondus said that there should be no delay in signing the new electoral act because it would deepen the electoral system and ensure faster growth of the country’s democracy.

Also speaking on the delay in signing the amended Electoral Act, the Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, said that the failure of the President to assent to the Act in good time should raise sufficient alarm about what is going on about the 2019 election.

Odumakin in a telephone chat with The Daily Times said: “Clearly,

less than six months to the election we are yet to have Electoral Act. “The President is the chairman of ECOWAS, section 201 of ECOWAS Protocol says that no member state shall alter its electoral laws six months to election except all stakeholders agree. We are less than six months to election, the President has not signed the Electoral Act, and all we are hearing is that there are fears that there will be manipulation of results.

“Personal interest is now overriding general and national interest and Nigerians should raise sufficient alarm about what is going on about the 2019 elections.

Speaking on the same issue to The Daily Times, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Ralph Nwosu, urged the President to sign the bill in good time.

But the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, has said that the final copy of the Electoral Act amendment bill is being “scrutinised thoroughly” by President Buhari.

Benue v. EFCC: Court fixes Oct 8 for judgment over state accounts Andrew Orolua, Abuja A Federal High Court Abuja has fixed October 8, 2018 for the delivery of its judgment in a suit filed by the Benue State government, challenging the propriety of the powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate its accounts.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba fixed the date on Wednesday, following the adoption of briefs of arguments by the lawyers to the parties.

Adopting his brief of argument on behalf of the Benue State government, Mr Emeka Etiaba (SAN), who was with Emeka Okpoko (SAN), urged the court to hold that the EFCC lacks the statutory powers to investigate the accounts of a state government without a resolution by the Benue State House of Assembly to do so.

The senior advocate also submitted that by virtue of the provisions of Sections 1(1) and (3), 125 (2), (4) and (6), 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution, it is only the Benue State House of Assembly and the auditor- general of the state (4th and 5th respondents) who have the powers to investigate or inquire into the accounts and / or appropriations, disbursements and administration of the funds of Benue State government.

Eitaba also told the court that the EFCC went beyond its powers of investigation of top government functionaries by probing sensitive financial documents of the state.

The senior advocate also listed some of the documents forwarded to the EFCC for investigation.

They include the approved budget for the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and those of all the 23 local government councils from 2015 to date, approved budget of the state and the local government councils from January 2015 to date, details of statutory allocations released to the state and local government councils from January 2015 to date, details of the excess crude account allocations released to the state and local governments from January 2015 to date and details of the Value Added Tax (VAT) allocations released to the state and local government councils from January 2015 to date.

Etiaba submitted that in the course of its investigation, the antigraft commission had interrogated high ranking government officials, including the permanent secretary, Government House, Makurdi; permanent secretary, Bureau of Internal Affairs and Special Services and the secretary to the state government.

Besides these government officials, Etiaba stated that the EFCC also invited and interrogated members of the state House of Assembly under the disguise that it is investigating the individuals but in the true sense of it was probing the state government.

The lawyer also urged the court to answer the four questions raised in favour of the plaintiff and grant the 12 reliefs sought.

Lawyer to the speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, the clerk to the assembly and others, Joe Abaagu, aligned himself with the submissions made by Etiaba in urging the court to grant the reliefs

sought by the plaintiff.

But the lawyer to the EFCC, Mr Slyvanus Tahir, while urging the court to dismiss the suit filed by the state government, said the reliefs contained in the originating summons were misconceived.

He maintained that by the virtue of Sections 6, 7 and 38 (1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act 2004, the commission has powers to investigate both the individuals of the state as well as the state’s accounts.

Tahir informed the court that the actions of the commission were informed by petitions written against the state government by some indigenes of the state, including former Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Abubakar Tsav, alleging massive corruption by some state officials.

He argued that the powers donated to the state House of Assembly under Section 125 of the 1999 Constitution and the state auditor general under Section 128 and 129 of the constitution were merely oversight functions but not prosecutorial powers.

He therefore urged the court to hold that it is only the EFCC that has the statutory powers to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.

The EFCC had earlier this month allegedly frozen the bank accounts of Benue State government claiming it was investigating cases of alleged fraud.

The suit challenging the action of the EFCC was filed by the Attorney General of Benue State, Micheal Gusa.

Buhari Enang dismissed allegations that the President has refused to sign the bill, saying “there is no cause for alarm”.

He said, “The bill was transmitted to the President for assent on August 2, after the corrected version was passed by the National Assembly on July 24.”

The President has 30 days from the date of receipt to assent to or decline the bill and that 30 days will elapse on Sunday, September 2nd.

But Enang said: “We will do the needful before the bill expires.

“The final clean copy of the bill which was received by President Muhamamdu Buhari on the 2nd of August, 2018, is still undergoing thorough scrutiny by the President.

“Mr. President has not vetoed the bill. What some people are not aware of was that when the second copy was received after the initial rejection, it was discovered that there were typographical errors which the National Assembly needed to correct and they did it and sent it back on the 24th of July and this is still being studied before presidential assent.

“It is good for people to cross check their facts first before feeding the public with the wrong information. As you know, the President embarked on a 10-day leave soon after we submitted the bill to him, so we should wait.”

The bill contains relevant provisions that are expected to guide the INEC in the conduct of elections.

Buhari rejects assent to PIGB...

Continued from page 3

involved three issues; whittling down of his power as minister of petroleum resources, failure of any minister consulted to support it, and the lack of any fiscal content of the bill,” Enang stated.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned President Buhari to have a rethink on the rejected Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB).

Atiku said it is unfortunate that the Buhari Presidency by rejecting the bill has put the combined efforts of the National Assembly in conjunction with the oil majors and host communities in coming up with such a revolutionary idea for the oil industry into futility.

In a release by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku said the reason given by the President for rejecting the bill also betrays the fact that the current administration is out of tandem with global best practices.

“Saying that the bill will whittle down the President’s powers is most unfortunate.

“A leader must be secure in himself before he can secure his or her people. A President is not powerful because he holds the Presidency. Neither is he only powerful because laws confer powers on him.

“In truth, a secure leader brings

power and influence to the office he occupies, instead of taking power from that office. He also gives laws the force of power by obeying and implementing them,” he said.

The Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), he argued, will be a great catalyst for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and has the capacity of stabilising host communities, boosting the nation’s oil reserves and creating the enabling environment that attracts the type of investment that will make Nigeria a world leader in the petroleum industry.

“In recent months, Nigeria became the world’s headquarters for extreme poverty, having overtaken India as the nation with the most people living under $2 a day (81 million people). If we are to change the situation and bring our people out of poverty, we must support legislation such as the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill.

“As the late great President Ronald Reagan once said, “the greatest leader gets the people to do the greatest things”. The Petroleum Industry Governance Bill will help Nigeria to do great things and I urge President Buhari to put aside his insecurities over the loss of his power and let the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill be,” he added.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

Buhari assures Theresa May of credible polls in 2019 As Nigeria, UK sign security, economic pact May wants UK/Lagos trade relations sustained

Mathew Dadiya and Idu Jude, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, that he is committed to conducting credible elections in 2019.

In a bilateral meeting with the visiting Prime Minister, President Buhari in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, welcomed UK’s support at strengthening democratic institutions in the country.

The President said: “I assure you that I’m all out for free, fair and credible elections. I’m very pleased that my party is doing very well. The High Commissioner will brief you more. The recent successes in polls in Katsina, Bauchi, and Kogi have boosted our morale greatly. ‘‘Nigeria has accepted multiparty democracy and that is putting politicians on their toes, forcing them to work harder’’.

On the anti-corruption campaign, the President applauded the British support to the country, noting that the success of the fight was very important to ordinary people in the country.

“We had great opportunities and resources between 1999 and 2014, due to high oil prices. But when we came in 2015, oil prices

plunged to as low as $37 per barrel. ‘‘What we have been doing since 2015 is to focus on infrastructure development, despite low earnings. Work is ongoing in roads, rail, power, and many others.”

On Brexit, President Buhari noted that it provides an opportunity to strengthen the historic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. ‘‘We are nervously watching the development about Brexit because we know that the relationship had been on for a long time. I assure you that I am prepared to strengthen the relationship between our two countries,’’ he added.

The President also thanked the UK government for the support on security and the fight against insurgency in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, as well as the improved trade relations between both countries. ‘‘I am very grateful to the British government under your leadership for the help in security, particularly your training team that is in our institution in Kaduna,’’ he said.

Earlier, in remarks before the bilateral meeting, the Nigerian leader underscored the need for UK support on reviving of Lake Chad, which is a means of livelihood for millions of people.

The President told the visiting

Prime Minister that Europe and China were already conducting an in-depth study on recharging the Lake through inter-basin transfer from the Central African Republic.

In her remarks, the UK Prime Minister, who welcomed the assurance by the Nigerian government on credible elections in 2019, said she was pleased to be in Abuja to continue the ‘‘excellent discussions’’ she started with President Buhari in London in April, this year, particularly on security, trade, asset recovery and the fight against corruption. ‘‘Security and defence cooperation are very important steps to address Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa,’’ May said.

On asset recovery, the Prime Minister said: ‘‘We do not want to hold anything that belongs to Nigeria people, but we follow the judicial process, which can be slow.’’

The Prime Minister appealed to President Buhari to use his position as ECOWAS Chair to keep the issue of human trafficking on the front burner in the sub-region.

President Buhari and Prime Minister May witnessed the signing of two agreements: Security and Defence Partnership and Economic Development Forum Agreement.

Meanwhile, the visit came

against the background of Brexit negotiations with experts speculating that PM May will seek a more robust investment opportunities for her country in African economies.

Theresa May on Wednesday after a meeting with President Buhari, proceeded to Lagos where her central message during her brief stay in Nigeria’s commercial capital focused on renewed efforts at ending human slavery and illegal migration.

The prime minister, on arrival from South Africa, was conferred with an honorary citizenship of the City of Abuja by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello.

Presenting the key to the City of Abuja to Prime Minister May, the FCT minister conveyed the goodwill and esteemed regards of the government and people of Nigeria to a delighted May. The brief ceremony was watched by top officials of the Foreign Affairs Ministry led by the Minister of state, Foreign Affairs, Khadija Ibrahim, who received the prime minister upon arrival, on behalf of President Buhari.

Travelling aboard a British Royal Airforce Boeing 788, the prime minister’s flight touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at exactly 11.51 am.

Benue killings: Judge hands off suit seeking proscription of herdsmen as terrorists Andrew Orolua, Abuja Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday washed his hands off a suit seeking the proscription of Fulani herdsmen as a terrorist organization.

The suit instituted by a Makurdi based legal practitioner, Matthew Nyiutsa, has suffered some setbacks since it was filed on May 11, 2018.

Hearing in the ex parte motion had commenced in June before Justice Gabriel Kolawole, before he was elevated to the Court of Appeal.

But before he left to the appellate court, Justice Kolawole was to deliver ruling on the ex parte application on June 21, 2018.

The said motion ex parte filed on May 11, 2018, was brought pursuant to Order 34 Rule (2) and (3) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2009 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court, was assigned to him for adjudication.

Mindful of the urgent nature of the suit, the plaintiff

had applied and obtained the leave of the Federal High Court for the matter to be heard by a vacation judge.

But after listening to submissions by the plaintiff, who appeared in person, Justice Dimgba said he was not comfortable to adjudicate on the case as a vacation judge.

Accordingly, he ordered that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul Karafati for re- assignment to a regular court after the court’s vacation.

The plaintiff in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/499/18 is seeking the prohibition of all activities of Fulani herdsmen in Benue State which he claimed resulted in the deliberate and intentional killings, massacre, wanton destruction of both private and public properties, including residential and commercial houses, schools, hospitals/ clinic, markets, water boreholes/reservoirs, invasion of ancestral lands of the inhabitants as acts of terrorism under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended.

He is specifically seeking the leave of court to compel

President Muhammadu Buhari and the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF) to move a court of competent jurisdiction to proscribe herdsmen operating in Benue State and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as terrorists and a terrorist organization respectively.

The plaintiff, who resides in Guma Local Government Area of the state, said he is one of the numerous victims of continuing herdsmen attacks on communities in the state.

He is also praying the court to declare that the series of armed attacks by herdsmen particularly from January 1, 2018 to May, 2018 on inhabitants of communities in Guma, Logo, Makurdi, Gwer-East, Buruku, Tarka, Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local Government Areas of the state and similar attacks by herdsmen in Mbadwen, Uvir, Mbabai, Nyier, Mbayer/ Yandev and Saghev council wards of Guma Local Government and some parts of Gwer- West Local Government Area amount to acts of terrorism as defined under Section 1(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended.

The plaintiff, who is demanding N50 million as exemplary damages against the respondents further prayed the court to declare that the AGF and President Buhari (1st and 2nd respondents) have mandatory and statutory duties and obligations under Section 2 of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, to act in the circumstances of the prevailing acts of terrorism perpetuated by the herdsmen.

He further prayed the court for a declaration that the threat issued by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, through Alhaji Abdullahi BelloBodejo and Saleh Al- Hassan as national president and secretary respectively, during a press conference in Kaduna in June, 2017, to the effect of mobilizing their members and other herdsmen to cause anarchy in Benue State amounts to support for act of terrorism under Section 5 of the Terrorism (prevention) Act, 2011 as amended.

According to him, in 2014, nine of his family members were killed by armed herdsmen with other 24 family members killed by herdsmen on January 1, 2018 at Tom-atar.

The prime minister is also scheduled to leave Nigeria for Kenya at the conclusion of her official schedule in Lagos.

Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday, received the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, in Lagos, affirming that the state remains a choice destination for investors from the United Kingdom.

The British Prime Minister, who arrived the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Ikeja, Lagos at about 4:30pm, was received

by Governor Akinwumi , the Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello and the Special Adviser, Overseas Affairs and Investment, Prof Ademola Abass.

The Governor said he was delighted to welcome the British Prime Minister to Lagos, noting that the relationship between Britain and Nigeria dated back to the 19th century.

He said that much of Nigerian education, cultural and political systems was influenced by Britain, saying that there are more Nigerians living in the UK than elsewhere in the world outside Nigeria.

GovernorAmbode emphasised that Lagos remained a place of choice for British investors especially given that stability in the government, the size of Lagos economy and population as well as the particular focus of his administration on the rule of law and justice sector reform.

“We just had a sort of bilateral discussion with the Prime Minister of Britain and just like what you are already aware of, she had actually visited Abuja earlier in the day to see Mr. President but again the important part of this visit to us more or less is to discuss about how investment in Lagos can be improved upon by British investors and you would realise the fact that Lagos is the commercial capital of Nigeria and a whole lot of British investments are actually domiciled in Lagos,” he said.

All of these, the Governor said, have not only enhanced the ease of doing business in Lagos but also ensured a greater protection of people and investment in the state.

He also said that it would be of particular importance to Lagos State if British investors could explore the various opportunities that exist in the state in the areas of energy, technology, export finance, infrastructure and the creative industry.

“So, we spoke about how we can improve the investment climate in Lagos and then the other parts of what Lagos has been doing to attract investors.

You know we have been doing a lot in judicial sector reforms and security sector reforms and the Prime Minister was pleased with the progress that we are making in Lagos and ready to compliment our efforts by opening up export credit facility and development finance to some of the things that we are doing in Lagos State.

The Governor expressed optimism in the strengthening of the relationship between Britain and Lagos and avowed that his administration would do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.

“We spoke about things relating to technology, infrastructure and also the creative industry. The relationship that Lagos has had with Britain dates back years and you know Lagos in 1861 was a British Colony and so the history has been so long that we need to just reactivate that and also make sure that a whole lot of British investments come in to Lagos and she is pleased with the progress that has made.

She has gone round and she is willing to do more with us and encouraging British investors to come in to Lagos and we are happy with that,” he said.

Speaking to journalists at the airport, the British Prime Minister noted that she was happy to be in Nigeria and Lagos in particular to see the thriving business community.

“I have had a fantastic visit to Nigeria and we have outstanding relationship between UK and Nigeria but there is much more that we can do in the future. I enjoyed being able to come to Abuja and also to Lagos to see the thriving business community here.

“We want to see increased trade between Nigeria and UK; increased investment; bringing jobs here to Nigeria, jobs in the UK being good for both countries and I have had an excellent time here and I am very pleased to being able to be here and thank you Governor (Ambode),” the British PM said.

She pointed out the important role that a stable government in Lagos plays in giving extra confidence of investors in the state.

The Head of the British Government also disclosed the availability of export credit finance to the tune of £750million as well as a considerable development finance, which Lagos State could look towards.

She spoke about the role that British could play in the development of the technology industry in Lagos given the particular capability of the UK in that area.

In that regard, the PM disclosed that she brought as part of her delegation, an expert in Fintech to explore the opportunity in this area that Lagos could benefit from.

The British Prime Minister also noted the special strength of the London City as a financial hub that could be of considerable importance for Lagos State, just as she emphasised sustainability and growth in Britain/Lagos relationship.

May also expressed the desire of the British government to assist Lagos in the development of her creative industry and alluded to the fact that the jacket she was wearing when she met with Ambode was actually made in Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 23, 2018

7 News

NBC condemns demolition of Ayefele’s Short News 2019: Sen Boroffice calls for unity ‘Music House’

The demolition last weekend of ‘Music House’ owned by Gospel singer Yinka Ayefele has been condemned by the management of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Music house is where the singer’s ‘Fresh FM’ is located in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The Director-General of NBC, Ishaq Midibbo-Kawu, on Wednesday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital said the demolition was a worrisome development and did not speak well of the state government.

Kawu who spoke to the News men said that “The development is worrisome because for all it is worth, the broadcast outfits are playing a big role in reducing

unemployment, especially in this situation where many young Nigerians are idle.

They also play social, informational, educational and entertaining roles in the society.

Such development does not speak well of the government and has a negative effect on the nation, especially at a point when more broadcasting outfits are influencing the social space in the country.”

According to the NBC boss, such action by the Oyo state government can be given all manners of colorations including political vendetta and therefore should be avoided by those in leadership positions.

“In this case particularly, there are so many issues that

can be weaved up negatively by people. We hope that as we move forward, we will be able to find a solution to the situation.”

He said that his agency made contacts with some people in Oyo State as soon as he got hint of the development adding that he could, however, not stop it but promised that NBC would set up a meeting with the state government on how to find a way forward on the issue.

According to the claims by Yinka Ayefele, the building “Music House” is valued at N800 million.

Fresh FM he said has been in operation for 10 years before it was demolished in the early hours of Sunday.

among APC members

For the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State to record a resounding victory at the 2019 polls all must be done to ensure reconciliation of all aggrieved party members in the state.

The senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District in the state gave the admonition in his Eid-el-Kabir message on Wednesday.

The admonition, contained in a press statement issued by the senator’s media aide, Kayode Fakuyi, urged that only unity and peace in the party will edged it above others during the 2019 elections.

