01.02.18
THURSDAY
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
No. 3,001
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Marketers Want Full Deregulation Of Petroleum Downstream Sector BY JONATHAN NDA-ISAIAH And FESTUS OKOROMADU, Abuja with agency report
Two key stakeholders in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria
(IPMAN) have called for total deregulation of the petroleum downstream. The executive secretary of MOMAN, Obafemi Olawore, emphasised the need for federal
government to consider total deregulation of downstream oil sector, just as the national president of IPMAN, Chinedu Okoronkwo, said his association is set to commence work on its
proposed $3 billion (N1.08 trillion) refineries to be sited in two states of the federation. Proffering solutions to the persistent fuel crisis that hit the nation in recent time, Olawore
Kogi Gov Signs N151bn Budget Into Law
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said only total deregulation would save the situation. Contending that doing so will help attract more investments to the oil sector, he said only deregulation would encourage the establishment of private ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
Federalism Best Option For Nigeria – APC 6 Declares nation currently running bastardised federal structure
Your report is a ruse, says PDP
OBJ’s Coalition Formally Unveiled In Abuja INEC to transmit 2019 election results electronically BY CHIBUZO UKAIBE And SUNDAY ISUWA, Abuja
Barely a week after former President Olusegun Obasanjo advocated a new political platform to upstage the two major parties in the country, a Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM), touted as the third force, was yesterday launched in Abuja. The launch was attended by political stalwarts from both All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), members of the civil society, women groups and the youths. Comprised mainly of Obasanjo’s henchmen, the coalition said it is poised to ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, signing the 2018 Budget in Government House Lokoja, yesterday. With him are Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Kolawole Mathew (right); the Secretary to the State Government, Folashade Arike (left); Special Adviser to the governor on Legislative Matters, Haruna Yusuf (3rd right) and a government official.
Budget Office Defends ‘Frivolous’ Proposals In 2018 Appropriation Bill
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Ekwueme’s Remains Arrive Anambra Today 8
Ship Owners Seek BoI’s Intervention On Refinancing
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LEADERSHIP Thursday, February 1, 2018
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Accelerate Amendment To Electoral Act
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arely two weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), released the timetable for the 2019 general elections and with just a year to the elections proper, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Electoral Matters submitted its report on the electoral process which recommended an amendment to the Electoral Act of 2010. The bill on the amendment, which has passed its first reading, proposes an alteration in the sequence of the elections. According to it, the National Assembly election will hold first, followed by Governorship and House of Assembly. If passed into law, the Presidential election will be conducted last. In INEC’s time-table, Presidential and National Assembly elections were billed to hold first while the Governorship and House of Assembly elections are slated to hold later. Election is an important part of any democratic process that enables the citizenry determine fairly and freely who should lead them at every level of government periodically. It is the expectation of the electorate that the government that emerges at the conclusion of the process will take decisions that would determine the economic, political and social wellbeing of the people. It is from this perspective that both the National Assembly and the INEC should exercise due diligence and ensure that the process is not affected negatively by any rash amendment. Ordinarily there ought not to be any misgivings over the proposed amendment to the electoral act. On the contrary, it should be a welcome development in the hope that it will serve to refine the system beneficially. However, in this instance, there is a
worrisome development which has to do with the time it will take to effect the proposed amendment. This calls for accelerated amendment so as to avert any logistic catastrophe that may arise in implementing the amendment. Free and fair election serve the purpose of legitimizing any democratic government and the integrity of the election is part of the criteria for assessing the level of consolidation of
the democratic fundamentals. Elections are therefore as vital and indispensable for determining the democratic nature of a political system and ensuring national security. When election is not managed quite satisfactorily, it can pave the way for loss of legitimacy of elected authorities, protest, violent contestation, social explosion, and doubt about institutions and instability or even threaten the entire
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Dele Fanimo
POLITICAL DIRECTOR/ STATE HOUSE Jonathan Nda-Isaiah EDITOR Muazu Elazeh
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Christian Ochiama
DEPUTY EDITOR Agbo-Paul Augustine
ASS. MANAGING EDITOR George Agba COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD Suleiman Abdullahi
GENERAL EDITOR Silas Ezeugwu
GROUP LTD CHAIRMAN Sam Nda-Isaiah GMD, LEADERSHIP GROUP Abdul Gombe GMD, LEADERSHIP HOLDINGS David Chinda GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Dele Fanimo Felicia Ogbonlaiye Geoffrey Essien HR DIRECTOR Solomon Nda-Isaiah CHIEF PROCUREMENT & ASSETS OFFICER Mrs Zipporah Tanko DIRECTOR, HAUSA PUBLICATIONS Mubarak Umar GENERAL MANAGERS Ibrahim Halilu Femi Adekunle Ebriku John
LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital. We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend to be assessed. We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being:
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process. Therefore, desirable as the amendment may seem, it should be managed properly when considered that in Nigeria’s peculiar political environment, the electoral process can spin off into a real and prolific source of conflicts, violence, insecurity and instability. As the proposal must enjoy concurrence of both chambers of the National Assembly for harmonization and will require inputs from states, the National Assembly should, as a matter of national interest, consider the time it will take to effect any changes. The priority of all stakeholders should be the success of the 2019 general elections. Both the National Assembly and INEC should look beyond 2019 and ensure that the right procedure is followed. The nation cannot afford to get a less credible elections. As the nation prepares to go to the polls, there is need for proper planning and thorough implementation of the plan. The National Assembly must recognise the limits of rhetoric and expedite action on the aspects of the Electoral Act that needs to be amended. The law says INEC should conduct elections according to provisions of the constitution and the electoral act. In our view, the National Assembly should have consulted INEC on how far it has gone in the preparation for the 2019 general elections before coming up with new amendments. Nothing should be done in a hurry but things should be put in place to ensure that we don’t get it wrong. What makes democracy appealing is the democratic process. The legislature should as a matter of national duty, speed up the process and the executive should ensure timeliness in enacting it. Late timing has marred conduct of previous elections. The announcement of the 2019 electoral calendar is timely but late alterations can adversely affect the whole electoral process. INEC should ensure that the voter registration process is not characterized by abysmal failure to assemble adequate registration, equipment, personnel and sufficient publicity about the process.
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Group News Editor: Ekele Peter Agbo FG Solicits Swiss Cooperation In Fight Against Human Trafficking BY OMONU NELSON, Abuja
R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha and Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, during the Federal Executive Council meeting, at the Presidential Villa Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN
Insecurity: Caution Police On Professionalism, Saraki Tells Okiro BY SOLOMON AYADO and AHURAKA ISAH, Abuja
Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday urged the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr. Mike Okiro to ensure the return of professionalism in the Nigeria Police Force so as to combat crime in the country. Saraki said the level of criminality, as well as the raging security crisis in parts of the country is disturbing and that the NPF is unable to rise to the occasion to tackle the challenges adequately. Saraki made the call when the chairman of the PSC, Okiro, led other members of the commission on a visit to the Red Chamber.
Okiro had visited Senate President to appeal for consideration and quick passage of the Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Kano (establishment) Bill. According to Okiro, the Bill has been pending in the National Assembly since 2012 and there is urgent need to pass it because the Cadets of the school would be graduating in October this year but there is no law backing the institution. However, Saraki noted that the unprofessional conduct of the NPF has remained a big issue, and must be quickly addressed by the commission to enhance service. He further explained that the several security challenges fac-
ing the country are the reasons why the Senate has decided to organize a security summit that would bring all critical security stakeholders together to find holistic solutions to the menace. “Today we spent most of our time discussing security issues which came up in different parts of the country, like Zamfara, Kano, etc, and the recent killings in Benue State,” Saraki said. “As you are aware, we have a summit coming up next week, where we hope to discuss a lot of these issues. “We are greatly worried about the breakdown of law and order in some parts of the country - clashes here and there - and the incapacity of the security ap-
paratus of the country to be able to protect lives and property.” He stated further that “At the end of the day, we need to ask ourselves what do we need to do? In my view, it is not the time to apportion blame, I think it is a time for us to find solution and I think those solutions that we need to find must be holistic in approach. “We also have to be bold enough to speak and say what is wrong and I think the Police Service Commission has a key role to play here because by the law establishing you, you have a key role to play to guide the country in being able to ensure professionalism and commitment in the Nigeria Police, stamp out cor-
Kogi Gov Signs 2018 Budget Into Law BY TUNDE OGUNTOLA, Abuja
Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello yesterday signed into law the 2018 Appropriation Bill, totaling the sum of N151, 677,854,494, after it was passed into law by the State Assembly. LEADERSHIP gathered that the signed budget represents an increase of about N3billion to the N147, 827,854,997 budget proposals presented to the Assembly by the governor on December 21, 2017. Meanwhile, the signed budget also represents a reduction of over N23billion from the 2017 budget.
A statement signed by the director general on Media and Publicity to the state governor, Kingsley Fanwo said the budget contains personnel cost of N27,237,599,449; overhead cost, N36,741,761,784; and capital expenditure of N87,698,493,261. This budget indicates that for the second year running that the state will dedicate more than half of its budget to the provision of infrastructure as capital expenditure stands at 57.82 per cent of the total budget. Speaking at the budget signing ceremony, Governor Bello commended the state legislators for cutting
short their break in order to ensure timely consideration and passage of the Appropriation Bill. He assured that the budget will be fully implemented, stressing that despite being a political year, he would not be distracted in his determination to make life better for all Kogites. “I shall not play politics with the fortune, destiny and future of the state,” he said. He emphasised that he would do everything possible to actualise his promises to the people as captured in the budget.
This year’s budget, tagged: “Budget of Sustainable Growth,” was specifically designed to address infrastructural challenges of the state. Earlier, Speaker of the House, Hon. Matthew Kolawale, explained that the House considered the need to increase the fund for the accreditation of courses at the Kogi State University, Anyigba, from a N100 million to N500million. He added that the amendment, among several others, were made in good faith and in view of their significance to the vision of the state government.
FG Declares Open Drug Markets Illegal BY PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA, Abuja
The federal government has disclosed that all open drug markets in the country would become illegal and shut down by January, 2019. The minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, made the disclosure during the inauguration of Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Abia State. In a statement made available by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), to newsmen, the minister
said one of the major challenges in the use of medicines in the country was the unsatisfactory drug distribution system which has led to poor product handling, difficulty in product tracking for statistical purpose and for recall, circulation of substandard products, difficulty in audit trail and destruction of professional practice. Recall that the Federal Ministry of Health had in 2013 issued the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG), in its bid to reverse
the ugly trend. The registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) , Pharm. Elijah Mohammed, said the CWC was a concept within the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG), to cater for those who are in the open drug market , saying that it would help sanitize drug distribution in the country because open drug markets were the hub of major drug supply and drug problems in the country. According to him, the CWC
would provide effective regulatory activities and ensure good pharmaceutical service delivery in the country, adding that “This will entail control over the efficacy of the drugs that are coming into Nigeria, and that are being made available for consumption for Nigerians.” He said: “It is a purpose built infrastructure that will cater for a lot of things , like storage condition, practice environment, security and also in terms of regulatory activities.”
The federal government has solicited the partnership of Switzerland in its efforts to tackle the menace of human trafficking and illegal migration among others. The permanent secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olukunle Bamgbose made the call yesterday, in Abuja at the Opening Session of the High Level Dialogue between Nigeria and Switzerland. Bamgbose reiterated Nigeria’s commitment in deepening both countries relationship. He assured Switzerland that the outcome of the deliberations would be acted upon to ensure optimum results. “We also hope for more collaborative efforts in addressing human trafficking and re-facilitated re-integrated programmes for migrants. I am confident that this round of our deliberations will move the process closer towards the realisation of the set objectives. “The time and energy that we have all invested in this endeavour made this day possible. Indeed the consistent progress that we have been able to make thus far rest largely to the qualitative engagement of both side in this process. On behalf of the Nigerian side I thank you Ambassador Lang and your team.”
Reps Pass Bill To Establish Electoral Offences Commission BY ADEBIYI ADEDAPO, Abuja
The House of Representatives has passed for a third reading, a bill for an act to establish the Nigerian Electoral Offences Commission. Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara who presided over the plenary requested that the bill be read for the third time and passed. The bill amongst other provisions endorsed penalties ranging from a fine of N500,000 to N50million or a prison term of up to 10 years for electoral offences. An offender may also pay both fine and prison sentence on conviction. Offenders will be tried not in conventional courts but by a Commission/ Electoral Tribunal to be established specifically for the purpose of handling election-related offences in the country. The bill if signed into law seeks to establish the Electoral Offences Commission which will be charged with the responsibility of prohibition and prosecution of Electoral Offences. The House had penultimate week considered the report of its committee on Electoral Matters and Political Parties on the bill. The commission, when established, shall be responsible for the coordination, enforcement, and due administration of the provisions of the bill.
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Federalism Best Option For Nigeria – APC BY JONATHAN NDA-ISAIAH, ANDREW ESSIEN And CHIBUZO UKAIBE, Abuja
The governing All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday that it remains committed to true federalism, describing it as the only panacea for Nigeria’s current ‘bastardised and unitary federation’. It also adjudged past conferences convened to discuss the nation’s return to ‘true’ federalism and restructuring as “flamboyant set-piece”, which ended in nothing. The party further said that what it is bringing on board represents the true opinions of the majority of Nigerians. National chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, stated this in Abuja at the public presentation of the party’s committee on True Federalism chaired by Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State. Oyegun said, “We have held flamboyant conferences on the structures or constitution of this country but each time, it always ended up in nothing. Today, we are moving from setpiece conferences to the beginning of a new Nigeria. Today, you are going to be partners in the construction of the basic fundamental foundation that will truly wed this country together. “There is no question at all that where we were and where we are now is basically a bastardised kind of federal structure, more like a unitary system but what we are going to present to the nation today are the considered views of the critical mass of this nation. Those who are strong in expressing their views, those who are not so strong, the women and the youths of this nation who participated strongly and intensively in the results that are being presented to you today. “When last year the issue of restructuring burst onto the public domain, the main reason being one more issue to reverse the Buhari administration at that point, this nation was facing major issues that needed to be trashed out. We were faced with crisis of economy and a collapsed crude market and we were to find a new reality under President Buhari based on what we could produce”. Also speaking, chairman of the committee and Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, who was represented by his special adviser on politics, Uba Sani, said his committee has produced clear recommendations and draft
bills that incorporate amendments to strengthen federalism. el-Rufai said, “Thus far, we have not heard rebuttals of the recommendations. Rather, there has been a lot of hysteria triggered by seeming disbelief that a party in power at the centre is proposing true federalism. In place of a counter-narrative or alternative position on true federalism, what we hear is that the recommendations are coming too close to the elections. If something is desirable, surely the imminence of elections should not render it unappealing. “The reality is that restructuring is a nationbuilding opportunity. There is now no significant constituency against the idea that states should exercise consequential powers, assume more responsibilities and control resources. It is time to make it work for the benefit of the people of this country. “It is difficult to escape the suspicion that for some people this is a moment of peril. They appear to fear that the possibility of restructuring being actualised will remove the basis of their political viability. We assure them that they will always find new causes, like working with others to implement the recommendations”. Your Report Is A Ruse, Says PDP But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday dismissed APC’s report on restructuring as a ruse and a fresh attempt to beguile Nigerians with another round of lies, empty proposals and hollow promises ahead of 2019 elections. The party also said the report is another calculated ploy by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to divert public attention from the woes of a worsening economy, unrelenting killings, corruption and the endless litany of afflictions occasioned by their almost three years of dysfunctional governance. In a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP said it amounts to outright depravity that the same APC leaders who, on assumption of office, rejected restructuring will now suddenly turn around to pose as fathers of a restructured Nigeria simply because the 2019 general election beckons. The PDP said the fact that the APC has no littlest intention of implementing any form of restructuring is completely manifest in
the attitude and body language of its leaders, including President Buhari, who in his 2018 New Year address, rejected the idea of restructuring, by declaring that “When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure”. The statement noted: “Even Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, who eventually became the chairman of the APC panel on restructuring, had also on June 29, 2017, during an interview on Channels TV, denied that the APC promised restructuring and described Nigerians, who were taking his party to task on the issue, as “political opportunists and irresponsible” people. “This is in addition to declaration by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who in a Radio Nigeria (FRCN) interview programme on June 9, 2017, stated that restructuring is not President Buhari’s priority. From Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, who was quoted to have said “to hell with restructuring,” to the totality of APC leaders, none believes in either true federalism or restructuring by any name called. “As a matter of fact, it is instructive to note that the APC refused to rally its members in the National Assembly to support or vote for any amendment that dwelt on restructuring when the federal legislature voted on sections of the constitution where amendments have been proposed in the direction of restructuring. If anything, APC leaders have consistently criticized any amendment that spoke or have a semblance of restructuring or true federalism. It is therefore deceptive that in the wake of their rejection by the people, the discredited APC and its dysfunctional government have suddenly woken up to parade as champions of a restructured Nigeria. “This is a callous and wicked attempt to once again take Nigerians on a trip to the land of fantasy. We therefore urge Nigerians to reject the new ploy by the APC to deceive them for their votes in 2019”. PDP Face Of Corruption In Nigeria Presidency But hitting back at the major opposition party in the country, the presidency yesterday described the PDP as the face of corruption in Nigeria. The senior special assistant to the president
OBJ’s Coalition Formally Unveiled In Abuja FROM COVER
upstage both the PDP and the APC in 2019. In his opening remarks, former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who is the acting chairman of the coalition, said the mandate of the movement is to salvage Nigeria from bad governance. Oyinlola, a member of the APC and chairman of Board of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), said that the country was drifting into extinction until Obasanjo woke everyone from slumber through his statement. The former governor, who hailed the former president for mustering courage to write the statement, added that the movement was not a platform for Obasanjo to continue to remain relevant in the political life of the country. He said, “To say that we are legitimising OBJ’s legacies is a bit off the mark. There is no one who can fault the issues raised in Obasanjo’s letter. Forget the messenger; let’s discuss the message. “What he has done is to stir us from our slumber to the reality of what is happening in Nigeria to take charge and take action.
Are there no other leaders sitting around and watching how things are going? I think we should give some kudos to him for being able to address Nigerians on the ills of the society which requires attention”. He maintained that CNM remains a movement and not a political party pending the resolution of members for it to metamorphose into a party. Oyinlola added that he is willing to give up his chairmanship position on the Board of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure that CNM becomes a success story. His words: “I am not tied down to a political party. This is a part-time commission, which means I have only four meetings in a year but get it straight. I joined a political party to serve my country and my service in NIMC is to my country and countrymen. “If my being chairman will rob off my desire to see this movement to its greatest height, then the Chairmanship will yield. The style of convening this movement is noble and it is quite different from any other we have had in this country. “We are not yet a political party but if we are going to metamorphose into a political
party, it must be a collective decision” Oyinlola emphasized”. Former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, who is also a co-convener of the coalition, said the movement has received overwhelming support since it came on board. Duke said, “Forget about the story that we are the largest economy in Africa, it is an imagination of numbers. There are so many people in Nigeria and even if we are doing nothing, it will still be the largest economy but in terms of productivity, we are nowhere. “And if 39-40 years ago our federal budget is 25 billion and today it is 23 billion and our population is 196 million, it practically explains where we are and what we have to do- the need to work as a coalition and change our nation”. On mobilization of members he said, “We have spokesmen across the country, in every senatorial district. They will also go back and replicate what we are doing here. If we can get the critical mass, then it is worth of being a political party but if we can’t get the critical mass, then why go ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
on media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said Africa’s bid to stem widespread corruption took a decisive turn on Sunday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, when the African Union (AU) placed on President Buhari the task of championing the war throughout the continent. He noted that the choice was not for nothing as the opposition PDP back at home claimed in their deeply disappointing reaction to the inauguration of President Buhari as the continental anticorruption champion for the year 2018. “He said, “As a matter of fact, a section of politicians and some economists have been quick to pronounce the war against corruption in Nigeria a failure because those people are the greatest losers wherever the ordinary citizens make a gain. “The PDP in particular has come to signify the face of corruption in Nigeria and they have not hidden their efforts to shrink the achievements of the Buhari Administration. They are bent, as it clearly seems, on crushing all hopes of ridding this country of the scourge of corruption. “As the president keeps saying, in sixteen years that the party held sway, we solely relied on oil, the price of which was as high as US$140 per barrel. Government simply squandered oil revenue through personal spending by corrupt leaders, wasteful expenses and salaries. “This was done rather than growing the economy through capital investment in assets like seaports, airports, power plants, railways, roads and housing as this administration is currently doing. Nigeria did not record a single major infrastructural project in the 10 years preceding the Buhari administration. “In short, the money was mismanaged, spent largely on what was not needed and no savings were made. They compounded the problem by borrowing heavily and failed woefully to pay contractors and international oil companies”. Shehu said the last two years of this administration have revealed the massive and unrivalled level of corruption in which the PDP and its leaders at the highest level thrived, adding that it mustn’t surprise anyone that they have chosen their obstructionist role rather than lending a helping hand in the fight against corruption. The presidential spokesman observed that, by a rough estimate, the amount of money, including the value of estates recovered (or in the process of being recovered) from a single woman (Madam), by virtue of being close to power can pay for the construction and equipping a cancer treatment hospital for each of the six geopolitical zones of the ederation and still counting. “So, if you have noticed, the barbs came out in the last few weeks ostensibly to cast a pall on this continental honour to President Buhari and to Nigeria, which in terms of added significance had the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Anthony Gutierrez at hand giving full support”, he added.
HOW DO FRUIT AND VEGETABLES KEEP YOU YOUNG? These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that keep the body healthy. They also contain chemicals called antioxidants, such as carotene, which are thought to protect against damaging chemicals (‘free radicals) that get into the body. Regular consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables will keep your bones, teeth and organs healthy and will improve the look of your skin. Basically, this is how they contribute to keeping you looking and feeling young, although the exact way in which they prevent disease is not fully understood. – Culled from 100 Best Ways To Stay Young
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OBJ’s Coalition Formally Unveiled In Abuja he has performed in putting infrastructural development in the country, that he has put food on the table, that he has managed to unify this country; then we will all be prepared to vote for him but if those indices are not available then he does not deserve a second term.” Also speaking, AbdulJellil Tafawa Balewa who was one of the organisers said that the country needs a force to salvage it from bad leadership. A former BoT member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Ahmadu Ali who also graced the occasion declared his support for the movement.
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to the next stage. “A political party requires numbers; we need to recruit people of like minds. We don’t have political parties in Nigeria; we have platforms. And so people crisscross from one platform to the other and all they are doing is seeking office, not implementing a thought. We hope to come together and make that difference”. On the possibility that the older generation, which has remained in the corridors of power for too long, will come and hijack the process and continue with their impunity, he responded: “We are also aware that a new generation is at the vanguard of taking over. While our generation is stepping back, the new vanguard will lead. “We will step back and perhaps guide and share our experiences which will serve as a guide to the younger generation.” A member of the APC Board of Trustees (BoT),
Obasanjo
Buba Galadima, declared his support for the coalition, saying it does not go against his membership of the APC. He said, “It is not a political party. It is a movement being put together to salvage our
country from the verge of disintegration”. On his support for the reelection of President Buhari, he said, “If the president wants to be reelected then he can show us empirical evidence that
INEC To Transmit 2019 Election Results Electronically Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will transmit the 2019 general election results electronically. Chairman of the commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, who disclosed this yesterday said it would be the first
time election results would be electronically collated and transmitted from the polling units. Yakubu gave the hint when he led members of the commission and some directors on a courtesy visit to the National Communication Commission (NCC) headquarters in Abuja. He said with the help of the NCC, there will be Electronic Transmission of results and increased voter awareness campaign through bulk SMS. The INEC chairman, who was received by the NCC executive vice chairman, Professor Umar G. Danbatta, reiterated INEC’s commitment towards deepening the deployment of technology in elections. He said, the time has come to electronically collate and transmit election results, “by doing so, results will be transmitted faster and more accurately from the Polling Units to various collation declaration centres.” Allaying possible concerns Nigerians may have in the integrity
of e-collation and transmission process of results, Professor Yakubu said, “We wish to assure Nigerians that while we will transmit the raw figures from the Polling Units, scanned images of the results sheets will also be transmitted electronically in addition to the physical copies given to the political party agents at each polling unit and each level of collation. Therefore, there will be paper trail against which the integrity of the electronically transmitted figures can be compared and verified. “In several rerun and bye-elections conducted since the 2015 General Elections, the commission has deployed the electronic collation and transmission platforms on pilot basis. More recently, we conducted simultaneous electronic and manual transmission of results in some major elections. We are planning for full deployment this year in the governorship elections in Ekiti State in July and Osun state in September. Thereafter, we intend to deploy the system in the 2019 general election”.
Marketers Want Full Deregulation Of Petroleum Downstream Sector FROM COVER
refineries in the country. He explained that when the sector is fully deregulated more investors will come and invest in refineries, transportation and depots that will address the lingering fuel scarcity as well as boost government’s revenues. Speaking further on how deregulation of the sector will impact on other aspect of the nation’s economy, he said, “Deregulation will also enable the Nigeria Railway Corporation to lift more products from the South to other parts of the country at cheaper rates. “The railway system is faster, cheaper and will deliver more volume at a go than road transportation. This will also attract more revenue to the corporation and also expand their infrastructure’’. He stated that when investors invest and build more refineries, depots price of petroleum price would drop and this will be to the advantage of the common man. Noting that deregulation would also address frequent shortages of products, he said, “When the sector is fully deregulated, marketers
will source for foreign exchange at cheapest rate to import in products, not depending on government. “The duty of deregulation is that the market will determine whether lazy marketers would stay or quit the system. If government refineries are not working well now, under full deregulation, they will be privatised or key into the Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) arrangement”. On his part, the National President of IPMAN said with the leadership crisis that rocked the association now settled, the association will soon commence operation on the 200,000 barrels of petrol per day capacity refineries at Itobe in Kogi State and Abbe in Bayelsa State. According to him, the leadership of the association has commenced discussion with investors and technical partners on how the project could commence forthwith, noting that the association remained committed to the project. He said, “Our $3 billion refinery project would soon commence as we are discussing with our investors and technical partners. The project which was situated in
Kogi and Bayelsa ought to have commenced but was deterred by the leadership tussle rocking the association but now that it has been resolved, I am pleased to inform the public that we will soon commence work. “We are pursuing it very strongly because we believe in the success of the refinery. We bought 1,000 hectares of land in Kogi and Bayelsa, the states have been given approvals. Once government approvals and consent have been given, we are ready to move to the site and commence production.” Okoronkwo said that foreign investors have already conducted feasibility studies on the project in order to commence full operation, even as he pointed out that IPMAN’s aim is to contribute its quota as a stakeholder in the project to reduce the level of capital flight by that characterised the oil and gas sector. “The cost of exporting crude oil and bringing back refined products will be reduced. We want government to give us the necessary licences and ensure an enabling environment to operate.’’
Okoronkwo urged the federal government to invest more in modular refineries as a way to end fuel scarcity. FG Not Paying Fuel Subsidy - Adeosun Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, said yesterday that instead of paying subsidy to keep fuel price at N145, the federal government is suffering from underrecovery. She recalled that the landing cost of petrol is N171 and the NNPC, which
has been the sole importer of fuel since October last year had suffered huge losses, which also led to the fuel scarcity being experienced in the country for more than two months now. Speaking to State House correspondents yesterday after The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, the minister said Nigerians have been bearing the burden of revenue loss from the NNPC.