“In this atmosphere of Eid- el-Kabir, it is imperative to admonish all leaders and members of the APC in Ondo State to come together, build party cohesion for all APC flag bearers in the 2019 general elections,” said the statement.

Eid-el-Kabir: Senator Abe felicitates with muslims Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt The governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, has felicitated with Muslims in the state on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Abe, in a Sallah message, which was signed by his spokesperson, Parry Saroh Benson, congratulated the Muslim community in the state.

He implored Muslims to use the period of the celebration to pray for peace and security of Rivers State and Nigeria in general.

Abe, who is also the senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, also urged them to continue to support the APC-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Edo Central APC senatorial candidate insists on direct primary L-R: The Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN; Imo State Representative on the NDDC Board, Hon ChukaAma-Nwauwa; the NDDC Executive Director Projects, Engr. Dr Samuel Adjogbe, FNSE, and the NDDC Director, Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Dr Emmanuel Ohwavborua Audu, during the inspection of the Okigwe-Arondizuogu-Akokwa Road in Ideato Local Government Area of Imo State.

Chemical emission kills 7 in Nnewi Nosa Akenzua, Asaba No fewer than seven persons were on Tuesday evening feared killed in Umuzu Mbana, Otolo Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra state under mysterious circumstance as a result of chemical emission attributed to burning lignite.

It was gathered that lignite sends out gas with irritating sulphurous odour which allegedly led to the admission of scores of persons at different hospitals in the area.

President General of the community, Tony Afam Muodielo, who spoke to our reporter, lamented the devastating effect of the dangerous chemical discovered at a site in the community sometimes in March.

He regretted that the state government had not done much to save

the people from the killer chemical, adding that “a new dimension to the problem was the smoke from the site that enveloped the entire community with very offensive and irritating odour that subjected residents to suffocation every evening.

“The emission has recently become more damaging and escalating.

Surroundings of the chemical site are caving in and the emission becomes stronger. We have tried to put out the fire burning underground to no avail and we decided to leave the rains to deal with it.

“But despite the heavy rains so far experienced this year, the fire keeps on raging from the ground as if the rains are fuelling it and produces thick smokes.

“Last night, after a little rain, we were unable to sleep. The most astonishing thing is that we have been recording sudden deaths in recent time,” he lamented.

Muodielo further revealed that the incident was first discovered in December 2017 at the community’s stream site called Oduga which suddenly dried up and in its stead, fire began to burn at the site, underground.

He said that youths of the area had been deployed on several occasion to put out the fire but could not.

“A team of geologists from Chukwuemena Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra state had visited the site and discovered that there was a dangerous chemical deposited at the site with the recommendations that government should, as a matter of urgency, quench the fire to save the community from further exposure to the dangerous chemical”, he further lamented.

He said it had been recommended that residents should be taking liquid milk every day to douse the effects of the chemical emissions.

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo State, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, yesterday urged the leadership of the party to adopt the proposed direct primary which would throw up popular candidates.

The Edo born politician who is aspiring for the Edo Central Senatorial District, while declaring his intention to run, spoke with newsmen in Benin City, Edo state, and dismissed the assertion that Edo Central is the strong hold of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

Edo Central is the political stronghold of the senatorial district of former Board of Trustee, Chairman of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih.

Ooni to politicians: Apply religious brotherhood to politics The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has charged politicians to always apply religious brotherhood approach to their politicking to have electioneering process that is violence free.

Ooni who is the Co-Chairman of National Council Of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria said this at his Ile Oodua palace while receiving hundreds of Muslim faithful led by the Chief Imam of Ifeland, Alhaji Abdul Samiu Abdul Hammed who had on their way from the praying ground visited the palace to pray for the king.

His words: “The spirit of brotherhood being displayed by the faithful on a day like this is very laudable. At the Eid praying ground today, I saw politicians of opposing parties sitting side by side with one another”.

Opinion 8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

NBA election results and matters arising (2)

Chidi Odinkalu

Continued from previous edition Without information, candidates and campaigns were unable to undertake voter education. Voters were in the dark about what to do or expect. The voting information provided by the ECNBA was regularly incorrect, incomplete or downright misleading. In the end, a voting process that was supposed to be seamless suffered at least eight deferrals and one suspension. Every stage in the process was tortured. Unsurprisingly, the result was announced at an hour when, according to Nigerian legend, only witches and wizards returning from an overnight encounter in a coven could be expected to be fully awake. By some coincidence, it required the deployment of very dark wizardry to manufacture the outcome that the ECNBA announced in this process.

To begin with, the Committee had no concept, specifications or parameters for its electronic voting platform. The selection of its platform providers was shrouded in secrecy.

If there was any bidding, it was not public.

The public communication of the chosen providers occurred by happenstance. This kind of incompetence required practice.

A scandal – known as “Chams-Gate” erupted when it emerged that the voting platform provider selected was Chams PLC. As it turned out, the ECNBA was hardly involved in this choice and had done no due diligence on the provider. If they did, they would have discovered that Chams had provided the platform for the scandalously rigged leadership election of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in 2014. As it turned out, a leading contender for the presidency of the NBA in the ballot was, like the chair of the Board of Directors of Chams, also a director of NBA’s sole bankers, Access Bank PLC. Access Bank in turn is a substantial shareholder in Chams. As I summed up at the time, “a company substantially owned by Access Bank and chaired by a director of the bank will supervise the voting to elect the leader and principal signatory to the accounts of a substantial customer of the Bank in a ballot in which a leading candidate is a director and lead lawyer of the bank.”

Somehow, the ECNBA missed all of this information, which was publicly available.

With public pressure mounting over ChamsGate, NBA president, A.B. Mahmoud, himself also the first vice-president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), called a meeting of the candidates, at which he ruled that none of this information was prejudicial to Chams’ involvement in the election. With the relish of an Archimedes yelping at the discovery of floatation, the NBA president announced on July 22 that the voting process

shall be “disaggregated into three (3) stages and each stage shall be handled by separate entities or service providers duly appointed by the ECNBA de-segregation of the electoral process.” He itemised these three stages as: (a) pre-election: process of compilation and verification/validation of list of voters; (b) election: the deployment of the e-voting platform for NBA elections; (c) post-election: an audit of the electoral process.

For the pre-election phase, Mahmoud asked the ECNBA to engage new data managers. Despite the scandal around it, Chams was to be retained for “the deployment of the e-voting platform for NBA elections, which it has already developed.”

For the post-election audit, Mahmoud promised that “the ECNBA will develop a post-election audit framework and process and may engage an independent entity for that purpose.” Three days later, the ECNBA announced it had engaged a new election data service provider called CRENET. No one had heard of them before and no one knew how they were engaged.

Mass Disenfranchisement One of the consequences of this incompetence was the massive disenfranchisement of voters. In all, 12,245 votes had apparently been cast in what looked like a very spirited contest according to Yadudu’s declaration. In fact, 32,228 lawyers had threshold eligibility to participate in the elections. The 12,245 votes cast represented a mere 37.99t per cen of the eligible voters.

Voter verification was deferred at least four times, extended thrice, suspended twice and lasted over a fortnight. This degree of uncertainty had to have been either willful or caused by incompetence. Characterised as it was by frustration, only 14,215 lawyers in the end managed to accredit to vote. In other words, through the manufactured frustrations of verification, 55.89 per cent of voters were firmly disenfranchised before even voting had started.

Hack Attack In their 2018 book How To Rig an Election, Nic Cheeseman and Brian Klaas argue that “once upon a time, to do the dirty of changing votes, you had to be present in the actual polling location. That is no longer true.” According to them, “there is a much more direct way to rig elections with computer technology: hacking vital election infrastructure.” In their 2017 study, “Making Democracy Harder to Hack”, published in the University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform, Scott Shackleford, Bruce Schneier et al point to three vulnerabilities that can be

attacked to compromise an election: Voter rolls (who can vote), voting machines (who you vote for), and vote tabulation (how many votes each candidate received. In the NBA ballot, all these were on display. It was as if the authors had written a manual for election rigging in the NBA. Voting rolls supposedly closed at the end of March 2018. However, quite a few persons who paid their practicing fees after March 31 managed to find their names on the electoral roll of the ECNBA. There was never an explanation on how that happened.

In the middle of voting, inexplicable changes occurred in data fields. At a point on August 19, over 3,000 voters who were not on the list were somehow “restored” to the list.

Meanwhile, Lucy was not the only one who could not vote. In Ahoada, Rivers State, Isaac and Lauretta were unable to vote too – their voting data had been appropriated by some unknown persons who voted under their respective identities. In Bori, another branch of the NBA, the identities of nearly all eligible voters in the branch had been stolen by undisclosed persons using a common domain, who used the stolen identities to vote. In Kano, Abdullahi Karaye, assistant secretary of the Ungoggo branch could not vote – someone had stolen his identity and voted with it. All over the country, unknown persons, apparently acting in co-ordination, had miraculous access to voting data and were either using stolen data to vote for other persons or importuning voters electronically to vote for a particular candidate. This was more than just a hack attack. It was joint criminal enterprise. The ECNBA knew this because it was brought to their attention.

They chose to look away.

Three domains were implicated in the voter identity theft – openmail, airmail and firemail. In all, at least 1004 votes were attributed to voters whose ballots were traced to these domains. Separately, in the data collection process, the NBA required that voters should provide their e-mail address or phone number. One phone number could not be used for more than one voter. Yet at least 1,706 phone numbers were repeated at least once and, between them, accounted for at least 3,999 votes. One phone number in particular, 0807 410 7787 accounted for 41 voters; 0810 642 1702 accounted for 32 voters, while 0806 402 8401 accounted for 18.

Between them, these three numbers alone accounted for 91 votes – that is six votes more than the announced margin of 86 votes between the declared winner and the runner up.

Quite clearly, it is easy to demonstrate that the malpractice in this ballot did not just substantially affect the outcome of the election

but determined it. All of this was pointed out to the ECNBA and the NBA leadership before the declared their results. The fact that they went ahead to do so despite being aware of all this confirms the perception that the NBA process was configured to produce a predetermined outcome. This perception was reinforced by the fact that the campaign of the person eventually announced as winner was heavily dependent for its facilitation by the chief of staff to the NBA president.

Every effort made to persuade the president to disavow this arrangement or separate his administration from this appearance of predetermined outcome proved fruitless.

Destroying the Bar As the NBA vote took place beyond the constitutionally required deadline of July, it was required to go to the NEC for ratification.

On Sunday, August 26, 2018, the NEC duly ratified it. Reneging on his undertaking for a post-election audit, outgoing president, A.B. Mahmoud, now says that is up to his successor. It is worse than asking the burglar to investigate the burglary.

Meanwhile, the case initiated in 2016 by J.K. Gadzama, a senior advocate, challenging the declaration of A.B. Mahmoud as winner remains pending before the High Court and will not be decided until long after Mr. Mahmoud has exhausted his term as NBA president. Afam Osigwe’s challenge to his procured disqualification was adjourned to a date in September, long after any orders would be of any value. With this knowledge in mind, the perpetrators of this heist in the NBA are happy to tell anyone who complains to “go to court”, where they know there will be no remedy. This NBA leadership and its ECNBA appears to have lost the capacity, in Hannah Arendt’s words, “to tell right from wrong.”

When he assumed office in August 2016, A.B. Mahmoud promised #ABraveNewBar. Many took him seriously. On the whole, the performance of the administration has been beneath underwhelming. Fittingly, President Buhari chose Mr. Mahmoud’s valedictory Bar conference to underscore the irrelevance of the NBA he’d led, telling the lawyers gathered for the conference that the rule of law was subject to the president’s thumb. A Bar that was neither new nor brave offered him enthusiastic applause instead of a telling off. In the way it has conducted the transition in these elections, the A.B. Mahmoud administration assures for itself a prize in the column between infamy and ignominy.

It leaves a toxic legacy from which whoever follows it is unlikely to recover neither authority nor legitimacy. concluded

Rule of law, national security and President’s legacy

Zainab Suleiman Okino

Over the years, in the course of this job, I have learnt not to dabble into stories that border on national security. Some stories we write have security implication; we sometimes think they are insignificant and simply call them fillers. I learnt the hard way never to take any printed word for granted. In my days at Daily Trust, I came across such a “filler” or an “insignificant” story with far reaching security implication just as it (the story) drew the ire of one of the security agencies. It was about one of ‘their personnel’ who had a minor land dispute with his kinsman somewhere in the SouthSouth, which our reporter filed and we at the head office got published. Based on that publication, my bosses and I were invited by the agency in question. In a nutshell, the agency’s representative politely explained the implication of our publication which he said was tantamount to “unmasking a masquerade in a market square”, as we say in Nigeria; that means our story has so exposed the gentleman in question he could lose his job or might never attain a certain position in his career, while the agency could also be slighted in the process. At another time, I had to be a guest of yet another agency because of the “implication” of an editorial in the paper I edited.

Although, these are learning curves, I have since been reluctant to make comments on security related matters. President Buhari’s recent comment on security and rule of law, has however drawn me from my self-imposed censorship. First, rule of law concerns all of us; it is a set of values that should guide and regulate our day to day activities, and it is the guiding light

for government. The whole essence of constitutional democracy is the rule of law; it is sacrosanct and without rule of law, there will be breakdown of law and order, which invariably can affect national security.

I want to believe President Buhari knows this, having served as a military head of state and now serving as a civilian president.

As at 2015, Nigerians were obsessed with Buhari; but were also nostalgic about his War Against Indiscipline. Nigerians also did not forget to point out his dictatorial streak and Decrees 2 and 4 which gagged the press and put freedom of speech in abeyance, but all the same felt we needed a semblance of his sense of integrity to rescue a nation in decay. Today the story is different; he has not been able to re-enact the “good” in his past misdeeds; the fight against corruption, his major campaign watchword, is growing horns, and the economy is in doldrums.

By the time Buhari insinuated the possibility of jettisoning the rule of law in the interest of national security a few days ago, Nigerians again began to question his true credential as a reformed democrat. At the 2018 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association on Sunday, President Buhari said: “The rule of law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest. Our apex court has had cause to adopt a position on this issue in this regard and it is now a matter of judicial recognition that; where national security and public interest are threatened or there is a likelihood of their being threatened, the individual rights of those allegedly responsible must take second place, in favour of the greater good

of society”.

This has therefore triggered debates about which should take precedence over the other and whether the president is yet to cure himself of his military mentality of yester years. The remark is also seen as a justification for the continued detention of Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), former national security adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who has been in detention since December 2015 and Shiite leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, charged for offences bordering on culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, and disturbance of public peace in the aftermath of the altercation that ensued after his group clashed with the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai’s convoy.

According to the account of the officials of Kaduna State government, 347 Shiites were killed and given mass burial. But despite the loss of lives of his followers and several court judgments granting him bail and ordering his release, the sheikh is still held incommunicado. The president once said the judiciary is his problem. With his latest outburst, he is actually proving his disdain for the rule of law and subsuming it under national security and is yet another excuse to curtail individual freedom.

In the two cases mentioned above, the president went against the constitution of the land. He should actually be reprimanded, if politics was not in the mix, but justifying it is taking presidential power to an unacceptable limit and making Nigeria look like a banana republic.

How can the president who should ensure the functionality and observance

of the rule of law justify its defiance in the name of national security? A government that has failed to abide by the rule of law through its rejection of court orders should not further trivialise issues, and to juxtapose it with national security argument amounts to impunity of the highest order. Whether it is allegations of treason, corruption, murder, theft, kidnapping, etc., the final arbiter in the pronouncement of a guilty verdict resides with the judiciary.

Our criminal justice system is a poor mimicry of what operates in other climes: from the gathering of evidence, prosecution to trial to execution, time is lost, values eroded and justice denied. Unfortunately, statements like this, coming from the highest authority in the land, give credence to our dysfunctional criminal justice system and embolden law enforcement agencies to always take side with the government in all cases, no matter how innocent the accused is. This is one of the reasons why people’s rights are not respected, why justice is delayed or denied and why our prisons are bursting at the seams with awaiting trials or innocent victims, because someone, somewhere presumed them guilty before their trials could even begin.

As a matter of responsibility, President Buhari should be on the side of the rule of law and the constitution, because they are parts of the oaths of office he swore to preserve. Failing to do so should not be a reason to deride it either. These are grounds for a case against him, if not in Nigeria, but at the Hague, by the time he ceases to be president. This should not be a legacy for a man so revered.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

9

Editorial Commentary The immoral majority (III)

Times Guest Columnist Mohammed Adamu

Report must’ve gotten to IBB that the offer he made to us, State House Correspondents, to democratically elect one of us who would be made a minister in the Interim National Government of Shonekan, we had turned into an ‘apple of discord’.

He must have been told that a tiny ‘gang’ of State House Correspondents led by National Concord’s Mohammed Adamu had imported ‘thugry’ into the Presidential Villa to abort the process of electing a beneficial nominee for the offer that he had made to us.

A case of an ‘immoral majority’ giving a ‘righteous minority’ a bad name to justify hanging it. Almost proving right the anti-majority opinion of Henrik Ibsen, the Norwegian playwright in his ‘An Enemy of the People’ who said that “The majority has the might –more’s the pity- but it hasn’t right”.

Ibsen has said that “The worst enemy of truth and freedom in our society is the compact majority”.

Yet the irony of it was that our intention at the State House, in applying non-violent means to stillborn an illegal electoral process, was even nobler than IBB’s who had applied the jackboot and the barrel of the gun, to terminate the life of a child, June 12, after it had been born. Proving Lord Russell, the 18th century British Prime Minister wrong, who said that “It is impossible that the whisper of a faction should prevail against the voice of a nation”. A call particularly for my de-accreditation, including by my Photographer, Moshood Raji, and especially by The Guardian’s Yinka Oduwole –mastermind of the attempted fraud- rang up to the DSS and to the office of IBB’s CSO, Major Geri Mohammed. And it did so with such importunate din that I was almost provoked, voluntarily, to turn in my accreditation before it was demanded of me.

I had been de-accredited twice previously: first for breaching a news embargo and then once for satirizing an accreditation reform conducted by the SSS. But this time, the duo of IBB’s and Aikhomu’s spokespersons (Duro Onabule and Nduka Irabor) had said that although our resort to self-help was mutinous and unacceptable, yet the attempt by the Atere group to commit a fraud on us was ignoble.

Unknown to any, Duro Onabule had commended our action privately in his office, even though he had requested that I played along in a pacification scheme he was planning. To ease the pressure mounted on him to deal especially with Mohammed the mastermind, he would openly reprimand me the next day at a meeting of all Correspondents which he had summoned. The idea was that in order to let sleeping dog lie, I should show remorse -even if I would not apologize. Call it divide and rule. I say it was stooping to conquer.

Onabule respected the angst of the righteous minority; but he was also prepared to assuage even the unfounded anger of the immoral majority. In deference to this, I stooped.

By the way, Onabule must’ve assured IBB that he and Irabor would now organize and umpire a fresh election for us –to forestall the looming possibility that the President might withdraw the offer. So now rather than organize others, there we were –watch dogs of the society- on election day, at the same Congress room in the Villa, being organized by others. In a sense even the annuler of June 12 was seeming more democratic than us, his traducers because it had to take his own agents for us to be democratic even in our in-house affairs. The duo of Onabule and Irabor presided as umpires, over nearly a full house of our mambers. No electioneering campaigns, no reading of manifestos, -not even a pre-voting address by the contestants for a last minute canvass of votes. It was not necessary.

Because two camps had already emerged with minds made up to vote a certain geo-ethnic way.

No thanks to the schism resulting from the attempt by the pro-Atere group to seek advantage in geo-ethnic numbers. In retrospect there were three contestants holed up in two opposing geoethnic camps: the Amechi Dike, Reginald Okochie

camp, supported by virtually all the Northern, South Eastern and South-Southern correspondents; and the Sola Atere camp supported inevitably by the South Western correspondents. But our camp was further pitched kinsman to kinsman.

All efforts to get Amechi step down for his fellow, more popular Okochie, so that our votes were not divided proved abortive. Moreover Okochie was such affable, good-humored journalist we thought even IBB would love to have on Shonekan’s cabinet.

The few pro-Atere members we were banking on to shun geo-ethnic consideration and support Okochie said they could do so if we talked Amechi to step down for him. And although we preferred Okochie, Amechi’s obduracy had forced us into a last ditched effort just a few minutes before the election. Now we wanted just any one of them to step down. : we sent the two brothers into a room and said they should not come out until one had stepped down for the other. They came out almost immediately.

None had agreed to step down -more to the chagrin of Democrat’s Sareef Mohammed who had been on top of this search for consensus for a week. And so now we resolved to teach Amechi a lesson; even if that would be the only electoral victory to celebrate.

When the votes were counted, Atere predictably won. Apparently because Amechi’s obduracy had kept our joker votes away. But it was sweet that we did teach Amechi a lesson. He got only one vote.

Meaning that only Amechi voted for Amechi.

Epilogue An innocuous attempt by an opportune geoethnic ‘majority’ had imposed on us an ugly faith accompli, preempting the character of an in-house election in the direction of tribe and geography rather than in the direction of conscience. And it is the same mistake that the opposition PDP is making now; or has already made: whipping the sentiments of tribe, religion and geography; -a dangerous tripod by which it alone stands the most to be hurt. Every anti-Islam, anti Hausa-Fulani partisan tirade by PDP has the implication of urging Muslims and Hausa-Fulanis to congregate around the Calvary where their ‘accursed’ one, in this case Buhari, bears the cross and the pricklycrown purportedly in atonement of their sins.

Our South West members were forced to the tent of their own, Atere, by the manner of our gang up against him, not our reason for the gang up. By the way, there was no better proof that the geo-ethnic character of the Atere victory was synthetic and not antipathetic, than that at the end of Reginald Okochie’s tenure as Chairman of the Press Corps, our South West members had also rejected one of their own –Voice Of Nigeria’s Yemi Fakayejo- to give me the same block vote that they had deigned to give Atere, to become Chairman. By the way, IBB had reneged on his earlier promise to make our nominee a ‘Minister’. Instead, Sola Atere was made the Director of Media to Shonekan, It was partly the reason I had described IBB’s offer a ‘Greek gift’. Atere’s reach for a high heaven ended in a low one he probably would not have traded his prestigious NTA job for, if he had known. Nor would he have afforded the geo-ethnic animosity that his candidature had evoked. Ironically again, when Shonekan too would make Atere’s office so utterly redundant, I would be one of few colleagues that our now frustrated colleague would turn to, for us both to agonize over and also to organize against. It was proof also that Atere knew that our opposition to his candidature was altruistic, -not ulterior-motived.

Concluded NOTE: I should discuss, in a separate title, Saraki’s ‘unrighteous minority’ -which had poked a chink on the armor of APC’s arithmetic majority, and treacherously went to bed with a malicious PDP minority, and from which mutinous sex romp, an ‘immoral majority’ at the Senate was birthed which is doing to the nation what ours had done to our Press Corps.

OUR POSITION

Osinbajo’s revelations and oil revenues In line with the declaration of the visiting British Prime Minister, Mrs. Theresa May, that Nigerians are poorest in the world, questions of the whereabouts of the Nigerian oil revenues during past administrations have come to the fore.

It is noteworthy that Nigeria as the sixth largest oil producing nation presumably would stand the test of time in terms of living above poverty level.

But it is instructive to note that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) recently stated that former Nigerian leaders between 1990 and 2014, has in each tenure misused the accrued OPEC Nigerian income revenues, to the detriment of poor Nigerians.

It is pertinent to note that with recent Osinbajo’s revelation of financial misconduct under successive leadership between 1999 and 2014, it has contributed immensely in the economy downturn and unarguably the devastating and pulsating economic recession in 2015 and 2016 to say the least.

The Vice President’s exposure of the inhuman looting is in line with several World leaders’ submission on Nigeria that it has no reason to be poor, with the record of huge amount of stolen monies tucked away in foreign banks.

Osinbajo, while relying on OPEC statistics on oil revenues accruable to Nigeria under successive administrations in the past 25 years, also stated that such huge revenues were not channeled into infrastructural development in spite of huge amount earned.

According to the revelation by the Vice-President, most of the past leaders, have in the past years, exhibited seemingly lack of patriotism and unwillingness to stamp poverty out of the nation. The gesture for 25 years has indeed enshrined poverty in Nigeria thereby making it a subject of mockery before the international community.

Needless to say that any society that has lost the whopping amount of $982.8 billion in 25 years has no reason to be poor.

Osinbajo’s revelations, based on OPEC records, showed that under the Ibrahim Babangida and the late Sani Abacha administrations, Nigeria realised $199.8 billion.

Under the Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Yar’Adua governments, the country got $401.1 billion; and during the Goodluck Jonathan administration,

Nigeria got $381.9 billion from oil.

Under the present government and despite earning $94 billion, up until 2017, Osinbajo stated that the federal government spent more on infrastructure and capital than any previous government.

We believe that what we need as a nation is a prudent management of national resources and providing for the people properly for better ideas. This development, we believe, we address Nigeria’s developmental challenges and principally stamp out poverty in the country.

We are of the opinion that the time has come for Nigerians to demand accountability from past and present leaders on how they spent revenues from our oil sales.

It is shameful that there is nothing substantial on ground in terms of infrastructural development to show for the humongous dollars realised from oil sales.

That is the best way to go if we are really serious in ensuring good governance devoid of absolute stealing of our hard earned resources and commonwealth.

S I G N AT U R E Publisher

Folio Communications Plc

The opinions expressed in the articles published in this newspaper are solely those of the authors. Articles may be reproduced, provided that the original source is indicated.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 23, 2018

2019: YCE warns against political carnage Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has warned politicians to avoid any action that may take Nigeria back to the dark age of political violence and killings.

YCE, an umbrella Elder’s organ of all Yoruba Socio-Cultural body in a statement issued in Abeokuta by the interim President, Dansaki Samuel Agbede and Alh. Rasheed Olusegun Adesina, the Acting Publicity Secretary implored all Yoruba sons and daughters in the political arena to play the game with caution.

The group warned against the repeat of political carnage in the early 60’s and “we will never wish for a return to such a rape on democracy and wanton killings culminating into the military coup of 1966.

“Many of our sons and daughters lost their lives both as politicians and serving military officers. We implore our sons and daughters to

ensure the status of the Yoruba race as the most enlightened, pace-setter in politics and peace loving where equal opportunities are given to non Yorubas in all human endeavours in the federation”.

Yoruba Council of Elders also condemned the rampaging killings of innocent people in various parts of the country reportedly associated with some set of people.

“We call for immediate response from both the State and Federal Government to put in motion machinery of all security operatives and other measures that will instantly put an end to the unfortunate incidents of insecurity, kidnapping, youth restiveness, religious and communal clashes in various states of our nation”.

The statement added that “youths, who we all pray should be the leaders of tomorrow must be shown a good example by all and sundry right from the homestead and by those in positions of authority. We urge our people to go all out to exercise their

civil responsibilities by ensuring that the collect their PVC as a tool to vote in all inclusive leaders in the coming elections.

“We commend Government and people of Ekiti State for the peaceful conduct of the recent guber polls.

It is the hope of Yoruba Council of Elders, that other states in the South/ West will emulate such exhibition of common sense before, during and after the elections”.

“Yoruba Council of Elders is most concerned with the lingering issue of restructuring in our national psyche.

Thus, we view the restructuring as a time-bomb that should be treated with utmost care and with dispatch.

Recent happenings in some parts of our country is a pointer to why the political class should be wary of imminent but avoidable chaos occasioned by lack of action or in ratio of our country’s leaders to work in harmony for the emancipation of our people nationwide, especially as it concerns the burning issue of grazing”.

Short News Kwara Gov’s aide files contempt charge against IGP The Personal Assistant on Political Matters to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, Mr Olalekan Alabi has filed an application before Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin, seeking to commence committal proceedings against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris for contempt of court.

Alabi approached the Court through his counsel, Adebayo Adelodun (SAN) to effect the service of Form 49, which is a notice of committal to prison on the IGP for disobeying court order directing his release from police custody.

The service of Form 49 on the IGP means that he will be summoned by the court to show cause why he should not be committed to prison for having disobeyed the order of court to release Alabi.

Igbo group urges FG to declare Islamic Movement terrorist organisation The South East - Renewal Group (SERG) has called on the Federal Government to declare the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a terrorist organisation.

SERG, at a press conference in Abuja, said it had observed the dangerous activities of the IMN, whose terrorism appears to have the blessing of the federal government as not much has been done to deal with it the same dispatch with which the IPoB problem was addressed.

The group said the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), did not commit half of atrocities that IMN has committed and continue to commit but no action has been taken against them.

2019: UDA urges C’ River to collect PVC, returns Gov Ayade

L-R: Vice Chairman, Lagos East, All Progressives Congress, United Kingdom, Otunba Tony Omotayo; Women leader, Alhaja Aolat Sule; Treasurer, Engr.

Babatunde Seriki; Chairman, Lagos APC, Chief Babatunde Balogun; Chairman, Lagos APC, UK, Mr. Tayo Sodeinde; Vice chairman, Lagos East, APC, UK, Hon. Ladi Veracruiz; and Hon. Abdul Borishade, during a courtesy visit of the executives Lagos APC in United Kingdom to their counterpart at the party Secretariat in Lagos... on Wednesday.

APC releases primaries timetable, begins membership drive Tom Okpe, Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced its membership registration exercise nationwide in preparation for the 2019 general election as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party also released dates for its primary elections to choose candidates for the forthcoming general election nationwide.

In a press statement on Wednesday signed by its Acting National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena said the National Working Committee (NWC) of the

party has approved the immediate continuation of nationwide registration exercise.

The statement said: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has approved the immediate recommencement of the Continuous Nationwide Membership Registration exercise in all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“The decision follows calls from members of the public interested in joining our great Party to support the Change Agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration. The exercise will include both fresh registrations and

revalidation of existing membership for the purposes of issuance of the Party’s permanent membership cards”.

The party thereby urges its teeming supporters and members to take advantage of the exercise.

The party also said State House of Assembly primaries would hold on September 15, while the Federal House of Representatives Primaries holds on September 19 with the Senate primaries fixed for September 23 and September 28 for the Governorship primaries.

According to the party Acting National Publicity Secretary Nabena, the presidential primary of the APC has been slated for October 6, 2018.

Ahead of 2019 general election, a social group under the aegis of Uchu National Development Association (UDA), Abuja branch, has urged the electorate of the Cross River State to collect their permanent voter’s cards (PVCs) in order to have the opportunity of voting for governor, professor Benedict Ayade 2019.

The general secretary of the association, Mr. Odey Thomas Orabi, made the call in an exclusive interview in Abuja yesterday.

Odey said, “I have no doubt that governor Benedict Ayade and Dr, Stephen Odey will continue beyond 2019. To be able to do that, you need to collect your PVC to be able to vote.

APRA joins world leaders to mourn Kofi Annan The African Public Relations Association (APRA) has joined the world leaders to mourn the passing away of a global colossus and true African icon, Kofi Annan.

APRA said by his death, Africa has lost one of its greatest brand assets who along with the likes of Nelson Mandela impacted heavily on the narrative for a more positive Africa especially in the face of contrived negativity.

It noted that in life and death, Annan remains an inspiration to Africans and the world at large. “His life is a challenge for everyone to always strive for a better Africa and indeed world”.

In APRA’s opinion there’s no better way to immortalize Annan and preserve his legacy, than for the African Union and nation-states on the continent to adopt and implement policies of human advancement in peace, good governance and people’s welfare which he stood for.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 23, 2018

Minister commends Nigerians, says 2019 year of decision Tom Okpe, Abuja

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has commended Nigerians for their perseverance and support for the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the general election year, 2019 as ‘year of decision’.

Speaking with journalists in his country home at Oro, Kwara State, on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, the Minister assured Nigerians that their sacrifices toward the emergence of a better Nigeria will not be in vain.

He, however, appealed that Nigerians should remain steadfast and be vigilant, especially as the 2019 elections approach. ‘’The year 2019 is the year of decision for Nigeria. It is the year that the critical decision will be made as to whether Nigeria will continue along the path of development, in all ramifications, social, economic and political that this Administration has embarked upon since 2015, or the country will retrogress

and backslide to the throes of massive and primitive looting and lack of development. ‘’As we approach this critical fork on the road, I have no iota of doubt that the good people of Nigeria will choose the path of development, having seen the commitment, sincerity and patriotism of this Administration. It is clear, from all indications, that Nigerians are not going back to Egypt”, he said.

Alhaji Mohammed noted that because of the people’s support and the achievements of the Administration, the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win, even with a wider margin, in 2019, thus sealing the fate of the naysayers. ‘’Many cynics have asked: Why should the APC-led Administration be returned to power? What has it achieved to justify the votes of Nigerians? My answer has been consistent: This Administration has done what no other Administration has done in the history of Nigeria in putting the country firmly on the path of sustainable growth and development, especially in the area of infrastructure,

economy, agriculture, the fight against corruption and the battle against insecurity. ‘’Never in the history of our country has any Administration embarked on such a massive infrastructural development as this Administration. The whole country is one huge construction site. Roads are being constructed in all the six Geo-political zones. ‘’In the area of agriculture, it has been a huge revolution. Let’s take one of our national staples, such as rice, as an example. When we came in, there were 5 million rice farmers. Today, we have in excess of 11 million rice farmers. Nigeria has never been closer to achieving self sufficiency in rice. ‘’This Administration has employed 500,000 unemployed graduates under its Social Intervention Program (SIP). No government in our country’s history has ever done that”, the Minister said.

In the area of security, the Minister said the Administration is facing the nation’s security challenges with uncommon determination.

11 News

Short News Ex-Ondo PDP Chairman set to return after 5 yrs Barring any last minutes change, Ebenezer Alabi, a former aggrieved Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state, is set to return to the party.

Mr. Alabi, a strong supporter of the ousted National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff had left with some other aggrieved members of the PDP for the Mega Progressives Peoples Party (MPPP), which was later renamed to Mega Party of Nigeria (MPN).

He specifically dumped the PDP shortly after the outcome of the Supreme Court judgment, which confirmed and recognised Ahmed Makarfi led group as the authentic faction of the PDP.

Court to hear suit challenging take-over of British School

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of Federal High Court in Abuja, has fixed August 28th, to hear the suit challenging the move by First Bank Plc to takeover White Plains British School Limited.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba fixed the date after listening to arguments by the school’s lawyer, Chukwu Machukwu-Ume (SAN) and the bank’s lawyer and the appointed receiver, Bola Olotu.

First Bank PLC sealed the school’s premises over a N619 million loan in June after another Federal High Court in suit no: FHC/ABJ/ CS/1023/2015 granting it access to the school’s property.

But the school is challenging the Tripartite Legal Mortgage tendered and relied on by the bank and purported to have been made with the school and the former owners of the school’s land, France Lee Nigeria Ltd as forged.

‘APC defectors lack party’s vision, spirit’

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, addressing journalists at his Oro country home in Kwara... on Monday

Royal father urges youths to embark on agriculture Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo Youths across the 36 States of Nigeria have been advised to engage in meaningful venture like Agriculture to earn a living and meet other household needs instead of roaming the streets looking for white collar jobs.

The Emir of Muri, HRH, Alh. Abbas Njidda Tafida stated this yesterday at his Palace in Jalingo while addressing Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Ei-del- Kabir celebration.

The Royal Father, who frowned at the sudden increase of restiveness and drug abuse among youths in the society, attributed same to loneliness that emanated as a result of unemployment.

He charged every young man and woman to engage in meaningful agriculture with a view to being self reliant?

The Emir further condemned in totality the incessant clashes between farmers and herdsmen especially in the Northern part of the Country, where according to him, lives were lost with property worth millions of Naira destroyed.

While calling on the people of the state to co-exist peacefully with one another irrespective of political, religious or tribal background, the Traditional Father opined that peace remained the panacea for development.

“In the past, people live together, all the tribes grew up to share things together, how come now, the same

people who have been together for decades, now kill themselves?”, he queried.

“The discrimination of who is a Muslim and who is a Christian does not demonstrate the teachings of the two Prophets we believe here on earth”, His Royal Majesty added.

In an interview, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and chieftaincy Affairs in Taraba State, Alh. Bello Yero charged youths of the State to shun all forms of social vices.

Bello Yero who discouraged the alarming rate of thuggery among youths, cautioned politicians to play their game according to the rules and stop empowering the younger ones with weapon to harm their opponents for continued peace in the society.

The lawmaker representing AkokoEdo federal constituency in the House of Representative, Hon Peter Akpatason, has said that those defecting from the All Progressive Congress (APC), do not fit into the vision and spirit of the party.

Hon Akpatason said the defectors would lose next year’s general election because they left good people in the APC to join bad people.

Akpatason who spoke to reporters in Benin City said the defectors won elections in 2015 because of the good people they met in the APC. He argued that the PDP was not a beautiful bride for defectors but a dumping ground for those he termed waste product.

Oshiomhole inaugurates new C/River APC exco as stakeholders kick The National Chairman for the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on Wednesday in Calabar, capital of Cross River inaugurated a new party exco/ state working committee (SWC) to pilot affairs for the party in the state.

Cross River State chapter of the APC had for some time now been in disarray following the inauguration two parallel congresses leading to the emergence of two different excos in May 2018.