She said, “On the question of subsidy, the price of oil for Nigeria today is a double-edge sword. So, for every dollar that goes up we get more revenue but also because we are importing refined petroleum, we pay more for increases in cost of landing fuel. “So, for every time we get excited that the oil price is going up, there is also a knock on effect on the price of imported PMS and that is a function of us not having refining capacity. It is one of the unfortunate impact of that”.
8 NEWS EXTRA
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Ekwueme’s Remains Arrive Anambra Today
Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (middle) with Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo (2nd left); founder and chairman of Coronation Capital Market, Mr Aigboje AigImoukuede (2nd right); chairman, Board of Directors, First Bank Plc, Mrs Ibukun Awosika (right) and Prof Toyin Falola of the University of Texas, Austin, U.S.A. (left), after they were conferred with honorary doctorate degrees, during the 27th Convocation of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, yesterday.
BY OKECHUKWU OBETA, Awka
Amnesty Int’l Wants To Embarrass Nigeria – NAF Spokesperson BY JOY YESUFU, Abuja
The Nigerian Airforce (NAF) has denied allegation of gross violations of human rights in Numan, Adamawa State by Amnesty International (AI) saying that it is tailored towards embarrassing the government and Nigerians. The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, (DOPRI) Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya stated this yesterday during a live interview programme on television. He said the onus lies on the AI to provide credible evidence to justify its claim against NAF. “It is actually very much embarrassing to imagine that AI, an organisation that is held in high es-
teem in some quarters could go ahead to receive a report on some reported human right abuse by NAF, go ahead to investigate and during the process of investigation never made any attempt to contact any official of the NAF to verify the claims or other wise before making its allegations public. “I have not received any proof of this allegations and I doubt if any is going to ever come. AI exists to defend human rights and one of that rights is right to fair hearing , non discrimination, equality and justice, none of this has come to play in this case,” he said. The DOPRI further said that on 4th December, 2017, NAF was called in by some other security agency to wade into a situation
that was obviously getting out of hand and by the time the NAF went there with its aircraft, the image that was seen on ground was several human beings dressed in black attires which one could best describe as miscreants and hoodlums. He said the hoodlums were setting houses on fire and of course the NAF has a constitutional responsibility to defend the lives of Nigerians and their properties. NAF could not stand by and watch. He said, “The force which the NAF pilot used was to fly at low level severally with the aim of dissuading the miscreant from further destruction but of course it was obvious that they were undeterred
rather they were firing some shots at NAF aircraft. “They were heading to Numan and if they had gotten to their destination with what they were doing, there would have been much more loss of life. So they had to fire some shots ahead of the crowd. It wasn’t until this was done that the crowd scattered and then ran”. Adesanya said the aim of the shot from the NAF pilot was to dissuade the miscreants from more wanton destruction of lives and properties adding that NAF has never been involved in any form of settlement of herders and farmers clash in Numan. He urged AI to produce the proof of the allegations against the force to buttress its point.
Reps Order Investigation On Prison Reforms BY ADEBIYI ADEDAPO, Abuja
The House of Representatives has mandated its committees on Interior, Human Rights, Federal Judiciary, FCT Judiciary and Police Affairs to conduct investigative hearing on prison reforms. The House urged the committees to identify the specific challenges in terms of infrastructure, administration of criminal justice system and other factors that could facilitate the decongestion and reform of the prison system and report back to the House within six weeks for further legislative action. The House, while adopting
a motion by the member representing Boluwaduro/Ifedayo/Illa federal constituency of Osun State, H on Olufemi Fakeye, observed that the level of congestion in Nigerian prisons has become so alarming that they no longer serve as correctional facilities for reformation of inmates. According to him, information by the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) shows that only 21,354 inmates comprising 21,009 males and 345 females were convicted offenders. The lawmaker said that the
remaining 46,756 inmates comprising 45,765 males and 991 females were still awaiting trial. Fakeye added that due to high congestion in virtually all the prisons, the inmates are exposed to risks of epidemics, jail breaks, lack of inmates reform, transmission of bad habits and crime techniques by hardened criminals. He said anti-social tendencies and moral decadence ranging from homosexuality to other forms of human rights abuse have also become common features of the prisons. According to the lawmaker, congestion in the prisons has
become so acute that many cells meant to accommodate about 50 inmates were found to be accommodating up to 150 inmates. He said the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos, which was built to accommodate 956 inmates is currently occupied by over 2,600 inmates. He also expressed concern that the courts have continued to send accused persons to the already overcrowded prisons. He said some offences could have been otherwise handled in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Tax Evasion: Reps Probe 18 Years Of Lottery Operations In Nigeria BY ADEBIYI ADEDAPO, Abuja
The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Governmental Affairs to investigate the activities of licensed lottery operators from 2000 to date. The probe is aimed at ensuring that lottery operators who avoided payment of tax are compelled to comply with relevant tax laws. The committee is expected to within six weeks conclude the assignment
and turn in its report for further legislative action. C hairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon Abdulrazak Namdas had in a motion titled, “Need to Investigate Licensed lottery operators for defaulting in their financial obligations to the federal government,” noted that only two or three out of the 21 licensed Lottery operators in the country, have successfully paid their fees and other taxes to the federal government over the last few years.
This, according to Namdas amounts to the country losing millions of naira in revenues to the lottery operators. According to the motion, all over the world, tax evasion is deemed a very serious offence as most advanced countries sustain their economies through effective and transparent taxation system where operators of businesses pay their taxes promptly. “Nigerian Lottery Commission
can become one of the revenue generating agencies if the Operators of Lottery are made to pay taxes to the government as and when due, as the government needs the money to execute various projects rather than borrowing to fund the annual budge. T hese lottery operators have been defaulting in payments of all their fees to the commission for more than 10 years now, including the nature and type of games being played, the list of winners and total amount generated,” he stated.
The Anambra State government yesterday perfected arrangements to receive the remains of its illustrious son and former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme. The state government has declared today a work-free-day as a mark of honour for the late elder statesman, and directed that all markets in the state and other business concerns should also close shop. To ensure that the state was ready to accord the late former Vice-President the honour befitting his stature and the inestimable contributions he made to the economic and political development of the state and the country at large, the state government has decorated in national colours the popular, Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, the state capital, for the reception of the remains of the late sage. Born October 21, 1932, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, former Vice-President, architect, surveyor, lawyer, urban planner, chairman G-34, died in a London hospital November 19, 2017, aged 85. According to the arrangements for the burial of the sage announced by the secretary to the state government (SSG), and chairman of the Local Organising Committee ( LOC) for the burial, Professor Solo Chukwudobelu, Dr. Ekwueme’s remains will be received by the state by 12pm today at the Ekwueme Square, thereafter, the remains will be taken to his Oko, Orumbasouth local government area country-home for lying in state while interment will take place tomorrow after a church service at the Anglican Church located beside his house.
2019: Civil Society Engages MDAs On Service Delivery BY ANDREW ESSIEN, Abuja
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has said that it will continue to engage the various government agencies with a view to tracking their performances. This is as it hopes to identify services of the agencies and challenges facing such agencies which will be forwarded to government for necessary action. This was the thrust of the oneday engagement the CSOs under the aegis of League of Civil Society Groups had with representatives of some ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in Abuja. Leader of the coalition, Adefila Kamal, while addressing media men said: “Using the words of the President that change begins with us, we brought all the agencies here to strategically engage them so that we know exactly what they have for the populace and see how we can tap into their programmes and actions. “There are agencies we also think should make necessary adjustments even as they implement government policies and we will be facing them with it head on.” One of the agencies that were on hand to answer questions from the CSOs and Managing Director, Federal Mortgage Bank, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa explained the bank’s role in making finance available to close the deficit of housing in the country.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Benue Killings: CP Sues For Partnership With Media, Stakeholders BY HEMBADOON ORSAR, Makurdi
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Niger To Partner North Korea On Health, Infrastructure BY ABU NMODU, Minna
Plans are afoot by the Niger State government to partner with the North Korean government in health care delivery, infrastructural development and power. Decision to this effect was reached in Minna during a courtesy visit to Governor Abubakar SaniBello by the North Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Jong Yong Chol. The governor who was impressed with the level of development so far
achieved by the Koreans said the state would further strengthen relationship with the country so as to derive maximum benefit from the arrangement. He explained that his administration was desirous of a one stop state of the art medical facility that can provide first class medical services for Nigerlites and all Nigerians and that is capable of reducing the huge investment on medical tourism to Dubai, India, Germany and Cario by Nigerians. The governor was optimistic that
with the effective collaboration and partnership with the Koreans, health care delivery in the state will greatly improve and the huge forex being expended annually on those seeking medical treatment abroad will drastically reduce. He further stated that the state has great potentials in the areas of hydro, solar and other sources of generating power which the state can collaborate with the Koreans so as to provide electricity for the people of the state. Governor Sani-Bello said that for
the government to meet the power need of her people, small town independent power plants (IPP) of between 10 to 50 megawatts are being proposed for each of the 25 local government areas of the state. He therefore invited Korean investors to invest in the state, assuring them of huge returns in their investments. In his remarks the North Korean envoy, Ambassador Yong Chol expressed the readiness of his country to partner with the Niger State government in these critical sectors.
Benue State Police Command has said that as a way of instilling confidence in the minds of Benue residents, it has strengthened security measures through area patrol, deployment of more personnel and meetings with stakeholders in areas attacked by Fulani herdsmen. It said this is to enable victims who fled the areas in the wake of the deadly attacks toreturn to their homes. Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Fatai Owoseni who stated this during his maiden interaction with journalists at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi, said, the police cannot succeed in the task of securing the state without partnership with critical stakeholders such as the media and the community members. While appealing to conventional journalists not to join the unethical practices of online writers who are bent on creating tension in crisis situation he said policing now is more of intelligence gathering than mere carrying of riffle. He charged media practitioners not to glorify criminals to encourage those with such tendencies to continue to perpetrate crimes, saying, police was deter- Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, with the Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Stefano Pontesilli, during the recent Internamined to end all forms of inse- tional Week of Italian Cuisine in Abuja. curity in Benue as special forces have been deployed to other areas of the state where there is rise in acts of banditry. BY ABU NMODU, Minna to the Ministry of Sports, Alhaji These worldly things will land you commissioner should see himself Danjuma Sallau posted to the where you do not expect and will as a ‘Super Commissioner’ because Niger State governor, Alhaji Ministry of Information and Isah not help you. You should be aware “there is no super commissioner. Abubakar Sani Bello has sworn Kanko posted to the Ministry of that whatever you do, people are What will distinguish you depend in four new commissioners and Lands and Housing. watching you. There is nothing on what you make of your office. four permanent secretaries even While warning the secret in government”, he warned. All commissioners are equal and as he stated that there is not commissioners He therefore urged the the same, no one is better than against the secret in government because temptation of being attracted to new commissioners to see the other. “ people will always watch those in worldly things, Governor Sani- their appointment as a call to For the new permanent government. Bello reminded them that in service aimed at improving the secretaries, the governor explained The new commissioners include, government there is nothing that standard of living of the people that they were appointed to fill BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin Alhaji Kabiru Abbas Musa who was will be hidden, as people will be and that they should abide by the gaps in the ministries that posted to the Ministry of Budget watching them. administrative protocol and follow were separated and to allow The Kwara State government will Planning and Special Duties, due process. government machineries function According to him, “Be wary today( Thursday) commence the Duza Emmanuel Gbako posted of temptation of worldly things. The governor maintained that no properly. engagement of the first batch of 1,210 beneficiaries of the World Bank assisted Public Work Fare (PWF)component of the Youth Employment and Social Support Operations (YESSO). This was contained in a stateBY CHIBUZO UKAIBE, Abuja Oyedepo, revealed this after he led mem- in Abuja, the Kwara State chairman add- dus-led national party has assured them ment issued yesterday by the Head bers of his executive to plead with the na- ed that they welcome Saraki’s return to of zero tolerance to impunity under this of the State Public Workfare Unit, The Kwara State chapter of the tional leadership of the party to prevail PDP, stressing that he will add value to tenure. Mr. Aregbe S.O. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yester- on Saraki not to tamper with the existing the party. He however noted that the party in the According to him, the comday tacitly confirmed reports that Senate party structure. Oyedepo who admitted that the state state will be ready to make concessions to mencement of the programme President Bukola Saraki, is on his way out Rising from their meeting with the PDP is anxious that the national leader- Saraki on future matters, especially elecfollows the approval by Kwara of All Progressives Congress (APC) to PDP. national chairman of the party, Prince ship of the party may handover the struc- tive offices that will be occupied at next State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Chairman of Kwara PDP, Akogun Iyiola Uche Secondus, at the party’s secretariat ture in the state to Saraki, said the Secon- year’s general elections. Ahmed. Aregbe said the PWF component of the YESSO programme is targeted at providing immediate labour intensive work opportuni- BY HEMBADOON ORSAR, Makurdi to immediately resigned from his po- the motion attributed the decision of the minister is completely unaware ties for unskilled youths from poor sition. the Assembly to the malicious, vexa- of the security issues in the sensitive households, and improve their liv- For blaming the killing of over 73 inThe Benue State House of Assem- tious and unfortunate comments by ministry he is overseeing and agreed ing standard, as beneficiaries will digenes of the state by people sus- bly took the decision after a debate the minister, adding that the com- that by such utterances, he is a conpected to be Fulani herdsmen on the on a “Motion of Urgent Public Impor- ments are an indication that the min- spirator and should treated as such. be paid monthly stipend. He said the participating youths Benue State Anti-Open Grazing Law, tance” moved by the Majority Lead- ister lacked everything required to be The House also condemned in are between the ages of 18 and 35 the Benue State House of Assembly er, Barr. Benjamin Adanyi. in the position. its entirety what it described as and with less than JSS 3 educa- yesterday unanimously called on the According to the House, his unfor- “reckless” utterances by the minisSpeaker of the Assembly, Mr. minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali Terkimbi Ikyange, while ruling on tunate comment clearly shows that ter despite the fact that the killings tion.
Niger Gov Swears In 8 Commissioners, Perm Secs
Kwara Partners World Bank To Engage 5,000 Vulnerable Youths
Kwara PDP Exco Panics Over Saraki’s Alleged Defection
Grazing Law: Benue Assembly Calls For Resignation Of Defence Minister
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Thursday, February 1, 2018
Grassroots Women To Report Cases Of GBV To Authority For Action BY HUSSAINI HAMMANGABDO, Yola
Women have been enjoined to expedite action in reporting perpetrators of Gender Base Violence (GBV) to constituted authorities for necessary action, as mechanism in addressing the menace on the society. Mrs Tinah Pheneas, convener, Advocacy Campaign Against GBV, stated this in Bagale village at an enlightenment fora, for grassroots women in Fufore local government area of Adamawa State. She solicited the support of traditional institutions, religious and community leaders in championing the crusade, describing the violence as barbaric and inhuman especially to the womenfolk. “Imagine the psychological trauma and stigmatisation women suffers after being raped in their own communities. “Women as targeted victims, should expedite action and reports cases of GBV, to constituted authority, the abuse is violation of fundamental human rights which impedes women from achieving their potential. Declaring the advocacy open, district head of Bagale, represented by Caleb Mairuwan, condemned the violence saying, if not squarely checked, would serve as strong barrier against building a harmonious society. Mairuwan said as repository and custodians of cultural and traditional values, his council would support the project aimed at eliminating the menace of the violence in the community. Bardakalam John, who spoke on behalf of the participants, identified drug abuses and unemployment as major courses of GBV and called on government to addressed them. “We are calling on stakeholders to be all hands on deck in the fight against any form of violence on human being.” The sensitization campaign was supported by Search For Common Ground, an NGO determined to protecting human rights and dignity.
Mob Vandalises NSCDC Office, Kills Motorcycle Thief In Kebbi BY YAHYA SARKI, Kebbi
Angry mob at Dankowasagu village of Kebbi State yesterday vanalised office belonging to Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the area and killed a suspected motorcyle thief identified as Abu Umar. LEADERSHIP investigation, the suspected motorcycle thief was a native of Sanyinna, a village in Tambuwal local government area of Sokoto State who was arrested by officers of Civil Defence Corps for allegedly stealing a motorcycle at Dankowasagu during market day of the community. This incident angered residents and many traders who came to transact business at the market. After several attempts to snatch the suspect away from men of Corps, the mob rained stones, vandalised the station and overpowered the NSCDC officers and finally killed the suspect who was in custody. An eye witness who preferred anonymity told LEADERSHIP that “The mob who are mostly residents of Dankowasagu stormed Civil Defence Corps station in the town enmass that market day . “They throw stones, ransacked the office, brought out the suspect and killed him in front of the Civil Defence station because they overpowered them. I later saw more policemen ran to the scene and chased the hoodlums away.”
Sokoto state governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, addressing members of the public after inspecting a burnt hostel at Sultan Tambari Secondary School in Illela LGA of Sokoto, yesterday.
Senate Wades Into Ganduje-Kwankwaso Feud, Asks IGP To Provide Security BY SOLOMON AYADO and AHURAKA ISAH, Abuja
Senate yesterday intervened in the lingering feud between Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano Central) and Kano State governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to evolve amicable ways to proffer lasting solutions to the disagreement. Consequently, the Senate has directed the Committee on Police Affairs to immediately summon the Inspector General of Police to provide adequate security to Senator Kwankwaso to enable him visit his constituency in Kano State. This directive, Senate insisted is to
prevent reoccurence and or avert same action by the security agencies to not someday be taken against any lawmaker who may wish to visit his or her constituency. The lawmakers frowned and condemned in strong terms the action of the Kano State Police command that advised Kwankwaso against embarking on a visit to his constituency. The police had claimed that the visit would generate tension in the area which may lead to breakdown of law and order. The feud between the duo, took a deadly dimension when recently, about six members of the Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya groups clashed in Kano and several persons were seri-
ously injured. Both men, though members of Nigeria’s ruling APC, formerly very close allies, are now bitter rivals due largely to seeking control of the party in the state. LEADERSHIP reports that all efforts by the APC including President Muhammadu Buhari, to settle the matter have failed. However, yesterday, Senator Isah Misau (APC, Bauchi Central) moved a motion on the alarming thuggery in Kano State where, he noted, carriage of arms by youths have continued unabated. He alleged that the armed youths were sponsored and that the police were also influenced to halt Sena-
tor Kwankwaso’s visit to Kano. Misau queried why some prominent politicians have resorted to providing arms to youths, instead of giving them jobs and asked the Senate to quickly investigate the crisis in Kano State. But Senators Kabiru Gaya (Kano South) and Barau Jibrin (Kano North) vehemenly kicked against the motion. While Barau described Misau as a busy body who is only interloping into the “backyard squabbles” of the Kano people, Gaya stated that the feud between Kwankwaso and Ganduje is a family matter and should not be brought before the floor of Senate. He maintained that fervent efforts are on to resolve the crisis.
Police Arrest 38 Suspected Kidnappers, Robbers In Kaduna BY MIDAT JOSEPH, Kaduna
Kaduna State Police Command on yesterday confirm the arrest of 38 suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and members of the gangster group called ‘Sara-Shuka’ arrested in Kaduna State. Parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters, the state commissioner of Police, CP Austin Iwar, said 21 of the suspects were arrested in connection with kidnap-
ping and armed robbery, while the rest were suspected members of the notorious ‘Sara Shuka’ gang between October 2017 to January 25, 2018. According to him, items recovered from the suspected criminals within the period under review were: three vehicles and 41 arms and ammunition. CP Iwar also disclosed that, the command also dislodged three armed robbery syndicate, saying
that, the most significant of the successes was the arrest of a notorious armed robbery syndicate operating along the Zaria-Kano expressway. “Some of the suspects who were involved in kidnapping for ransom and operating in Lere and Pambegua axis of Kubau and Zaria local government areas were also arrested,“ he said. The commissioner said that the street gangs were arrested in Rigasa, Tudun Wada, Kawo and
Unguwar Rimi, all in Kaduna metropolis. He said that the suspects who are in police custody are giving useful information which are aiding investigation, after which they will be charged to court for prosecution. “We want to reassure members of the public that the command will not relent in its effort in fighting all forms of crime and criminality in the state,” he said.
2019: Al-Isan Women Association Declare Support for el-Rufai, Uba Sani BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna
Women under the auspices of AlIsan Women Association in ward 6 of Kaduna South local government area of Kaduna central has indicated their willingness to support governor Nasir el-Rufai for another term in office and his political adviser Malam Uba Sani for Senate to represent Kaduna central senatorial district come 2019. According to the women at a func-
tion held at the ward to declare their support for both the governor and his political adviser, their choice was borne out of the allegation that the present Senator representing them at the upper chamber, Senator Shehu Sani, has failed to keep to the promise of empowering them. Meanwhile, Senator Sani has described the allegation of the women as baseless and mischievous, saying they are government sponsored.
The Senator who spoke through his senior special adviser (SSA) Political and Ideology, Suleiman Ahmed, “the women are used to being sponsored to pass aspersion on people just like they did during the state quest for $350m as loan. “The Senator will not be deterred with the women’s action whom we doubt very strongly are not the AlIsan Women Association because, we have been in touch with them and have severally assisted and em-
powered in one form or the other,” he stressed. However, the leader of the women association, Hajia Ladidi Abubakar, said although their association is not a political association but they worked and supported the present government and Senator in the last election with promises that their members will be assisted with various skills acquisition and empowerment programs which they have not seen.
Kidnappers Release Lawmaker’s Son In Zamfara BY NAN
The last of the two sons of the member representing Maradun/ Bakura federal constituency of Zamfara, Alhaji Yahaya Chado, has been released by his abductors after a week in captivity. Recall that Muhammad Yahaya
and his elder brother Junaidu Yahaya were abducted by gunmen on Jan. 22 at their home in Gora village, Maradun local government area. The gunmen, who went away with the two children, also killed six and wounded four other persons on their way out of the vil-
lage. However, the abductors released Muhammad about two hours later with a mobile phone number on which they demanded N10 million as ransom to release Junaidu. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Muhammad Shehu, who confirmed the release
to NAN on Wednesday however said, “we are not aware of the payment of any amount as ransom to secure the release of the victim’’. Junaidu, who was dropped in the village by the abductors on Tuesday, has been taken to the Police Headquarters in Gusau for debriefing.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
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12 NATIONAL NEWS Ekwueme Founding Father Of Nigeria’s Democracy – Gana BY NAN
Former minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, on Wednesday said that late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, was one of the founding fathers, who fought for democracy in Nigeria. Gana said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He said that after the collapse of the Second Republic in 1983, Ekwueme became one of the inspirational leaders of the political class, who participated in all political summits in Lagos in 1995 to restore democracy. He recalled that a former Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, a very close associate of the deceased, also came up with the suggestion that the progressives and conservatives must work together for restoration of democracy. The former minister, who is a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said that suggestion led to initial meetings in Ekwueme’s in Lagos, with Ciroma, late Solomon Lar and late Abubakar Rimi and himself in attendance. He said that the group which later had Sen. Francis Ella, late former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Federation, Chief Bola Ige and former Governor of Jigawa, Sule Lamido, transformed into G-34 group. He recalled that Ekwueme emerged chairman of the group, while he was the secretary, adding that the deceased was a profound man of tremendous intellect, a man of ideas and integrity.
Tuesday, January 09, 2018
African Open Sky May Wipe Out Domestic Airlines In Nigeria, Expert Warns BY NAN
Mr Daniel Omale, an Aircraft Pilot and Aviation Expert, says the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) recently unveiled in Addis Ababa, may wipe out all domestic airlines in Nigeria. Omale, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), yesterday, added that if well-funded, domestic carriers could at the same time
reap more gains from the project. NAN recalls that 23 African countries unveiled the open sky initiative at the African Union (AU) summit, which is largely based on the agreements of the Yamoussoukro Decision of 1999. It is an initiative that is expected to result in more regular direct flights between African countries rather than trips, which previously involved stopovers in the Middle East or Europe.
He said that in as much as Nigerian government had shown commitment to the open sky project, it would soon realize that revenue generation in the aviation sector would be boosted. Omale said the government must support some of the sector’s self-funding structures, especially, the Nigerian Airspace management Agency (NAMA) and effectively fund Air Traffic Management (ATM)
in the national airspace. “No one, not even the minister of state aviation, Hadi Sirika, understands the intricacies of this cooperation, but there must be an extension of time to bargain and move the stakeholders in Nigeria along. “Failure to oblige to this simple request will undermine the value and efforts of those investing in the industry, who are very capable of truncating the single market project.”
Managing director/chief executive officer, Fidelity Bank , Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo (2nd right),receiving the British Standards Institution (BSI) certification for Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) from UK High Commissions’ deputy director, International Trade and Investment, Mr Ben Ainsley in Lagos Wednesday. With them are Banking and Payment Systems Officer, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Bature Yunana Magaji (left) and managing director/chief
Thursday, February 1, 2018
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14 NATIONAL NEWS Child Trafficking: Bayelsa Govt Cautions Parents BY OSA OKHOMINA, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State government has advised parents to be cautious about the kind of friendship their female children keep, to avoid being trafficked. The director-general of the state’s Girl Child Protection Bureau, Mrs Juliet Zifawei, gave the advice in Yenagoa on Wednesday during her presentation at the ongoing InterMinisterial and Agencies’ Briefing. The briefing is part of activities marking Governor Seriake Dickson’s six years in office. Dickson will clock six years in office on February 14. The briefing tagged: “Restoration Government at Six: Our Score Card in Focus,’’ started on January 22 and will end on February 9. Zufawei also called on parents to take proper care of their female children whom she said, were often victims of human trafficking due to lack of basic needs and parental care. She disclosed that a Special Prosecutor had been appointed by Governor Dickson to prosecute those who defiled young girls. She said the appointee would ensure prosecution of any case of abuse and violence against any girlchild in the state. “If found guilty, the person will be sent to prison to serve as deterrent to others.”
Thursday, February 1, 2018
FG To Spend Additional $3.1bn On National Identity – Presidency BY NAN
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday in Abuja, said the Federal Government required additional 3.1 billion US dollars to achieve digital national identity for all citizens. Osinbajo disclosed this at the Stakeholder Workshop on Strategic Roadmap for Digital Identity, Ecosystem in Nigeria. The VP, represented by his Se-
nior Special Assistant to the President on ICT, Mr Lanre Osibona, said a World Bank research of 2015 showed that Nigeria spent 1.2 billion US dollars since the 1970s on the project He explained that the digital identity ecosystem was aimed at having a basic data of all Nigerians, which could be built upon by the functional identity stakeholders. “This is over two years of relentless effort to get to where we are to-
day, the issue and challenges to ensuring a successful national identity are many and they must be addressed collectively. “However, one thing I can assure you of is that funding has never been one of those challenges. “According to World Bank research in 2015, Nigeria spent 1.2 billion dollars since the late 1970s but much work remains undone. “We are projected to spend an
additional 3.1 billion US dollars, if we are to follow the existence approach of developing identification in Nigeria. “The incredible benefit of this programme is at stake and we must get it right this time,’’ Osinbajo said. The vice president said further that the major challenge facing identity programme was the lack of a working record system and practical approaches.