The new executive council was inaugurated

by Mr Henry Idah Agbom and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after being elected in a state congress conducted by a five-man congress committee.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 23, 2018

Death of Ezza North APC chairman scares Short News members in Ebonyi Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki Tension heightened on Wednesday in Ebonyi State over the mysterious death of Barrister Ernest Odu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Ezza North Local Government of the state.

Family of the diseased and APC members in the state are said to have raised suspicions, demanding for autopsy.

Odu, a lawyer was reported to have slumped and died in a three star hotel owned by one of the APC chieftains from Ebonyi state at Upper Chime avenue, Independence Layout Enugu during a meeting of the Dr. Ognonnaya Onu-led faction of the APC. A family source who pleaded anonymity, yesterday said though the exact cause of Odu’s death could not yet be declared, the family would

approach the police for an autopsy adding that there is strong suspicion that the deceased might have died of food poisoning.

He alleged that the mystery surrounding the death of the Chairman might not be unconnected to his opposition to the emergence of APC governorship candidate from his council area for the 2019 general election.

The source said that the deceased attended the party meeting, healthy, saying that having died after he was served food and other consumables during the meeting fuelled the family’s suspicion.

Piqued by the development, a group under the auspices of Ezza Youth Vanguard has called on the Ebonyi State Police Command and the State Security Service to unravel the cause of the death of the deceased to avoid further speculations and accusation.

The group in a press release signed by its Chairman, Comrade

Chukwuma Nworie expressed worries as to how the young lawyer would die under the circumstance.

“We received with great shock the death of our brother and legal practitioner and the controversy surrounding his death. We therefore call on the State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the death to put an end to speculations. We have heard some people allege that he died in a hotel, the police should unravel the true story of what happened and if there are any foul play, then necessary action should be taken.

“We won’t just allow our son to die and nothing is heard or said about his death. The best we can do as a people is to unravel the controversy surrounding his death and fraying nerves calmed”.

The Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Ebere Amaraizu who confirmed the incident to Daily Times said that the matter had not been formally reported to the command for necessary action.

Nasarawa Dep Gov bags traditional title

The Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Silas Ali Agara, has been conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of KAFISU of Uke in karshi Development area of Karu local government council of the state.

The chieftaincy title was conferred on the Deputy Governor by the traditional ruler (Yakanajeh) of Uke chiefdom Alh. Ahmad Abdullahi Hassan, at his palace yesterday.

The traditional ruler explained that he gave the Nasarawa state number two citizen the title of KAFISU in the spirit of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration and in recognition of his sterling leadership qualities which stands him out from other politicians in Nasarawa State.

Responding, the Deputy Governor who was taken unaware by the honour, promised to reciprocate the gesture by being the best he can be to the people of Nasarawa State.

Chibudom Nwuche may dump APC ...APDA woos him with guber ticket Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche may dump the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the newly registered Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA).

Daily Times gathered that already, APDA is wooing Nwuche to contest the 2019 governorship election in Rivers State on its platform.

A source close to APDA in the state said the former Deputy Speaker is nationally recognised without any blemish, saying that the party carried out an investigation on Nwuche and came to the conclusion that not only is he credible, but also widely acceptable in Rivers State.

Don’t get involved in partisan politics - Air Chief warns soldiers

Deserted road in Maitama as Sallah holidays enter second day in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mum was my guardian angel, says Gov Dickson Bayelsa State Governor, the Henry Seriake Dickson, has paid glowing tributes to his late mother, Mrs. Goldcoast Dickson, whom he described as an integral part of his journey in life.

Governor Dickson, in his brief remarks on Monday night during a solemn service organised by the state government at the Governor’s Lodge in Yenagoa to commiserate with him, said his mum popularly known as Mama Gogo was more than just a mother.

“My mother has been an integral part of my journey. She was not just my mother. She was my elder sister, she was my rock, my counsellor, my guardian angel and because of her subtle style, people might not know the level of her influence,” said Governor Dickson.

He explained that, his mother complained of pain in the leg in January, which was later discovered at the Bayelsa Diagnostic Centre to be cancer.

He thanked the state for the outpouring of genuine grief and called for prayers for the family, especially during this period.

Governor Dickson in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo, equally expressed appreciation and gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Nigerian leaders, who called to commiserate with him and his family.

“Let me on behalf of my family and government of Bayelsa State express our deep appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, who took time off his vacation in the United Kingdom to personally call to condole with me and offer prayers for my mother and family.

“Similarly, I thank the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who also called me to commiserate with us in our moment of grief.

“My profound appreciation also goes to all former Heads of State and Presidents of Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and Dr Goodluck Jonathan for personally calling and writing formal condolence letters to condole with us.

“I was humbled by the outpour of concern and love shown to me by my colleagues and brother Governors who spared precious time out of their busy schedules to commiserate with my family and I. “I am also grateful to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for identifying with us in our most trying period.

“I specially thank the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara, the Deputy Senate President, Professor Ike Ekweremadu, the entire leadership of the National Assembly and indeed all federal lawmakers and former leadership of the National Assembly for commiserating with us.

“The entire leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and particularly the National Working Committee (NWC) ably led by Prince Uche Secondus mourned with us, for which we are immensely appreciative”.

As the 2019 general elections beckons, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar has warned personnel of the Nigerian Air force not to get involved in partisan politics, urging those who want to join politics to drop their uniforms.

The Air Chief equally appreciated the efforts of the soldiers of the Nigerian Air force in the counter insurgency operations in the northeast, as well as curtailing killings in other parts of the country such as in Zamfara, Benue ,Taraba among others , where activities of armed herdsmen and bandits have been brought to control.

Air Marshal Abubakar stated this yesterday in Maiduguri while addressing soldiers of the Nigerian Air force on special operation at headquarters, Air Taskforce Division, Maiduguri, in Borno state, ahead of Sallah lunch with them.

Ebonyi decries vandalisation of govt facilities Following continued vandalisation of Ebonyi state government facilities by hoodlums and vandals, the State government yesterday appealed to the Federal government to immediately mobilise more armed officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to its project sites to protect materials from being carted away by the hoodlums.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor David Umahi on Infrastructure Maintenance, Chief Ali Odefa made the call when he led management of Ebonyi Road Maintenance Agency (EBOROMA) to a courtesy call on the state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,(NSCDC), Mrs. Chinwe Kanu in Abakaliki.

He noted that mobilising adequate armed men of the corps would safeguard public facilities in the state.

BUSINESS TIMESg Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

FG, states external debts hit $22bn in Q2 - DMO Motolani Oseni The external debt stock of the entire nation as at June 30, 2018, stood at $22 billion with the Federal Government incurring 17.8 billion dollars, while the states and the FCT owed 4.28 billion dollars.

With this development, it means that the Federal Government accounts for 81 per cent of the country’s external debt, while the states and the FCT account for 19 per cent.

A document obtained from the Debt Management Office (DMO), on Wednesday in Abuja, titled: ‘States, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Federal Governments’ External Debt Stock as at June 30, 2018,’ also detailed other states’ external debts.

For instance, Lagos State retained

its position as the state with the highest foreign debt in the country, with a foreign debt put at $1.45 billion dollars as at June 30.

Following Lagos in a distant second is Edo, which incurred 279 million dollars.

Others are Kaduna, 232.9 million dollars; Cross River, 193.7 million dollars; Bauchi, 134.9 million dollars and Enugu, 127.9 million dollars.

According to the DMO, other top debtors are Anambra owing 107.4 million dollars; Oyo, 106.34 million dollars; Ogun, 105.3 million dollars; Osun, 101.5 million dollars and Abia with 100.2 million dollars.

Following closely are Ekiti with 97.9 million dollars; Ondo with 81.4 million dollars; Rivers, 79.5 million dollars; Ebonyi, 67.9 million dollars; Kano, 65 million dollars; Katsina, 64.7 million dollars and Delta, 63.8

million dollars.

The statement also revealed that Imo incurred 61.2 million dollars; Nassarawa, 61.4 million dollars; Adamawa, 57.8 million dollars; Niger, 55.7 million dollars; and Bayelsa with 57.2 million dollars.

Others are Akwa Ibom with 48.3 million dollars; Kebbi, 46.7 million dollars; Kwara, 49.8 million dollars and Sokoto with 40.2 million dollars.

States with the lowest debt portfolio include Taraba, with 22.1 million dollars; Borno, 22.2 million dollars; Yobe, with 28.4 million dollars and Plateau with 29.6 million dollars.

Others are Kogi, with 32.37 million dollars; Jigawa, 32.80 million dollars; FCT, 32.83 million dollars; Zamfara, 34.2 million dollars; Benue, 34.7 million dollars and Gombe, 38.5 million dollars.

FG announces agric interest rate to farmers Tom Okpe, Abuja With the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s announcement of the new agricultural interest rate lending to farmers, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh have noted that farmers must ensure they repay the money they borrow from banks to enable other famers get access to the same facility.

Chief Ogbeh also said that the Ministry will partner with the CBN, other commercial banks and farmers cooperatives to ensure that farmers comply with the conditions to access the loans from banks with ease.

Recall that banks were lending to farmers at 25 to 30 per cent interest rate, which made it impossible for farmers to access as they can’t repay at such a high-interest rate but with the CBN recent announcement on interest rate to agriculture at 9 per cent, farmers are supposed to go mechanized in the country in large scale.

In a press conference in his office on Wednesday in Abuja, Chief Ogbeh said “we want to express

our profound joy and appreciation for the new policy of lending put in place by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), we have been advocating this for many years long before now, I have always had this strong feeling that the lending rate in Nigeria could not sustain growth in the economy, “We want to urge borrowers especially farmers and industrialists to ensure that whatever they borrow, they repay because banks are not charity organizations, we in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture will join hands with the banks and the CBN, to play a major role in making sure that whatever farmers borrow, the repay, especially as we intend to use the cooperatives to move the agriculture credit to the most vulnerable segment of our population mainly, the women and the youths.

“We believe that under these conditions, our youths, women, big and small-scale farmers can now have access to credits to fulfill their dreams and drive Nigeria towards self-sufficiency in food production and make Nigeria a major force in agricultural production worldwide”.

The Minister hinted that the

interest rates before now have definitely been responsible in large measure for the slow growth and the high incapacity of Nigeria to create jobs for young people in particular and for the economy to flourish.

“So, we thank the CBN, the committee of bankers for listening to our appeal, I wish to inform them that this bold and revolutionary policy is deeply appreciated by farmers and manufacturers, I see it as a first major step to have been taken towards reversing the horrible damage done to Africa by the structural adjustment program of the mid 1980s”, he said.

The bureau said total amount borrowed, in Nigerians currently owe the banking sector about N15.93 trillion in loans up from N13.3 trillion in 2015 and from N13.35 trillion in 2016

13

NNPC mulls setting up bunkering company Idu Jude, Abuja In a bid to consolidate its foothold on the shipping business in Nigeria and boost profitability, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has unveiled plans to set up a subsidiary to provide refueling services to ships and other oceangoing vessels.

The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, stated that the Group General Manager, NNPC Shipping, Mrs. Aisha Katagum, has earlier disclosed this to the media on the concluded plan of action hence the statement.

She said, plan to set up the bunkering subsidiary, the GGM Shipping said: “Actually, the NNPC Group Managing Director (GMD) is also very keen on that. He has directed the Corporate Planning & Strategy (CP&S) Division to come up with a business model for us to see how it could operate”.

According to Mrs. Katagum, the bunkering subsidiary was most likely going to be an incorporated company like Nidas, a subsidiary under NNPC Shipping, adding that the proposed company would likely be domiciled in the NNPC Shipping Division too.

On the prospect of the company, she enthused: “I’m sure it’s going to be a big business because we have so many vessels that come into the West African Coast. This year alone, over 120 vessels have brought imports for us.”

Nikorma and Marine Logistics are two other downstream subsidiaries under the NNPC Shipping Division.

While Nikorma engages in shipping and transportation of energy products, Marine Logistics on the other hand, provides logistics services to the crude and petroleum products and gas sub-sector, with a mandate to effect demurrage reduction and ensure safe and efficient coastal distribution of petroleum products.

Nokia parent company now owns PureView trademark Ladesope Ladelokun with agency report HMD Global, the company responsible for the return of Nokia and BlackBerry phones, recently acquired a trademark that used to be synonymous with the best smartphone camera experiences around — PureView.

First spotted by Nokiamob, the PureView trademark was officially transferred from Microsoft to HMD Global on August 23, 2018 . A visit to HMD’s page for the European Union’s Intellectual Property Office reveals that the PureView brand is sitting there front and center.

Nokia first introduced the world to the PureView brand back in 2013 with the Nokia 808 PureView.

Following that, Nokia attached its PureView branding to a number of Windows Phones such as the Lumia 1520, 1020, and 920.

According to analysts,cameras on Nokia’s Android phones have been good, yet nothing to write home about.They opined that it is possible the company is getting ready to double-down on its mobile photography game now that it holds the PureView name, adding that, it could just have gotten the trademark for the sake of owning it and nothing more.

GPD: Experts charges FG on speed implementation of 2018 budget In order to reverse the downward trend recorded in the growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as seen in figures recently released by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Finance and Economy expert has called on the federal government to speed up the implementation of the 2018 budget.

Head of Department of Finance, Nassarawa State University, Keffi, Prof Uche Uwaleke, said the fall in Q2 GDP figure relative to the previous quarter can be attributed largely to the significant drop in the crude oil output from about two

mbpd to 1.84mbpd.

“The increase in oil price over the same period was not sufficient to lift the sector.”

Uwaleke noted that the performance of the non-oil sector was not particularly impressive, adding that agriculture was particularly disappointing at just 1.19 per cent, one of the lowest growth rates in recent times” he observed adding “the reason for this is not farfetched.

“The seemingly intractable herders/farmers clashes are partly to blame.”

L-R: Chief Operating Officer (COO), Synlab, Dr. Tolu Adewole; Chairman Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu; Managing Director/CEO, AVON HMO, Mrs Simbo Okiri; Chief Executive Officer of Avon Medicals, Mrs Awele Elumelu; Representative of the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Dr. Taiwo Lawal; and Medical Director, Avon Medicals, Dr Lillian Ekpo, at the Launch of the state-of-the-art Avon Dialysis Centre in Lagos... on Wednesday

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

14 Business Times

CBN slams N5.87bn fines on 4 banks, directs MTN to refund $8bn Motolani Oseni The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed heavy sanctions totaling N5.87 billion on four commercial banks under its regulatory purview and asked MTN Nigeria to refund the sum of $8,134,312,397.63.

The apex bank described reasons for the action as ‘flagrant violation of extant laws and regulations of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Foreign Exchange Manual, 2006’.

The four banks that have come under the sledge hammer of the CBN for the violations are Standard Chartered Bank, Stanbic-IBTC, Citibank, and Diamond Bank.

Announcing the decision in Abuja on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, CBN’s Director, Corporate

Communications, Isaac Okorafor, said that the actions of the Bank became necessary following allegations of remittance of foreign exchange with irregular Certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs) issued on behalf of some offshore investors of MTN Nigeria Communications Limited and subsequent investigations carried out by the apex bank in March 2018. The CBN has therefore asked the Managements of the banks and MTN Nigeria Communications Limited to immediately refund the sum of $8,134,312,397.63, illegally repatriated by the company to the coffers of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Figures obtained from the CBN on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, indicate that the highest fine of N2,470,604,767.13 was slammed on Standard Chartered Bank, while Stanbic IBTC Nigeria was fined the sum of N1,885,852,847.45. For its punishment, Citibank Nigeria

was penalized in the sum of N1,265,541,562.31, just as Diamond Bank was directed to pay the sum of N250 million for violating extant rules.

The CBN Spokesman further disclosed that the decision of the Bank followed thorough investigations by it into the allegations of remittances by the four banks of forex with irregular certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs) issued on behalf of some offshore investors of MTN Nigeria Communications Limited.

He said the investigations revealed that the sum of $3,448,119,321.72 was repatriated

by Standard Chartered Bank on the basis of the illegally issued CCIs. Similarly, he said the sums of $2,632,005,623.78, $1,766,263,212.75 and $348,914,501.30 were repatriated

by Stanbic IBTC Nigeria, Citibank Nigeria and Diamond Bank Plc, respectively during the period 2007 and 2015. Accordingly, he said

the CBN had directed the affected banks to immediately refund the respective sums to the CBN. The CBN investigation further revealed that on account of illegal conversion of MTN shareholders’ loan to preference shares (interest free loan) of $399,594,146.00, the sum of $8,134,312,397.63 was illegally repatriated by the company.

While disclosing that the investigations by the CBN took a while in order to carry out thorough inquiry and give fair hearing to all parties involved, Mr. Okorafor advised all banks and multinational companies in Nigeria to adhere strictly to the provisions of all extant laws and regulations of Nigeria in their foreign exchange transactions.

He, however, warned that failure by the management of banks and companies to abide by the existing guidelines would be appropriately sanctioned, which sanctions may include denial of access to the Nigerian foreign exchange market.

NLNG pays over $100bn to FG, other equity holders Henry Omunu, Abuja Managing Director of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) located in Bonny, Rivers state, Tony Attah, on Wednesday disclosed that over $100 billion has so far been remitted to the federal government and other equity holders in the company as revenue.

Attah disclosed this at the investigative hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Gas Resources into the proposed sale of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), contract modification of EGP3B production platform following the joint venture agreement between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Chevron Nigeria Limited and contract upgrade of OML 58 upgrade 1, the execution of Obote/Ubeta/Rumuji pipeline’.

According to him, the federal government through the NNPC which owns 49 per cent equity got over $15 billion as dividend and $6.5 billion as tax, which positioned the company as the singular highest tax paying company in Nigeria and in the African continent.

Other shareholders are Shell Gasa BV which owns 25.6 per cent equity, Total which owns 15 per cent equity and ENI International which owns 10.4 per cent equity in the NLNG. On the company’s efforts towards reducing gas flaring in the country, Attah said “as a result of Nigeria LNG being in existence, we have helped reduce gas flaring by more than 65 per cent and will continue to work with our upstream suppliers to mop-up more because we produce the opportunity as the biggest gas sink for whatever gas is provided in the country.

“We have the capacity to receive that gas but I think by far the biggest opportunity is in Nigeria’s brand

and reputation. Before NLNG, Nigeria was actually number two on the undesired league of gas flaring nations in the world.

“But today, we are number seven ahead of other countries like the United States; I mean, the United States is flaring more gas than Nigeria”.

He added that the company is spending about $120 million on the construction of the Bonny-Bono Road which will connect Bonny to Port-Harcourt, and is slated for completion within 40 months.

Rep. Randoff Brown (PDP/ Rivers) speaking at the investigative hearing, observed that the NLNG is the most significant arrow-head of the federal government’s quest to eliminate gas flaring and derive value from the country’s 187 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves.

“The NLNG has gas to export as liquefied natural gas and natural

gas liquids, thus helping to reduce gas flaring by upstream companies from over 60 per cent to less than 25 per cent.