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike (3rd right), with members of National Council of traditional rulers of Nigeria, during an inspection of traditional rulers building and other projects in Port
25 Visually Impaired Minimum Wage: FG Plans For Supplementary Budget Candidates To Write BY NAN “When an agreement is reached, ripartite National Minimum Wage put in motion necessary mechathe financial implication would Committee, calling on the mem- nisms so that we can today inau2018 UTME Mr Ben Akabueze, director gen- be quantified and if need be, there bers to come up with a fair and de- gurate this large committee with a BY NAN
Twenty-five visually impaired candidates from the Bethesda Home for the Blind in Lagos have been prepared to sit for 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scheduled for March. The Proprietress of the Home, Mrs Chioma Ohakwe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos that “their registration for the examination is ongoing’’. According to her, preparations are in top gear towards ensuring that the candidates come tops in the examination. She said the candidates were showing commitments in an effort to surpass records set by their sighted counterparts. “This year, we will present 25 candidates for the all Computer Based Test (CBT) mode of the UTME. “We had 23 candidates from the home, who wrote the examination 2017. “All of them scored 200 and above with the highest, scoring 250. “The least score by the candidates was 211 and I think this is an encouraging feat that is worth celebrating, considering their challenge,’’ Ohakwe said. The Proprietress said that to ensure better performance in the coming examination, the home had employed more special teachers for the candidates. “This year’s examination might take the same mode as that of 2017, by dictating questions to the candidates.
eral, Budget Office of the Federation, says the Federal Government may go for supplementary budget to implement the new minimum wage if approved by the law. Akabueze disclosed this at the Media and CSOs Dialogue on the 2018 budget, in Abuja. He said that the 2018 budget at present cannot accommodate the proposed minimum wage by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
would be a supplementary budget. “The only provision that exists is what we call public service wage adjustment, but that is barely over N40 billion provided on that line, and that may not be enough to cater for any adjustments that may be necessary.’’ The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari, in November 2017 inaugurated a 30-manT-
cent wage for Nigerian workers. Buhari said that re-negotiation of a new national minimum wage had become imperative because the existing minimum wage instrument had since expired. “We all know that the last minimum wage instrument has expired. “It is in recognition of the need to ensure a fair and decent living wage that the Federal Government
big task ahead of you. “You are all aware that during the period following the increase in petrol pump price in May 2016, a technical committee was established to examine and make recommendations to government.’’ Buhari, at the time said that the measures to be adopted would cushion the envisaged painful effects of the increase on workers and the Nigerian populace at large.
Troops Neutralise Militia on Benue/Nasarawa Border BY NAN
Troops yesterday neutralised a militia along the Benue/Nassarawa State border during a clearance operation. The director of Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen Sani Usman, who confirmed this in a statement, said troops of 72 Spe-
cial Forces Battalion and 177 Guards Batallion were alerted to the presence of an armed militia on the border. Usman said at the time of the alert “the criminals were setting houses on fire in Igacha village, about 4 km away from Kadarko town.” “Troops responded immedi-
ately by mobilising to the area to stop the arson and apprehend the perpetrators. “The militia on sighting troops, abandoned their mission and scampered for safety in different directions. “However, the troops neutralised one of the assailants, while others escaped with gunshot
wounds,” he said The army spokesman said a cordon-and-search operation was in progress in the general area to track down the fleeing armed criminals. He appealed to the inhabitants of the area to be on the lookout for wounded persons and report to the security agencies.
Suswam: Witness Was Pressured To Change Statement, EFCC Alleges BY MOSES ORJIME, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, attempted to enter into evidence a statement alleging that a witness in the ongoing trial of Gabriel Suswam, former Benue governor, was pressured into changing his statement. At the resumed trial, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, (SAN) the lead prosecuting counsel told the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the fourth prosecution witness, Mr Abubakar Umar said he was coerced by Suswam’s team.
Jacobs read part of the statement where the witness said that he was under a lot of pressure from the people around Suswam to change his statement and was told he would be offered money if he did. However, when Jacobs sought to tender the document as evidence, Suswam’s counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN) objected to the admissibility of the document. Daudu said the original statement, which was made in Hausa language before it was translated into English,
ought to be tendered before the court. He said it was only from the original statement made in Hausa that the true testimony of the witness could be deciphered. Jacobs, however, argued that the grounds given by the defence for the inadmissibility of the document was not tenable. “The claim that the documents we seek to tender was made in Hausa and what we seek to tender is the English version, is not true. “The statement was written in Eng-
lish language and not in Hausa as alleged by the defence counsel.” He said once a witness signed a statement he was said to be the maker of such statement. Earlier, the witness, a Bureau De Change Operator, who spoke through an interpreter, reaffirmed how he helped the former governor change about N3.1 billion to 15.8 million dollars. The EFCC had in 2017 declared Umar a ‘hostile witness’ saying he gave contradictory evidence in court outside the statement he made to the EFCC.
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NATIONAL NEWS 15
Youth Council Commends Gov Bagudu’s Agric Stride BY SUNDAY ISUWA, Abuja
The Kebbi State chapter of the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) yesterday applauded the state governor, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, for his peace concept and agricultural initiative. The group during a round table discussion with the Southern Nigeria Youth Movement and other civil society organisations held in Abuja, said Bagudu’s agricultural stride and peace initiative is commendable. Speaking, the national vice president of the Northern Youth Council Comrade, Luka Jacob Zuru, said the motive of the round table discussion was to project the ideology of Bagudu’s peace concept and agricultural revolution for other governors in the six geopolitical zones to emulate. “Peace, unity and indigenous agricultural development remains the only option for youth empowerment and national development. This is what Governor Badugu has been doing, Jacob said while speaking on the governor’s achievements in the area of youth empowerment, health development, societal transformation, and peace concept in Kebbi State.
Don’t Let Greedy Politicians Remain In Power, Group Tells Gaidam BY HOSEA YUSUF, Abuja
A group, Ambassadors for New Nigeria (ANN) Yobe State chapter has called on the State governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, to end political fatherism and hand over the mantle to people that deserve to continue on the good work he has been doing, not turned over to reckless and selfish politicians at the expiration of his tenure. According to the coordinator, Ambassador for New Nigeria (ANN), Yobe State chapter Comrade A. A. Kwairanga, who spoke with our correspondent in Damaturu, said Yobe State governor should not allow greedy, selfish politician to use his name and continuously deceived the masses of the state. He says their group is not political, but ambassadors that always support good governance. “We see it as necessary for us to draw the attention of his Excellency on politicians that want to use his reputation to remains on power. “We urge his Excellency to disregard those political opportunists surrounding him, parading themselves as democrats.” Kwairanga also said, “Some legislators and some members of the state executive who have disappointed the electorates and have nothing to show as dividend of democracy have resorted to using the name and reputation of his excellency as a masses-friendly leader to drag his hard-earned name into the mud by pretending as if the masses are behind them, though, the contrary is the case as per as the situation is glaring.”
L-R: Co-chairman, North, Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM), Dr Abdul TafawaBalewa; former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, during the inauguration of CNM in Abuja, yesterday.
Obaseki Approves N600m To Access N1.4bn UNICEF-EU Water, Sanitation Projects BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City
Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has approved the payment of N600million counterpart fund for the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme implemented in some local government areas across the state by the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union (EU). Obaseki, disclosed this when
he received the chief of WASH programme, UNICEF Nigeria, Zaid Jurji, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital. According to the governor, “The counterpart fund is to enable the state access N1.4 billion from the EU/UNICEF for the implementation of WASH project in rural areas across the state. The project would cover the provision of clean water, toilets and other sanitation facilities in the rural
areas to discourage open defecation.” He said the project will enable the state government continue to support policies geared towards development of rural communities and human capacity building “This administration would ensure that programmes organised by donor agencies are sustained and the impact felt by benefiting communities. Obaseki commended the state’s WASH implementation team for
the progress recorded, noting, “We want the implementation of the programme to be extended to include the training of more persons in repairs and fixing of water pumps and boreholes.” He assured that, “The state government would take ownership of the water and sanitation projects while local government councils would be mandated to set aside specific amount of their monthly allocations for water and sanitation projects in their councils.”
Group Demands 50-50 Power Sharing Formula In Nigeria BY JULIANA AGBO, Abuja
A group under the aegis of OneAdultOneYouth, has demanded for a 50-50 power sharing formula from across all political offices. President of the group, Lilian Ene Ogbole, made this demand
during a press conference in Abuja yesterday. Ogbole, reiterated the need for an urgent positive action by ways of referendum that will give serious consideration to fully fledge youth participation. She stated that youth involvement in leadership will
resolve several pending national issues particularly the issue of youth restiveness that is claiming billions of naira from the country. “The entire globe is moving in the direction of peacefully handing over state powers to youths, Nigeria cannot be an exception. Nigerian youth
constitutes approximately 80% of our voting strength. She added, “The Nigerian youth we know are detribalised, unbiased, patriotic and determined to bring to an everlasting end to the obnoxious reign of nepotism, impunity, injustice and dishonesty.
CSO Calls For Speedy Passage Of Hate Speech Bill BY NZOR ERNEST, Abuja
A Civil Society Organisation, Interfaith Mediation Centre, Kaduna, yesterday called on the National Assembly to hasten the passage of the hate speech bill currently before it. The group in a communiqué issued in Abuja at the end of a two-day capacity building meeting themed: “North-South Dialogue” and supported by USAID, said the passage of the bill became imperative because of the danger of the hate speech in the country.
The communiqué also urged the media houses, traditional and religious leaders not to be promoters of hate speeches because of the danger it portends to the co-existence of the country. The communiqué reads in part: “Hate speech is an issue in Nigeria today as a result of the proliferation of such messages in both conventional and social media. Some politicians, traditional, religious leaders and other stakeholders used both conventional and social media to promote hate and dangerous
speeches. “Terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation are not exclusively associated with any one religion or ethnic group. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons has enhanced the act of terrorism and violent communal conflicts. “The incessant clashes among Pastoralists and Farmers are threatening the unity of the nation. The Forum recommended that public awareness campaigns should be used to educate the public on the dangers of hate speech.
“Traditional and religious leaders should use their religious positions to admonish and emphasise on peaceful coexistence among their communities. Government and NGO’s should address issues of rehabilitation and re-integration of radicalised members of the society. “Curriculum on peaceful coexistence in schools should be reviewed to meet the present challenges. Media houses should utilise conflict sensitive reporting. The legislature should expedite action on the passage of the Hate Speech Bill.”
Peace Corps: Group Drags IGP, AGF Before Reps For Disobeying Court Orders BY AGBO-PAUL AUGUSTINE, Abuja
Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Justice and Equity (Coalition-JE), an umbrella body of different indigenous Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country, has petitioned the Nigerian House of Representatives, over what it described as “total disregard of court judgements” by the Inspec-
tor-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris. Hon. Rita Orji, member representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun federal constituency of Lagos State, at the commencement of Wednesday’s plenary, submitted a 4-page strong worded petition on behalf of the group to the green chamber. The petition, which also annexed chronicles of various court judge-
ments standing against the Nigeria Police and the IGP in favour of the Trustees of Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) and its national commandant, Amb (Dr.) Dickson Akoh, was signed by one Comrade Olayemi Success, on behalf of the coalition. The petitioners want the Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Mr Ibrahim Idris and the Chief Law Officer and the Attorney-General of
the Federation (AGF) summoned by the Reps, to explain why subsisting court orders were flagrantly disobeyed by them. “We urge Mr Chairman to call the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, the leadership of Peace Corps of Nigeria and Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, to know what the problem is.
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politics today REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS
GROUP POLITICS EDITOR: MUYIWA OYINLOLA 08054701492 (SMS ONLY )
2019: Buhari’s Silence Creates Apathy Among Stakeholders Ahead of 2019, the President’s posture seems to be creating apathy among political stakeholders. But the question on the lips of many Nigerians is whether the coast is clear for the incumbent to embark on the political voyage, SOLOMON AYADO writes
The temptation for first tenure public officers to seek second term has always been the bone of contention in the political progress over the years.
Rather than come out openly to announce or indicate clearly his intention to run for re-election in 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari is keeping a muting silence, thereby creating a near apathy among politicians. It seems the president’s decision to maintain a sealed lips as far as his second term is concerned, though a deliberate strategy, is creating apathy among some key stakeholders even within the All Progressives Congress (APC). If anything, it is quite ripe for President Buhari to not just openly declare his intention to run, but also operate or plot his political graph for 2019, not in hiding because the time to evolve all political strategies is no longer on anyone’s side. Although competent party sources said there is no way the President will not run because the kingmakers are solidly behind him. Another said the silence of Buhari to make his re-election intention known is quite deliberate, stemmed from the highly criticized nature of his administration. Following the prolonged silence, it was gathered that the APC, Buhari’s party is more troubled as more Nigerians are coming out with different counter narratives on why the party ticket will not fly above the opposition PDP, if and only the ruling party features Buhari as the bearer. “First ,I want to apologize for keeping you for too long seating, this is because I insisted on the governors attending this meeting. This is why I came along with them so that when we are going to meet you, when you are going to meet the rest of Nigerians if you tell them that their governors were in the company of the president, I think that will be another vote for me in future. I’m very pleased that they were able to turn up,” Buhari stated while addressing the Nigerian community in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire during the 5th European Union-African Union (EU-AU) Summit, last year. This was the only instance in recent times that the President said anything closer to re-election, after several persons have expected him to hit the nail on the head. There is no doubting the fact that today, the ambition of some elected office holders particularly the President, lawmakers and state governors has taken the centre stage in the realm of socio-political commentary in Nigeria. The temptation for first tenure public officers to seek second term has always been the bone of contention in the political progress over the years. For it naturally follows that who-
Buhari
ever tastes the sweetness of power finds it very difficult to vacate its corridor. Like whoever throws away the honey comb, it is also natural that such person must unhesitatingly lick the drops on the fingers. Consequent upon this, no matter how a public officer, especially the President, pretends about running for second term, it is quite established that seeking re-election has always being a regular which history finds it difficult to erase. From former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo to Goodluck Jonathan, it was all the same and it is quickly becoming strange if Buhari cannot replicate same. For instance, it is on record that Jonathan did not show he would run until the last minute. Similarly, Obasanjo was silent on his third term agenda while working for it underground. It is not sure whether the case of Buhari will be any different. Already, several persons including dexterous politicians, party leaders, cabinet members and other top government appointees, groups and associations are calling for Buhari to run for second term in 2019. They do not mind if the generality of people are not in tune with their clamours or not. At the same time, it appears the opposition political parties, particularly the PDP, is not joking in ensuring that no person like President Buhari rules the country again. Also, some persons in the ruling APC who are seemingly ‘aggrieved’ because of one denial or no patronage, are already working
Obasanjo
underground to ‘change the change.’ Endorsements In what appears like forcing the Carmel to drink water from the flowing river, the North central governors were somewhat the first caught in the act, calling on President Buhari to contest in 2019. Of course, no one is sure whether the endorsement was sponsored or be it politically motivated, the governors, who had taken their stand at the North Central meeting of the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups held in Abuja, said Buhari needed to complete the things he has started. Among many were Governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa) and Senator George Akume. The motion was moved by Akume and was seconded by Governor Lalong. They vowed to compel President Buhari to contest, insisting there was no one else that could sustain the growth being recorded. According to them, “no politician could sustain the momentum of his (Buhari) progress.” And thus, came seven governors elected on the platform of APC who endorsed the President and boosted his yet to be declared bid for a second term in office. This was after their meeting at the the Presidential Villa in Abuja. They were Abubakar Bello (Niger), Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Nasir El-Ru-
fai (Kaduna), Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa) and Simon Lalong (Plateau). They had earlier prayed along with the President at the State House Mosque before the meeting. They stated categorically that they have no apologies for endorsing him. Governor el-Rufai spoke on behalf of his counterparts. He had said, “We are politicians and those of us you see here want the President to contest the 2019 election. We have no apologies for that. We believe in Mr. President, we want him to continue running the country in the right direction. People can speculate about 2019, we have no apologies. Whether they are right or wrong is beside the point. Everybody is entitled to his own opinion, but as governors, and most of us here with the exception of Yobe Governor, are first time governors. We are interested in continuity and stability and we want the President to continue with that.” Another group that has endorsed Buhari is the South east leaders. They paid a courtesy call on the President in the Aso Villa and insisted he contests for second term. Members of the delegation were the Governor of Imo State, represented by his Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere; members of the National Executive of APC from the zone and ministers. Other notable personalities in attendance were former Senate President, Ken Nnam➔ CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
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POLITICS INTERVIEW 17
2019: Buhari’s Silence Creates Apathy Among Stakeholders ➔ FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Al-Makura
Okorocha
Bello
If anything, it is quite ripe for President Buhari to not just openly declare his intention to run, but also operate or plot his political graph for 2019
Tinubu
ani, former Ebonyi, Martins Elechi, Senator Andy Uba, Senator Ben Uwajimogu, former governor of old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo, Senator Nkechi Nworgu, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, and former minister of labour and productivity, Emeka Wogu. Others are Senator Uche Ekwunife, Hon. Tony Nwoye, Okey Ezea, George Moghalu, National Auditor APC, National Vice Chairman South East, Emmanuel Eneukwu, Cosmos Maduba, Senators Chris Nwankwo, Chris Adighije, Anthony Agbo, and Emma Anosiki, Former deputy governor of Abia Cosmas Akomas, Nnanna Uzor Kalu, Dr. Uche Ogar. Also present was the Chairman, APC House of Representatives caucus from South East Nnanna Raphael Igbokwe, Hon. Chike Okafor, Hon. Austin Chukwukere, Sam Nkire, Mac Nwabara, APC Deputy National Women leader Tina Ekwueme-Adike, Princess Gloria Akobundu, the Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor, Eze Nwosu and the Commissioner for Information in Imo State, Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri, among others. The National Vice Chairman of APC in South East, Emma Eneukwu, who read the address at the event said that four years were not enough for the President to implement all his projects. He read, “It is our conviction that four years are not enough for you to complete this worthy journey hence the need for another four years to enable you make Nigeria truly great. We implore Mr President, as a just and fairminded leader, to make history by supporting the zoning of the office of the President in our great party to the South East at the end of your second tenure in office as President in 2023”. Making another stunning endorsement, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha said the governors had adopted the president as their sole candidate for 2019 presidential election. According to him, Buhari needs a second term to fulfill all his promises. He further announced that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, would be the Director General of the presidential campaign team. “We have been in Abuja for three days holding meetings of the Progressive Governors with the APC leadership. We deliberated on so many issues.First among the very important issues that we discussed, was the issue of Mr. President’s second term bid and it has the endorsement of all the governors of APC. There is need for him to complete his second term as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and he should go ahead to declare,” he stated. However, in a rather serious but comical manner, the Minister of Communications, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu, on Wednesday, 24 January, 2018, attended the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting with a bag full of President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election campaign caps. This has never happened. According to media reports, the caps were packed inside a big bag popularly known as “Ghana-must-go.” It said shortly before the commencement of the meeting presided over by the President at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the minister handed over the bag to the council’s secretariat staff members for distribution to council members. The campaign cap, it was said has the logo of the ruling All Progressives Congress and the inscription “Continuity ‘19: Muhammadu Buhari/Osinbajo”, on it. Political Atmosphere The political atmosphere is tense even as President Buhari is silent on his bid to seek re-election. There is already an appearance of apathy among politicians. However, there are banging drums of war
as the opposition is battle ready to thwart any attempt for Buhari to be re-elected, even if he declares any intention to run. The majority of people are citing the economic hardship and insecurity that have remained unabated under the APC-led administration. Many politicians in the ruling class, it was gathered, are equally making all fervent efforts to defect to other political parties. The muting silence and lack of enthusiasm of some leading personalities in the APC is another factor. Some of the political big wigs who are expected to, by now, be singing ‘Buhari 2019’ all they way, are in the state of numbness, obviously with privation of passion to sweep even with the long brooms of the change. Nobody is sure whether it is indolence or simply the fear of being victimized, or disgraced if eventually the President agrees to run but is later defeated. Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the APC was the first to eviscerate and take out the bowel. He said governors cannot apportion powers of endorsement to themselves and therefore ruled out automatic ticket for President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 Presidential election. Tinubu stated this while reacting to an endorsement by some governors. He was in Akure on a private visit to the the leader of the Pan-Yoruba Socio- Political Group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti. Although the visit was perceived by many as a realignment with the mainstream Yoruba Group ahead of the 2019. Tinubu declared, “No governors can appropriate the power of endorsement to themselves. Buhari is a believer in the process. The Buhari I know believes in the rule of law. We wanted him before the last convention and primaries of the party and Akeredolu is here standing with me, he was not the governor then. We followed all the constitutional provisions and an individual or group’s opinion does not really matter at this stage”. Just as the political dust is raised, Obasanjo has asked Buhari not to seek re-election, citing “poor performance” in office. This was contained in a categorically worded statement the former President personally signed and issued. Obasanjo pointed out poverty and insecurity, as well as poor economic management, nepotism and gross dereliction of duty among others, by the Buhari administration and declared that he (Obasanjo) would be in the vanguard of a movement to oust Buhari from power if the president would run in the election again. “I only appeal to brother Buhari to consider a deserved rest at this point in time and at this age. I continue to wish him robust health to enjoy his retirement from active public service. President Buhari does not necessarily need to heed my advice. But whether or not he heeds it, Nigeria needs to move on and move forward. The situation that made Nigerians to vote massively to get Jonathan out is playing itself out again. I will consider no sacrifice too great to make for the good of Nigeria at any time,” the statement read in part. At the moment, the stakeholders have started to loud their voices, for or against. The President, Buhari, is still silent, and yet to declare his intention to run. The endorsements continue, the bashing and or resistance to vote for Buhari in 2019 is, however, glaring. The fact is, the performance and delivery of any government to better the living conditions of the masses is always a determining factor to voting in any administration. It is not sure whether the Buhari-led administration has satisfied the yearnings of the people or not. The generality of people have their right of franchise intact and awaiting the forthcoming election to determine who rules or not. It is left to be seen how and where the political pendulum will swing, as events unfold.
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capital
THE NATION’S
NEWS AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY Centre To Train Civil Servants On Leadership, Quality Management
Principal Partner, Salako Adewale and Co, Salako Adewale, receiving an “Icon of Transparency and National Integrity Award” from Ambassador Benjamin Splendour during the Nigerian Youth Leaders campaign against corruption organized by Vision-One Leadership Development Initiative (VOLDI) in Abuja, recently.
BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI
The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (C&LTC) is set to train states and local government workers in the north east and North West region of the country on leadership, quality management and accountability in government business. Director, planning, research, monitoring and information management of the centre, Mr. Sola Philips, told LEADERSHIP in Abuja that the training aimed at addressing the salient issues needed by civil servants in economic diversification programme of government. Philips stated that the training, which is in partnership with Peace Advocacy and Community Development Initiative (PACDIN), would offer participants the opportunity to improve their managerial abilities, planning and general administrative functions. He added that the objective of the training was to bring together local government directors of personnel management, information and secretaries of LGA, among others to fathom on ethical culture in policy and values. The director disclosed that the training would be held at the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) orientation camp ground in Dutse, Jigawa State in February, adding that the training had been extended to primary, secondary and tertiary institutions to help students develop their minds and free them from corruption and other social vices.
Minister Urges Board Members To Be Creative BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has called on the newly reconstituted boards of 12 agencies and parastatals under the FCT Administration to focus on improving service delivery, across the territory. Speaking when he inaugurated 155 members of the board in Abuja yesterday, Bello charged them to come up with ingenious ideas that would generate revenue for government to provide services and improve the living conditions of residents. The minister explained that the new board members have been carefully chosen to bring their vast public service, corporate and business experiences to bear in the performance of their assignment. He called on FCT residents to
support the newly reconstituted boards and make the necessary sacrifices in order to realize the vision of the founding fathers for a first class capital city comparable to the best in the world. In a welcome address, the FCTA permanent secretary, Mr. Christian Ohaa, said the boards are coming to broaden the democratic space and provide the needed corporate leadership for most of these agencies and parastatals. Ohaa stated that the arrival of these experienced personalities would further strengthen the effort of the administration to fast-track the implementation of programmes and projects for the greater development of the territory. Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated members, the chairman of Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Dr. Bawuro Yahaya thanked
President, Muhammadu Buhari and the FCT Administration for the opportunity given members to service, just as he pledged that members would do their best to justify the confidence reposed in them. The boards inaugurated are the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT IRS), Abuja Property Development Company, (APDC), Abuja Environmental Protection Agency (AEPB), Abuja Investment and Infrastructure Centre (AIIC) and FCT Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB). Others are the Abuja Investment Company Ltd. (AICL), FCT Secondary Education Board (FCT SEB), FCT Scholarship Board (FCTSB), FCT Primary Healthcare Development Board (FCT PHDB), Area Council Service Commission (ACSC) and Abuja Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
… Laments Years Of Institutional Failures BY DAVID ADUGEANI
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has identified institutional failures as one of the problems bedeviling governance in the country, over the years. Speaking when he
received the report of a special ministerial taskforce, set up to address the perennial traffic gridlock and other environmental challenges, along the Abuja-NyanyaKaru-Jikwoyi-Karshi road, Bello noted that if government institutions had done their jobs well, there would not have
been need for taskforces in the first instance. He therefore charged the various heads of the agencies and parastatals under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to be alive and more proactive to their duties and not always wait for directive from the minister before doing their
jobs. According to him, “It’s very important for us to ensure that the relevant departments, saddled with the responsibilities, whether they are at the level of the FCTA proper, secretariats and agencies, or area councils, sit together, look at their mandates and work.”
Tricycle Operators Urge Members To Shun Drug Abuse BY TARKAA DAVID Chairman of the Abuja Tricycle Riders Association (ATRA), Hassan Haske has urged commercial tricycle operators in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to always obey traffic laws and shun the use of drugs. Haske, who stated this during the annual general meeting of the group in Abuja yesterday, said that the association would not relent in its efforts to sanitise their operations, to ensure that members are law-abiding. He said that contrary to speculations,
members of the association are peace-loving citizens and not hooligans. “I consider the people that ride Keke as good citizens that take up the business, because they do not want to parti cipate in hooliganism. They believe riding that Keke is a good business that helps many other people, including the civil servants, oil sellers, spare part dealers and other people in the society,” he said. While delivering his lecture, the public relations officer (PRO), FCT National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency, (FCT-NDLEA),Peter
Adegbe noted that operating a machine under the influence of drugs is dangerous. “There is no way machine operations will be possible with the use of drugs there are so many ills that come with it. There is no way you can read road signs appropriately if you are under the influence of drugs. Most times, what you see are not real. They are times a pothole will be near and you will think it is far ahead and you just drive into it. Or the sign says u-turn and you take it for a roundabout and before you know it, you will just hit another vehicle.”
2019: We Will Present Candidates For All Elections -PRP BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI As activities for the 2019 general elections gather momentum, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) said it would present candidates for the all the positions in the 2019 elections. Speaking when he presented a review document to the chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, yesterday in Abuja, the chairman, committee for a holistic review of PRP documents and operations, Mallam Lawal T. Batagarawa, disclosed that the party is in the process of repositioning itself to enable it play a more prominent role, in the Nigerian political space in the 2019 elections. Batagarawa stated that as a registered political party in Nigeria, PRP is committed to presenting candidates in all the 2019 general elections, from national level to the local government level. He explained that the 40-member committee was set up, by the chairman of the party, to review the party’s basic documents, for the 2019 elections and subsequent elections in the country. “We are here to present our report on the review of the basic documents of People’s Redemption Party (PRP) to the party chairman, Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa. The review documents are aimed at repositioning the party for the 2019 elections and subsequent elections. It is also aimed at repositioning the party to be much stronger in ideological stand and in terms of the personalities to stand for elections.”
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Making Smart Choices While Seeking Admission To Public Varsities
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BY CHIKA MEFOR, Abuja
ast year about 1.7 million candidates sat for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). As the admission window was shut down last week, some were not able to get admission. It maybe for no fault of theirs or it could their fault because of their inability to make smart choices when it comes to choosing the governmentowned university to attend. Many candidates are carried away by the name or prestige of the institution without considering the three admission pillars, which are merit, catchment area, and educationally less privileged states, which take 45 per
Universities do not just offer admissions to applicants, they follow laid down guidelines
cent, 35 per cent, and 20 per cent respectively, as factors for consideration during admission by the varsities. Universities do not just offer admissions to applicants, they follow laid down guidelines. Indeed, the Merit consideration presupposes that the candidate did well in his O’ level, UTME and admission screening while the Catchment Areas are the locality which in most cases is the geographical or sociocultural area contiguous to the institution. As for the consideration on the basis of being from an Educationally Less Privilege State (ELPS), which include, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Ebonyi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kastina, Kebbi, Kogi,
Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara, it means an applicant from any of the above stands a chance of being given some concessions. The Head of Media, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Dr. Fabian Benjamin while speaking on the issue lamented that though the foregoing information is in the public domain, every year many students continue to make wrong choices as they pick their universities of choice. “The first factor is that you must get the minimum of five credit, including Mathematics and English. Your O’level must be complete. JAMB is not a qualifying examination but an entrance exam, depending
on the performance that year. This becomes a benchmark for the cut-off marks for the year. JAMB cannot up or lower the standard. We just conduct an entrance examination. “Next is to make a smart choice. Admission is conducted on three pillars, which is merit, which is 45 per cent, catchment area, 35 per cent, and educational less developed states, 20 percent. “The university you want to choose, what is your standing? If that school is not your catchment area, and your state is not educational less developed, which means, you can only go to that school on merit. Some candidates will have these three chances in picking a school, that’s ➔ CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE
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Making Smart Choices While Seeking Admission To Public Varsities ➔ CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
L-R: Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello; the minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu and the minister of communication, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Shittu during the courtesy visit of the governor to the ministry, recently.
Minister Tasks Govs On UBEC Fund BY CHIKA MEFOR, Abuja
In a bid to uplift the standard of basic education in the country, the minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu has charged State governments to fulfil their counterpart financial commitment so as to access the funds allocated to them by the federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The minister gave the charge while receiving the Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello who paid him a courtesy visit in his office. Adamu lamented that some states have not accessed their funds since
2015, in spite of the fact that such funds could have helped to improve basic education in such states. The minister emphasized that solid foundation must be developed at basic education level if the system must be right at all other levels. He however assured of federal government’s commitment to work with the states in the areas of teacher development and Technical/ Vocational Studies, as both forms part of the Ministerial Strategic Plan developed by the ministry. While commending Niger State government for its giant strides in education, the minister directed the executive secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi to consider
possible assistance to the State. Ealier, Governor Bello briefed the minister on the deplorable condition of the education sector, which he inherited, stressing that the situation was so terrible in terms of infrastructure and teacher quality. He said that his administration has started fixing the infrastructure deficit including providing more classrooms and students’ hostels. Bello said the visit was to solicit assistance of the minister towards achieving the objective of strengthening the specialized teacher institutes to train fresh teachers, as well as building capacity of existing teachers instead of sacking the non-capable ones.
Kwara Speaker Procures 220 JAMB Forms For Indigent Students BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, ILORIN
The Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly,Dr Ali Ahmad has distributed Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to 220 indigent students in his Ilorin South constituency. Ali also bankrolled the JAMB registration fees of the beneficiaries. Speaking during the
presentation of the forms to the beneficiaries, Ahmad said that the future of youths is very paramount to him, which was why he was always ready to render assistance to them either for their educational pursuits or to be self-dependence. The Speaker who underscored the importance of education noted that it is essential that governments at all levels are supported towards improving the
sector and secure the country’s future. According to him, “the annual gesture has become a tradition that is critically being followed”, adding that he was delighted to be contributing positively to the beneficiaries’ future. Ahmad also admonished the students to prepare very well for the forthcoming tertiary institutions entrance examination.
a smart choice,” he said. He explains further, “That’s explains why you will see someone with 270, he is not admitted but some with 240 is admitted. And someone will start saying this is not fair. “For example, the man that is coming from Sokoto that wants to go to the University of Lagos stands a better chance than for example someone who is coming from Anambra because he might go under merit and educationally less developed state. But the person from Anambra has just one chance, which is merit”. According to him, many candidates are making ‘blind choices’ because they just want to go to school or because of their fascination to the name of the university.
“Applicants need to know this. For example, if you have space for 100 people to read medicine in ABU. 45 people will be for merit. Merit is blind as far as you merited it. 35 will go to the 19 northern states. Each state must have candidates. Then the 20 will go to the educationally less developed in northern state. “ See how the choices affect the candidates. If the highest person scored 300 and you have 270, and you are number 50 on the merit, and your state is not catchment
area, or among the educationally less developed, they will only pick 45 and you will not be among. They will now go to catchment areas. Like in ABU, the 19 northern states. Then they will pick the top two. The top two, might even have lower mark than those that were left out in merit,” he explained further. Benjamin noted that no nation runs its admission system with merit alone adding that other factors are also considered. He however stated that with the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), JAMB is doing its part to make the system better. The Board, according to him, has derived a way to ensure that there is equity and fairness in getting admission in tertiary institutions. “We are trying to run a system that we ensure equity and fairness, that you don’t need to know someone before getting admission. We want equity and fairness,” he said. In CAPS, institution forwards recommended list to JAMB desk officer, the desk officer processes recommended list and generates list of provisional admissions, JAMB contacts candidates to accept or decline admission. If candidate accepts, admission is concluded for candidate.
FXTM Announces Educational Tour Across Nigeria BY BUKOLA IDOWU, Lagos
ForexTime (FXTM), a leading forex broker specialising in forex trading, has commenced an educational tour across the country, organising seminars and workshops to foreign exchange traders in Nigeria.
The educational roadshow led by the firm’s head of Education, Andreas Thalassinos, is aimed at giving Nigerians a better understanding of how to navigate the financial markets. Thalassinos, in a statement said “We will be visiting six
cities in two weeks, holding no fewer than six one-day seminars and two, three-day workshops – it’s our most ambitious tour yet. “We are expecting hundreds of attendees to join us in Calabar, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Lagos.
Whatever their experience level, our traders always leave our events with a better understanding of how to navigate the financial markets and use technical analysis tools, not to mention more confidence in their ability to trade.
“Our Nigerian students are some of my favourite; enthusiastic, engaged and eager to learn,” Thalassinos explains. The educational seminar and workshop will end on February 08, 2018 across various cities in Nigeria.
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Nigeria And The Burden Of Commitment To Modern Contraceptives
The federal government and other stakeholders, in 2017, pledged to achieve a modern contraceptive rate of 27 per cent among all women by 2020. PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA takes a look at some of the efforts towards this commitment. Nigeria remains one of the most populous countries in world with an estimated population of about 180 million people. The country’s population profile in the Nigeria Population and Development (NPD), June 2017 fact sheet recorded a population growth trend of 40million in 1950 to 192 million in 2017 with an annual growth rate of 3.2% and an average number of 5.2 children per woman. A recent report has also projected that Nigeria’s population would surpass that of the United States shortly before 2050, at which point it would become the third largest country in the world.
This has left many, especially analysts, with the thought that if not well managed, the country may face population related crisis in the near future. Indeed, this fear has engendered the call for population control. To this effect, the federal government, its partners and private sector, in July 2017, made a pledged to achieve a modern contraceptive rate of 27 per cent among all women by 2020. In an attempt to fulfilling this pledge, the federal government, last week, released the sum of $1 million (N360m) for the delivery of contraceptives for the enhancement of quality family
planning among Nigerians. The minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, who disclosed this after the federal executive council meeting at the presidential villa, said procurement for the implementation of the plan led by a committee chaired by a director in the ministry had equally been secured. He observed that following a presidential approval of the joint venture agreement between the federal government and May $ Baker for the production of local vaccines, a board had been constituted on January 19 to oversee the venture and consequently, Nigeria will begin to produce its vaccines within the next two
years. Also, the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), recently, held a National Dissemination Meeting towards the implementation of the renewed FP2020 London Summit Commitment. The objective of the meeting was to galvanize all the stakeholders responsible for the implementation of the pledges by Nigeria at the summit. Speaking at the meeting, the National Coordinator, AAFP, Dr Ejike Orji, said that the rapid population growth rate is primarily a result of high fertility
STAY VIGILANT FOR LASSA ➊keep Fever food(cooked and uncooked ➋ Headache covered Keep your surroundings clean and clear Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly Dispose of waste materials properly, away from your living quarters
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Nigeria And The Burden Of Commitment Surgeon’s Turf To Modern Contraceptives DR BIODUN OGUNGBO MBBS, FRCS, FRCSEd, MSc. Consultant Neurosurgeon
occasioned by low use of contraceptives. He also identified lack of family planning knowledge among the many sexually active adolescents and women to make decisions regarding their reproduction as a factor. According to him, Nigerians need to have a nation where it becomes a right for every person to have access to high-quality family planning information and service through increasing the number of health facilities. He advocated for the provision of family planning services in each of the states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , while leveraging on the 10,000 functional primary health care facilities, to foster positive attitudes towards planning services becomes necessary. He therefore called for
an increased access to high quality family planning with provision of age appropriate SHR infrastructure to youth through the Family Life Health Education Curriculum and youth- friendly health services and facilities. In another development, the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), last week, held a dissemination meeting on ‘levonorgestrel’ emergency contraceptive pills (LNGECPs) Training Manuals. Dr. Kayode Afolabi, the director in charge of Reproductive Health in the ministry of Health, described emergency contraceptive, as a broad range of method mix in family planning. “The particular emergency contraceptive that we are working on in collabo-
ration with ARFH is levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill. We consider it an important part in family planning programming in this country, we consider it a very good effective and efficient method of contraception especially for special group of women and ladies in their reproductive age group. “Also, there is a special population that emergency contraceptive is highly recommended for by the FMoH, these women include the victims of rape, they will benefit from the use of emergency contraceptives.” He said the partnership with the ARFH is to ensure that is guideline and training manual that will be used to improve the capacity of healthcare providers, so that they will be able to provide
information and services for emergency contraceptives adequately, adding that the target is all inclusive; from those providing commodities to those in the facilities providing services for emergency contraceptives, to ensure a seamless introduction of it into public. Speaking on accessibility, Afolabi observed that access from private facilities is higher than that of the public facilities, saying this is because women who need it are not aware that is it available in public facilities, therefore, the need to create awareness. “Anybody who is mature enough to get pregnant and who has been violated in one way or the other as a woman will need emergency contraceptive as part of the care,” he noted.
R-L: Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adowole receiving keys of 538 motorcycles donated by WHO to strengthen Surveillance system in Nigeria, from the WHO Country Director, Dr. Wondi Alemu, recently.
FG Seeks Collaboration To Combat Drug Abuse PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA, ABUJA
The federal government has expressed worry over the abuse of drugs in the country while calling for collaborative effort towards curbing the menace. Minister of health, Isaac Adewole, made the call while inaugurating the Codeine Control and Other Related Matters Working Group (CCRWG), in Abuja. The CCRWG is expected to assist in designing and improving Pharmacy
Screening, Monitoring and Surveillance and how those addicted to the abuse of codeine would get assistance and be rehabilitated in the Society. The minister urged the group to ensure proper management of codeine usage by creating adequate supply chain and distribution method to avoid drug abuse. He noted that the issue of drug abuse was beyond the health Professionals, thus the need to bring on board other professionals on the committee for better public health delivery service for
Nigerians. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Clement Uwaifo, said that the issue of drug abuse had become worrisome and of concern to the federal government. He added that the inauguration of the working group would go a long way in reducing the abuse of drugs like codeine in the Country. Prof. Olwatoyin Odeku who is the chairperson of CCRWG, pledged that the group would take the assignment seriously and deliver on its terms of reference.
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The President’s Son and Severe Injury Prevention The accident could have been much worse! Yusuf was wearing full protective gear while riding his power bike. He had on a helmet which protected his head and the riding suit which protected his spine and prevented certain neck and back injuries that may have led to paralysis. The accident was also witnessed and help was immediately available to extricate him from the bush and transport him to the nearest hospital. That Yusuf had some self-protection was vital to his survival. So, wearing a seatbelt in cars and a helmet when out riding can save lives. Emergency treatment Maybe there would have been no beds! The nearest hospital seems to have been NISA Premier Hospital in Jabi. NISA Premier Hospital is renowned for pediatric and obstetric care and does not have capacity for trauma care. Therefore, early recognition of the dire needs of Yusuf was paramount in making the decision to refer him onwards with the support required on the journey. From reports available, he had emergency treatment and early referral to another facility for expert care and attention. It is a fact that many of our ‘other’ hospitals would have no qualms saying, ‘Go away, we have no beds’ and care less of how you actually, ‘go away’. No ambulance and certainly no assistance in safe transfer, onwards to another facility. Not even a telephone call to warn them of your imminent arrival! Early resuscitation The Golden hour rules! The first hour in emergency care is called the ‘Golden Hour’. This is the most critical period in the management of a trauma patient. Manage this hour well and the patient is likely to survive. The management includes recognition of the immediate life-threatening issues and correct management of those issues. These are the airway, breathing, circulation and disability. Is the airway clear and the person breathing? Are they bleeding, whether outwards or internally? Are they injured with a broken neck or a broken spine? The care during the Golden Hour therefore saves lives by controlling the airway, breathing for the patient (if necessary) and stop bleeding/ replace blood loss as necessary. Preventing further injuries to the brain and spine is vitally important in the first few hours. In this regard, Cedarcrest Hospitals provided exemplary care in the management of Yusuf. Expert Management Call in the experts to provide definitive care! Resuscitate, resuscitate and resuscitate. Problems identified in the primary and secondary surgery (examination) of the injured person will highlight the experts required to provide definitive care. The anesthetist is vital in controlling the airway and breathing of the patient. They must be on hand immediately if death is to be avoided. In the case of Yusuf, he had also injured his head and broken a leg. So, a neurosurgeon (we have about 80 in Nigeria) and an orthopedic surgeon were required. This led to early operations to fix the broken bones and an operation on his head! Intensive care What happens next is very expensive! Intensive care is very expensive in Nigeria and only available in a few hospitals. Real intensive care that is, and not just a ramshackle room with an old, used ventilator. In fact, the equipment is actually not as important as the presence of skilled nurses and doctors: manpower! They make the intensive care and without the right people, people die! Yusuf was managed in a real intensive care ward with all the required gadgets and gizmos. He was reviewed on the hour, every hour and by the minute.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
‘UNICEF’II Partner NOA On Enlightenment’ BY PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA, Abuja
The National Orientation Agency has expressed its commitment to the United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF) seeking to use the Agency’s Community Mobilization Officers (COMOs) platforms for social mobilization at the grassroot level in the country. Director-General of the Agency, Dr. Garba Abari, made this known when he hosted the Country Representative of UNICEF, Dr. Annis Siddique and his team at the NOA headquarters in Abuja. In a press statement, Abari commended the UNICEF for its commitment to achieving broad base initiative in support of children and women in the country and reawakening the
consciousness of Nigerians to the importance of achieving an Open Defecation Free nation. He requested UNICEF to support capacity building of the Agency’s COMOs to enhance the discharge of their responsibilities in promoting human health initiatives for national development at the grassroots level. The NOA boss said the NOA is a reliable partner in the laudable initiative of changing norms in the society, stating that the Agency has a robust platform for behavioural and attitude change, using the COMOs, religious and traditional institutions and the social media which is very effective. He pledged that all messaging platforms of the Agency will be deployed to create awareness on the Stop Open Defecation
initiative of the UNICEF across the country, adding that majority of the COMOs are domiciled in the rural areas where they come from and speak the local dialect which in turn enhances the credibility of their message. Earlier, the UNICEF Country representative, Dr. Annis Siddique commended the NOA COMOs for their active role in polio and routine immunization programmes, exclusive breastfeeding and campaign against open defecation for their strong social mobilization commitment to UNICEF. Siddique said his visit was therefore to strengthen the relationship between UNICEF and NOA to enable them create greater awareness and social mobilization for the development and health of the Nigerian society.
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WHO To Donate 20m Doses Of Vaccines To Nigeria Annually BY HOSEA YUSUF, ABUJA
The World Health Organization (WHO) has pledged to donate 20 million doses of vaccines annually to Nigeria, for the eradication of yellow fever. This is as the federal government commences the phase two of vaccination against yellow fever in four states namely, Kogi, Kwara , Zamfara and Borno states, where there has been outbreak of the disease. The phase 1 of the exercise was completed in 2014, covering 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The campaign which commenced on the 23rd of January, 2017, targets between 9 months to 45 years of age in the vaccination campaign which kicks off tomorrow. The exercise will be conducted in phases based on the assessment conducted in 2017. Although Nigeria had been declared free of the endemic, recent outbreak has nullified the position. The first outbreak was recorded in September 2017 in Kwara state and later Kogi, Zamfara. Speaking, WHO Representative, Dr. Fiona Braka said every effort must be geared towards
containing the outbreak. Braka further started that the WHO will assist the country to achieve the total vaccination of the teaming populace in line with the Elimination of Yellow Epidemics (EYE) by 2026. She said, “The global community is committed to this course and has pledged 20 million doses available annually to achieve the target despite the global vaccine shortfall.” She also noted that the disease is preventable “with available vaccines that is cheap, knowing that there is no cure for the disease but the vaccination is the ultimate way to protect the population.” Speaking, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib said that the global non availability of Yellow Fever vaccines resulted in the plan to phase the campaign for the next nine years. “Plans for preventive campaign annually depending on global vaccine availability,” he added. Shuaib also revealed that about one million doses of the vaccine will be used in Borno during each preventive camping which has been slated for 5-14 February 2018.
‘Data Processing Key To Reducing Maternal Death’ BY PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA, Abuja Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, (5th right); World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Director in Nigeria, Dr Wondi Alemu (left); Executive Director /CEO National Primary Health Care Development Agency,Dr. Faisal Shuaib; MD/CEO, May & Baker Nigeria Plc , Mr. Nnamdi Okafor (2nd right); and other members of the board, during the inauguration of the Board of Directors of Biovaccines Nigeria Limited in Abuja, recently.
Experts Urge Nigerians To Embrace Organic Foods BY ODIRI UCHENUNU-IBEH, Lagos
As Nigerians are struggling with challenges that are associated with consuming unhealthy foods, experts have emphasised the need for consumers to embrace organic foods. Making the recommendation, Managing Director of an indigenous food firm, Mr Olawale Makinde, stated that organic foods were capable of taking care of the various health challenges resulting from consuming unhealthy foods. Makinde said researches have shown that organic foods were
healthier than conventional and natural foods. He said the firm “was determined to bring best organic practices in producing and selling local organic foods such as rice, tomatoes, plantain, fish, chicken and cocoyam to end users. “Other organic foods available on our stable include melon, pawpaw, eggs, pepper, vegetables among others. At Food Brothers, we are not just selling locally produced organic foods, but we are selling organic foods along with honesty and integrity in a manner that will be easier for our customers to get our products
at their homes and offices, through our home delivery system.” He said the future of food consumption in Nigeria would be in the hands of organic foods farmers, noting that the level of fertiliser and chemical abuse in conventional farming system in Nigeria was appalling. He however urged food consumers to change the dynamics of how chemicals were being used in farming system by patronising only food grown with organic system,which he said is after the health of food consumers.
German Ambassador to Nigeria, Bernhard Schlagheck, has stressed that data processing is key in reducing maternal and perinatal deaths. Schlagheck also pledged that the German government would continue to provide technical support to the maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) Programme in Nigeria. The envoy made the pledge during the Advocacy and Sensitization Meeting on MDSR held in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the minister of health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, urged stakeholders in the health sector to support the Programme, which would provide evidencebased response for improving maternal and newborn health
in Nigeria. Represented by the director, department of family health, Dr Adebiyi, the minister noted that with concerted efforts from the stakeholders towards reducing maternal and perinatal deaths, it is expected that there would be a remarkable reduction in maternal and perinatal mortality in the forthcoming 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. He further said that the federal government, through the health ministry was currently implementing a new National Health Policy with a view to ensuring the survival of mothers and their newborns through the provision of skilled birth attendants. Adewole said midwives were being recruited and deployed to under – served areas with high burden of maternal deaths.
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‘Nizamiye Hospital Discourages Medical Tourism’ In an interview with select journalists, the Public Relations Director of the Turkish Nizamiye Hospital, Mr Mohammed Abubakar shed light on the activities of the hospital since inception three years ago. Excerpts: The Turkish Nizamiye Hospital tell me which is cost effective? was established in 2014. Please, can you share your experience? You mentioned that the hospital has an open heart surgery You are indeed correct; the hos- clinic, can you shed more light pital was commissioned on 20th on it? February, 2014 by his ExcellenWe have an open heart surgery cy, former president Goodluck clinic headed by a renowned carJonathan. Since then we have diovascular surgeon with over strived not just to be in opera- 30 years experience and with tion, but also to ensure that our over 15,000 open heart surgeries services compare to what is ob- in Turkey. And since we opened tainable in Europe and America. the clinic in 2016; we have perThe journey has been incredible formed 18 successful open heart as well challenging. As you may surgeries, two valve replacebe aware, the Nizamiye hospital ments, and 16 coronary bypassis not a magnificent building; we es. Our open heart surgery team have very experienced doctors is also resident in the hospital and nurses that have continued to premises, and what this means is give in their best in the discharge that they operate on 24 hours and of their duties. So, in a nutshell, 7 seven days a week. I dare say I would say that Nizamiye hos- we are about the only hospital in pital has given Nigerians reasons Abuja that has this kind of setnot to travel abroad for medical ting. treatment. In spite of the fact that the Talking about your services, hospital is well-equipped, there don’t you think it might be out has been a high number of of reach of most Nigerians? deaths in the hospital. What do The hospital renders special- you explain this? ized services like Open Heart There is an expectation that Surgery, Angiography, CT Scan, regardless of the medical condiMRI, Neurosurgery, Orthopae- tion of any patient, doctors at the dics, Algology, to mention but a Nizamiye hospital should be able few. These are highly skilled ser- to perform some miracle of some vices that are on their own quite sort. While this is understandable expensive even in western coun- given our level of expertise, howtries. That does not mean that we ever, in medical science, when a are ignorant of the implication case is severe, it is terrible and of getting care for such services, there is little or nothing some but you can be assured that our doctors can do. As regards your prices are less than what you get question, the Nizamiye hospital when you travel to Europe and as a policy does not turn down America. Again, we are all aware patients. We accept and give an that it is estimated that Nigeria objective assessment to relatives spends about $1 billion on medi- and give them all the options. In cal tourism annually. The ques- terrible cases that such patients tion thus is what the illnesses that have a couple of days to live we take Nigerians abroad? Take the advise and in most instances the example of Open Heart Surgery. relatives insist that we take in You will agree with me that open the patient so he or she can die heart surgery entails more than in peace. just the procedure itself. There is What am I saying in essence? also the periodic check. Now, say Nizamiye hospital seems to be individual travels all the way to the last resort. And that is a masIndia for Open heart surgery; the sive challenge for us because we risk is much higher because such see cases which we would have an individual would be dealing handled comfortably if the pawith a long flight and the cabin tient had turned in early. So this pressure which might not be suit- saddens us and a burden we have able for his condition. Okay, say to carry. the operation was successful, such individual would also need What about the case of the to travel back to India for a fol- son of a former minister that low-up check with the doctors, died at the hospital? and that would even cost money. For the relatives of the departSo which is the best option? So ed, I would let this question pass. I still maintain my position that The issue has been addressed in our services might not be out of the media. Please tell us about the quality the reach of Nigerians because of of staff at the hospital as well as the added benefits. But here at Nizamiye hospital, the employment criterion? The Nizamiye hospital boasts we have our doctors’ resident within the hospital premises, and of a remarkably brilliant workwe operate on 24 hours and sev- force. From our consultants to en days a week basis for all cases doctors, nurses, laboratory atincluding open heart surgery. So tendants, everyone one has dis-
Abubakar
tinguished him or herself. We took time to source for the best hands from Turkey and Nigeria because we pride ourselves as a world-class medical facility. It was stated in some quarters that the hospital was built at the cost of $20 million. If true, why such investment in Nigeria? You are correct. But as we speak, expansion works are ongoing at the hospital. So in a way, the $20 million mark has been extended to something around $30 million. Let me also inform you that the Nile University, which is a sister organisation intends to use the hospital as its teaching hospital because it now has a fully accredited medical school. So why the massive investment? Nigeria is worth the investment. Let me start by giving a background on the promoters of the Nizamiye hospital. The hospital is promoted by First Surat Group of Companies with interest in the educational and health sectors. I am sure you are aware of the Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC) and the Nile University. These are organizations under the First Surat Group of Companies umbrella. The organization is owned by a group of Turkish and Nigerian investors, and they have been in operation since 1998. As regards the hospital, the massive amount of monies spent on medical tourism
was a factor. We as an organization sat and said cant we bring what is obtainable in Europe and America to Nigeria? And the answer we got was yes. And we set out to work; we traveled to most world-class hospitals in Europe and America and understudied them. This was what gave birth to the Nizamiye hospital essentially.
There is an expectation that regardless of the medical condition of any patient, doctors at the Nizamiye hospital should be able to perform some miracle of some sort
You recently celebrated 18 successful open heart surgeries. It appears that is one area the hospital has capacity? Like I mentioned earlier, the hospital has various clinics that operate on 24 hours and seven days a week basis. That is not all; our doctors are resident in Nigeria and the hospital premises. So in a couple of minutes, you have a doctor with you regardless of the medical care. Secondly, Open heart surgery is not the only area we have the capacity. The open heart surgery clinic is just one. We are also specialized in Algology, which is the treatment of extreme pains. This is also not common in Nigeria. But we have a specialist with over 20 years experience. I think we are about the only hospital with neonates ICU with ventilators in Abuja. And we have about 6 of such. There is also neurosurgery, orthopaedics, general surgery, ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Anaesthesiology & Reanimation, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dermatology and many more.
business
Thursday, February 1 , 2018
NEWS
MONEY
CAPITAL MARKET
INSURANCE
INFLATION RATE (%) 2016
OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
18.3 18.48 18.55
INTERVIEW
2017
15.91 15.9 15.37
ANALYSIS
Leadership Newspapers
INTER BANK LENDING RATE (AS AT JANUARY 30) RATE CHANGE (%)
ON 1M 3M 6M
5.7500 14.2206 15.0357 16.7624
-0.96 -0.08 0.45 0.47
BY BUKOLA IDOWU, Lagos
Group Business Editor Bayo Amodu 08118672002 Business Editor (Lagos) Chima Akwaja Assistant Business Editors Kingsley Alu Tony Awunor Correspondent Chika Izuora Reporters Ruth Tene Natsa Bukola Idowu Olushola Bello Suzan Nwachukwu Abah Adah George Okojie Chika Okeke
Business 101 with MBAKAAN KWEN
Tips To Survive And Thrive In A Competitive Market
Budgit Calls For Early, Open Budget The Nigerian data analysis civic organisation, BudgIT has called on the government to improve on timelines of the release of its essential budget documents as the country slipped to 90th place globally on the Open Budget Index just released yesterday. For the African continent, Nigeria’s score on the index dipped from 24 in 2015 to 17 ranking 23 behind Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Liberia while South Africa, Uganda and Senegal top the index in Africa. The Open Budget Index assesses the comprehensiveness and timeliness of budget information that governments make publicly available. BudgIT in a statement signed by its communications lead, Abiola Afolabi expressed dismay at Nigeria’s current position on fiscal transparency and public participation in the budget process as Africa’s largest economy has apparently taken steps backwards despite persistent advocacy by citizens and repeated promises by the government to improve. BudgIT urged the federal government to improve the timeliness of the release of its essential budget documents and run an open budget system. It is also vital that Nigeria improves on the comprehensiveness of the critical budget documents, including the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the Budget Implementation Reports, the executive budget proposal, the enacted budget and the year-end report. Nigeria’s low rank can be connected to the failure of the federal government to produce the mid-year review.