“The NLNG mops up gas that would otherwise be flared, thus making significant contributions to the nation’s income, delivering in the last 13 years over $13 billion on gas purchases from oil producing companies, of which the federal government of Nigeria owns 55 per cent – 60 per cent company income tax and other taxes,” he said.

Also speaking, Rep. Diri Douye (PDP/Bayelsa), who sponsored the motion on the need to investigate the contract for the modification of the EGP 3B production platform following the joint venture agreement between the federal government, NNPC and Chevron Nigeria Limited, frowned at the delay in completing the project.

Profit taking in 27 stocks down equities market by 0.44% Ladesope Ladelokun Investors profit-taking in Dangote cement plc, 26 others stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) depreciated the All Share Index (ASI) equities market by 0.44 per cent to 35,358.94 basis points, as investors booked profit across value stocks.

Accordingly, the Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date returns moderated to -4.48per cent and -7.54per cent respectively.

The Industrial Goods index dropped by 1.90per cent, Insurance index also down by 0.31per ent, and Consumer Goods index dropped by 0..05per cent, following losses in WAPCO (-5.56per cent), STDINSURE (-9.52per cent), and FLOURMILL (-7.06per cent) shares, respectively.

On the flip side, sustained interest in Total Nigeria plc shares added 1.05per cent and Guaranty Trust Bank plc rose by 0.13per cent , led to upticks in the Oil & Gas (+0.48per cent) and Banking (+0.20per cent) indices respectively.

Market breadth turned negative, with 27 losers and 17 gainers, led by Port paints plc (-9.96per cent) and Livestock plc (-10.00per cent) shares, respectively.

Total volume inched up 1.58 per cent to 345.06 million units, valued at N2.27 billion and exchanged in 3,261 deals.

Nigerians debt in commercial banks hit N15.9trn in one year - NBS Motolani Oseni The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has disclosed that 2,328,183 Nigerians are indebted to Guaranty Trust bank, Zenith bank plc and other commercial banks N15.9trillion in 2017.

According to NBS report, the total number of borrowers in 2017 is at a three year low and has dropped by as much as 700,000 Nigerians when compared to the three million borrowers as at December 2015 The bureau said total amount borrowed by Nigerians currently owe the banking sector about N15.93 trillion in loans up from

N13.3 trillion in 2015 and from N13.35 trillion in 2016 “Interestingly about N13.1 trillion of the total loans borrowed from the banks were lent to 3,891 customers up from N13.1 trillion, N9.3 trillion also lent to 2,247 and 2,048 customers in 2016 and 2017 respectively. These customers have a loan outstanding of about N1 billion and above.

“Over 2.2 million Nigerians borrowed less than N1 million from deposit money bank.

The data by NBS also revealed that on the average customers who borrow N1 million or less borrow on an average N53,000 per person compared to N97,000 per person in 2016. It is also down from N88,000 per person in 2016.

L-R: United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Harriet Baldwin; Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, during a meeting with a business delegation from the UK at the Venture Park in Abuja... on Wednesday

POLITICS TIMES g Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

2019: The challenges before Gov Bagudu As the clock ticks towards 2019 general elections, the political atmosphere at all levels is tensed, the party must contend with the proliferation of aspirants both old and new breed politicians, as they fish in troubled and uncertain waters, the quest to retain or get new positions heightens making it practically challenging.

The governor of Kebbi State, His Excellency Atiku Bagudu had it quite soft during the 2015 polls because he joined APC when it was clear the party will deliver as it was crystal that the ruling party then was heading to the rocks with Buhari as presidential aspirant, the journey was really for other aspirants.

Governor Bagudu took advantage of the situation and won the party’s ticket, eventually became the governor of Kebbi.

He has now been tested for three years, he got more lovers and many enemies as the number one citizen of the state, in the course of governance he may have stepped on toes, therefore his popularity rating may reduce due his actions and inactions.

As a clever politician he thought it wise to kill opposition in the state in order to get yet another smooth ride to the government house, he succeeded in bringing to his party’s fold a notable politician from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he made the party a shadow of its former self, those in the state and visitors can hardly notice the existence of another party apart from the ruling APC. However, the dust is not quite over, before him is a prince of

Bagudu

Argungu by name Ciroma, a billionaire retired Customs’ officer, the governorship aspirant can match the sitting governor naira for naira and dollar for dollar, especially if the party allows direct primaries.

Aside that, now the dying opposition is gradually regaining its breath as the former national treasurer of the PDP has joined the race, another famous politician, Abubakar Gari Malam is speculated to be one of those eyeing the coveted seat, the Shattiman Gwandu is a real headache to the governor as he gave the former governor of the state, Saidu Dakin Gari a good

fight under a new party then, DPP, that makes him a strong force to reckon with.

In the civil service, Governor Bagudu pays salaries regularly and promptly, but the backlog of unpaid gratuities is posing a huge threat to the governor as he galvanises his government as thousands of them are not please with him for his inability to settle them, the new entrants’ into the party are crying of neglect after been wooed to the ruling party, they are left unattended to by the governor, these human and political forces staring the face of Governor Bagudu must be adequately addressed before 2019.

Buhari’s govt uplifting ordinary people from poverty – Taraba APC chieftain A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Taraba State, Dr Sam Skebrah Bulus Timothy has said that the current administration is making legendary impacts in the life and economy of ordinary people who were neglected by previous governments.

Dr Timothy who’s a staunch promoter of President Muhammadu Buhari in Taraba State spoke when he received an Hounorary doctorate degree from Petrus Fidei University in Lanexa, Virginia USA. He said the social investment programme of the Buhari administration is antidote to fighting poverty and bridging the wide gap between the rich and the ordinary Nigerians who constitutes the larger population of the country.

Timothy who is also a peace ambassador for Good

Governance said that this is the first time in the history of this country that the economy is adjusting to the reality of meeting the needs of ordinary Nigerians.

“Government programmes under President Buhari have shown the level corruption has deprived the ordinary Nigerians.

For the first time, we see what a people centered government should look like. How resources should be used for the ordinary people, President Buhari has shown that Africa can walk out of poverty if resources are channeled appropriately to the people.”

The representative of the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Archbishop Sunday Uahomo in his speech, describe Dr Timothy as a versatile and hard working accounting professional with extensive experience in academic

and administration in the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria.

He said the University decided to honour Dr Timothy based on his contribution to the field of accounting and corporate governance.

On his part, Alhaji Ibrahim Modibbo a seasoned politician and a renowned journalist who chaired the occasion, urge Nigerians to promote national unity and peaceful co-existence.

Also a former Attorney General in Kaduna State and chairman Mega Veteran Handball Association of Nigeria, Mr. Mark Jacob told the recipient to take these awards as a challenge and not just a mere celebration.

He advised him to do the needful for his community, Taraba and Nigeria, because the unity of the country lay in the hands of people like Dr Timothy.

15

Group tells Faleke to hands-off Ikeja Reps ticket Patrick Okohue A political, but non partisan group, Concerned citizens of Ikeja, has admonished the representatives of Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon. James Faleke to show appreciation to the people of Ikeja who gave him the opportunity to serve them in the House of Representatives despite his state of origin and not insult them by attempting to return to the seat after going to contest the deputy governorship seat in Kogi State, his state of origin.

The group in a statement signed by its convener, Wale Fagbenro, advised Faleke not expect to be accepted back by the people despite attempts to blind them through empowerment programe.

The group wondered why the House of Representatives member would want to insult the sensitivity of the people of Ikeja with his attempt to return to the House of Representatives, after his failed attempt to become the deputy governor and later governor of his home state of Kogi.

They said, “Save for the death of Audu Abubakar, Faleke would have long gone to Kogi State and be serving as Deputy Governor.

“Moreso, Faleke would have emerged the governor of the state if the leaders had not insisted that Governor Yahaya Bello would be their candidate. Where did Faleke leave the people of Ikeja that elected him into the House of Representatives, when he ran to contest in Kogi State?” they asked.

While insisting that there are quite a lot of posers for Faleke to answer, the group wondered about the source of the funds that Faleke used in prosecuting his political campaign in Kogi State.

“Where did he get the money he was spending to empower the people of Kogi State in the build-up to the governorship election in Kogi State, what are his achievements in Ikeja area of the state since he got to the green chamber seven years ago.

“People have not forgotten Faleke’s years as chairman of Ojodu Local Government. To say the least, this is enough for a man that has openly made it clear that he wants to go and rule his home state.

“The office should be left for the real people of Lagos and not those that would

Faleke

be representing an area in a state, but whose heart is totally in another state.

The wool has finally been removed from our eyes, the people of Lagos State are now ready to do without the Falekes of this world,” they said.

Describing the empowerment programme that he held for the people of the constituency on Tuesday as deceit, the group said, “That the National Assembly is on vacation is not an opportunity for the likes of Faleke to concoct lies to deceive the people of Ikeja Federal Constituency, who have vowed to free themselves from the shackles of some politicians that have nothing good to offer.

“Today he has come with the ace of deceit by calling the entire federal constituency to the sham of an empowerment program which is like flossing over an infested wound.”

Describing the materials set apart for the empowerment as insult on the people who gave him the opportunity to lead them for 17 years of their lives, they also wondered about, “How much can the people of Ikeja take from the man who has represented them 17years with no meaningful or substantial thing to show for it.

“Where is the empowerment in the above? Is this all that Ikeja deserves in 17 years of stewardship? Where is the landmark Legislation? Where is Youth Empowerment in Ikeja? Is it about the handouts? Where are the jobs? The insult on our collective psyche and the abuse of our youths by this show of shame is very condemnable,” they said.

The group also put a lie to the alleged claim by Faleke that he has been endorsed for third term in office by the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), apparently referring to Jagaban Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to them, “The shenanigan from Faleke is not only to be discarded by members of the public, but it should be condemned by followers of events in the ruling APC. “Just about a forthnight ago, while addressing a mammoth crowd of the members of the party in its ‘camp ground’ in ACME, Ikeja, Lagos, Tinubu disassociated himself from the ‘babasope’ syndrome, and made it clear that only those the people want would emerge as candidates for the various political offices.”

2

16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 11, 2018 Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

HEALTH TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

Experts advocate free blood screening for pregnant women to eliminate Rhesus disease Stories: Kasarachi Chukwuma Nigeria has high rate of infant deaths which has remained a major source of concern to stakeholders in the health sector including the government over the years . Statistics from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), show that 10 per cent of new-born deaths in the world occur in the country annually.

As part of efforts to reduce these worrisome deaths particularly those arising from Rhesus disease occasioned by Rhesus Incompatibility , healthcare professionals have called for the introduction of free genotype/blood group screening in all hospitals in Nigeria to enable pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) know their Rhesus status.

The stakeholders stated that introducing a free health screening to be known as ‘Operation know your genotype and blood group’ by government in all health facilities in the country was critical in eliminating Rhesus disease.

Stressing that in Nigeria today, the lack of screening of pregnant women during antenatal care had led to high infant mortality, and remained a huge challenge.

For the stakeholders, it was high time policy makers and healthcare professionals took a proactive step and adopt a holistic approach that could eliminate the disease and also put an end to the needless loss of lives of newborn to the vaccine preventable disease.

They noted that Rhesus disease had been eliminated in high-income countries, but had however, remained a scourge in low and middleincome countries like Nigeria.

According to experts, Rhesus disease also known as haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN), is a condition where antibodies in a pregnant woman’s blood destroy her baby’s blood cells. The disease does not harm the mother, but it can cause the baby to become anaemic and develop jaundice. Rhesus disease which can be prevented using injections of a medication called Anti-D immunoglobulin or Rhogam , is said to occur only when the mother has Rhesus negative blood (RhD negative) and the baby in her womb has Rhesus positive blood (RhD positive).

Speaking at a One-day Symposium on 50 Years Celebration of Rhesus Prevention, which focused on the need for Nigeria to align with global efforts in the elimination of the disease, the stakeholders affirmed that if Nigeria aligned with global best practices through increased awareness creation and by making Anti-D Immunoglobulin affordable and accessible to women that needed it, the country could eliminate the disease.

The symposium organised by Rhesus Solution Initiative (RSI ) in Lagos recently, attracted over

A pregnant woman

200 participants representing stakeholders in the health sector, international organizations, NGOs, local and foreign medical experts in hematology, paediatry , commissioners of health, Nigerian Medical Association, pharmaceutical manufacturers, researchers, representatives of the federal and state governments among others.

One of the stakeholders and Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole in his key note address, said for the country to eliminate Rhesus disease, all stakeholders must come together and play their role effectively and ensure that the high infant mortality rate associated with the disease was reduced to the barest minimum through regular sensitisation of pregnant women, as a lot of them were still ignorant of the disease.

Adewole who was represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) , Idi-Araba, Prof. Chris Bode, said, “ Without awareness and vaccination, the number of deaths will remain high. It is regrettable that in spite of our rich oil, our babies still die from preventable prenatal causes. We must map out strategies to eliminate the disease by addressing the issue of accessibility and affordability of the injection because it is crucial for Nigeria to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

In her presentation, a Consultant Paediatrician, Prof. Angela Okolo whose lecture centred on the nature of Rhesus disease, treatment and prevention, said, “ Nigeria must be committed to reducing neonatal deaths associated with Rhesus disease because it is highly preventable and the vaccine injection is also available.

“This can be done if the government provides free Rhogam at all primary healthcare centres in the country apart from providing free genotype/ blood group screening for all pregnant women attending antenatal.”

President and Initiator of Rhesus Solution Initiative, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Banire, in her remarks, identified ignorance owing to lack of awareness as well as lack of accessibility and affordability of the vaccine which cost N35,000 per injection as major problems hindering the elimination of the disease in Nigeria.

Banire revealed that approximately 450,000 out over 7million babies delivered in Nigeria every year were affected by Rhesus disease, stressing that urgent action be taken to reverse the ugly trend.

“The issue of lack of awareness remains a major problem but it can be addressed through community participation, involvement of religious leaders, women associations/groups and NGOs. Also, healthcare providers themselves must ensure that pregnant women attending ante-natal care are duly sensitized on Rhesus incompatibility and its implications to their unborn babies. “ After proper screening of pregnant women during ante-natal care , delivery should also be monitored by skilled birth attendants. Again, there is also need for testing of babies born to Rhesus negative women at birth to determine their Rhesus status and to ascertain the need for Rhogam injection or otherwise” she said.

Calling on stakeholders to promote health education and address the issue of poor health seeking behaviour among Nigerians, Banire harped on the need for capacity building for health workers.

Health sector can’t move forward in disharmony, NMA, PSN tell members The leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, have implored their members to embrace peace and disallow any act capable of bringing disharmony in the health sector.

The NMA President, Dr. Francis Faduyile and his PSN counterpart, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai, told their members point blank that except they worked as a team, communicated, shared and dialogued together , the nation’s health sector would not move forward.

The duo spoke recently during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the NMA to PSN Office in Anthony, Lagos, where the two leaders of the two major healthcare professional bodies in Nigeria agreed to work together in the interest of patients.

The NMA boss, said , “We know that the Nigerian health sector cannot move forward if we continue to work in disharmony. We came here to tell PSN that we want to continue to work in harmony. I want to thank the PSN President for giving direction on

how we can work together. It is important for the leaders in the sector to fashion out ways of working harmoniously in the interest of patients.

“This is the most important because God called us for a divine purpose to save lives. However, over the years, there has been a real distrust among us which has affected the sector. If disharmony is allowed to continue, the same way it affects the patients, is the same way that it will affect us. I recalled the impact of the various strikes in the sector. We have heard of doctors who died during the strikes and if we do not address this problem, we have questions to answer before God at the end of our lives here on earth. More importantly, the ultimate loser is the practitioners if we allow disharmony in the health sector. In this fight, we are all on the ground irrespective of who is winning and while on ground, a lot of things are going on at out back like in the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS and the National Health Act .”

Faduyile however, enumerated some of the things he said were causing disharmony in the sector and

how to resolve them.

He explained: “First, is the Yayale Amed Panel.

Government should bring out the white paper report on this. We must come together and take a collective position on the report. “Second, is on the issue of remunerations- the issue of money. It got to a stage that doctors became susceptible to kidnappers.

Government said we are well paid and when we look at our pocket, the pocket is empty. Then, when we start fighting, people will say that we are selfish.

But we must strive to work together and see how the issue of salary disparity will be solved.”

He also identified specialisation as a problem, adding that both bodies would sit together and address the issue as well as other issues affecting harmony in the sector.

Responding, the PSN President called for interprofessional collaboration in the sector, adding that it was not only the way to success but would also enable practitioners offer quality service in the system and also serve the patients better.

g 17

95% of HIV funding from donor agencies, says NACA

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has revealed that 95 per cent of HIV and AIDS funding in Nigeria was largely provided by international donor agencies.

Dr Sani Aliyu, the Director General, NACA, disclosed this at the public screening of Prof.

Wole Soyinka’s “Keep the Promise’’ to AIDS Video Campaign, organised by AIDS Health Care Foundation (AHF) held in Abuja.

Aliyu said that 95 per cent HIV and AIDS funding for about 1.1 million Nigerians on treatment came from the U.S. Government and Global Fund.

He said that the Federal Government was not pleased with such development and was committed to changing the figures and taking ownership of the HIV and AIDS response in Nigeria.

“We have to invest in HIV treatment; we are having more and more people in the world coming into treatment.

“Access to treatment is no longer a major issue globally and it should be in Nigeria.

“We have an opportunity with the HIV survey which is on-going to clearly define the burden of HIV in the country, and by early next year we will have a reliable estimate.

“This will give us an opportunity to step forward and take over our responsibility because access to treatment is a right so that people living with the virus can live a normal life,’’ he said.

Mr Suleiman Tola, Head, Health and Gender Desk, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), called for robust collaboration by stakeholders to support individuals and organisations who claimed to have cure for HIV through research and investigation.

He also tasked media organisations to have an in-depth understanding of the problem both economically and socially as well as its impact on individuals and the society.

He said a healthy nation is a wealthy nation hence the need for the Federal Government to prioritise HIV funding in the country.

Tola, further urged government at all levels to implement the Patient Bill of Right and promote issues affecting HIV and AIDS response in their various states and communities.

Reducing air pollution leads to drop in diabetes

A new study has revealed that reducing pollution may lead to a drop in diabetes cases globally.

The study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs (VA) St. Louis Health Care System, showed that air pollution contributes significantly to diabetes, revealing that even low pollution levels can pose health risk.

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases, affecting more than 420 million people worldwide,says the World Health Organization.

The main drivers of diabetes include eating an unhealthy diet, having a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity, but the new research indicates the extent to which outdoor air pollution plays a role.

Lead researcher and an assistant professor of medicine at Washington University. Dr.Ziyad AlAly, said, “Our research shows a significant link between air pollution and diabetes globally.