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Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; Minister of Information, Culture and National Orientation, Alhaji Lai Muhammed and Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi during the Federal Executive Council briefing held at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, 31st January, 2018.
Ship Owners Seek BoI’s Intervention For Refinancing BY YUSUF BABALOLA, Lagos
Nigerian shipowners have appealed to the Bank of Industry (BoI) to expand its intervention to them and save their businesses from total collapse. The indigenous shipowners have been suffering financial crisis for some time which has led to most of them closing shops. The shipowners under the auspices of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) made this known in a 2017 communiqué and made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday. The communiqué was signed by SOAN president, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun LEADERSHIP had exclusively reported in its May 9, 2017 edition that the nation’s shipping sector is currently experiencing cash crunch as a result of the harsh economic situation in the country. The cash crunch has led to about 60 per cent of indigenous shipping firms operating in the downstream oil and gas sector of the economy facing serious financial crisis with most vessels at the seaside along CMS, Snake Island and Sea School in Lagos taken over
by banks due to indebtedness of the owners to the various financial institutions in the country. The shipowners are said to be owing banks huge nonperforming loans to the tune of N5 billion accrued from ship purchases and financing. They however asked the BoI to intervene to save the nation’s shipping sector. The shipowners’ situation has been so precarious because seeking fresh refinancing from the Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund (CVFF), meant for assisting indigenous players financially has not been made available because the Fund was yet to be disbursed by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA. “The Bank of Industry (BOI) expands its fund catering for the maritime industry in general, and shipowners in specific. The association also sought that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) should adhere strictly to all clauses in the Cabotage Act before allowing foreign vessels operate on the nation’s waters. “That the requirements contained in the Cabotage Act be
strictly adhered to in assessing foreign vessels operating in Nigerian waters. That government should review tax laws and policies applicable to the maritime industry, with a bid to providing necessary reliefs and incentives that would spur growth,” the communiqué read in part. SOAN further stated that the transportation Ministry and NIMASA should hasten the disbursement of the CVFF. The communique read: “Minister of Transportation and NIMASA should take urgent steps to facilitate access to the CVFF for strategic financial support to vessel owners in order to reverse the slide in Cabotage fleet tonnage. “The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, should urgently pursue the implementation of the comprehensive report on revamping and restructuring Nigeria’s flag administration. That the Nigerian Maritime Administration make serious effort towards collaborating with operators and other stakeholders in the industry to promote a more conducive operating environment.’’
Many small businesses are barely getting by. When you see a successful small business, many wonder about their secret to success. How can your small business survive and even thrive today? Small businesses have an uphill battle to develop a presence in the marketplace and a lot of them just roll downhill. However, not every trend for a small business is negative. With the right strategy, most well-planned businesses can survive and thrive in today’s world. Patrick at goodness company highlighted some ways to conquer this challenge thus; •FINANCING: Secure affordable, easy to access financing. Big banks aren’t the only moneylenders out there. Find an investment group that caters to small businesses and that is willing to bet on the little guy at rates that allow you to obtain the working capital you need to generate income. •BRANDING: Develop a solid brand for your business. Your brand strategy should involve carving a niche that you can serve in ways that a bigger company can’t. This means that you have to be good at everything you do and the best at one or two things. What’s your unique selling proposition? Perhaps you have the best product, the best location, the lowest price, the shortest delivery time, or the most customized service. What are the factors that make your business irreplaceable for a certain audience? Know it and integrate these elements into the core of your brand. •MARKETING: Communicate your benefits effectively to your audience. Your unique competitive advantage is worthless if your potential customers don’t perceive it. Hearing about your product or service doesn’t necessarily mean that your message is being heard. Your marketing strategy has to be coherent. You have to select the right communication channels, the right slogan, and the right image and they all have to be consistent across all your literature, packaging, labels, and communications.
QUOTE OF THE DAY Most manufacturers are producing for the local market, it is therefore inappropriate to compel them to pay for gas in dollars.” President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Mr Babatunde Ruwase said.
Ruwase
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STOCK INDEX (AS AT JANUARY 24) Gainers
Symbols CP Maybaker 2.97 Transexpr 0.78 Wapic 0.57 CCNN 17.90 Learnafrca 0.96
% change 4.95 4.00 3.64 3.47 2.13
Losers
Symbols FCMB Diamondbnk Fidelitybk Sterlnbank Transcorp
CP 3.07 2.92 3.23 1.94 1.94
% change -9.71 -9.60 -9.52 -9.35 -9.35
STOCK INDEX (AS AT JANUARY 24) ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP
(Points) (Numbers) (Numbers million) (Nbillion) (Ntrn)
43,963.40 7,370 536.43 5.18 N15.760
Profit Taking Drags Stocks Market Down By 0.34% BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, LAGOS
The Nigeria stocks market closed negative yesterday and also ended the month of January as profit taking dragged the benchmark index 0.34 per cent lower. In summary, the All Share Index (ASI) shed 150.14 absolute points, representing a decline of 0.34 per cent to close at 44,343.65 points, while yearto-date return contracted to 16 per cent. Also, the market capitalisation shed N54 billion, to close at N15.896 trillion. The downturn was impacted by losses recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; International Breweries, Nigerian Breweries, PZ Industries, Union Bank and Airline Services. Analysts at Afrinvest Limited noted that “although yesterday’s
performance was in line with expectation given three days of consecutive gains, we maintain our near term positive outlook for the market.” Similarly, market breadth was negative, with 23 gainers versus 30 losers. Flourmill Nigeria recorded the highest price gain of 10.05 per cent, to close at N33.95, per share. Wema Bank followed with a gain of 9.70 per cent to close at N1.47, while livestock appreciated by 8.93 per cent to close at N1.22 per share. Wapic Insurance appreciated by 8.70 per cent to close at 75 kobo, while Unity Bank rose by 5.56 per cent to close at N1.52, per share. On the other hand, Lasaco Insurance led the losers’ chart by 8.70 per cent, to close at 42 kobo per share. Law Union Insurance followed with a decline of 8.33 per cent
to close at 88 kobo, while Unic Insurance declined by eight per cent to close at 46 kobo per share. Transcorp depreciated by 5.28 per cent to close at N2.33 and UAC Property declined by five per cent to close at N3.04 per share. Also, the total volume traded declined by 25.7 per cent to 651.9 million shares, worth N7.76 billion, and traded in 7,091 deals. Transactions in the shares of Diamond Bank topped the activity chart with 68.59 million shares valued at N218.81 million. FCMB Groups followed with 63.61 million shares worth N194.86 million, while Skye Bank traded 63.12 million shares valued at N94.17 million. Zenith Bank traded 48.52 million shares valued at N1.5 billion, while Access Bank sold 44.52 million shares worth N571.7 million.
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Thursday, February 1, 2018
Budget Office Defends ‘Frivolous’ Proposals In 2018 Appropriation Bill BY MARK ITSIBOR, Abuja
Director-General, Budget office of the federation, Mr. Ben Akabueze yesterday, yesterday defended what has been described as frivolous and suspicious items in the 2018 budget while trying to clarify issues raised by public analysts and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the 2018 budget estimates for the country. For instance, the DG said the N4.8 billion budget for annual maintenance of mechanical/ electronic equipment for Aso Villa and the N338 million for procurement of computers and software for the federal ministry of finance, are appropriate. Akabueze made the remarks at a sensitization programme tagged: ‘Enhancing Media and CSOs Understanding of Current Budget and Reforms Efforts”, organised for the media and CSOs in the country. Civil society groups, including Media Rights Agenda and the Centre for Social Justice (CENSOJ) had said about 5.43 per cent, amounting to N467.4 billion of the expenditure proposed in the 2018 appropriation bill before the National Assembly
are inappropriate, frivolous and unclear or wasteful. “The frivolous expenditures have no serious purpose or value supported by any national plan or policy, while the wasteful expenditures, rather than contribute to the general welfare of the people incurs loss to the treasury,” CENSOJ had said. Asked if the federal government is worried by the fact that the herdsmen/farmers crisis currently ravaging parts of the country, Mr. Akabueze said the attacks are localized and “as very worrisome as they are, we do not think they will have such pervasive adverse impact on the agric sector to pull down significantly overall growth projection.” The federal government projects real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 3.5 per cent for the economy in 2018 with much of the growth expected to come from the agric sector. Akabueze who said there are about one million people in the federal government’s payroll, failed to actually justify the about 28 per cent of the recurrent portion of the budget for federal civil servants alone when he simply said that although,
the figure represents about 5 per cent of the total working population of the country, the public officials have chains of dependents on them who also benefit indirectly. The DG said the wide vote under Service Wide Vote does not reflect on provision for contingencies but other items that could be categorized under general expenses. Asked why the huge vote for Kaduna airport was more than its counterparts in the Southern part of the country, Mr. Akabueze who said he is not aware of the discrepancy, told the gathering that it could simply mean that the ministry of aviation places more premium in the Kaduna airport more than others. Recall that a whopping N1 billion was spent on renovation of the Kaduna airport, which served as alternative airport to Abuja airport in 2017, by the federal government. Another item described as frivolous in the budget is the Itigidi bridge connecting CrossRivers and Ebonyi state which was said to have been completed by the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan but was also budgeted for in the 2018 budget.
Guinness Nigeria Records PAT Of N2.1bn In H1 2017 BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos
Guinness Nigeria Plc has recorded a profit after tax (PAT) of N2.13 billion for its half year results for the period ended December 31, 2017. The company’s result, which was released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed net profit of N2.13 billion as against a net loss of N4.67 billion in the corresponding period of 2016. Capital market analysts noted that this was driven by continued revenue growth, better margin, and lower operating capital (opex) and finance charges. The company also delivered revenue of N70.6 billion and gross profit of N24 billion, representing an increase of 19 per cent and 31 per cent respectively over the same period last year. The results showed topline
growth driven by expansion of the company’s portfolio, and improved operating margins with benefits from productivity initiatives despite sustained cost pressures. The results also saw marketing spend increase by 17 per cent demonstrating sustained investment behind Guinness Nigeria’s brands. Administrative expenses declined to N4.74 billion from N6.06 billion, driven by the company’s continuing focus on productivity. Managing director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria, Peter Ndegwa said “in a difficult operating environment, notwithstanding recent signs of economic recovery, we delivered a strong performance with net sales growth of 19 per cent for the half year with growth in spirits and benefits of
an expanding portfolio and also against the backdrop of lapping inventory reduction from prior year.” He added “we believe in the continued execution of our strategy, allowing us to navigate a tough environment characterised by down trading of consumers as disposable income is subjected to additional pressure. We have made significant progress in driving productivity especially in the supply chain and the commercial function, even though cost pressures and inflation takes its toll.” Ndegwa added “in this half we have also continued to innovate with increased marketing spend across our portfolio to drive the growth on our core brands and to fund our expanding portfolio and innovation pipeline.”
Lafarge Africa Rewards South-South, South-East Customers BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos
Lafarge Africa Plc said it will continue to appreciate its customers across the country because their loyalty over the years account for the success of the company in Nigeria and beyond. To this end, Lafarge Africa Plc held a Customer Appreciation Dinner in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state recently for its customers from the South East and South-South. Marketing director of
Lafarge Africa, Vipul Agrawal said Lafarge is committed to providing world class service to its customers nationwide. “We have put processes in place and made adequate investment to allow us attend to customers better. Outside our numerous customer touch points, we value moments such as this when we have the opportunity to say thank you in a special way and celebrate the customer,” said Agrawal. The forum provided an
opportunity for Lafarge customers to engage in frank and open discussions with the brand and it also enabled the company’s senior management to feel the pulse of its customers, as well as resolve critical issues and complaints. Some of the customers were also rewarded with incentives for their loyalty to the Lafarge brand and performance in 2017. Similar customer appreciation events are scheduled to hold across the country.
L-R: Group Head, Admin and Legal, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr Lekan Sanni; Group Managing Director, Mr Taiwo Adeniyi; Group Director, Technical and Development, Mr Abagana Abatcha and Group Head, Finance and Accounts, Joseph Alegbesoge, during media interactive session on the company’s 2018 outlook in Lagos. PHOTO BY KOLAWOLE ALIU.
Nigeria Remains Attractive To Oil & Gas Investment – NCDMB BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos
The executive secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Simbi Wabote has said despite the fast changing landscape of the global oil and gas industry, Nigeria remains attractive for investments. Wabote disclosed this at the BHGE 2018 annual meeting which held during the week in Florence, Italy. Fielding questions at the ministerial panel, Wabote stated that Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is still very attractive to investment, regardless of various challenges facing the global oil industry since 2014. Earlier in his opening remarks,
Mr. Lorenzo Simonelli, chairman and chief executive officer, CEO of Baker Hughes a GE company, (BHGE) highlighted the various challenges, including market volatility, threat of emerging technologies and digitalization, energy transition to cleaner fuel sources and the demands of energy affordability, security and sustainability. Conceding that these challenges are real and enormous, Wabote contended that from an African perspective, “the concern for me is the emergence of artificial intelligence and robotics and how these impact on people”. He enjoined international oil companies to pay close attention to this fact as well as environmental stewardship. He charged operators
and service companies to avoid mistakes of the past and conduct their businesses with transparency. The members of the panel agreed that “meeting the world’s energy needs is not going to be easy” and that the “changing market realities and constant uncertainties mean that the industry will continue to face pressures from all directions”, making the case for investing smarter ways. The theme of the Annual Meeting is: AM 2018 Investing Smarter Ways. BHGE Annual Meeting is one of the most anticipated event in the industry which brings together global industry leaders to debate key issues and learn about latest technologies and innovative solutions to operational challenges.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
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NEWS/BUSINESS 27
BOI Facilitates Easy Access To Loans For SMEs BY TAIWO OGUNMOLA-OMILANI, Lagos
Acting Chief Judge, Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice Adamu Abdu Kafarati; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter S. N. Onnoghen and Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello, when the Planning Committee of the 2018 edition of Maritime Seminar for Judges, paid a courtesy visit to the CJN in Abuja.
Nigeria’s External Reserves Rise To $40.6bn BY BUKOLA IDOWU, Lagos
The Nigeria’s external reserves hit $40.563 billion as at January 29, 2018 according to latest data on the website of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The figure is the highest since January 2014 when the reserves dropped to $40.6 billion from $42.84 billion in December 2013. From $38.912 billion which it was as at January 2, 2018, the 30 days moving average of the external reserves had grown to $40.33 billion as at January 25, 2018 before rising to $40.56 as at Monday, January 29, 2018. The rising price of crude oil at the international market has impacted the foreign reserves of Nigeria which has accrued $1.65 billion this year. The price
of crude which has been bullish since the beginning of the year was up to $71.68 per barrel as at Friday last week stood at $70.44 per barrel yesterday. So far this year it has risen by close to 20 per cent from around $60 per barrel. Acting director, corporate communications of the CBN, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, had reiterated that the objective of the CBN remained to boost liquidity, production and trade. He explained that the CBN would continue to ensure liquidity in the interbank sector of the market as well as sustain its interventions in order to drive economic growth and guarantee market stability, expressing optimism that the Nigerian economy stood to gain massively from the bank’s forex management strategy as could be seen in the accretion to the foreign
reserves, which now stands at over $40 billion. According to Dr. Bode Augusto, chief executive of Augusto Consulting, external reserves of the country is expected to rise to $46 billion by the end of 2018. Noting that the average price of Bonny Light for 2018 is likely to be higher than in 2017 driven largely by OPEC production cuts, stronger growth and political tensions in the Middle East, he said the ability of Nigeria to grow her oil export revenue is still contingent on ability to produce and evacuate crude oil from the Niger-Delta. He said: “If Nigeria is able to produce and evacuate crude, she will build reserves but some of the reserves will be used to intervene in the NAFEX market to keep exchange rates at near current levels.”
FG Elevates 78 Immigration Officers At MMIA BY ANTHONY AWUNOR, Lagos
For their diligence and commitment to duty, the federal government has approved the promotion of 78 officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) attached to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos to different new ranks. The newly promoted officers were decorated yesterday with their new ranks and were advised to continue to be good ambassadors of the country and shun any vices that could drag the name of the country in the mud. Mr. Odeje Usman, the Assistant Comptroller General (ACG), NIS, Airport Command while decorating the officers with their new ranks said that the service and the country at large expected a lot more from the officers.
Usman commended the Comptroller General Immigration Service, Mohammed Babandede and the board of immigration for granting the approval for the elevation of the officers, maintaining that the command had never had 78 of its officers promoted in a singular exercise. He charged the officers to continue to discharge their duties to the country, stressing that the service would not condone any act of indiscipline from them or any other of its officers at the command. Usman however, admonished all the officers to regularly check their records and submits the Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER), which he said contributes in no small measure to promotion of officers. According to Usman, “this promotion signifies that you have consistently
performed your duties as expected from you, but to whom much is given, much more is expected. Promotion is additional responsibility. The government still expects some levels of improvement from you. We should always strive to represent this country well through our conducts. “You know at the airport, you have the first contact with foreigners and the image you create in their minds lasts longer. This command will not tolerate any act of indiscipline from anyone. And for those who were not promoted now, you may have been promoted spiritually, health-wise and with other records of achievements. However, I can assure you that your promotion is on the way as anyone that is deserving of promotion would be promoted as at when due.”
LCCI, MAN Call For Gas Price Review
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the Federal Government to review its pricing policy on gas to boost industrial and economic growth. The President of LCCI, Mr Babatunde Ruwase, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. He said that payment for gas in dollars by industrial users was not in tandem with government’s objectives of promoting
industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation. “Most manufacturers are producing for the local market, it is therefore inappropriate to compel them to pay for gas in dollars. “There are complaints across all sectors about high energy costs, especially high expenditure on diesel and petrol by large and small businesses, respectively. “Many businesses spend as much as 15 to 25 per cent of their operating cost on
alternative power sources,” Ruwase said. He commended government’s efforts toward reducing debts owed to gas suppliers and power generating companies as well as the improvement of loading capacity of the transmission grid. Dr Michael Adebayo, Chairman, Gas Users Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), said that “dollarisation of gas has impeded the growth of manufacturing sector and led to closure of some factories”.
The Bank of Industry (BoI) has said that Federal Government’s Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) was one of the social intervention programmes of the federal government executed by BoI to facilitate easy access to interest-free loans for market women, traders, farmers, cooperatives and youths. Mrs. Toyin Adeniji, executive director of Micro Enterprise in the bank, made the disclosure recently in Calabar during the presentation of loan certificates to over 7, 000 beneficiaries of micro-credit loans ranging from N50,000 to N100,000. She said: “BOI has been given a task to make sure that microcredit loans gets to N1.6million beneficiaries across Nigeria and today we are all over Nigeria.” The programme is targeted at market women, artisans, youths and small holder farmers. Today, the government is giving out loans in the region of N50,000 to N100,000. “The GEEP programme is the one that touches the hands of the people and has immediate direct impact on their lives. It is also a micro
programme, very easy to access and everyone is qualified to access once you are into one commercial business or the other. “The loans are payable over six months and they are payable in weekly instalment so that it can be easy for the beneficiaries. She further said that the bank disbursed about N185million to over 3,840 beneficiaries across 105 associations in Cross River in 2017.’’ Earlier, Mrs. Stella Odey, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, said that the initiative had engaged women and youths in the state in meaningful activities. “I must commend the Federal Government for the laudable initiative of helping our women, artisans, farmers and youths to grow their small businesses. Cross River state place premium on the empowerment of women; what we have seen here today shows clearly that the federal government is determined to engage the citizens in productive ventures’’, she said. One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Patience Okon, said that GEEP has helped them to get back to business, adding that some women were frustrated to go into business because of the high interest rate demanded by some commercial banks.
MDXI, Eko Disco Partner On Dedicated Power Supply To Data Centre BY CHIMA AKWAJA, Lagos
MDXI, a MainOne data centre subsidiary, said it partnered with Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc by investing in a direct private connection to the National grid to ensure a non-stop power supply to its datacenter. Mr. Gbenga Adegbiji, general manager of the company said though power availability in Nigeria may be the bane for other data centres and enterprises, MDXI data centre is achieving almost 100 per cent power uptime availability, with a surmountable over 90 per cent of that power coming directly from the national grid. He stated this while reacting to a report published in the media that was quoted to another data centre operator who complained that power is a key problem across Africa and Nigeria’s power issues are on a larger scale and more constant than experienced globally. Adegbiji debunked the myth that power hungry industries such as data centres cannot successfully operate in Nigeria, claiming its company has enjoyed 90 plus per cent power uptime since 2015 and is poised to achieve 95 per cent availability in 2018, based on a growing partnership with a local power distribution company. During an interview at the data centre recently, Adegbiji stressed the MDXI facility was purpose-built to mitigate all challenges that global businesses may have in a Nigerian data centre. He mentioned that before constructing the data centre, the company realized 24x7 power supply was a critical
challenge for businesses requiring high availability colocation infrastructure within Nigeria and invested in a direct private connection to the National grid through newly privatized Eko Electricity Distribution Plc. “We recognized the crippling impact of downtimes, the peculiarities of the Nigerian power environment as an albatross that had forced many companies to relocate outside Nigeria and ensured MDXI was established with the most robust electricity power and back-up arrangements, in line with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) ANSI/TIA-942, the leading Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centres. ‘‘Though we made provision for the full complement of generators and diesel tanks with capacity of over 100,000 liters to secure the data center’s operations and guarantee 99.995 per cent availability, we also partnered with Eko Disco and co-invested in a dedicated 33KV feeder and line connection to the National Grid through the Ajah sub-station. ‘‘Connecting directly to the grid provides us access to multiple power generating plants and guarantees backup in the event that one power plant goes down. This was a capital investment of hundreds of millions in substation equipment and dedicated power lines which bypass all ‘last-mile’ challenges encountered in electricity distribution. This has guaranteed an increase in power availability at the data centre from 50 per cent average commercial power availability to between 95 per cent and 98 per cent,” Adegbiji said.
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27 Ships Laden With Petrol, Food Items To Arrive Lagos Ports – NPA L-R: Managing Director, SysSupport Limited, Pastor Chidi Jacob; Principal Consultant, Quietude Business Seeds Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Benedict and Managing Director, Vines Hotels, Mr. Din Kaigama during the Unveiling of 1st Nigera’s SME Mobile Application by Quietude Business Seeds in Abuja, yesterday.
SON Declares War Against Substandard Cables BY TAIWO OGUNMOLA-OMILANI, Lagos
The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has declared battle to rid-off substandard cables from the country and appealed to Nigerians for more support to conquer the war. The director-general of SON, Osita Anthony Aboloma disclosed this during an inspection to Ojo local government in Lagos. Addressing newsmen after inspection to confirm if the seized cables were intact, he reaffirmed SON’s commitment to safety of Nigerians. According to him, “you have seen cables
that are imported into Nigeria brand. We have held them for the past six months. We are processing them for ratification for outright destruction. Cable manufacturers saw their brand being threatened and they reported to us and we are able to arrest the situation. Nigerian cables are the best in Africa.” When asked of the cost of keeping the substandard cables since June last year, Aboloma said it is the responsibility of the agency to keep such illegal products away from intruders. He promised constant inspection of cable factories in order to ensure standard products. He also warned
people involved in the act to desist, saying they would be prosecuted and fired. Speaking on behalf of cables manufacturers, the managing director of Coleman, Wires and Cables, Mr. George Onafowokan appreciated SON, adding that it has been difficult being a manufacturer in Nigeria. “It has become a scenario where people imitate our brand in which SON has done its part which makes us to work with them. We should be proud of our locally made cable and also report those involve in the substandard products to SON”, he said.
Arms Proliferation: Group Advocates Sophisticated Registry For Immigrants Documentation BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
A group known as International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) women network Nigeria in collaboration with NINGONET for humanitarian development response initiative has called on the federal government to establish sophisticated registry for documentation of foreigners, regretting that immigrants smuggling arms into Nigeria are hardly traced due to improper documentation. This is even as they faulted the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol on free movement of persons in Africa saying that Nigeria lacked the capacity to document foreigners. The Board member of NINGONET, Mr Tim Aniebonam stated this in Abuja yesterday while addressing newsmen on the
‘Escalating Humanitarian Crisis Arising from Herdsmen Attack and Insurgency in Nigeria’. Recall that in May 1979, ECOWAS member states adopted their first protocol relating to the free movement of persons, residence and establishment that stipulated the right of ECOWAS citizens to enter, reside and establish economic activities in the territory of other member states. This agreement offered a three step roadmap of five years each to achieve freedom of movement of persons after fifteen years. Though the right of visa-free entry and residency have been fully implemented but the right of establishment, is still under implementation in most member states. According to him, “We are not opposed to the ECOWAS agreement on free movement in Africa but it should be properly coordinated
so that we can differentiate between a Nigerian and a foreigner”. He emphasised that immigrants are well documented in other climes regretting Nigeria’s inability to fully document her citizens not to talk of foreigners trooping into the country. “Whoever is stepping into Nigeria should be properly documented at the point of entry so that we can trace them if they involve in any wrongdoing”. Aniebonam said though the federal government is moving the country out of a mono economy that depended on oil to an agricultural based economy that the activities of alleged herdsmen and kidnappers would cripple the ambition. “This is because nobody wants to go to the farm again since the attacks usually starts in the farms”.
IoT Spending In Africa, Middle East To Reach $7bn This Year BY CHIMA AKWAJA, Lagos
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) Internet of Things (IoT) market is set to grow 15 per cent year on year in 2018, according to a recent update to the Worldwide Semiannual Internet of Things Spending Guide from International Data Corporation (IDC). The global technology research and consulting firm’s latest forecast shows MEA spending IoT reaching $6.99 billion in 2018 and $12.62 billion by 2021 as organizations ramp up their investments in the hardware, software, services, and connectivity that enable IoT solutions. Wale Babalola, a research analyst for
telecommunications and IoT at IDC MEA said “IoT adoption in the MEA region is expected to accelerate over the coming year as organizations from both the public and private sectors increasingly digitalize their businesses in a bid to automate their operations and ramp up productivity. And as organizations increasingly realize the added value that is provided by IoT, we can expect to see further development of innovative industry-specific solutions.” Totaling $2.48 billion, IoT services is forecast to be the market’s largest technology category in 2018, with the majority of this total going towards ongoing services, IT services, and installation services. Hardware will be the
second-largest technology category, followed by software and then connectivity. The vast majority of hardware spend (85 per cent) will go towards modules and sensors. Meanwhile, software will be market’s fastest growing category over the coming years, with spending in this area increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.3 per cent over the 2016–2021 forecast period. The industries that are expected to spend the most on IoT solutions in 2018 are manufacturing ($1.07 billion), transportation ($0.85 billion), cross industries ($0.76 billion), utilities ($0.75 billion), and consumer ($0.68 billion).
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says 27 ships are expected to arrive Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos from Jan. 31 to Feb. 24. NPA in its publication, `Shipping Position’, on Wednesday in Lagos, said eight of the ships would sail in with petroleum products.
It said the other ships contain buck wheat, frozen fish, bulk gas, bulk fertiliser, bulk sugar, empty containers and other containers laden with goods. The authority said that six other ships laden with bulk fertiliser, soya bean, general cargo fuel and lubrication oil had arrived the ports, waiting to berth.