“We found an increased risk, even at low levels of air pollution currently considered safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and WHO. This is important because many industry lobbying groups argue that current levels are too stringent and should be relaxed. Evidence shows that current levels are still not sufficiently safe and need to be tightened.”

He added, “We wanted to thread together the pieces for a broader, more solid understanding”, he said.

The findings were recently published in The Lancet Planetary Health.

Classified

18

SUPER STAR UNITED BROTHER’S CLUB

This is to inform the general public that the above named Club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AZORUWA OBUMNEME C. 2. EKUMA EMEKA MICHAEL 3. NWEZZA UGOCHUKWU MARCEL 4. OHAEGBULEM PATRICK EMEKA 5. OKORO CHINEDU SAMUEL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To help members who are in needs

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar -General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: TRUSTEES

NATION HOUSE OF GOD MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry had applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

The trustees are: 1. Ahanonu Joseph Osundu - Chairman 2. Amadi Hamilton Ucheoma - Secretary 3. Ume Okechukwu - Member 4. Iheka Noah chidi - Member.

Aims and objectives are: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all nation.

2. To reconcile men back to God 3. To assist the less privileged, indigent , destitutes orphans and widows.

4. To establish churches where converts can be taught the holy Bible .

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Ahanonu Joseph osundu - Chairman

REFUGE PALACE FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

TRUSTEES 1.IBOM EBONG IBOM-PRESIDENT 2.ONOURA EDNA MMAEGBUNAM-SECRETARY 3.BASSEY IDORENYIN ETIM-TREASURER 4.BOMA IMA BASSEY-P.R.O AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1.BENEVOLENCE TO THE ORPHANS,WIDOWS,NEEDY AND LESS PRIVILEDGE 2.TO SUPPORT ORPHANAGE HOMES 3.TO PROVIDE CLEAN DRINKING WATER AND OTHERS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed Trustees

ASSOCIATION OF FASHION AND FOOD VENDORS OF NIGERIA, ABUJA CHAPTER This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EZEOKEKE CHIKAODINAKA MARIAN 2. DANIEL MERCY ODINAKA 3. EZIKE ULOMA KELECHI

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

CREST VINEYARD MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part c of companies and allied matters act 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE 1,OLORUNTOFEHINTI OSAMUDIAME - chairman 2, OSAS VIVIAN- member 3, OMONIYI OLATUNJI GODWINS-member 4, ODIGIE DOROTHY -member 5,OYE OLUWAFEMI- member 6,OGBEBOR OSARUMWENSE MICHELLE- secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1,To worship God in truth and in spirit, embarking on worldwide Evangelism and sending out missionaries to take the gospel of Christ to the whole world and disciplining of new converts.

Any objection to this publication should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420,Tigris crescent, off aguyi ironsi street, maitama,abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed- secretary

NOBLE CHILD BUILDERS FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

Trustees are: 1. Mrs Chidimma Chijioke Treasure Mkpasi 2. Mr. Innocent Chijioke Mkpasi 3. Miss. Stella Obiageli Igwenazor.

Aims and objectives are: 1. To take education to the door steps of the poor and less privileged by setting up schools for the poor and less privileged.

SMART EMIYAN FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

The Trustees 1. SMART Emiyan Oluwadamilola- president 2.SMART Veronica -Treasure.

3. SMART Micheal -secretary AIMS AND OBJECTIVE To Give Support, Helps, Scholarships, And Empowerment To People

Trustees 1.Pastor Omogiate George Osaze 2.Osazuwa Osagie 3.Bello Agekameh Peter 4.Paradise Julius Onome 5.Ehimen Austin Jesu-oseh 6.Orekoya Babajide Gbolahan Aims and objectives are: To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the whole world.

ONWA DIAMOND CLUB This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

Trustees: 1. John Samuel Chigozie 2. Obinna Alakwe Aims and objectives: 1. To promote a sense of brotherliness, unity and oneness among THE ONWA DIAMOND CLUB 2. To encourage as much as possible, legitimate effort aimed at the economic, political and social development among THE ONWA DIAMOND CLUB ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Signed Trustees

Signed Trustees

BEST CHOICE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT ORGANIZATION

HEAVEN LINK BELIEVERS INTERNATIONAL NETWORK

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

Trustees 1. OLORIOLA JOHN EDEKI - Chairman 2. OLORIOLA VICTORY ILAMOSI - Secretary

Signed: Secretary

CHRIST REFORMATION BIBLE MINISTRY THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. APOSTLE OGUNLEYE TOPE MICHAEL - PRESIDENT 2. EVANGELIST OGUNLEYE ADESEWA DORCAS

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD BIBLE TABERNACLE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SUNDAY UWABEKE

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Signed: Bassey Okorafor Emmanuel - Chairman.

Signed Trustees

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To carry out evangelistic missionary work in all part of Nigeria and overseas and planting of churches 3.To promote belief in the efficacy of faith, healing of the sick through prayers and the word of God.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed Trustees

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. KAMA ANTHONY PRAISE 2. ENOKELA OCHENEHI JAMES 3. IKANI DAN TIMOTHY 4. AKPAN BLESSING UDUAK 5. ANTHONY QUEEN KAMA

Aims and objectives are: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all nation 2. To reconcile men back to God. 3. To assist the less privileged, indigent, destitutes, and widows.

4. To establish churches where converts can be taught the holy Bible.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1. To carter for it members and the less privileged

EAGLES’ ENTHRONEMENT CHURCH WORLDWIDE

Trustees are.

1. Bassey Okorafor Emmanuel - Chairman 2. Bassey Sarah Onyinyechi - Secretary.

3. Uche Emmanuel Azu - Treasurer

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1. To achieve the goal of economic and empowerment of the less privilege through the provision of responsive financial services on affordable term.

2. To be the best organization in delivery of financial services in a sustainable basis.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

REFINING FIRE MINISTRY INT”L. The general is hereby notified that the above named Ministry had applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

TRUSTEES 1.

NGOZI OMEOKWE, 2. EMMANUEL. IKECHUKWU OMEOKWE, 3. CHINYERE CHUKWU AMADI, 4. EMMAUEL EMEKA EZIEFULA, 5. ASSUMTA KELECHI Aim andOBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROVIDE ALL ROUND PROSPERITY FOR BELIEVERS. 2. TO PROVIDE SOUND WORD BASED FOUNDATION FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL ALL ROUND GROWTH GO ON WITH THAT PUBLICATION ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Signed Secretary

HOLY GHOST FLAME OF FIRE MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. MR. UCHENNA JOSEPH 2. MRS. EUCHARIA ONYINYE JOSEPH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.

WINNING SOULS FOR CHRIST JESUS FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF CHRISTIANITY 2.

DELIVERING PEOPLE FROM BOTH PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL BONDAGE THROUGH THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS. 3.

TO PREACH THE RESTORATION OF MORAL VALUES IN HUMANITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

REGAL BROTHERS UNITED CLUB The General Public is hereby notified that the Above-named CLUB has applied for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. OKEYIKA CHRISTIAN MADUAB- Chairman 2. VINCENT CHINEDU HENRY - Secretar 3. MBONU OBINNA CARL -Member 4. EZEBIKE CHINEDU KELVIN -Member 5. NZEKWE OKWUDIRI SUNDAY - Member THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1.To promote unity and peaceful co-existence amongst members.

2.To assist any member who is involved in any problem so far the person did not steal or kill.

3. To inform members of any business opportunity that will favour them.

Any Objection to the registration of the above CLUB should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

BABAWALE AND TIFFANY CHARITY FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEE ARE 1. OKUNOLA BABAWALE SAHEED 2. OKUNOLA TIFFANY SUZANNE 3. SAMUEL IDONG MICHAEL 4. FADAHUNSI ABAYOMI JOSHUA.

Trustees: 1) MUDASIRU TAJUDEEN - Chairman 2) JAGBALO OLUSOLA - Secretary 3) BADMUS AMBALI 4) MUIDEEN AZEEZ ISHOLA 5) MUSTAPHA ABDULAHI MUSA.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGE. 2. TO PROMOTE THE YOUTH AND THE COMMUNITY

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To promote peace, unity and love among members.

2) To care for members welfare.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs Commission within 28days of this publication

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs Commission within 28days of this publication

SIGNED SECRETARY

Signed Secretary

WIDOWS FORUM OF NIGERIA AND DIASPORA

SOUL HUNTERS CREW CHRISTIAN OUTREACH

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration Under part c of the companies and allied matters act of 1990.

Trustees: 1. REV. (MRS) AKINTUNDE ESTHER ADERINTO - GENERAL OVERSEER 2) PASTOR AKINTUNDE SOLOMON OLAGOKE 3) ELDER OWOLABI DANIEL OMOLADE 4) EVANG. AKINTUNDE MICHAEL AKINWUMI - SECRETARY 5) DEACON OWOLABI GBENGA 6) EVANG. AKINTUNDE SIMEON OLATUNDE.

Trustees are : 1, OBINEME PHOEBE CHIAGOR. 2, GODWIN CHINYELU ARONU 3, NKEMKA IFEANYICHUKWU

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs Commission within 28days of this publication

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs Commission within 28days of this publication.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Propagation of the word of God

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To Help the less privileged

Signed : Chairman

ST. JOSEPH’S HOME FOR THE ELDERLY AND HANDICAP IN NIGERIA

ADVOCACY OF THE NEEDY INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration Under part c of the companies and allied matters act of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration Under part c of the companies and allied matters act of 1990.

Trustees are : 1, REV. SIS. ANAJEKWU CHINELO CHRISTIANA 2, REV. SIS. UGWU RUFINA OGOCHUKWU.

Trustees are : 1.ONUIGWE CHUKWUEMEKA SYLVESTER - PRESIDENT 2, ILOZOR AMBROSE EMEKA 3, ASUZU CHINEDU PETERS -SECRETARY 4, EMEKA BEN OKONKWO 5, ANAENUGWU NDUBUISI.

Signed : Trustees

AUCTION SALES! AUCTION SALES!!

THERE WILL BE AN AUCTION SALES OF SCRAP MOTORS AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS AT THE NIGERIA POLICE, DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS, ABULOMA ROAD DIVISION, PORT HARCOURT, OF THE RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND. AFTER 21 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. 1. TWO PIECES PARK OF VOLKSWAGEN BUS 2. ONE MITSUBISHI ENGINE AND PART 3. TWO BICYCLES 4. ONE KICK STARTER, ONE ALTERNATOR AND THREE MOS FILTER AND CABLE, ONE BLUE SMALL TIGER GENERATOR, ONE INCOMPLETE FORTY HORSE POWER OUTBOARD ENGINE, THREE IRON PIPE, ONE HAND PUMPING MACHINE WITH HOST, ONE TWELVE FIT INCHES PIPE, TWO BIG WELLINE CATERPILLAR BATTERY, EIGHT BIG LUMINOUS BATTERIES ONE HYBRID INVERTER, 5. SOME DAMAGED TELEVISION SETS, DVD SETS, SPEAKERS, HP ELITE BOOK LAPTOP, ELECTRIC JUG. 6. AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS. SIGNED: ALH. UBALLO DANU AUCTIONEER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Hope for the Needy Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs Commission within 28days of this publication.

Signed : Secretary

CENTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS The General public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HULEJI SUNDAY - PRESIDENT 2. AKINBO BOLUWATIFE - SECRETARY 3. KINGSLEY OCHONOGOR EMI 4. OLADAPO ADEYEMI ALAMU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To cater for the less welfare members Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

THE LIVING TREASURE OF GOD BIBLE CHURCH

CHRIST VOICE OF THE LAST CRUSADE CHURCH

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act No. 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EBERE DURU 2. PAMELA CHISOM DURU 3. AMANDA IFY DURU 4. VICTOR CHIDINDU DURU

TRUSTEES ARE 1.PASTOR NWATOR LAWRENCE N. 2.EVANG. NWATOR NGOZI EZINWANYI

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the gospel 2. To fight against the kingdom of darkness 3. To pray for peace in the world 4. To administer the ordinances of Christian faith Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

This is to inform the general public that the above named outreach has applied for registration Under part c of the companies and allied matters act of 1990.

Trustees are 1, EZENAGU VICTORY ONYEDIKA 2, EZENAGU JULIANA UZOMA

Signed Secretary

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28days of this publication .

TRICYCLE MECHANICS ASSOCIATION OF OYO STATE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration Under part c of the companies and allied matters act of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration Under part c of the companies and allied matters act of 1990.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To help the less privileged

Classified

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration Under part c of the companies and allied matters act of 1990.

Signed: SECRETARY

THE GARDEN OF LIGHT CHRIST EVANGELICAL CHURCH

19

PRESIDENT SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE WHOLE NATIONS. 2. TO PREPARE BELIVERS TOWARDS THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Pot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: PRESIDENT

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs Commission within 28days of this publication of this publication.

Signed : Chairman

ASSEMBLY OF KALABARI CHRISTIANS The general public is hereby notified that the above named non-governmental organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration as an incorporated trustee under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap. C-20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1). APOSTLE ENEMENIA SIKIBO DAREGO - CHAIRMAN 2) PST. CHRISTOPHER BRIGGS - SECRETARY 3) REV. DR. ABIYE PRINCEWILL 4) DR. IDONIBOYE BEKEANGAMA EFEREBO 5) BISHOP DR. CHIEF OMBO ISOKARIARI 6). CHIEF BARR. FIGBENE CHARLES MEMBERE 7). APOSTLE SARAH MINA ENOCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (i) To seek the face of the Almighty God to forgive the sins ofpast and present generations in all Kalabari towns andsettlements (ii) To seek God’s merciful intervention for the totalredemption of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality: its towns,villages and settlements, and its people from the shackles, control and manipulations of the kingdoms and agents of darkness.

Any objection to this registration should be addressed to the Registrar GeneralCorporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street,Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: PRESIDENT

AYETORO GBEDE GLOBAL NETWORK The General public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OYELOLA OLADELE - CHAIRMAN 2. ZAID OLAJIDE - SECRETARY 3. AYODELE JOSEPH DEEPAK 4. SALIU JAMIU OLUSHOLA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To cater for the less welfare members Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. JIDE ZAID

NZUKO-ORA UMU OZUBULU INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE 1.OLISA ANTHONY OBINNA - CHAIRMAN 2.ILECHUKWU CHUKS SECRETARY 3. OBI FAVOUR OKECHUKWU –MEMBER 4. ILECHUKWU FESTUS C. –MEMBER 5. OBI KENNEDY UZOCHUKWU - MEMBER 6. ONWUJIOBI EMMANUEL –MEMBER 7. MOKA EMMANUEL TAGBO - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF ITS MEMBERS. 2. TO PROMOTE LOVE, UNITY AND PROGRESS AMONG OZUBULE YOUTHS Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Pot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. EJIKE OKEKE

Classified SHAYA DENNIS I, formerly known and addressed as, ISAIAH DENIS , now wish to be known and addressed as, ISHAYA DENNIS. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm and certify that OGBUO AMAOBI MICHAEL and OGBUO CLIFFORD MICHAEL refer to one and same person. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

SULAIMAN ALIMI I formerly known and addressed as SULEIMAN ALIMI now wish to be known, called and addressed as SULAIMAN ALIMI. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and general public take note.

MISS MUFUTAU HALIMOT I formerly known and addressed as MISS MUFUTAU HALIMOT now wish to be addressed as MISS MUFUTAU HALIMOT ABAYOMI all former documents remain valid. Skye bank and General Public take note.

Mrs Adebola Victoria I formerly known as Miss Oredugba Victoria Oyeyemi now wish to be known as Mrs Adebola Victoria Oyeyemi.All former documents remain valid.General public take note TANIMOLA JAMES

I, formerly known and addressed as TANIMOLA JIMOH RASAQ now wish to be known and addressed as TANIMOLA JAMES RASAQ. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

LAWAL OYINDAMOLA I, formerly known and addressed as MAKINDE OYINDAMOLA AJOKE now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL OYINDAMOLA MAKIMDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note Owen Blessing I, formerly known and addressed as Ochuka Blessing Uchechukwu now wish to be known and addressed as Owen Blessing Uchechukwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SULAIMAN ONYIA BLESSING JIMOH

I, formerly known and addressed as MUHAMMED TUNJI SULAIMAN, now wish to be known addressed as SULAIMAN JIMOH OLATUNJI. All former documents remain valid; Banks and general public should take note.

MRS. COLLINS CHRISTABEL IKECHUKWU AMUCHE

I, formerly known and addressed as COLLINS SUNDAY UDEH, now wish to be known and addressed as COLLINS IKECHUKWU OBI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

IRIRIOLUWA MRS UKAMAKA SAMUEL KATE

UZOMA EMMANUEL

I formerly known and addressed as UKEJE EMMANUEL FAITH, now wish to be known and addressed as UZOMA EMMANUEL OKWUKWE. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and the general public please take note

AKINSANYA GLORIA

I, formerly known and addressed as AREMU KIKELOMO and KIKELOMO SURU ILOKO now wish to be known and addressed as AKINSANYA GLORIA KIKELOMO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

SULEIMAN UMAR I, formerly known and addressed as FAROUK UMAR now wish to be known and addressed as SULEIMAN UMAR. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note Oluwatumininu Folorunsho

I, formerly known and addressed as Oluwatumininu Folorunsho Ayodele now wish to be known and addressed as Oluwatumininu Folorunsho Onamade . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ORAEGBU MORUFUUZOAMAKA AKANDE

I, formerly known and addressed as MORUF MUSULUMU OBILEYE, now wish to be known addressed as MORUFU AKANDE OBILEYE.All former documents remain valid; Banks and general public should take note.

MRS. GODFERY JANESUNDAY OJIUGO

I, formerly known and addressed as GODFERY CHUKWUJEKWU NZEOBIEFUNA, now wish to be known and addressed as GODFERY SUNDAY CHUKWUJEKWU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

NWERI NURENI NWAMAKA TOHEEB

20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

Shoyombo Chinyere

I, formerly known and addressed as, Emmanuel Chinyere Glory , now wish to be known and addressed as, Shoyombo Chinyere Glory. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

OLATUNJI BUNMI SULIAT Formerly known and addressed as OLATUNJI RASIDAT Now wish to be known and addressed as OLATUNJI BUNMI SULIAT,My correct date of birth is 10-011977.All former documents remain valid General public and Authority concerned please take note

MRS. ATILOLA OLORUNWA I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OLAOTAN OLORUNWA OLAJIIRE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ATILOLA OLORUNWA OLAJIIRE. The General Public take note.

NEGBESE ABIMBOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as BABARINDE ABIMBOLA TEMITOPE now wish to be known and addressed as INEGBESE ABIMBOLA TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

MRS ADEYINKA OLUWATOSIN

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEYINKA OLUWATOSIN ADEDEKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEYINKA OLUWATOSIN ADEDEKE AJASA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

ADEWALE CHRISTIANA

I, formerly known and addressed as LAWAL FUNMILAYO CHRISTIANA now wish to be known and addressed as ADEWALE CHRISTIANA FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

CHUKWUEMEKA EDE PATIENCE LEONARD

I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWUEMEKA LEONARD OKOROAFOR, now wish to be known addressed as CHUKWUEMEKA LEONARD ODAGBU. All former documents remain valid; Banks and general public should take note.

ERNEST Mrs. Doris CHUKWUNWEIKPE Chinyere

I, formerly known and addressed as ERNEST CHINWEIKPE ONAH, now wish to be known and addressed as ERNEST CHUKWUNWEIKPE NWAEZE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

OSHODI CHIMA BABATUNDE GLORIA

MRS. DELIGHT EGO BEST

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. CORDELIA EGO DELIGHT UMEAKU, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. DELIGHT EGO BEST AKPOBOME. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AWODE AYOMIKUN

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AWODE OLUWATIMILEHIN KAYODE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AWODE AYOMIKUN OLUWATIMILEHIN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

THOMAS DESTINY

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEGOR MOSES UFUOMA now wish to be known and addressed as THOMAS DESTINY NAVI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

ELOBUIKE GLORIA

I, formerly known and addressed as NWADIGHOHA GLORIA UGOCHI now wish to be known and addressed as ELOBUIKE GLORIA UGOCHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

UZOEPU ADAOBI I, formerly known and addressed as EZENEKWE ADAOBI MIRIAM now wish to be known and addressed as UZOEPU ADAOBI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note LAWRENCE FRIDAY

I, formerly known and addressed as ILOKE FRIDAY now wish to be known and addressed as LAWRENCE FRIDAY IFEANYI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note VICTORIA Correction EGHONGHON of name

That my correct and full name is Nwankwo Charles Okwudilichukwu. that my name was stated as Nwankwo Charles Okwudili in my bvn account and is also stated as Nwankwo Charles okwudilichukwu in my international passport.that I am still the same person bearing Nwanko Charles okwudilichukwu and Nwankwo Charles Okwudili.All documents remain valid general public please take note

MRS. CHINEDU-OGBU. FALEYE TAIBAT

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHIOMA JOAN ANOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIOMA JOAN CHINEDUOGBU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWORIE GINIKA

ORIMOYEGUN OLUBISI

I formerly known and addressed as BABARINDE BISI ZAINAB ,now wish to be known and addressed as ORIMOYEGUN OLUBISI OLUWATOSIN. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

ABAH VIVIAN

I Formerly known and addressed as Ogunsowo Titilayo now wish to be known and addressed as ABAH VIVIAN ELIZABETH . All former documents remain valid , General public take note .

EDIH MARY-QUEEN I, formerly known and addressed as NEMEDIA MARY-QUEEN now wish to be known and addressed as EDIH MARY-QUEEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note ALENWU MARIA I, formerly known and addressed as ALENWU MARY FAITH now wish to be known and addressed as ALENWU MARIA OGWUMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note CORRECTION OF NAME/BIRTH DATE This is to certify and confirm that my name was wrongly written as FELIX BLESSING LASISI instead of FELIX BLESSING UDOH. That my correct name is FELIX BLESSING UDOH . My correct date of birth is 28/05/1988 and not 30/07/1985. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

confirmation of name:

stating that Onyebueke chinwekene lisa is the same person as Onyebueke chinwekene Anastasia and i wish to be addressed as Onyebueke chinwekene Anastasia Lisa All former documents remain valid. General public take note

ROBINSON SANNI AZEEZ EFFIONG

I, formerly known and addressed as ROBINSON EFFIONG ABIANGA, now wish to be known and addressed as ROBINSON EFFIONG EDUMOH. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Authority Concerned should please take note.

NUOLUWA MRS EKEH SOBANJO JOY

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGU JOY CHINELO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EKEH JOY CHINELO. All former documents remain valid. Office of the Head of Service, Coal City Transport Service, Banks and General public should please take note.

MRS IG-IGWEUZOR NURENI TOHEEB ANTHONIA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UKAMAKA KATE EZEH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UKAMAKA KATE ANIOBI. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NKWUDA NWAMAKA LUCY, now wish to be known and addressed as NWERI NWAMAKA LUCY. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWANKWO GLORIA CHINONSO, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIMA GLORIA CHINONSO. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as GINIKA JOSEPH CONFIDENCE, now wish to be known and addressed as NWORIE GINIKA CONFIDENCE .

All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NDUBUISI ANTHONIA NGOZI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IG-IGWEUZOR ANTHONIA NGOZI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OBAAH LAURA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDOZOR LAURA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

MRS ONYIA UDOZOR BLESSING LAURA

MRS ORAEGBU UKATAUZOAMAKA GOODNESS I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZIEKE GOODNESS OLUCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UKATA GOODNESS OLUCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JOY ROBERT, now wish to be known and addressed as JOY EGHONGHON. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

JOY EDE EGHONGHON PATIENCE

CHUKWUMA IFEYINWA I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGADU IFEYINWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHUKWUMA IFEYINWA ORI. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UMEH CHUKWUDIEBERE NELSON, now wish to be known and addressed as OGAZIEREM CHUKWUDIEBERE NELSON. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

MRS. CHRISTABEL NNAJI CHIDERA AMUCHE I, formerly known and addressed as NNADI CHIDERA JANE, now wish to be known and addressed as NNAJI CHIDERA FAVOUR. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ALICHI CHRISTIANA CHINENYE, now wish to be known and addressed as OSOGU CHRISTIANA CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS. CONFIRMATION CHRISTABELOF AMUCHE NAME

This is to certify and confirm that ANI ADAMMA ESTHER, ANI NJIDEKA ESTHER, ANI ADAMMA ESTHER and ANI ADAMMA NJIDEKA refers as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as ANI ADAMMA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note

OSOGU CHRISTIANA

NKWODAK EGWOM

I formerly known and addressed as NKWODAK EGWOM now wish to be known and addresed as NKWODAK EGWOM OGAR. My correct date of birth is 27th Nov. 1988 .All former document remains valid, Banks and general public take note.

MRS ONYIA VERA I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CLIFFORD VERA GOLD, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYIA VERA GOLD. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OGUNLARI ADESHOLA

I formerly known and addressed as OGINNI ADESHOLA ADEDOYIN now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNLARI ADESHOLA ADEDOYIN .

All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

MRS CHUKWU JANE

OGAZIEREM SANNI CHUKWUDIEBERE AZEEZ

ADDITION OF NAME

ALI UMAR Formerly known and addressed as ALIYU ISAAC TUNMISE Now wish to be known and addressed as ALI UMAR.All former documents remain valid General public and Authority concerned please take note

Mrs AKANBI FISAYO Formerly known and addressed as Miss EGUNJOBI FISAYO FEYIKEMI Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs AKANBI FISAYO ARINOLA.All former documents remain valid General public and Authority concerned please take note

AKINYELE OLAMITORO I, formerly known and addressed as OLUWAFUNMIBI DUYILE now wish to be known and addressed as AKINYELE OLAMITORO YEJIDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note OGBONNAYA KINGSLEY

I, formerly known and addressed as OGBONNAYA IGWE ASO now wish to be known and addressed as OGBONNAYA KINGSLEY IGWEASO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

BALOGUN OLUBUNKUNOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as FERNANDER OLUBUNKUNOLA now wish to be known and addressed as BALOGUN OLUBUNKUNOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

Aderonmu Rukayat I, formerly known and addressed as Garuba Rukayat Damilola now wish to be known and addressed as Aderonmu Rukayat Damilola. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note IMOUKHUEDE OCHAI VICTORIA KINGSLEY

I, formerly known and addressed as ODIBO KINGSLEY, KINGSLEY .O. IMOUKHUEDE, OHIREMEN ODIBO, now wish to be known and addressed as IMOUKHUEDE KINGSLEY OHIREMEN. All documents bearing my former names remain valid.

General public and Authority Concerned should please take note.

CHINYE OCHOM THEODORA UMET I, formerly known and addressed as OCHOM WISDOM OWAI, now wish to be known and addressed as OCHOM UMET OWAI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

OSHODI MARSEL BABATUNDE ANGELA I, formerly known and addressed as IGWE ANGELA, now wish to be known and addressed as MARSEL ANGELA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OCHAI VICTORIA NNADI NNANNA

I, formerly known and addressed as NNANNAYA JOSEPH, now wish to be known and addressed as NNADI NNANNA JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONUOHA JANE EZIAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHUKWU JANE EZIAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as IDOWU KEHINDE, that I now wish to add ABODUNRIN to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as IDOWU KEHINDE ABODUNRIN. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take notes.

This is to certify and confirm that FORCHU ODINAKA and FORCHU ODINAKA ESSLEMONT refers as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as FORCHU ESSLEMONT ODINAKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

OKOLOUKWU CYNTHIA I formerly known and addressed as ODUKOR CYNTHIA now wish to be known and addressed as OKOLOUKWU CYNTHIA . I was born on 12/07/1993. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

NWOKIKE WINIFRED I formerly known and addressed as ANEKE WINIFRED UCHENNA now wish to be known and addressed as NWOKIKE WINIFRED UCHENNA . This is due to change in marital status. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OBI ANNA CHINYERE CHINEDU now wish to be known and addressed as OBINEME ANNA CHINEDU . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

OBINEME ANNA

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

FEBULE ADETORO I formerly known and addressed as ALAUSA ADETORO BASIRAT now wish to be known and addressed as FEBULE ADETORO BASIRAT . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHUKWUEKWE CHIAMAKA

I formerly known and addressed as ONWUACHU CHIAMAKA PRECIOUS now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUEKWE CHIAMAKA PRECIOUS . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

MS BOLANLE BOLATITO I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. BOLANLE BOLATITO LAWAL Now wish to be known and addressed as MS BOLANLE BOLATITO KOMOLAFE. All former document remain valid, general public kindly please take note.

ORAEGBU EstherUZOAMAKA Biodun I formerly known and addressed as Esther Biodun Bamidele Now wish to be known and addressed as Esther Biodun Oladeji. All former document remain valid, general public kindly please take note.

MUHAMMED MARIAM I formerly known and addressed as SULEMAN MARYAM IKWU now wish to be known and addressed as MUHAMMED MARIAM IKWU all former document remain valid general public should please take note MR. JAMES MICHAEL Formerly MR. JAMES OGBE now MR. JAMES MICHAEL . Former documents remains valid.

General public should please take note.

UZODIKE CHIBUOYI I formerly known and addressed as CHRISTIAN UCHE now wish to be known and addressed as UZODIKE CHIBUOYI.all former documents remain valid, general public should please take note.

MRS WINTOLU ELIZABETH

OLADIMEJI RHOFIAT I formerly known and addressed as OLADIMEJI RHOFIAT TAIWO now wish to be known and addressed as OLADIMEJI RHOFIAT TAIWOADALEMO . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ATANDA ABIODUN

ADEKUNLE OLUWATOYIN I formerly known and addressed as OKANLAWON TOYIN AYODELE now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKUNLE OLUWATOYIN CHRISTIANAH .

All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS SHOGBUYI ELIZABETH ORIYOMI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS WINTOLU ELIZABETH ORIYOMI . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ATANDA ABIODUN OLUWASEUN now wish to be known and addressed as ATANDA ABIODUN OLUWASEYI . I was born on 30/12/1992. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ODIANOSEN EHINOMHEN

I formerly known and addressed as AGBOWO FIDELIA. Now wish to be known and addressed as ODIANOSEN EHINOMHEN FIDELIA. All former document remain valid, general public kindly please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH:

I formerly known and addressed as AKINDUTIRE SUNDAY OLADIPUPO Now wish to be known and addressed as AKINDUTIRE OLADELE OMONIYI. MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 16/8/1965.

NOT 9/2/1961. All former document remain valid, general public kindly please take note.

ONYEMEREKWE Mrs. Doris Chinyere UZOMMA

I formerly known and addressed as OBI MATTHEW UZOMMA now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEMEREKWE UZOMMA MATTHEW all former document remain valid general public should please take note

ADEYINKA OLAYEMI Formerly AKINWUMIJU OLAYEMI TOLULOP now ADEYINKA OLAYEMI TOLULOP . Former documents remains valid. General public should please take note.

MRS OJO THERESA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS THERESA MICHAEL IDOKO, NOW WISH TO BE

CALLED AND ADDRESS AS

MRS OJO THERESA ABIONA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE

KULTURE KODE ART INITIATIVE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ANTHONY OJOBO - CHAIRMAN 2. CHINZE OJOBO -SECRETARY 3. DAVID OJOBO -MEMBER AIM AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE ART CULTURE, WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ART WORKS AND CULTURE. 2. TO TRAIN WOMEN ON HOW TO DO PAINTING AND ART EDUCATION. 3. TO DO CHARITY WORKS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

MRS. IBE NKECHIKA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UDE NKECHIKA PERPETUA Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IBE NKECHIKA PERPETUA. All former documents remain valid, general public kindly please take note.

JOHNSON QUEEN

l formerly known and addressed as OGENEKEWE OSSAI Now wish to be known and addressed as JOHNSON QUEEN OKIEMUTE. All former document remain valid, general public kindly please take note

FRANKLIN AUGUSTINA I formerly known and addressed as ONYENWE AUGUSTINA ONYEKA now wish to be known and addressed as FRANKLIN AUGUSTINA ONYEKA all former document remain valid general public should please take note WILLIAMS VICKY IYABO

Formerly JOSEPH VICKY IYABO, NoW WILLIAMS VICKY IYABO . THAT ALL MY VALUABLE DOCUMENTS, BANKS AND MY INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT SHOULD BE CHANGE TO WILLIAMS VICKY IYABO BY VIRTUE OF MY MARRIAGE. General public should please take note.

AKEBIORO KEHINDE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AKEBIORO TOSIN JOSHUA, NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESS AS AKEBIORO KEHINDE TOSIN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE

21 Classified

OKE ABIMBOLA I formerly known and addressed as OKE P. OLUWASEUN now wish to be known and addressed as OKE ABIMBOLA OMOLOLA . I was born on 25/09/1965. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME:

In some of my documents (Bank account) my name was written as OJO IBIYEMI now I wish to add SUNMISOLA to my name now I wish to be known and addressed as OJO IBIYEMI SUNMISOLA . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME:

IN SOME OF MY DOCUMENT MY NAME WAS WRONGLY WRITTEN AS ODEMOKPA ONOSHEREREH VALERIE INSTEAD OF ODEMOKPA ONOSHEREREH SARAH. ALL DOCUMENT BEARING THE NAME ARE VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC KINDLY PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

OLOWOOSILE SANNI AZEEZ MODUPE

l formerly known and addressed as OMOSANYA MODUPE CHRISTIANA Now wish to be known and addressed as OLOWOOSILE MODUPE CHRISTIANA. All former document remain valid, general public kindly please take note

Ametohanou NUOLUWA SOBANJO Ogar Formerly Ametohanou John now to be addressed as Ametohanou Ogar Ofi. Former documents remains valid.

General public should please take note.

Abigel Omowunmi I formerly known and addressed as Esther Osamiluyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Abigel Omowunmi Osamiluyi. Former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Bamidele Victoria

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Adebayo Victoria Adeyemi, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Bamidele Victoria Adeyemi. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. SKYE BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

Oke- Iragbiji Grammar School Old Students’ Association THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Engr. Olaniyan Olatoke Adebisi 2. Mrs. Olutoyin Adewale-Temowo 3. Akano Jimoh Oluwagbemiga Esq. 4. Prof. Oyeweso Siyan 5. Mr. Ayedun Raymond Lanrewaju 6. Idowu Olaniyi Onikola 7. Mr. Osundina Dahunsi Olakunle.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To create an active interest of old students in the welfare and development of the school.

2. To unite old students in bonds of friendship, comradeship and mutual understanding.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_ GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

AYINDE RUKAYAT I formerly known and addressed as ADEROJU BOSE BOLA and AYINDE RUKAYAT ADEBOLA now wish to be known and addressed as ADEROJU RUKAYAT ADEBOLA . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

LOSS OF INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT/CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH:

I, SOLOMON ABAYOMI IDOWU wish to state that I am the lawful owner of International passport No A2996070 issued by Nigeria Immigration Service at Festac, Lagos State.The said passport got lost in transit and all efforts to traced it proved abortive and my date of birth was wrongly written on it as 19/03/1987 instead of 19/03/1984. General public to please take note.

QUADRI LATEEF

OKON GOODNEWS I formerly known and addressed as UDO GOODNEWS OKON now wish to be known and addressed as OKON GOODNEWS OKONUDOH . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

AHMED OLUWATOBILOBA

I formerly known and addressed as OLUWATOBILOBA ABDULSAMAD ABDULHAMEED now wish to be known and addressed as AHMED OLUWATOBILOBA ABDULSAMAD. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

EGBUNIWE PRINCESS

I formerly known and addressed as QUADRI LATEEF ABDUL Now wish to be known and addressed as QUADRI LATEEF JAKANDE. All former document remain valid, general public kindly please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ALEX PRINCESS NWAEZE Now wish to be known and addressed as EGBUNIWE PRINCESS CHINOM. All former document remain valid, general public kindly please take note.

ABDUL-AZEEZ OCHAI VICTORIA MUIBAT

CORRECTION OF NAME: This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly written as OKONKWO JOSEPH CHUKWUKA instead of OKONKWO JOSEPH all former document remain valid general public should please take note

l formerly known and addressed as ADENIYI MUHEEBAT SHEWA Now wish to be known and addressed as ABDUL-AZEEZ MUIBAT ADENIYI. All former document remain valid, general public kindly please take note.

Oladumoye CHINYE THEODORA James

Formerly Oladumoye Tosin Kehinde Now Oladumoye James Kehinde.

Former documents remains valid.

General public should please take note.

Erue vivian

Formerly Agu vivian nkechinyere now Erue vivian nkechinyere. Former documents remains valid.

General public should please take note.

ZANNU Horeb I Formerly known and addressed as ANTHONY Horeb Midjochedo, now wish to be known and addressed as ZANNU Horeb Mijochedo. All former documents remains valid, the general public should please take note.

TONI ONIYA

Formally called, known and addressed as LAWRENCE FRIDAY ONIYA, But now wishes to be known, called and addressed as TONI ONIYA. All former documents remain valid. General public, banks and the authorities concerned should please take note

Onabajo Adefesobi

Formerly Abiodun.

Buyers Beware!

Dave Ajetomobi Esq. AJETOMOBI, BUHARI & CO. COUNSEL TO HERBS SELLERS ASSOCIATION

free space

Former

remains valid.

Adefesobi

documents

General public

should please take note

BECKY CHIGOZIE I Formerly known and addressed as OTOBO PAULINA ENE, now wish to know as: BECKY CHIGOZIE. All former documents remains valid, the general public should please take note.