Sterling Bank Appoints CRO, CCEO The management of Sterling Bank has appointed Dayo Orimoloye and Moronfolu Fasinro as Chief Risk Officer and Chief Client Engagement Officer respectively. The bank in a statement said Orimoloye has over 22 years of senior management experience with leading financial institutions in Africa, North America and Europe. Orimoloye holds two bachelor degree in economics and finance respectively from California State University, Hayward, as well as an Master of Business Administration (MBA) in finance from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to joining the bank, he was the group chief risk officer of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated based in Lomé, responsible for developing the enterprise risk management framework and carrying out risk oversight functions. Some of his previous roles include senior vice president, risk management and capital markets groups at Wells Fargo Bank, vice president risk management group
at HSBC and risk manager at Citibank. Also, Fasinro is a consummate professional with over 22 years work experience spanning the financial services sector in Nigeria and manufacturing industry in the United States of America. Fasinro holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electronics engineering from the Middlesex University, London, England. He also holds various quality control qualifications notable of which is the advanced product quality planning from Eastern Michigan University, Michigan, USA. He joins the senior management team of the bank with demonstrated leadership competencies and broad technical knowledge in service innovation, quality assurance and channels management. Prior to joining the bank, Fasinro was vice president, service and channels management group at First City Monument Bank (FCMB) with responsibility for design and implementation of service strategy.
Firm Unveils SMEs Mobile Application
BY MBAKAAN KWEN, Abuja
A firm known as Business Seeds yesterday launched an SME mobile application aimed at driving the growth of Small and Medium Scale enterprises in Nigeria. According to the firm, the objective of the application is to provide access to real time information and professional services for the survival and growth of SMEs in Nigeria. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, Mr. Emmanuel Benedict, the principal consultant to the firm, said the growth of every economy is anchored on SMEs and with the prevailing rise of small businesses in Nigeria, the need to have a platform to converge businesses and showcase them arose. The main function of the application is to provide professional services of advices to existing and potential entrepreneurs and present a platform for advertising of products and services. This will also enable entrepreneurs connect with tax regulators on issues relating to tax clearance as
well as provide a smooth process to registration of businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). On his part, Mr. Chidi Jacob, a principal partner of SYS-Support technologies said the application is a welcome development that has been set up at the right time to locate both employed and unemployed citizens in the country who wish to develop their skills and ideas without trading blames on the federal government on employment issues. “It is an SME briefcase application where everything needed to conceive and develop a business is located in one place. This will provide ease of doing business for the young entrepreneurs because you would have no need of meeting a lawyer to help you through the process of business registration with the CAC because the application already has a link with the regulatory bodies necessary to start up a business. Similarly, it will enhance in loan application with various finance institutions like the Bank of Industry,” he said.
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‘Consumer Satisfaction, Vital Pillar Of Corporate Trust’ BY KINGSLEY ALU, Abuja The director- general of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Babatunde Irukera, has charged businesses to understand the signs of times and embrace the new order of prioritizing consumer protection as the pre-eminent factor in protecting brand, businesses, managing crisis, building confidence and corporate growth, emphasizing that customer satisfaction is the most vital pillar to loyalty and trust. Irukera, who made this known at a meeting with chief executive officers (CEOs) of food and beverage companies who are members of the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFTBE), noted that customer service cannot be ancillary to business, especially in the food and beverage industry, rather it must be the core of business and operations. He expressed his gratitude for being invited to the meeting of CEOs because it is an important and powerful gathering and it demonstrates their companies’ resolve to ensure consumer protection, admitting that CEOs are vital to customer satisfaction and economic growth. He said President Muhammadu’s Buhari’s administration recognizes the role of business and their CEOs
in economic expansion and as such is always listening to “credible, transparent, genuine, fair-minded, well-meaning and societally committed businesses.”
The CPC boss argued that consumer protection was more important than Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), noting that CSR is sometimes viewed with “suspicion and characterized
Irukera
Encourage Manufacturers To Create Jobs, Onafowokan Tells Govt BY TAIWO OGUNMOLA-OMILANI, Lagos The managing director/ chief executive officer, Coleman Wires and Cables, Mr. George Onafowokan, has said manufacturers in the country need to be encouraged by the government in order to create employment. He disclosed this in a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP recently, while reacting to the challenges facing the manufacturers in the country. He attributed the challenges facing the manufacturers in Nigeria to why it was difficult for them to expand and absorb more people. According to Onafowokan, “The key factor to any business expansion is finance. If I have lost half of my fund to devaluation, how do I expand? Because
President MAN, Jacob
as you contract, you send people off and these are the worrying factors I mentioned years ago. It is easy for us when we are contracting to stop spending but it is not that easy to reemploy those people have laid off back even if economy recovers. “People don’t jump back to employ the same number of people they retrenched, it is going to take a long time, if they see room; they pick more people. The manufacturing sector needs to be encouraged to see this, because apart from SMEs they are the key sector to create employment.” The managing director also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reduce Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) to increase bank capacity in order to lend money to manufacturers. Part of the problems mentioned is the deplorable road that leads to the nation
port, saying government as a matter urgency should fast track the repair of the road. “it is understandable that everybody is complaining because we are just coming out of the recession which is understandable because most manufacturers have suffered negatively in the last two years; but the fact is that government need to do a quite a lot more to be able to improve the business environment for the manufacturers generally thereby what government needs to look at as it is today, irrespective of economic crisis is to see how to reverse the whole trend. As much as it is, for 2018 there is positive optimism for the business environment for this year which is in their paper but then they must make sure that the enabling factors take for instance, today, we have the biggest interest in the importation of raw materials but the road to the port not the even port itself is not motorable. So there is need for government to improve on port logistics efficiency. “Today the transport cost for lifting goods out of the port is almost four to five times of what it used to be two years ago because it is taking so long for the container to get back to the port and out. So we need to find solution to the road that leads to the nation port. I believe government is doing so much but it must be faster that what they are doing, otherwise we still have bottleneck of congestion on the access road to the port,” he said. In a related development, for cable industry, Onafowokan added that “we keep economic indices faster than most because cable is an aspect of life that nobody can do without. If any country expand or contract, you see it from a cable industry instantly because as you are growing an economy and your GDP is growing higher, cable industry becomes better, so as it contracting, recession will set in because nobody is buying.”
as self-serving in part because the companies have not truly satisfied their customers.” He expressed what he believes is the welcome “optional Corporate Social Responsibility,” but stated his insistence on what he termed “mandatory Corporate Obligatory Responsibility (COR) which is customer service or consumer protection, stressing that, a “vibrant combination of both is the best possible brand and reputational investment possible.” The CPC boss maintained that “nothing repairs or maintains reputation and eliminates distrust better than fairness to customers and satisfaction in the products they purchase or consume.” He emphasized the uniformity of CPC’s objective with companies in the association which is to please consumers and this, he said, made the case for industry and CPC collaboration, noting that, “when customer service is at its best, consumers are truly happy, spending is up, economic indicators are encouraging, my job is done, your performance is assured, and your brands endure.” He further noted that collaboration in consumer protection was not just an imperative, but a sensible approach to a joint objective, pointing out that “for you (businesses), consumer satisfaction is a means to a commercial end, and for me (CPC), its an end in itself and fulfillment of a constitutional duty.” He pointed out the global convergence in sophistication and expectations of consumers, noting that on other issues, “governments may be at different levels or be going in different directions, but consumers are not” and as such, consumers should be treated fairly and equally irrespective of their location. “ He opined that a consumer protection regulatory challenge in any part of the world can damage a brand internationally, so companies should “prioritize consumer
protection, diligence, transparency and forthrightness in dealing with consumer protection authorities.” This he said “constitutes the most meaningful approach to crisis management in addition to industry understanding the powers of regulators while recognizing those “powers are existential, even if not exercised.” In the spirit of collaboration and achieving the CPC and Industry’s shared objective of customer satisfaction, the director general identified some policy priorities of the CPC under his tenure, specifically noting the need to reinforce the existing complaint resolution mechanisms. He informed the meeting that the CPC would introduce a more efficient system with the right technology that would ensure companies are the primary point of resolution, and only when that fails are complaints escalated to the CPC, except in serious or industry wide situations or abuses that require major and urgent immediate intervention, while encouraging the CEOs to ensure their companies adopt the comprehensive system and plug into it when it goes live. Further, the director- general noted that from internal information and the feedback, including from this meeting, a major threat to both consumers and businesses is counterfeiting and adulteration. He informed the meeting that the CPC will focus more on traceability and enjoined companies to cooperate in being more innovative and proactive in partnering with regulators to address this menace. While assuring industry of government’s support, including offering to champion a partnership with other regulators, security agencies and industry to address this as a national emergent and security situation, Irukera admonished industry to be more transparent about tracing and tracking their products.
MAN Seeks Increment In Forex BY TAIWO OGUNMOLA-OMILANI, Lagos In view of the current rising costs globally; Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has solicited increment in forex allocation to the manufacturing sector. This was disclosed recently by the president of MAN, Dr. Frank Udemba , in Lagos while speaking on outlook of the Nigerian economy in 2018 with reference to federal government budget He said, “While we appreciate the current policy on forex managementespecially to SMEs, we solicit that forex allocation to the manufacturing sector should be increased, in view of the current rising costs globally.” Udemba stressed that the manufacturing sector first experienced recession in the second quarter of 2015 with negative growth rates of -3.26 per cent in the first quarter and 3.36 per cent in the second quarter of 2015. “The sector exited recession in the first quarter of 2017 with a positive growth of 1.36 per cent but since then, the performance of the sector has been lacklustre. For instance, in the second quarter of 2017, the growth rate fell to 0.64 per cent and -2.58 per cent in the third quarter of the year, an indi-
cation that the sector may be drifting back into economic recession. MAN attributes the poor performance of the sector to high cost of doing business, especially high interest rate as well as delay in the implementation of the budget during the year!” he said. The association posited that not much work has been done in the recapitalization of the Bank of Industry (BoI) and the operationalization of Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN). “The implementation of the improved Export Expansion Grant (EEG) scheme has been slow. Similarly, the expansion of existing Export Processing and Special Economic Zones as well as the development of new ones by the Government in 2017 appears slow,” it noted. It therefore called for recapitalization BoI and operationalization of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) as earlier contained in 2017 budget. Meanwhile, MAN also called on government to address trade malpractices such as smuggling and fake/ counterfeit products by thoroughly enforcing extant laws on smuggling, importation of counterfeit and adulterated products by appropriate agencies in addition to engaging /training more Customs personnel to tackle the challenge.
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GenCos Got N152.9bn From CBN In 7 Months – NBET STORIES BY FESTUS OKOROMADU, Abuja A total of 23 power generation companies (GenCos) received N152.974 billion in the first seven months of 2017 as part of support facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the power sector, the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) has disclosed. This disbursement represents 21.6 per cent of the N701 billion payment support facility provided by the apex bank to the sector. A document obtained from NBET revealed that other payments made to the Gencos from what it collected from the market within the seven-month period, amounted to N83.351 billion. The document further showed that aggregate payments from the CBN facility and market collections to the Gencos within the period totalled N236.353 billion. This represented about 80 per cent of the generating company’s invoices within the payment cycle and in line with the NBET’s strategy of paying the Gencos’ monthly invoices in this regards. A breakdown of the payment details showed that all the Generating companies were paid within the period, while about eight out of the 10 power plants built under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs) and managed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd (NDPHC) were equally paid the value on their invoices. Recall that the managing director of the NDPHC, Engr. Chiedu Ugbo, had remarked last week that “the N701 billion saved the power sector from near collapse.” The document stated that in January, the NBET paid the Gencos N17.798 billion from the CBN facility and N10.261 billion from the market collection to bring its total payment for the month to N28.063 billion; in February, it paid N19.419 billion of CBN facility and N12.694 billion of market remittance to the Gencos to make it N32.113 billion for the month and subsequently remitted in the March payment cycle to the Gencos a total of N35.504 billion which included N22.716 billion from the CBN facility and N12.787 billion from the market. In April, N33.136 billion was paid to the Gencos, from which N20.414 billion and N12.723 billion were from the CBN facility and market collections; while May payments, amounted to N22.819 billion (CBN facility) and N12.768 billion (market collections), totalling, N35.587billion, and June was N35.717 billion ( N24.424 billion (CBN facility) and N11.293 billion (market collections) in July, the NBET paid the Gencos a total of N36.209 billion, inclusive of N25.383 billion, from the CBN facility and N10.825 billion, collected from the market. In March 2017, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved that the CBN guarantee payments by the NBET to Gencos for electricity they generate through the N701 billion facility. The NBET has 10 years to liquidate the loan to the CBN.
Train 2 Ammonia Plant: KBR Wins PH Petrochemical Contract Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemicals and Toyo Engineering have awarded KBR a contract for the Train 2 ammonia plant at Indorama’s Port Harcourt site. The project, said to be a boost for the Nigerian petrochemicals sector, will be Indorama’s second ammonia facility. Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide technology licensing, basic engineering design, proprietary equipment and catalyst for the plant. “We are privileged to have the opportunity to work with Indorama and Toyo on Indorama’s second fertiliser complex in Nigeria. “This contract builds on our long-established relationship with Indorama and Toyo and further highlights our clients’ trust in KBR’s ammonia technology,” said John Derbyshire, president, KBR Technology & Consulting. Last year, Indorama was commended by the presidential fertilizer committee on its commitment to producing affordable fertilizers for Nigerian farmers. The company also produces polyethylene and polypropylene from its Port Harcourt facility and employs 1,500 Nigerians.
Oil rig
PIGB As Panacea To Challenges In Nigeria Oil And Gas Industry Following the recent passage of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) some civil society organisations (CSO) and stakeholders in the sector have applauded the National Assembly for their action. Some are even optimistic that the new law would transform the sector. FESTUS OKOROMADU examines the views of some stakeholders on how the law intends to bring about the expected reforms. The Genesis Prompted by the need to address the overwhelming challenges facing the country’s oil and gas industry, the federal government in April 2000, inaugurated the Oil and Gas Reform Committee led by late Rilwanu Lukman which came out with the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The initial bill was designed as a legal framework for undertaking sweeping reform in the sector covered regulations, upstream and downstream operations, fiscal terms, taxation, environmental management, host community development among others, and had transparency and accountability at the core. Unfortunately, despite being an executive bill, it vlingered in the National Assembly since it was initiated. A situation some industry observers blamed on the successive government’s inability to muster the political will and commitment necessary to introduce the much needed reforms in the industry. But in what may be credited to the present administration led by President Mohammadu Buhari, the National Assembly adopted a logical and tactical approach by splitting the initial PIB into four bills namely; The Petroleum Industry Governance Bill; The Upstream Petroleum License and Lease Administration Bill; The Downstream Oil and Gas Administration Bill; and The Petroleum Fiscal and Petroleum Revenue Management Bill. In May 2017, the senate passed the PIGB, while the House of Representative did same in January 2018, thus paving the way for the first part of the PIB to become a legal document once Mr. President assents to it. Implication of the Passage According to the programmes director, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Mr. Monday Osasah, the bill when assented to by President Buhari, would become a law and lead to the restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). “The bill will create new agencies with more responsibilities as well as establish an institutional and regulatory framework for the Nigerian petroleum Industry. “The Act will remove the overlapping functions among the regulatory, policy and commercial institutions, he stated. Explaining further, he said, the bill would merge some agencies of government seen to be performing overlapping functions such as,
Petroleum Inspectorate, DPR, Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), and the Petroleum Equalization Fund (Management Board) into a body to be known as the Nigerian Petroleum Regulatory Commission. In addition, the Act also provides for the creation of two commercial entities, the Nigerian Petroleum Assets Management Company and the National Petroleum Company which according to him shall be the direct outcome from the restructuring of the NNPC. The Call for Presidential Assent to the PIGB Both the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Centre LSD has since the passage of the PIGB by the National Assembly made a case for Mr. President to urgently assent to the bill for it to become a law. Director, Communications and Advocacy, NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, captured the agency’s interest in the President quick assent to the bill thus, “NEITI’s interest is in view of the urgency and strategic importance of a new law to replace the existing archaic legislations that have aided huge revenue losses, impeded transparency, accountability and investment opportunities into the nation’s oil and gas industry.” He added that as an agency set up to enthrone transparency and accountability in the management of the extractive industries in Nigeria, it has legitimate interest in the PIGB. According to him, “NEITI is optimistic that with the new governance law for the industry, these huge revenue losses to the nation as a result of process lapses and outright stealing will be strictly checked if not eliminated.” He explained that the implementation of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative which Nigeria is a key signatory, has over the years been frustrated by the absence of a dynamic law that suits modern business modules and trends in the ever evolving oil and gas industry. He then submitted that the agency was convinced that the PIGB when assented to by the President, would provide a dynamic governance framework required to re-position the petroleum industry to fully embrace competition, openness, accountability, professionalism and better profit returns on investments to both companies and government. As part of efforts to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the bill when assented, NEITI said it hopes to work with multi-stakeholders, development partners and the
industry to set the stage for informed stakeholders’ engagements to ensure effective implementation when the bill becomes law. Not Yet Uhuru However, even as stakeholders continue to commend the National Assembly for the passage of the PIGB which is the first component of the PIB, they remain committed to tasking the legislators to ensuring that the job was completed. Speaking on the need to complete the task, Mr. Osasah said, “While we commend the National Assembly for passing the governance component of the PIB, we would like to state that for the sector to operate optimally and begin to attract investment, the passage of the other remaining three bills is not only imperative but critical. “The current fuel scarcity all over the country is traceable to the concerns in the sector which only the PIB can help to address,” he noted. On its part, Dr Orji said, “We call on all the media, the civil society and above all the National Assembly to show similar coordinated attention to commence legislative process in the remaining legal frameworks in the industry especially the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill and the Host Communities Bill. These two key pending legislations will help complement and strengthen the provisions of the PIGB.” However, while one remains optimistic that the passage and Presidential assent of the PIB would pave way for stability in the nation’s oil and gas industry, attract investment and to a large extent help, revive the economy as well as facilitate the economic diversification programme of the present government, it must be emphasized that the success and failure of the law depends on implementation. First if it took 17 years for the National Assembly to pass one component of the bill, assuming Mr. President assents to it today, how can one be confident that the executive has the political will to implement the content to the fullest? Will those whose interest are about to be hindered by the implementation allow for a smooth transmission? Nevertheless, President Buhari has an opportunity to prove to the world that the war against corruption is not a mere rhetoric and that it must be extended to the most important sector of the nation’s economy. He can only do so by not only quickly assenting to the PIGB but ensuring the full implementation before it is too late. This way he will make history as one who brought about the much need reform in the sector.
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‘We Are Tired Of Back Stakeholders’ Criticisms And Politics Of Returning And Forth Game’ Nigeria’s Refineries To Work STORIES BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos
Reacting to what they viewed as unrealistic policy decision, some stakeholders who spoke to our correspondent have advised that government should be more prudent in taking decisions and be mindful that over the years so much have been committed to the project of rehabilitation of the refineries to no avail. Director- general, DG of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Muda Yusuf expressed serious doubt over the positive outcome of this new arrangement. “I don’t think this is a proper consideration at this point, I still do not know the framework the NNPC arrangement is taking, I want to sincerely suggest that government totally hands off everything about the refineries. The present government structure does not guarantee that it can manage a big business like refineries. “It is the responsibility of government to provide enabling environment that will allow business enterprises to thrive. If government is interested in the refineries it can go into partnership with the private sector to manage these venture,” Yusuf said. According to him, there were available models
that government can adopt but certainly not complete management because this arrangement has failed over time. It can invite private sector with the competence and funds to turn the facilities around and if it has interest it (government) can retain 40 to 49 per cent equity, so that we allow these refineries to properly work. In a similar reaction, former special adviser on petroleum resources during Olusegun Obasanjo administration, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim, described the selection of financiers by NNPC for rehabilitation of the refineries as a worrisome trend. Ibrahim recalled that the minister of state for petroleum resources Ibe Kachikwu had at different times assured of plans to put the refineries to work and each time it turned to be a promise in futility. “I remember some time last year when he, Kachikwu returned from China he announced that he has secured investors for the refineries which eventually did not materialise. Again when the pump price of petrol was reviewed upward from N87 per liter to N145 per liter the promise was to use the subsidy payment that would be saved to revive the refineries and this is 2018 yet nothing is on ground to show for that,” he said.
Aiteo Restates Commitment To Oil And Gas Development The chief executive officer of Aiteo group, Benedict Peters , has reiterated the group’s commitment to funding medical research and improving on areas that will bring about development not only in the oil and gas sector but other areas of the economy. Peters ,who was reacting to a tweet in which he was mentioned as the major financier to a political movement or organization, called the “Third Force”, denied such allegations but rather said corporate social responsibility contributions has seen the Aiteo Group, provide investment support in medicine and medical research dedicated to seeking cures for several ailments which affect the African continent as well as investment in sport and sport as a panacea for the development of Africa’s teeming youth population. The latter has been particularly evident in the Sport of football where we have major relationships with the Nigerian Football Federation and Confederation of African Football (CAF). This is even as we continue to regularly provide financial support and investments
to encourage building the “Nigerian Dream” through multi-dimensional and multifaceted socio economic interventions. “While I have received calls and messages advising me to ignore the tweet and regard its publication as the handiwork of detractors, the delicate nature of the tweet having taken into consideration my travails in recent times, fueled largely by the adverse effects of incomprehensible media falsehood require that I immediately, authorize the release of a rebuttal, given the malicious, damaging effect the unprofessional tweet is capable of creating,” he said. “For the record, I wish to state, categorically and unequivocally, that I am not a financier of the said organisation or any socio-political partisan association or political party in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world. As an International businessman of repute, I have deliberately kept stayed away from politics preferring, instead, to focus and give my all to the development of my business interests across the African continent.
Government’s back and forth policy on re-engineering the ailing local refineries to return them to work amidst lingering petrol scarcity across the country is attracting serious questions from stakeholders who want current plan to bring in financiers shelved, reports CHIKA IZUORA.
Port Harcourt Refinery
The recent announcement by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that it would soon announce financiers for the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC), Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPC) and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited, did not come as a surprise to some industry watchers who have commended the federal government, was good for adopting ad-hoc measures to deal with issues that ordinarily would have been avoided. They share the view that instead of proactively working on a short and medium- term measures to avert the current scarcity of petrol which has unofficially pushed pump price up to N180 per liter to about N200 a liter in some states of the federation, government allowed the situation to deteriorate so much and now want to settle for revamping the refineries that have failed the test of time. According to the NNPC, the development holds the promise of boosting petroleum products supply and distribution in the country NNPC group managing director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, who made the disclosure when he briefed members of staff of the corporation on the fuel supply situation in the country during a town hall meeting said agreements on the potential financiers for the refineries were being fine-tuned, following which the endorsement of the NNPC Board would be this month. “We are pushing towards the final selection of our financiers and we expect that when that is done, we’ll get the agreements and present them to our board, meeting this month to secure their endorsement and once we have the funding, we would start the rehabilitation of the refineries towards a 90 per cent capacity utilization per stream day before the end of 2019,” Baru affirmed. He described the procedure for electing the financiers as painstaking, noting, however, that it was necessary to enable a desired closure on the subject. Baru said the corporation was also encouraging new refining capacities to come on board, adding that there were two consortia that have indicated interest to co-locate refineries in Warri and Port Harcourt. He said NNPC would provide whatever utility services the companies might require, such as power, processed steam, water and land, stressing that the corporation has agreed in broad terms on areas of collaboration to fast track the development. “Am happy to inform you that progress has been made, up to the level of an acceptable detailed engineering design and we are in the process of mobilizing some of the refineries already identified for installation in Nigeria,” the GMD informed. He said the Kaduna State Government was
also championing a proposal to co-locate another refinery close to the KRPC with the intent of sourcing Nigerien crude for its operations. Baru stated that other Greenfield refineries were to be brought on board soon in Kano and Kaduna States stressing while on board, they would source their crude from Niger Republic. He said the designs for the proposed refineries in Kano and Kaduna were ready, saying their construction would commence this year. The NNPC GMD revealed that the ministry of petroleum resources and the corporation were collaborating to encourage the establishment of modular refineries in the Niger Delta area to encourage job creation. “So far, about 35 interests for modular refineries have been declared and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has issued licenses to about 13 and I have been invited to the ground breaking ceremony of the first one in Bayelsa next month,” Baru revealed. He noted that the federal government and the NNPC would continue to encourage private sector initiatives that would bring in competition in the petroleum products supply and distribution network so as to guarantee energy sufficiency for the country. Baru hinted that the corporation was also exploring other sources of energy that could substitute Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, in cars and motorcycles, saying the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to power vehicles in Benin City was the right step in the right direction. He said over 3,000 vehicles were now CNG-powered in the ancient city, making them more secured, more efficient, given that gas is a cleaner source of energy. Encouraging the development of infrastructure such as roads, railways and waterways are other means by which NNPC plans to lessen the pressure on PMS consumption, the GMD said. He applauded the federal government for approving the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano pipeline project, stating that the gesture would go a long way in supporting the NNPC’s transmutation into an integrated energy company. He said the project when completed would create the needed back bone for the Abuja’s 1,350 megawatts power plant, Kaduna’s 900 megawatts power plant and Kano’s 1,350 megawatts power plant. The NNPC GMD said the operations of the corporation were being challenged by incessant vandalism of crude and products pipelines and kidnapping of staff, adding that the corporation would continue to engage members of the host communities to emplace growth and development of the local communities. LEADERSHIP recalls that the shift game to fully revamp the refineries by previous administrations
has put a question mark on the sincerity of government to actually turn around these facilities. Just in the middle you 2017, the federal government again shifted its plan to announce private companies it has chosen to repair, revamp and maintain the country’s three refineries to 2018. Indeed it was the minister of state for petroleum resources Ibe Kachikwu, who had at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, hinted that the government would in September 2017 reveal the new investors that will put in private money to revamp the refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna. “When we came on board, the refineries were not working but as we speak, we have sizeable investment portfolio for them to an extent that we don’t know who to partner with for the investment. By September, we will unveil the investors for the refineries,” the minister said. But again when he spoke at the 24th Africa Oil Week in Cape Town, South Africa later in the year, the same minister said that government could no longer announce the selection in 2017 but rather by January or February 2018. Kachikwu, who led the Nigerian delegation to the conference, according to the petroleum ministry’s twitter handle, however, said Nigeria was close to finalising the process. The minister added that 26 firms had indicated interest in the refineries’ revamp that will require investment of around $2 billion. “We are almost at a threshold of finalising the process of selection,” he said. NNPC had on April 19, 2016 issued tender seeking investors to jointly fund the repairs and the operations of the facilities, but the corporation’s plan ran into a hitch after the House of Representatives called for a halt to the process on the ground that the privatization agency, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), was not involved. The problem was said to have been thrashed out after which a presidential approval was granted the NNPC in October 2016 to engage credible financiers to rehabilitate and improve the performance of the three refineries. But just as the process was ongoing Oando chief executive officer , Wale Tinubu on May 11, 2017, disclosed that the group had received approval from the federal government to repair, operate and maintain (ROM) the Port Harcourt refinery with its partner, Agip. The criticism that trailed this declaration forced the senate to ask the ministry to halt the process pending the outcome of its investigation which may have delayed the announcement of the selection of investors till 2017. Another dimension to the all of these again was the decision of the federal government consider inviting the original builders of the three refineries operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt, to undertake their planned restoration to their nameplate capacities. Kachikwu said there was a consensus within the government circles that the original refineries builders (ORBs), which are Saipem for Warri; JGC for Port Harcourt; and Chiyoda for Kaduna, should be invited to undertake the repairs as a result of their better knowledge of the Refineries. Collectively, the refineries which were built in the 1980s have a refining capacity of 445,000 barrels per day, with which the government regularly allocates this volume of crude oil to the NNPC for domestic refining. The minister also stated that within the programme, which would cost about $1.2 billion, and for which the government was shopping for financiers, an incentive scheme which would likely include participation of the financiers in the current Direct Sales Direct Purchase (DSDP) of petroleum products of the NNPC could added as incentives.
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‘No Single Short Term Solution To Fix Nigeria’s Economy’ BY MARY TITUS
The Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr Adeyemi Dipeolu, has said there is no single short term solution to promote economic development in the country. Speaking at a seminar on the national economy organised by the Ibadan Business School of Government and Public Policy, yesterday, Dipeolu said focusing on the financial sector only may not achieve the desired purpose as all sectors must be taken into consideration in the economic growth plan. He said: “There is a simultaneous raft of things that must be done: giving skills to young
people so that they can work at factories. Pushing technology, so that we can be at the cutting edge of global development; There is the while microeconomic issue; priorities in the micro economic sector; the boosting of revenue.’’ He also said the present administration had evolved the Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP) which was being implemented to take care of most of the challenges facing economy. According to Dipeolu, ERGP has started to yield result as the foreign reserves had risen to $40 billion pushing the country out of recession in 2017. He highlighted other areas in which the country
was making progress to include bringing in over 800,000 new companies into the tax net and increasing power generation as well as boosting manufacturing as well as transportation. In his lecture entitled, “Transition from Bust to Boom- Fiscal, Financial and Infrastructure Option, ” an economist, Dr Ayo Teriba, said some of the challenges facing the economy include dearth of finance for the private sector and inadequate infrastructure. He urged government to liberalise all sectors as well as create joint ventures as was done in the telecommunication sector and downstream sector of the petroleum industry.
L-R: Alhaji Sani Yandaki of NACCIMA; Deputy Head of Mission/First Secretary, Mr Serhi Yushkevch; President Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Prince Adetokunbo Kayode;Ambassador of Ukriane to Nigeria, Valerii Aleksandruk and ACCI Director, Membership and Business Development, Mrs Tonia Shoyele,during the Ambassador’s visit to ACCI, yesterday.
Economic Activities Sustain Growth In January – PMI Report BY BUKOLA IDOWU, Lagos
Economic activities in the manufacturing and nonmanufacturing sectors of Nigeria continued to grow in January albeit at a slower rate compared to activities in December 2017, the January report of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) has shown. According to the report, from 59.3 index points recorded last year December, the manufacturing PMI slowed to 57.3 index points while the PMI for non-manufacturing sector slowed to 58.5 index points in January 2018 from 62.9 index points in December 2017. Although lower than last month’s figures, the PMI for January showed increased business activities in both sectors.
The subsectors that recorded growth include computer & electronic products; non-metallic mineral products; cement; textile, apparel, leather & footwear; printing & related support activities; appliances & components; primary metal; petroleum & coal products; food, beverage & tobacco products; furniture & related products; paper products; fabricated metal products; plastics & rubber products. The electrical equipment; chemical & pharmaceutical products; and transportation equipment subsectors however recorded contraction in the month under review. At 59.6 points, the January 2018 production level index for the manufacturing sector grew for the eleventh consecutive month. The index indicated a slower growth in the
current month, when compared to its level in the preceding month. The new orders index grew for the eight consecutive month at 58.3 points indicating a slower growth in January, when compared to its level in December 2017. The employment level index in January 2018 stood at 53.3 points, indicating growth in employment level for the ninth consecutive month. The Manufacturing sector inventories index in January 2018 stood at 57.7 points indicating growth in raw material inventories for the tenth consecutive month The composite PMI for the non-manufacturing sector stood at 58.5 points in January 2018, indicating expansion in the nonmanufacturing PMI for the ninth consecutive month. Of the 18 subsectors in the non-manufacturing sector, 16 recorded growth.
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FAAN To Provide More Buses At Lagos Airport BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Wednesday said it was finalising plans to purchase new buses to improve ground facilitation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. FAAN’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs Herrienta Yakubu, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. Yakubu said the authority was aware of the current challenges being faced by travellers and other airport users over
compliance with the new parking rules at the facility. “It was put in place to ease vehicular traffic and enhance safety, security and comfort of the travelling public. “I know that FAAN is making plans to buy new buses. They are not big buses like the shuttle buses. “We will remove the seats and make them comfortable for passengers and their luggage. “I know the plan is on to buy these new buses to complement the shuttle buses and that is what we are doing right now. “But in the meantime, we are
working on the shuttle buses to ensure that we have at least two on standby while one is moving. “I am sure that between today and tomorrow, those two should be ready,’’ Yakubu said. NAN reports that there had been several complaints by arrival passengers following the restriction of pick up in the area by FAAN. Some of the passengers told NAN that the shuttle buses, which were supposed to transport them to the old car park were inadequate, forcing some of them to trek there with their luggage.
Diamond Bank To Reward Customers With N433m BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos
Exciting times are here for customers of Diamond Bank, as it has set aside a sum of N433 million as the total prize money to be won in its Diamondxtra Season 10 reward scheme. The event which kicked off yesterday in Nigeria, has over 4,950 customers to be rewarded in the monthly and quarterly electronic draws, which would be witnessed by customers, potential customers, shareholders, regulatory authorities, media practitioners and the management of the Bank. The chief executive officer of the Bank, Uzoma Dozie,
said at the launch of the yearlong promotion, that the unique customer reward scheme which is tied to the DiamondXtra account proposition, is aimed at rewarding the customers for trusting Diamond Bank to serve them and give hope to Nigerians that the bank is still in the business of helping customers achieve their goals. He said: “DiamondXtra account is our most important solution for our customers. Not only does it serve as a utility account, it also gives the customer the hope that one-day he or she will win something big. DiamondXtra has transformed the lives of people in the last 10 years and
we have always put more into it for our customers to win. Head, Retail Banking Business, Uzoma, Robert Giles stated that the prizes for this year have been increased by 20 per cent to give more customers the opportunity to win in the monthly and quarterly draws, adding that winners are expected to emerge from all the geo-political zones in the country. Of all the winners that are expected to emerge from the draws in the season, a customer will win the star prize of salary for life and 10 customers will be rewarded with N1 million every month in the monthly electronic draws.
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Obasanjo’s Second Epistle To The President BY CARL UMEGBORO
Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a moment ago released a second ‘special letter’ to the Presidential Villa. The former was directed to the erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013 after their amiable relationship turned sour. The leading episode that closely burlesqued the missive was an open letter from his daughter; Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello with sarcastic accusations. This time, President Muhammadu Buhari got his dose for purported inactions, and the presidency alongside All Progressives Congress (APC) has, accordingly responded. However, the responses weren’t as confrontational as earlier, rather more of answerability, responsibility or appraisal enumerating accomplishments and actions. Significantly, Obasanjo equally zeroed the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) he led for over a decade until he distanced himself during Jonathan’s era after some mafias hijacked the party which thereby made him practically irrelevant. In a nutshell, the so-long-aletter called for a new political
movement to salvage the nation from APC and PDP monumental failures. The foulest blow was that the scorecard came after a leading presidential aspirant defected from the ruling APC to PDP, and if Obasanjo’s verdict must stand, it implies that the defection amounted to nothing, and there may be need to dump the PDP again for a new political movement. By Obasanjo’s assessment, the two dominant parties are no-go areas for incompetence. Incidentally, APC is still in power and therefore could take advantage of it to redeem itself but for the PDP, a difficult task. Besides, Obasanjo gave APC a pass mark in most areas but critically pointed out that its performance wasn’t satisfactory at the moment, hence, more or less exigent call for improvement. Of course, as elder statesman, Obasanjo is eligible to give advises to government, nonetheless more statesmanly when handled confidentially and unceremoniously. As a matter of fact, some of the points raised in the letter are obvious to the people and global community. Similarly, President Buhari in his New Year broadcast highlighted the points albeit and assured of a new dawn with litany of interventionist and
capital projects spread across the nation. By implication, any verdict on the government less than a month after the broadcast is flimsy, unjustifiable and biased, especially as the year’s appropriation bill hasn’t been signed into law. Such assessment is aptly judicious towards the end of the year vis-à-vis the year’s blueprints as presented by the president. Conversely, the former president arguably, circuitously punctured PDP that ruled for 16 years than APC that is less than three years in power. A salient point patriotically made by Obasanjo that cannot be overemphasized is the increasing number of lives that have helplessly gone to early graves, and several others subjected to pathetic conditions in various internally-displaced persons camps across the nation by man’s inhumanity to man. Arising from that, the questions begging for answers are; could the ceaseless killings be politically-motivated for blackmails or truly communal crisis? Indisputably, human lives are too precious, sacred for mere political intrigues and conspiracies. It isn’t convincing that the Russian Avtomat Kalashnikov assault rifles (AK-47) which range from $200 to
thousands of dollars are acquired and operated by the herdsmen. For example, the average global price of the assault rifle was valued at $574 in 2005 according to Oxford University economist, Phillip Killicoat. If the monetary values are as high as presented, logically, some affluent individuals with criminal and clandestine tendencies may be responsible for the supplies and selfishly mastermind the evil acts. Probably, the vulnerable herdsmen are often misled, incited by unknown arrowheads through cohorts to attack other communities with assurances to fight in their defence. If not, could the itinerant herdsmen effectively and overpoweringly organize themselves to strike during critical periods? Furthermore where did the nomadic herdsmen secure the rifles after destructive operations, and why is the heinousness mostly interminable during political era especially when general election approaches? It is the height of wickedness for humans to be subjected to such brutality if for mere political power. Emphatically, leadership is characterized by vision, mission and altruism, and not despicability or braggartism. Whilst it is
pragmatically germane for the federal government to calibrate on its security tactics, it is imperative that state governors collaboratively supplement by setting up accessible conflict resolutions agencies in the local government areas in their respective states as preventive mechanism such that communal crisis could be amicably resolved before they metamorphose to mayhems. As for 2019 presidential election, the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) is the sole determining factor, and not anyone’s opinions, hence pointless requesting or advising any eligible citizen to refrain from the race. With card readers and INEC’s determination as observed so far, the electoral umpire will do justice to the ultimate wishes of the people. Perhaps, Obasanjo is still living in the past when voters queue for queuing sake under the sun, and their votes never counted but who the powers thatbe anointed. That’s the greatest achievement; restoring power to the people which the memo failed to accentuate. In contemporary Nigeria, it is no longer business as usual but one-man; one-vote.
–Umegboro, a public affairs analyst wrote from Abuja
There Is No Imposition Of Monarch In Bwari (1) BY BALA AHMED SHERE It could be recalled that on the 24th of October 2017 a group of Gwari People from Bwari issued out a press release. In it, was stated as thus, “That on the 24th October, 2017 the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Muhammad Musa Bello, in exercise of powers conferred on him, under the relevant Section of the “FCT Chief (Appointment and Disposition Act 1997” erroneously and illegally appointed a certain Alhaji Awwal Musa Muhammad Ijakoro as Chief of Bwari.” Also on quote, was that the late Emir of Bwari Musa Muhammad Ijakoro freshly appointed as the 2nd Class Chief of Bwari, in 1997, by the then Honourable Minister of FCT, Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Hussaini from nowhere. Or elevated along with other district heads, village and hamlets heads, after putting 20 years of service. Before we answer these questions, it is desirable to say the action of the present Minister of FCT was legal, as far as the Act legalized this action. To answer the above, the Late Emir of Bwari, Alhaji Musa Muhammad Ijakoro was not freshly appointed. He was elevated along with two others, the existing district heads, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCTA) inherited. They include; Kuje and Kwali districts and
several other village and hamlets heads. Only Abaji was inherited with third class chief, and elevated to the first class chief. It can thus be inferred here that the word “appointment” does not arise, at all. It is fictitious to claim that he was appointed. FCT came to inherit him as one of the paramount and active traditional rulers in Abuja, which led to his elevation to the exalted position of the 2nd class chief of Bwari. Dr. Musa Muhammad Ijakoro was a district head with a difference from the others that have ruled Bwari from 1902 to 1975. There were 10 village heads that made up the king makers of Bwari district in 1975 that include the Koros and Gwaris. The village heads were simply referred to as “DAGATAI (plural) DAGACI (singular). These village heads were that of Bwari-Gwari tribe, Ija Gwari-Gwari tribe, Diko-Gwari tribe, Dogon Kurmi-Koro tribe, Old Wuse-Koro and Gwandara tribes, Dutse-Koro tribe, Kawu-Koro tribe, Tuci-Koro tribe, Ijakoro-Koro tribe and AbuchiKoro tribe. How Late Dr. Alhaji Musa Muahmmad Ijakoro Become The District Head Of Bwari In 1976 Following the compulsory retirement of Abubakar Barau Musa Angulu (District Head of Bwari between 1954 – 1975), by the then Military governor of
North Western State (Capital at Sokoto), Police commissioner Usman Faruq, decreed that all vacant chieftaincy titles must be filled by the indigenous people of that district. By then Bwari district comprised of the above named 10 Villages heads that made up the king makers (Electoral College). As contest was opened, four people came out to contest for the position of the district head of Bwari, or for the stool. They include Malam Danladi Zuma-Bwari village (Gwari), Samaila Mainasara, Ija-Gwari village (Gwari), Salihu Sunbwada, Diko village (Gwari) and Musa Muhammad, Ijakoro village (Koro). While the Koro village heads presented a common front or single candidate, the Gwaris presented three candidates (Nos. 1-3 above). After voting Musa Muhammad Ijakoro woefully defeated the segregated Gwaris. It is therefore clear from among the district heads that ruled Bwari district from 1902 to 1997; Late Musa Muhammad Ijakoro was exceptional. He was not, at all appointed as claimed by the Gwaris. At this juncture, the whole world should know that Bwari district did not comprise of only Gwari tribes, because the Koro, Hausawa and Fulani are there hundreds of years before the advent of the colonial masters. For instance, in an election conducted in 1976, the result
showed that Malam Danlami Zuma of Bwari tribe got one vote, Samaila Mainasara of Ija-Bwari got one vote, while Salihu Sunbwada of Diko also got vote, just as Musa Muhammad of Ijakoro got seven votes. We equally wish to indicate here that the Koros migrated to Abuja much earlier than the Gwaris. According to historical documents, the Gwari must have come after Koro, and they revered the Koros. That is why the Gwaris simply referred the Koro as (Apoyi), who saves life. It was the Koro Chiefs that turbaned or Corronated the Gwari Chiefs (Meaning that they were under the Koros and subjects to the Koros throughout the history of Abuja Emirate). Before the advent of colonial masters and before and after Nigerian’s Independence in 1960; the village head of Bwari (Dagaci) was always turbaned by the Chief of Dogon Kurmi. Similarly the village head of Ushafa was always turbaned by the Chief of Ijakoro. History has also shown that, today all the historical perspectives and monuments or symbols in Abuja were owned by the Koros, not Gwaris that claimed the ownership of Abuja. A clear testimony is the popular Aso Rock and Zuma Rock, which are owned by the Koros. Or is there any Gwari who can make a claim to these symbols? And above all, there is no history (written or oral) that shows where Gwari Chief had ever turbaned
Koro Chief, since time immemorial. We therefore refer anybody interested in knowing the history of great tribes in Abuja, not only Gwaris and Koros, including the indigenous Hausawa and Fulani of Abuja, to Abuja (Now called Suleja) Emirate and Abuja Chronicle – that has also clarified the issue. For further clarification, visit National Achieves in Kaduna. In paragraph 2, line 4 and 5 pages one of the press release, it was stated as, I quote, “As Bwari Community migrated from mounting foot to the present settlement in around 1890, the population increased and some decades later three districts were created under Suleja Emirate namely; Bwari, Kwali and Kuje districts.” What blatant lies. Bwari district headquarters was moved from Dutse Mado (as the place was called according to oral history”, now know and called Baupma in 1935 to Bwari by the first district head, Ma’aji Ali (1902 – 1935), and present palace of Sarkin Bwari was built in 1936 under the British colonial secretary of Abuja Province, Mr. Morgan. It was the same year that the Gwari people were forced out of Bwari Hills to the present site or location of Bwari town. And that was about 89 years after the settlement of Zango village. –Shere is the Jagaban Shere Koro TO BE CONTINUED
Thursday, February 1, 2018
3 Shortlisted For 2018 9Mobile Prize For Literature BY LINDA NWAGU, Abuja
Nigeria’s most innovative telecommunications company, 9mobile, has announced the three shortlisted books for the 2018 edition of its flagship Pan-African literary prize, the 9mobile Prize for Literature. The three shortlisted titles are: “Stay with Me”, by Nigeria’s Ayobami Adebayo; “What it Means When a Man Falls Down From the Sky”, by Lesley Nneka Arimah, also a Nigerian; and “Asylum”, by Marcus Low, from South Africa. This shortlist announcement follows the long list unveiled in December 2017, which featured nine books chosen by the judges: Nigerian academic and poet Harry Garuba is the chair of the judges, other judges are Ugandan writer, Doreen Baingana, and South African writer, Siphiwo Mahala. The judges are now faced with the task of deciding which of these three impressive first-time writers will win the 2018 9mobile Prize for Literature. The winner will be announced during the Grand Finale event to be held this year. The chair of judges, Professor Harry Garuba, said the three finalists were selected after a thorough, objective and painstaking review of their books. “These three books embody what we would like to see coming from young African writers - fresh storylines, intriguing plots and characters you would want to meet in real life.
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PDP To UN: We’ve Fear Over Credibility Of 2019 General Election BY CHIBUZO UKAIBE, Abuja
The national chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, yesterday declared that the party has fears over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) ability to conduct free and fair elections in 2019. The PDP chairman, stated this when the United Nations assessment team led by Mr. Serge G.
Kubwimana, paid a visit to the party in Abuja. The UN team is poised to provide technical assistance to INEC ahead of the 2019 general elections. Secondus, while raising concerns about the political climate, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) government owes Nigerians free and fair election in 2019, stressing that that is the only guar-
antee for the unity of the country. Noting that the 2019 election will make or mar the nation, he said: “This visit is timely because of the unfolding event in our country and the political situation, I believe this is the time for intervention. “We have fear, since APC came on board, if election is not in their favour there is a rerun. There must be election that is free and
L-R: Former chiefwhip, House of Representatives, Hon Wale Osun; political adviser to Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani and national chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun,during APC public presentation of report on federalism in Abuja, yesterday.
CMD Tasks Doctors, Health INEC Directors Recommend Continuous Voter Education Workers On Patients’ Safety BY SUNDAY ISUWA, Abuja and maintained that the programme has An integral component of this plan is the BY DANJUMA JOSEPH, Lafia
The Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi, in Nasarawa State, Dr Joshua Guyanese, has tasked doctors and other health workers to ensure patients’ safety while discharging their duties in order to reduce harm and avoid unnecessary death. Dr Giyan, gave the advice while presenting a paper titled, “Patient Safety, Every Patient Counts” at the 3-day Patient Safety Conference organised by the centre in Keffi, Keffi local government area of the state. The CMD also urged doctors and other health workers to always develop patients’ safety culture by avoiding mistakes or errors while discharging their duties. He also advised doctors and other health workers to always respect and protect the rights of patients in order to improve on their health status. According to him, “The right of the patients also need to be protected at all the time in order to avoid untimely death, because patients are kings in every health sector and a healthy person can become a patient one day but that is not our prayers.” “The management had done its best in infrastructure, and personnel development among others and all that will not matter if safety of patients has not been improved or is not taken into cognizance. “That is why, we are giving it a very strong thought and with the help of global health to ensure that the staff are really motivated on patient safety,” he said.
fair and when there is no free and fair election it breed crisis and we are witnessing what is happening in Kenya. “What is happening in the West should happen here. There is a great fear whether INEC will conduct free and fair election. Free and fair election will guarantee the unity of this country and we are afraid if INEC will conduct free and fair election.”
Heads of Voter Education Department in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from the 36 states and the FCT have urged the commission to sustain the production and airing of INEC ‘Half Hour’ on radio. This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a Review Meeting held in Keffi, Nasarawa State, yesterday. The officers noted the effectiveness of radio as a means of communicating the commission’s policies, procedures and guidelines to various stakeholders
added value to the process. In his remarks, National Commissioner and Chairman Voter Education and Publicity Committee of INEC, Prince Solomon Adedeji Soyebi said the commission in fulfillment of its Voter Education mandate had placed premium on massive enlightenment for the citizens which is exemplified in its Election Project Plan (EPP). He said, “In the EPP, strategies for harnessing the power of the electronic media, especially radio, to reach millions of Nigerians were vividly laid out.
use of regular radio programmes either at community, regional or network levels”. Prince Soyebi explained that the meeting was aimed at assessing and identifying the challenges encountered at the end of the nationwide pilot radio enlightenment programme and to evaluate its impact and acceptance by the public. He assured the commission’s continuous support towards ensuring that Voter Education was effectively carried out ahead of the 2019 general elections. Earlier in his welcome remarks the administrative secretary, INEC Nasarawa
State office, Mr. Opaleke Shola Otolorin, expressed happiness with the successes achieved so far with the enlightenment programme. He said the feedback and comments received so far were encouraging and recommended widening of the scope of the programme. Mr Otolorin said any programme that is meant to sensitize the huge prospective voters on the activities of the commission is no doubt a welcome development as he believed it would impact positively on the attitude of the citizens towards the commission and its activities.
2019: NIM Commences Membership Drive Into 3rd Force Initiative BY JULIANA AGBO, Abuja
The Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM) has disclosed that it will welcome new coalitions and others groups into the Third Force Initiative. It said this is towards changing the nation’s political space by democratic means on account of the failure of both the ruling and opposition
parties. A statement signed by the deputy director general of NIM, Naseer Kura and made available to LEADERSHIP noted that former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s views clearly resonate with the basic principle and goal of the NIM which necessitated its formation on November 28, 2017. The group said it will utilise
the goodwill received from Nigerians and coalitions emerging from Obasanjo’s clarion call to drive the ideologies of the initiative. Kura added that events of the last few days have shown the swift and positive response of Nigerians to the philosophy and the message of the movement. He said that this is a manifestation
that the NIM holds a shared vision with majority of Nigerians. “This is underscored by the recent, historic statement of Obasanjo, whose clarion call on like-minded Nigerians from different states and regions of the federation to come together to create an environment for the realisation of the citizens’ potentials and aspirations.
Nigeria, Israel To Deepen Cooperation In Agriculture BY RUTH TENE NATSA, Abuja
Nigeria is to tap from the experience and expertise of Israel in area of science-based agricultural development as part of renewed efforts at deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries and in the over-all interest of their peoples. A statement sent to LEADERSHIP yesterday and signed by the director of Information, Federal Ministry of Agri-
culture, Tolu Makinde, said this was the outcome of a bilateral discussion between the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mr. Guy Feldma, and the minister of Agriculture and Rural Development - Chief Audu Ogbeh in his office in Abuja. The statement revealed that the highlight of the parley between the minister and the Israeli Envoy is the commitment to review the existing memorandum of understanding (MoU) on agricultural
cooperation between the two countries. This, it added, is with a view to widening it to include cooperation in research, attracting aids from development partners, strengthening of research institutes on agriculture, capacity building and practical training of youth in agriculture with more priority on the practical over theory. The minister later announced that Nigeria will be participating in the 2018 edition of AGRITEC ISRAEL – an In-
ternational Agricultural Fair to be held in May 2018, which will afford Nigeria, the opportunity of showcasing its agricultural potentials to the outside world with a view to attracting foreign investment in agriculture and allied agri-business. The minister and his visitor used the opportunity to exchange views on critical areas of cooperation and opportunities that could be explored to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
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SMARTNEWS No Going Back On MWUN Planned Strike – Adeyanju BY OLAJIDE FABAMISE, Lagos The President Workers Union of Nigeria, (MWUN), Adewale Adeyanju, has said that there is no going back on the seven days ultimatum it issued to the federal government to remove all trucks parked and abandoned on the Oshodi-Apapa Dual Carriage and make access roads to the nation’s sea ports motorable or face a nationwide indefinite strike action. The president who stated this while speaking with LEADERSHIP on Wednesday in Lagos on the seven -day ultimatum given to the federal government said, “if by Monday, February 5, the federal government failed to meet the union's demands, all ports operations would be shut from Tuesday, February 6. "On May 14, 2017, the union issued a 21 day ultimatum to the federal government to fix the access roads to the nation’s seaports especially the Oshodi-Apapa Dual Carriage Way that leads to Apapa and Tin-Can Ports. Before the expiration of the ultimatum, the management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) met with us and pleaded with us that they were doing something to fix the roads especially the Apapa and Tin -Can Ports axis of the Oshodi-Apapa Dual Carriage Way. “We were assured that remedial works would be done on the road because it was not captured in 2017 national budget. We decided to suspend our planned industrial action. We have waited and endured very harrowing experiences on the access roads to the Ports in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri, A upon hopes that the government will at least, do a quick fix on the roads to make them motorable. "Nine months after we suspended the ultimatum, the roads have completely deteriorated and in addition, have claimed several lives and properties. In fact, we lost two of our members on the Oshodi-Apapa Dual Carriage Way. The Oshodi-Apapa Dual Carriage Way has completely failed and unmotorable. From Berger Bridge, there are countless craters and potholes on the road.” He said to worsen the already terrible situation, from Otto Wharf, the road have become parks and mechanic workshops for heavy duty trucks parked and abandoned by drivers and owners in the last few months. According to him, people now defecate, sleep, cook wash clothes, bathe and do whatever they like on the road, adding that as a result of the ugly situation the road is now a safe haven for criminals who cease every opportunity to attack, assault and rob innocent Nigerians including their members who trek to and from work daily on the road.
President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI)Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN) (left), in a warm handshake with national president of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Iyalode Alaba Lawson (2nd right), during his inauguration, while the immediate president of the Chamber, Mr Tony Ejinkeonye (second left) and former Senate President, Sen. Ken Nnamani, look on.
Lagos Retirees Get N723m Pension Entitlement BY ZAKA KHALIQ, Lagos
About 149 Lagos State retirees were paid N723 million by the state government as their accrued pension rights for the month of January, 2018. Speaking at the 47th Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony held in Ikeja, Lagos, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said the money has been paid to the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) of the respective beneficiaries. Ambode who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Establishments, Training & Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson said the current administration in Lagos State has special
interest in the wellbeing of the retirees. He noted that this has been the driving force of the state's commitment to regular funding of pension obligations. According to him, Ambode's administration has been able to expend N33, 943 billion in form of accrued pension rights to 8,409 retirees in the last 30 months. This, he stated, is aside from the regular monthly contributions into the RSAs of active workers. “We have been able to clear the backlog of outstanding pension obligations we met at the inception of this administration and we are forging ahead to ensure that fresh liabilities arrears from recent retirements are
systematically cleared. We assure all retirees that your labour in Lagos shall not go unrewarded and you will not retire into penury,” he said. The director-general, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mrs Folashade Onanuga, said the Contributory Pension Scheme(CPS) is the best thing democracy has bequeathed to Nigerian workers because it makes employers fulfill their obligations to workers, ensures commitment on the part of the different tiers of Government and does not give room for stressful verification as it is in the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).