CAVEAT EMPTOR

This is to notify that general that the property known and situate at No 6, Sulaimon Street, Amule Ayobo Town in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, measuring 669.780 SQ MTS belongs to MR. DESTINY and MRS SONIA OKOJIE. The said jointly owners has no intention whatsoever of selling or letting the building they have erected on the land, neither have they appointed any individual or group of persons as their agent(s) to the manage the property.

Anyone who deal with any person(s) in respect of the property apart the said joint owners does so at his/her own risk.

MR. DESTINY AND MRS SONIA OKOJIE (CO-OWNERS)

CAVEAT EMPTOR

SUIT NO. LD/336/2013 MS. C. J. JOHN & SONS Vs. L.M.L.G.A & MRS. T. AGORO & ORS This is to inform the general public that the land occupied since 1991 by the members of the Herbs Sellers Association of Oyingbo on Borno Way is the subject matter of the above suit pending before Hon. Justice C.A. Balogun of the High Court of Lagos State sitting at TBS.

Ayoola

Abiodun. Now Onabajo Adefesobi

free space

FOREIGN TIMES

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

g22

McCain: How death defeated Arizona warrior cum politician Adebisi Oyindamola with agency report The late Arizona warrior cum politician no doubt has left a huge gapfor the next generation to fill; surviving bouts of near deathexperiences, skin cancer and living his last years anticipating hisdemise from the world. As close associates put it, he was “a conquerorin the face of death”.

Senator John McCain; the name resonates a man carved out ofresilience, patriotism, born on the eve of World War 11, he came ofage with the dawn of the US as a global superpower.

For someone with a neo-super hero image in the United States andbeyond, he spent his last years out of the public eye, but wheneverthere was a need for him to trigger his patriotic riffle; you wouldhave spun his “true self” to life.

His lifetime spanned an arc across what Henry Luce once predictedwould be the American Century - a time when US political, military andcultural power was unrivalled across the globe.

He fought in Vietnam and suffered the ravages of captivity as the USitself was wracked by doubt and anger over an inability to achievevictory in SouthEast Asia. He became a rising star in US politics,only to nearly succumb to the temptations and corruptions of money andinfluence in American democracy.

He mounted an anti-establishment presidential campaign that presagedthe anger and longing for authenticity that would later sweep throughUS politics.

He won the Republican presidential nomination as thatfervour began to curdle, turning against him and the established orderin his party.

In McCain’s last days, he offered a full-throated defence of the ideathat an internationalist, engaged American nation could serve as aguide to friends and a bulwark against foes - and railed against theman, Donald Trump, who campaigned against this world view.

McCain exits the stage at what is, perhaps, the twilight of theAmerican century, when the nation has focused inward, concerned aboutpotential dangers of immigration, the entanglements of multilateralism and the challenges of a global economy.

Here are six moments of McCain’s life that reflect the Americanhistory he lived through.

Released from prisoner of war camp on March 14, 1973: More than five years of captivity in a Vietnam prison had aged him.

McCain’s hair had been dark when his jet was shot down by asurface-to-air missile during a mission over Hanoi.

Now it was greyand white.

The image is striking. A gaunt McCain, aged 36, dressed in rumpledcivilian clothes, marching along with fellow American prisoners of warto a US military transport plane that would take them to freedom.

He walked with a limp - the product of injuries sustained fromejecting from his damaged plane, as well as torture at the hands ofhis Vietnamese captors. At a White House reception a month later withPresident Richard Nixon, McCain relied on crutches to walk. He neverfully recovered from his wounds. The limp would mostly disappear, butfor the rest of his life he was unable to raise his arms above hishead.

Although, McCain would remain in the military for eight years afterhis return to the US, the day of his release from Vietnam marked thepivotal moment of a military career that was seemingly ordained from

birth.

Both his father and his grandfather were navy admirals, the lattercommanding a carrier group that fought against Japan in World War 11.

McCain followed in their footsteps, attending the US Naval Academy,where friends said he sometimes struggled with the military traditionhe was expected to follow.

“He felt like he didn’t have a choice,” says Frank Gamboa, one ofMcCain’s roommates when the two men were midshipmen at the US NavalAcademy.

“One of the burdens of having a family legacy is you can’t beyour own self.”

Throughout his time at the academy, McCain rebelled. He earned thenickname “John Wayne” McCain for his attitude and popularity with theopposite sex. He collected demerits the way some people collect stamps. He seemed perennially on the verge of failing out of school,and graduated near the bottom of his class.

McCain did occasionally use his family background as a shield. Gamboadescribes one instance where McCain upbraided a senior classmate forbeing abusive to a Filipino steward during dinner - a bit of insubordination that could have landed him with a disciplinary report.

When the man asked for his name, McCain replied: “John S. McCain III. What’s yours?” Upon hearing the name, according to Gamboa, the manskulked off.

“As a prisoner of war, McCain had another opportunity to use hisfamily name to avoid trouble - and declined.

When his captors learnedhe was the son of an admiral, he was offered early release. McCain refused - insisting that those who were captured before him should gofirst”.

Elected to Congress November 2, 1982: McCain made his entry into politics by winning an open seat in areliably Republican Phoenix-area US congressional district. He hadmoved to Arizona shortly after marrying his second wife, Cindy andspent some time working for her father, a wealthy Phoenix businessman,where he made the kind of influential connections that would helpsupport his congressional bid.

The highlight of his first campaign was a Republican primary debate,when one of his opponents questioned McCain’s ties to his newlyadopted home state.

McCain, his temper flashing, shot back.

“Listen, pal, I spent 22 years in the navy,” he said. “My grandfatherwas in the navy. We in the military service tend to move a lot. Wehave to live in all parts of the country, all parts of the world. Iwish I could have had the luxury, like you, of growing up and livingand spending my entire life in a nice place like the first district ofArizona, but I was doing other things. As a matter of fact, when Ithink about it now, the place I lived longest in my life was Hanoi”.

McCain would go on to win the primary by 6 per cent over his nearestcompetitor.

He would win more than double the votes of his Democraticopponent in the November general election.

In his 2002 memoir, McCain said that he thought his debate performancewon the election - although it wasn’t part of a grand campaignstrategy. “I was just mad and had taken a swing,” he wrote.

McCain arrived as a freshman congressman in Washington with strongconnections already in place. Prior to leaving the armed forces, hehad served as navy liaison to Congress and had forged ties with

McCain politicians and staffers in the Capitol.

It was the same positionMcCain’s father held when McCain was a teenager.

But McCain “was always different,” says biographer Elizabeth Drew. “Hewas different in the prison camp and different in Congress.” While hisrecord in the House was fairly conventional, “he was never just one ofthe boys,” Drew says.

“There were pictures all over the place of thisman, bedridden in a prison camp, so he always stood out from yourrun-of-themill politicians.”

McCain was elected president of his congressional class. On one of hisfirst high-profile votes, he broke with his party and President RonaldReagan, in opposing a US military deployment to Lebanon - a positionthat would be vindicated just a month later, when 241 US Marines and58 French soldiers were killed in a suicide attack on their militarycompound.

A US political magazine labelled him a “Republican on the rise”: A year later, he would run for, and win, a seat in the US Senate fromArizona. He replaced Barry Goldwater, the godfather of the USconservative movement and the Republican presidential nominee in 1964.

It was an office he held for the remaining 31 years of his life.

Cleared in corruption scandal, November 20, 1991: The scandal that engulfed him grew out of the savings and loan crisisof the late 1980s, when a combination of lax financial regulations andbusiness corruption led to the collapse of more than a thousandfinancial institutions. Keating feared his firm, Lincoln Savings andLoan, was being targeted for increased scrutiny from governmentregulators and in danger of failing.

He urged his friends in the US Senate men whose campaigns he hadsupported - to convince federal officials to go easy on Lincoln. Oneof those men was McCain, who in addition to taking campaign contributions from Keating, had gone on several vacations to theBahamas courtesy of the businessman.

McCain sat in on two meetings between senators and regulators toreview the matter. The five senators, simply by their presence, showedregulators that Keating had powerful friends. McCain said he only wanted to make sure Lincoln was being treated fairly.

In the second gathering, McCain learned that Lincoln was beingreferred to the justice department for criminal prosecution. At thatpoint, the Arizona

senator dropped the matter - but he had held his hand close to the flame. It wasn’t long before the whole matter wentpublic and McCain felt the heat.

Lincoln collapsed, US taxpayers were out more than $2billion indeposit insurance payments, and Keating was indicted and convicted offraud.

McCain and the other four senators in the meetings became the face of corrupt political influence and the corrosive effects ofcampaign contributions.

They were given a nickname, the Keating Five, and the Senate EthicsCommittee opened an investigation into the matter. In the end, theSenate investigation largely exonerated McCain, finding only that hehad shown “poor judgement” in the matter.

South Carolina defeat, February 19, 2000: Those heady days after New Hampshire in 2000 were probably as close tothe presidency as McCain came in his life. Bush, with a strongconservative tailwind, went on to defeat Al Gore later that year.

“If the campaign had ended in South Carolina a day or two earlier,McCain would have won,” McKinnon says. “And he would have won thepresidency.”

McCain went back to the Senate and focused on passing campaign finance reform, biding his time until 2008, and making thekind of establishment connections to ensure his next bid for thepresidency would begin from a position of strength.

No, on Obamacare repeal, July 28, 2017: It was the middle of the night when Brooke Buchanan’s phone rang. Itwas McCain. She no longer worked for the senator, but the two stilltalked almost daily.

“Get up,” he said. “Turn on your TV. We’re going to be making some news.”

The US Senate was considering whether to repeal portions of theAffordable Care Act, a comprehensive health-insurance regulation lawthat was Obama’s signature legislative achievement.

The fate of the bill hung in the balance, as only one more “no” votewould kill the legislation and McCain was one of the few remainingundecided. It was almost 1.30 am in the morning.

As Buchanan watched on her television, McCain walked out on to theSenate floor and turned to the clerk tabulating votes.

He held out hisright arm - the one that hadn’t been repeatedly broken in Vietnam -and gave a quick thumbs-down.

“No,” McCain said quietly, then sat down at his desk in the Senatechamber, as Republicans gasped and Democrats erupted in cheers.

McCain - who had flown back from Arizona for the vote after undergoingemergency surgery for his recently diagnosed brain tumour - had buckedhis party’s leadership one last time.

He had defied President Trump, the man who had stunned Washington whenhe questioned McCain’s heroism as a prisoner of war.

“I just had a huge grin on my face,” Buchanan says. “I was proud ofhim for it. It was a tough decision to take, but again it was one ofthose times when the true McCain shined.”

Buchanan says McCain voted no, in part, to allow other Republicansenators who had misgivings about the repeal legislation, includinghis friend Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, to vote in favour andavoid angering the prorepeal Republican base. He figured he hadnothing to lose,” she says.

It was McCain’s most direct break with Trump, but since then hestepped up his criticism. He denounced the president for striking adeferential tone with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki andthe senator has condemned Trump’s attacks on the FBI and USintelligence services.

He also took swipes at him in a memoir released shortly before hisdeath. “The appearance of toughness, or a reality show facsimile oftoughness, seems to matter more than any of our values,” he wrote.

“Flattery secures his friendship, criticism his enmity.”

He also, according to the New York Times, told friends he did not wantthe president at his funeral - a final rebuke of the man who won theoffice McCain sought twice, but never achieved.

“I don’t know if they’ve ever made them like McCain or they everwill,” McKinnon says.

“He was great, but also vulnerable.

He was not perfect, but he was thefirst one to admit that. He had low moments when he was a prisoner ofwar and low moments when he was in the Senate, but he never shied awayfrom saying he was an imperfect human being, but at the end of the dayit’s my job to serve this country, and that’s what he did.”

His achievements remain unmatched for decades, Senator McCain remainsa household name for bravery.

Source: BBC

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, August 30, 2018

Usain Bolt nervous ahead of Central Coast Mariners debut

Usain Bolt expects an onset of nerves when he makes his debut for Australia’s Central Coast Mariners against an amateur side on Friday and says he is still short of fitness and struggling with the speed of the game.

Mariners coach Mike Mulvey confirmed the eight-times Olympic gold medallist would play in a preseason match that will be televised live by a local broadcaster and is tipped to draw a crowd of over 10,000 to Central Coast stadium.

“There will be nerves, definitely there will be nerves,” Bolt told reporters after training on Tuesday. “It’s not like it’s a charity game any more. This is a career that I’m pursuing so there will be a bit of nerves.

“I expect to make mistakes but I also expect to go in, make myself proud and to

push myself. It’s just one of those things: I know I’m not going to have a perfect game.”

Bolt’s attempt to transform himself from global athletics superstar to professional football player has generated huge publicity for the struggling Mariners, who finished bottom of the 10-team A-league last season.

It has also drawn plenty of scepticism, with Adelaide United coach Marco Kurz questioning Bolt’s open-ended trial and saying the A-League should recruit proven talents and “improve young Australian players.”

Although repeatedly voicing his determination to win a Mariners contract, Bolt was measured about his progress and admitted to still struggling with his movement.

“Coming this Friday I get to play a little bit

g23

so I’ve got to get up to pace,” he added. “For me, it’s the stop and go’s.

“The tick-tacks. Because I’m not used to picking up speed, going back down, up and down, up and down, back and forth, that’s the most challenging.

“The season doesn’t start until the end of October so I have time.”

Bolt said he had been practising as a left winger at training and hoped to get on the field for the last 15 or 20 minutes against the select side of top local amateurs at the Gosford stadium an hour north of Sydney.

His coach Mulvey was guarded on where he would play Bolt and suggested the sprinter was some way off the level required.

“Look, he’s doing OK,” he said. “The thing that we’re asking him to do is something that he’s not done for quite a number of years.

Coach Danjuma denies claims of Falconets’ unpaid camp allowances, lost money Head Coach of the U20 Women National Team, Chris Danjuma, has dispelled reports claiming that players and official of his team were not paid their entitlements before and during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in France.

Danjuma led the Falconets to a quarter-finals berth at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France “I see this as a silly, mischievous story. I have spoken to my assistants and backroom staff and they all denied talking to the reporter,” Danjuma said in a media statement released by the media department of the Nigeria Football Federation on Wednesday.

“We were paid our entitlements for the camping in Austria and at the FIFA

World Cup, and no money was lost as claimed in the story.”

“From the very first day I saw the reporter in our camp prior to our departure to the final training camp in Austria, I observed he was a very funny figure just looking for negative stuff to report.

“It is unfortunate that some persons commit their lives to trying to cause mischief and trouble wherever they see there is peace.

“We had been paid our entitlements before the Sports Minister came. I am aghast at what the reporter was out to achieve. Was the reporter in Austria with the team to ascertain we were suffering?

“No member of the Falconets’ technical crew or the playing body has

any negative thing to say about the NFF. They did their very best for us and supported the team at each point during the qualifying series, the training camp and the FIFA World Cup.” The Falconet’s team administrator, Modupe Shabi, expresses shock at the claim in the said report that Head of Women’s Football, Ruth David, misplaced the sum of Euro10,000.

“That is fallacy. Miss David handed every money that was meant for the team to me and I did the payment to the players and officials.

“She did not pay anyone directly and certainly did not misplace any €10,000.

The entire story is the imagination of the reporter or something he saw in his dream.”

NBBF: D’Tigress can shock the world Why Governor Ambode cancelled first Onikan Stadium design – Contractor The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Eng. Musa Kida, strongly believes that the Women’s Senior National team will fly the country’s flag high and give a good representation of Africa when the 2018 World Cup tips off in Spain.

Kida said the present players currently in camp in Lagos are the best set of players that are available to Nigeria across the world.

Speaking on Monday which marked exactly 1 year D’Tigress won the 2017 Afrobasket championship in Mali to qualify for the World Cup in Spain, the NBBF president said he is hopeful of a good performance.

He said despite the 2017 set going on an 8 game unbeaten run to clinch the Afrobasket title after 13 years of endless wait, the present set of players are an upgrade of the 2017

team.

“I think this is one of the best women’s team that we have, going to such a tournament and I am also very hopeful and quite encouraged by what I have seen them do.”

He assured that the federation will work closely with the Technical crew to ensure that the best players are picked from the pool available, to represent the country at the world cup.

Kida restated the NBBF’s commitment to giving all the support necessary to the team to put up an excellent show when the world cup starts on Saturday, 22nd of September in Tenerife, Spain.

“My commitment to the country and basketball stakeholders is that we are going to put up a very excellent show, so let the game begin.”

The contractor handling the refurbishment of Onikan Stadium, Lagos, Zekeriya Oktem, has said that the first design of the facility was cancelled because Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode wanted the best for the state.

Oktem, the Managing Director, Slavabogu Nigeria Ltd, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Lagos that the first redesigning of the 88-year-old stadium did not pass Ambode’s test for the best infrastructure.

NAN reports that Onikan Stadium, located on Lagos Island close to Tafawa Balewa Square, was built in 1930.

The stadium was formerly named King George V before it was renamed Lagos City Stadium. The stadium was also renovated in the 1980s.

It is famous for being the home ground for top Nigerian clubs such as Stationery Stores, First Bank and Julius Berger and has a sitting capacity of 5,000.

The stadium also hosted the 1999 Youth World Cup, hosted by Nigeria.

Oktem gave the insight to the slight delay in the delivery of the stadium during the on the spot assessment of the ongoing refurbishment by the Lagos State Sports Commission Chairman, Kweku Tandoh.

He said: “The governor of Lagos State, Ambode is a man of impeccable vision and is passionate about the design of the stadium, so he was not too excited with the first one.

“The governor wanted the best

for the state, so, after the Sports Exhibition in Germany, he met with some FIFA consultants and programme members and brought a new design.

“He is very happy with the design, so it passed his test because he wanted the best.

So, when we finalised the design according to the FIFA’s standard, we commenced work.

“Everything has to be according to standard from the pitch dimension to the accessibility, facilities, doping rooms, referees room, emergency exit and changing rooms among others.”

Oktem said that the government would apply for the FIFA’s certification after the

completion which would make the stadium more appreciated.

He said: “Everything we are doing in the redesigning of the stadium is according to FIFA’s standards and we will also apply for the certification from FIFA upon completion.

“The certification will allow the stadium to host any FIFA organised competition. We have been working with the best standard not only in design but also in materials for the construction.

“It has been a great achievement having this structure in Lagos because upon completion it will transformed to an international tourist centre.”

QUOTABLE QUOTES

Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope Kofi Anan

https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

dailytimesnigeria

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

FLASHBACK in Times: August 30, 1957

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 739

N100

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS Plc. Corporate Office: 9 Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja Email: info@dailytimes.ng; DTNcontent@gmail.com Managing Editor: BONAVENTURE MELAH, Tel: 08036062975, Editor: TONY AMOKEODO, Tel: 08111811228, Email: tonyamok@gmail.com