Experts Seek Adherence To Professional Ethics BY GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos
Experts on Wednesday said there is urgent need for professionals in the country to adhere strictly to the ethics of their professional in order to correct erroneous impressions about Nigeria. Speaking at the 2018 Symposium tagged, “Effects of Business and Professional Ethics and Economic Growth in Nigeria,” organised by
the Rotary International in Lagos, Lagos State Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions Dr Akintola Benson decried the growing culture of 'African Time' Syndrome among Nigerians. He pointed out that the practice has not only hindered the growth of the country but portrayed Nigeria as an unserious country. Akintola added that abuse of religion in Nigeria could also be seen as
symptomatic of a weak code of ethics in the business and professional circles. The commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions, Mrs Clara Ibirogba said, "the so-called The African Time Syndrome has eaten deep into the fabric of our society. Some events start as late as two hours behind schedule and nobody seems to care.
Cleric Laments Death Toll On Oyo-Ogbomosho Road BY JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo
The Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ogbomoso, Bishop Ademola Moradeyo has lamented the death toll on Oyo, Ogbomosho road, saying they may be forced to block the road in protest on 1st August, 2018 if the federal government fails to complete the road project. Speaking at the funeral ceremony of Mr. Johnson Abiodun Fawole, one of the three secondary
school Principals who died in a ghastly motor accident along the old Ogbomoso/Oyo road last Wednesday, the Bishop lamented the incessant loss of lives of lives on the road. Bishop Moradeyo described the abandonment of the road while the Ibadan, Oyo and Ogbomoso, Ilorin road that lies at both ends of the town had been completed as corruption of the highest order. He wondered why the portion of the road that lay in between Ibadan,
Oyo and Ogbomoso, Ilorin was abandoned saying that the action amount to injustice. The Cleric said if nothing was done on the road within the next six months, he would mobilize the people of Ogbomosoland to paralyze vehicular movement on the ever busy road. Bishop Moradeyo described the death of Mr. Fawole, two other school principal among others as a colossal loss to the family, church, community and the nation as a whole.
Magistrate Court Jails Man For Assaulting EKEDC Staff BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos
A magistrate court sitting in Tinubu, Lagos Island has sentenced one Femi Adeleke, 32-year old to a six months imprisonment for assaulting a staff of Eko Electricity Distribution Company. He committed the offence when the latter was on his official duties at the accused residence at 3, Saliu Aina Street, Maroko, under the Lekki Business District of the power utility company. According to the charge sheet, the offence was committed on 20th October, 2017 when a team of EKEDC staff on routine revenue collection duty requested for the electricity bill of the accused premises to ascertain level of indebtedness. According to the charge, upon discovering that the house was owing money, an order for disconnection was given by the team leader whereupon the accused beat up the EKEDC staff member holding the ladder for another colleague who had climbed the pole to effect disconnection. The accused was also said to have hauled a bottle at the linesman on the pole. After taking the plea of the accused and evidence from witnesses called by the prosecution, the presiding judge Mrs F.O. Ikolaba found the accused guilty and subsequently sentenced him to six months imprisonment on each of the three count charge of assault, obstruction of people on lawful duty and conduct likely to cause breach of public peace. The sentence is however to run concurrently.
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Edo Goes After Cannabis Farmers, Strengthens Partnership With NDLEA BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City
Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government will set up a Drug Control Committee in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to control the cultivation and abuse of Cannabis in the state. The governor, said this when he received the Edo State commander of NDLEA, Mr Wakawa Buba, who was on a working visit to the governor at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital. Obaseki expressed displeasure over Edo State being listed among the highest Cannabis producing states in Nigeria, noting that his administration will provide support to the NDLEA to stem the tide. He said, “Edo State Government identifies with your effort to reduce the demand and supply of Cannabis. We will support your effort through sensitisation, counselling, prosecution and rehabilitation of drug addicts, through the state’s ministries of Health, Women Affairs and Social Development.” Obaseki said that the state government will set up a Forestry Commission, where forest guards will be recruited to check the cultivation of cannabis in forests across the state. The Edo State commander, NDLEA, Mr Wakawa Buba, said the setting up of Drug Control Committee by the state government will complement the effort of the agency in controlling the cultivation and abuse of cannabis.
NDDC To Build Permanent Office In Uyo BY BERNARD TOLANI DADA, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State government said it has taken steps to redress perennial flooding in Eket metropolis with the construction of an underground drainage system. Governor Udom Emmanuel disclosed this in Eket while addressing the congregation at All Nations Christian Ministry International. He said that construction of internal roads would exacerbate flooding in the area without proper drainage systems and assured that the drainage project would be completed as scheduled to pave way for the smooth take off of the road construction. Governor Emmanuel acknowledged the contributions of churches to the peace and progress witnessed in the state, stating that their prayers have attracted Divine blessings. The governor extolled members of the Church for putting in place a befitting worship centre and commended the General Overseer of the Church, Pastor UmoBasseyEno for the impactful message delivered during the service.
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Gov Ikpeazu Launches Abia Security Fund BY MATTHIAS NWOGU, Umuahia
Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has lauded the security agencies in the state for the synergy that exits among them, which has helped in the reduction of crime in the state. He said that the ranking of Abia as the third safest state in country was traceable to this synergy and would not have been possible if they had engaged in superiority complex and exclusiveness. Speaking at the launch of the Abia Security Fund and unveiling of the Abia Security Card in Umuahia, he said the commitment and sacrifices of the various security person-
nel for the security of the state and others who volunteer information to the security outfits, contributed greatly to the peaceful yuletide season in the state last year. Ikpeazu who gave greater glory to God for watching over the state and insulated her from the misfortunes of violent crimes including bank robberies and herdsmen attack experienced by some of the states in recent times. The governor said the launch of the Abia Security Fund and the Abia Security Card is expedient in the effort to nip crime in the bud in the state. Dr Ikpeazu who pointed out that no part of the world is abso-
lutely secure and violence free yet Abia still needs to strive to reduce crime to the barest minimum. According to him, the task of securing a state is huge and no government can do it alone and expressed the hope that with the launch, government will in the days ahead be able to provide security personnel in the state with modern security gadgets for policing the state. He therefore recommended the security card which is capable of loading money to the Abia business community. In a remark, the chairman of the occasion and chief executive officer of Novena Majesty Company, Prince Sunny Aku, point-
ed out that security is every ones business as no development can take place without security and called for support for the governor to make Abia greater. Earlier, the chairman, organising committee of the event who is also the deputy chief of staff to Abia Governor, Chief Ukpai Agwu, who said Nigeria is confronted by a lot of security challenges stated that Abia cannot be isolated, describing the launch of the fund as a clarion call for all to contribute towards the security of the state. Highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Abia security card by the governor while donations were made towards the fund.
Remains of former Vice President Alex Ekwueme arriving the venue of South-East Governors’ Forum’s commendation ceremony in his honour in Enugu, yesterday PHOTO BY NAN
Okowa Calls For Disarmament Of Herdsmen, Improved Grasses In North BY NOSA ERESOYEN, Asaba
The seemingly endless and devastating impacts of the bloody activities of the sophisticated armed Fulani herdsmen has indeed, jostled the nation into unplanned captivity and nightmare. The hue and cry which accompanied the persistent rampaging activities of the armed herders, without immediate action from the federal government belief across the nation
that the herdsmen enjoy immunity to carry arms and commit all act of vandalism against humanity. As the horror of carnage perpetuated by the heartless herdsmen against their host communities across the nation continues, Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, recently bared his mind. The governor, had felt the Fulani herdsmen’s bitter pill, when one of the farmers, residing in a farm settlement in his state, was reportedly
murdered, called for the immediate disarming of the armed aggressive herders. Senator Okowa, while responding to questions in a recent interview in Abuja with selected newsmen, proffered solution for the persistent human carnage and destruction of property by the invading herdsmen against their unprotected non-violent host-communities. His words, “First, I believe that every herdsman must be total-
ly disarmed because it is the right thing to do; I don’t think that they are empowered to carry such riffles except if they are members of security agencies”. The state governor’s call is for the immediate disarming of the herders of the intimidating and high caliber weapons they freely carry about, committing all types of atrocities against humanity unchallenged, especially against the defendless farmers.
Maritime Varsity: Ijaw, Itsekiri Feud Over Land Deepens BY NOSA ERESOYEN, Asaba
The land tussle between Ijaws and Itsekiri over the site of Maritime University in Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West local government area of Delta State deepened with Omadino community insisting that the land is in Okerenghigo and not Okerenkoko as claimed by the Ijaws. According to a statement issued yesterday by the people of Omadino, an Itsekiri community, they lauded the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over his memorandum
to the National Assembly dated October 17, 2017 advising the legislators to comply with a Supreme Court judgment that recognised the site of the university as Okerenghigo. The statement signed on behalf of the community by Prince Metsese Diden and Quincy Onuwaje, president and public relations officer of Omadino Employment and Development Association (OEDA), the community reminded the National Assembly that it is part of the corporate existence of Nigeria which must be protected by law. “The Omadino community lauds the Attorney-General of
the Federation, Abubakar Malami over his memo to the National Assembly dated 17th October 2017” wherein he exercised what they described as an exceptional courage to identify and speak the truth at a time when many high officials of the federal government would rather play to the gallery and mix politics with issues of justice in such a way as to ridicule the entire edifice of government in a supposedly civilised society.” “Omadino Employment and Development Association (OEDA), which is the Youth Wing of Omadino Community, thereby admonish the Na-
tional Assembly not to forget that it is a part of the corporate existence of the Nigerian people, with statutory responsibility which extends beyond merely crafting the laws of our land, to applying same in all circumstances, as such, should not be seen to turn democracy on its head in an attempt to jettison the valid judgments of the Supreme Court of our land as regards the ownership and nomenclature of the location of the proposed Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenghigo, we are emphasising that there is no place in Nigeria called Okerenkoko.
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EFCC Arraigns Edo Ex-NMA Boss, 5 Others Over Theft BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City
Five doctors, including the former chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Edo State, Dr. Emmanuel Ighodaro, were yesterday arraigned before Justice Efe Igbonmwonba of a Benin High Court over issues bordering on “stealing N13.6 million and conspiracy to commit fraudulent false accounting”. Other defendants in the charge sheet marked: BLCD/ EFCC/8/2017 are: Dr. Anthony Owolabi, Dr. Quincy Atoghengbe, Dr. Raymond Ogieva and Dr. Oseremen Gabriel Ogbebor. The accused persons are facing a 21-count charge preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The defendants however pleaded not guilty to the charges during which their counsel, Bello Imadegbelo (SAN) applied for their bail. The presiding judge therefore admitted the defendants on bail with N1 million each and a surety who must be gainfully employed, with evidence of tax clearance.
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UN Launches $157m Appeal Fund For Boko Haram Victims BY NZOR ERNEST, Abuja
The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and its humanitarian partners yesterday launched an interagency funding appeal of $157 million for people affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin region. Ms Kelly Clements, Deputy UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said at the appeal launch in Niamey
that “the Boko Haram crisis lingers on and is far from over”. The 47 UN agencies, including the UNHCR, and humanitarian organisations participating in the 2018 Nigeria Regional Refugee Response Plan will provide support to some 208,000 Nigerian refugees. The agencies would also provide support for 75,000 of the Nigerian refugees’ hosts in Niger, Cameroon and Chad.
“The world should not forget the victims of this deadly conflict, especially as there appears to be little hope for a return to peace and stability in the near future,” Clements underscored. She explained that Nigerian refugees continued to arrive in very remote, impoverished communities in neighbouring countries. She said since it started in 2013, the Boko Haram conflict has internal-
L-R: Elder statesman and foremost Ijaw leader, Pa Edwin Clark; Bayelsa State governor, Hon Seriake Dickson and the deputy governor of Delta State, Barr Kingsley Otuaro, during a consultative meeting of Ijaw leaders, at Kiagbodo, Delta State.
Police Torture 43-year-old Man To Death In Lagos BY ISMAILA OGUNTADE, Lagos
A 43-year-old man in Oke-Afa community, Ojo Local Government was allegedly tortured to death yesterday by policemen attached to Okokomaiko Police Station, Lagos State. It was gathered that the deceased, identified as Bukola Adeogun, was arrested along with over 30 residents of the community by the policemen at about 10pm on Tuesday night during an alleged raid of a criminal hideout. Residents said Bukola, who operates a Lotto kiosk located at the entrance of his residence, 23 Oke-Afa Street, was allegedly arrested while leaving the kiosk for his apartment. It was learnt that apart from Bukola, some of the 29 other residents, who were arrested during the raid, were allegedly detained by the police. Bukola, a father of four, including a two-month-old baby, was said to have been allegedly beaten to death during interrogation. Narrating the development to journalists , the deceased’s wife, Adewunmi Adeogun, said few minutes after the policemen left the community, she went to the police station but was not allowed to see her husband. “He was about leaving his shop when the police apprehended him on Tuesday night. And efforts to ensure he was not taken away by the police were abortive because many who could solicit for him had also run away to prevent being arrested by the police. “After they left the community, I went straight to the Police Station with some co-tenants, begging them to release him to me. But they did not. I was asked to come today (yesterday), to seek his bail. I left the station that night.”
ly displaced another 2.4 million people in north-east Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. UNHCR called the menacing threat of food insecurity and severe malnutrition “one of the most devastating side effects of the conflict.” In September 2017, more than 7.2 million people in the Lake Chad Basin, which spans seven countries, including most of Chad and a large part of Niger, faced food insecurity.
NJC Sets Aside Suspension Of Abia CJ BY KUNLE OLASANMI, Abuja
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has declared as unconstitutional the suspension of the Chief Judge, Abia State, Justice T. U. Uzokwe. The council queried and also suspended the state sworn-in acting Chief Judge, Justice Obisike Orji. At an emergency meeting held yesterday, NJC chairman and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, said that the decision to suspend the Chief Judge and the swearing-in of an acting chief judge
by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu without the input of the NJC was unconstitutional, null and void. The NJC noted that its attention had been drawn to the crisis in Abia State Judiciary by petitions written against Hon. Mr. Justice T.U. Uzokwe and the one written by the Chief Judge against Hon. Mr. Justice C. U. Okoroafor, but in the course of the investigation by the committees set up by Council, some elderly judicial officers of Abia State Judiciary waded in and pleaded with the committees to allow the matter to be resolved
amicably by them, which was granted by Council at its plenary. The Director of Information at the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, said, “At the last meeting of Council which was held on 6th December, 2017, Council directed the Committees to continue and conclude with the petitions before them if there were no reports of the settlement by the peace makers. While this was going on, the problem escalated and Council was informed of the suspension of Justice Uzokwe and the swearing-in of Justice Obisike Orji as the acting Chief
Judge. Consequently, the NJC declared that appointing and swearing-in of Hon. Mr. Justice Obisike Orji as the acting chief judge is invalid for being unconstitutional. “Furthermore, the conduct of Hon. Mr. Justice Obisike Orji in presenting himself to be sworn in raises potential questions of misconduct that Council is now looking into. “Council therefore resolved to query and suspend the Hon. Mr. Justice Obisike Orji pending the outcome of its investigation.
Only PMB, Osibanjo Have Absolute Integrity – Prof Sagay BY ABU NMODU, Minna
The chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay has said that the only leaders with the integrity to drive the nation beyond 2019 re President Muhammadu Buuhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He, however, urged the presi-
dent to flush out the cabal in his cabinet and Presidency. Professor Sagay, who spoke yesterday in an interview after delivering the convocation lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, added that the cabal in the president’s cabinet was drawing the administration backward. “Nigeria should stay with Pres-
ident Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo if the country was to get to the promised land. Buhari and Osinbajo have absolute integrity; if we don’t use them now, I don’t know when next we will have leaders like them. All my hopes are on Buhari come 2019,” he stated. He however said the “cabals”
in the government have no business being in the presidency as such “they should be fished out and flushed out; they are not helpful to the government; everybody is complaining about them”. He advised the president to be firmer, because if the fight against corruption is to succeed “we need a little dose of autocracy if we want to develop as a nation.”
Killings: Benue Imposes Curfew On Gboko Town BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City
The Benue State government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Gboko town in Gboko local government area of the state beginning from yesterday, January 31, till further notice. Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, the Police Commissioner in the state, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said the curfew was approved by the State Security
Council whose meeting was chaired by Governor Samuel Ortom. Owoseni said the curfew would be from 6pm to 6am. He explained that the curfew followed the killing of seven persons by hoodlums in Gboko. He said the victims were beaten to death at the Gboko motor park and burnt to ashes. The commissioner said some of the victims came to the park to
travel to Okene, while some were on their way to Taraba. He said the situation in the town had been brought under control and assured that those responsible for the murder of the victims and their sponsors would be apprehended and punished according to the law. He said strict measures had been adopted to ensure compliance with the curfew, stressing that police
personnel were well equipped to enforce it. Owoseni disclosed that criminal elements, both within and outside the state, were planning to carry out more reprehensible attacks on the state along its borders with Nasarawa State. He said that the planned attacks were being facilitated by those who equipped their “foot soldiers” with illegal arms.
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FEATURE 45
Thursday, February 1, 2018
A Case For Frontal Onslaught On Snakes Year in, year out, some North East states make headlines because of snake bites with Gombe leading the pack. CHUWANG DUNG looks at efforts to mitigate the menace. “My wife died after we made frantic efforts to save her life following snake bite. She gave up the ghost and left behind three children.” These were the exact words of David Titus, 45, whose wife died few hours after she was bitten by snake in a remote village at Kaltungo local government area of Gombe state. Like Titus who sob intermittently while recounting the ordeals of his late wife, most families in villages where the incidence of snakebite is prevalent, have one sad tale or the other to tell. It is reported that in the US alone, about 7000 venomous snakebite cases are reported annually. Of course a bite from a venomous snake is rarely deadly — about 6 fatalities are reported every year. Although the statistic are not readily available because most of the cases hardly get reported at health centres, it is believed that thousands of Nigerians are killed each year from the deadly venom of snakebite, and many more are injured. A large majority of this incidence occurs in North East region of the country with Gombe State reputed to be leading the pack. Sometimes last year, a young woman bitten by this unfriendly reptile died few hours after giving birth to a baby boy at the Kaltungo General Hospital of the State due to excessive lost of blood. She died after being rushed and admitted at the Snake treatment unit of the Kaltungo hospital when a snake known as carpet Viper bit her. Our correspondent gathered that over 500 snake bite patients from Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno and Plateau states died last year, at the Kaltungo General hospital due to late arrival or lack of ASV to treat them. It was further gathered that the snake unit in the hospital, which has inadequate space, was attending to about 200 patients monthly, an average of 50 victims weekly. “They lucky ones among the victims got treated while some were abandoned to fate since the drugs were not available” a staff that preferred anonymity said. Often times, the period between April and November witnessed increase in the number of snakebites. Between April and November, last year, which is the period that usually witnesed increased incidence of snakebites, the medical facility in Gombe state reportedly admitted over 800. “Most of the people admitted died within that period due to shortage of the Anti-Snake Venom (ASV). “It was a pathetic situation as we watched many people died helplessly due to lack of the drugs. “It is disgusting when one has to watch helplessly as patients battle to survive and eventually give up. It is sad and unfortunate’’ our source said. The cost of anti-venom is said to be between N30, 000 to N40, 000, a cost that is beyond the reach of many low-
income earners. Edward Baraya is a member of the Taraba State house of assembly. He said ideally, upon the unfortunate incidence of snake bite, one is supposed to seek medical attention within six hours to stop the negative effects of “envenoming”, which is tecnically speaking, the injection of poison into the blood stream from the snake’s fangs. He admitted that the treatment is also difficult because in most cases, the health workers cannot identify the snake that bit the patient. The lawmaker was of the opinion that critical stakeholders need to synergise in other to confront the menace and indeed, all other health challenges bedevilling “people of the North East”. Speaking to our correspondent, the Gombe state commissioner of health, Dr. Kennedy Ishaya said statistics available indicated that most of the victims of snakebite who sought treatment in Gombe State are not from the state. “They are from neighboring states and other states as far as Jigawa, Yobe, Katsina and even Kebbi state. Ishaya claimed that patients come to the Gombe state facility in large number simply because they are accessing the treatment for free. “Is because we have the required clinical acumen that we are able to take care of the patients, critically without any charges. That’s why we have a high number of patients rushing to the state facility. “They come to a place where they can get the best treatment, and more so in Gombe the treatment is free, accommodation is free, anti biotic to support the treatment is free,the Anti Venom Serum (AVS) is free, a times we give them free support in terms of nutrition” he added. The commissioner also disclosed that as a measure to demonstrate government commitment in tackling the menace, the administration of governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo constructed over N500 million worth of 250 bed capacity snake bite treatment hospital and research centre in Kaltungo. Ishaya said the hospital has been fully equipped with state of the art equipment. His words: “the newly constructed centre is now fully set, we have received a consignment of hospital equipment and beds which we have installed, we are at the verge of commissioning. “We have employed the first batch of workers, about 42 labourers, cleaners, gardeners and security guards”. He said inbued in the Centre is an eye and dental clinic “for patients who may be bitten by sprouting cobra, as they may likely be affected in the eyes,”. Ishaya said the dental unit would take care of those bleeding in the mouth and other complications caused by snakebite. He explained that the hospital would be linked with the Specialist Hospital Gombe in case there are patients that
would need dialysis after snakebite because of renal failure. “Snake poison is terrible, virtually every system of the body could be affected,” he said. He added that nurses would be deployed from other hospitals, as well as those that would graduate from the school of Nursing, Gombe, to the centre. He further revealed that in preparation for the next peak period which is around March to April, government have already procured about 1, 260 anti venom and other treatment components to help fight the problem. He said Governor Dankwambo has also given approval for the quarterly release of N8 million for the purchase of AVS for the hospital. The commissioner while thanking the federal ministry of health, organizations like Rotary international for supporting the state with AVS, also commended some individuals within and outside the state for supporting the snake units in various ways. He called on other individuals and organizations to join in the gesture noting that the task of tackling the problem is challenging considering the alarming number of persons that besiege the state seeking for free treatment. It is observed that apart from the general hospital Kaltungo in Gombe State, Bambur General Hospital in Karim Lamido local government area of Taraba state is another health facility that serves victims of snakebite within the region. “But because of the terrain most of the victim die before or on arriving the hospital due to the effect of the snake poison” a health personnel who prefers anonymity said. However, the coordinator of snake bite unit in Bambur general hospital,
...the task of tackling the problem is challenging considering the alarming number of persons that besiege the state seeking for free treatment
Madam Sarah Umar who describe the effects of snake bite as “horrible” said ignorance about the need for proper and fast treatment is responsible for the death of hundreds of snake bites victims in North eastern Nigeria. “Time is an important factor in treating snake bite cases as the first dose of anti-venom medicine should be given within an hour of the bite” She said snakebites claim hundreds of people yearly in different parts of the North-East geopolitical zone, especially in Karim Lamido as a result of delay in receiving treatment or lack of AVS to administer emergency treatment. She regretted that some of the victims normally spent days administering traditional treatment and only resort in coming to the hospital when the condition become critical. Umar disclosed that a lawmaker from Taraba state has been helpful through the provision of free drugs noting “it was based on the terrible situation and the alarming rate at which victims were dying that the legislator decided to intervene by giving out the drugs for free in 3 different locations across the locality. “We receive four to five patients every day on an average, and we have been able to save most of them due to the free treatment programme being sponsored by the lawmaker.” Experts said first aid steps one can take after snakebite occurs include cleaning the wound, remaining calm, and immobilizing the affected area. However, it’s essential to get to a medical facility immediately for emergency treatment. If treated in time, the outlook for recovery is good. Indeed, the over all essence is to neutralize the toxin, to reduce morbidity, and to prevent complications.
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Thurssday February 1, 2018
NBA: Aminu Records 4th ‘Double Double’ In Blazers’ Win WALE AYENI ABUJA. Nigeria international Al-Farouq Aminu scored his fourth double double of the NBA season in the Portland Trail Blazers’ 104-96 win over LA Clippers in Los Angeles He shot only 30.7 percent from the floor, yesterday. A double is the accumulation of a double-digit number in one of the five statistical categories points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots, in a game. The 27 year old signed a four-year, $30 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers from Dallas Mavericks 2015 and he made his debut for the Trail Blazers in the team’s season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 28, recording 9 points and 8 rebounds. Portland shot just 37 percent from the floor, but rode a big third quarter to its third straight win. “The third quarter was great,” Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. “At both ends of the floor we moved the ball. The offense was efficient. Defensively we were on point. The third quarter was the best part of the game.” The Blazers shot 47 percent in the third, when they outscored the Clippers 30-16 led by Lillard’s 10 points. Aminu featured for 32 minutes as Portland Trail Blazers ended a seven-game winless run against the Clippers. He scored ten points and 11rebound for the Blazers who now have 28 wins from 50 NBA games, losing 22 Damian Lillard scored 28 points and the Portland Trail Blazers pulled away in the third quarter to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 104-96 The former Los Angeles Clippers player won with the D’Tigers of Nigeria the 2015 FIBA Africa Championship (AfroBasket) in Tunisia by defeating Angola had earlier in the season recorded double doubles against New Orleans Pelicans, Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers.
L-R: Director of Korea Cultural Centre, Han Sungrase; NOC President,Habu Gumel; Director of Elite Athletes in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Tayo Oreweme (holding Winter Olympics Torch); and other officials of the ministry during the presentation of the Olympic Torch, in Abuja, yesterday
Winter Olympics: Nigerian Team Excites Koreans – Sungarse ... FG appoints Elegbeleye as Chef de Mission
BY SALIFU USMAN, ABUJA Director of Korea Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Han Sungrase has said Korean media are excited about the first Nigerian bobsled team which will represent the country at the forthcoming Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea. Sungrase stated this at the presentation of the Olympic Torch to the contingent by the Korean Cultural Centre on Thursday in Abuja. He said the event was put together to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Korea. “We organise this event by inviting you VIPs, NOC president and some directors of the Ministry of Youth and Sports to create synergy between Nigeria and South Korea. The Kore-
an media are excited about Nigerian team coming to PyeongChang, South Korea for their first ever Winter Olympics in history.” The 2018 Winter Olympic Games are scheduled to hold between February 9 and 28. Nigeria will be represented at the Games by four female athletes: Simidele Adeagbo, Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwueme and Akuoma Omeoga in Skeleton and Bobsleigh. The former Director General of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, will lead the contingent to PyeongChang as Nigerian Chef de Mission for the Games. President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engineer Habu Gumel made announcement while
speaking to newsmen shortly after the presentation of Olympic Torch to the contingent. The Director of Elite Athletes Department of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Tayo Oreweme, received the Torch on behalf of the contingent. Gumel said apart from Elegbeleye, two coaches, the president of the Bobsled federation and officials of NOC will accompany the team to PyeongChang. “This is a moment of joy for me because I recall I was envious seeing Ghanaian and Tunisian athletes make the maiden appearance for Africa in the 2010 Winter Olympic in Vancouver, Canada. “I want to assure Nigerians that this is the beginning as NOC will do ev-
erything humanly possible within our limit to encourage the team and other athletes so that they can inspire a new generation of athletes to the next Winter Olympic Games,” Gumel said. The NOC president also added that though Nigeria does not experience the winter weather, government is keen to attend the Games because of effect of climate change, which could also impact on Nigerian sports in the future. “Apart from that, Nigeria is a big country with talented athletes and should participate in all major sporting events whether the Summer, Winter, Youths or Paralympics Games.” The Olympic Winter Games will be held in Korea for the first time in 30 years after the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988.
I’m Happy To Be Back In CSKA Moscow – Musa
Aminu
Super Eagles forward, Ahmed Musa said he is happy and proud to be back to his former club, CSKA Moscow as a player. Musa, who is on loan from Leicester City spoke after he passed his medical at the club. “I am very happy and proud to be back. This is truly my home, champion team that fights for the top awards and occupies highest places. I am back to red-blue family! I promise that I will give everything
for this club in order to make PFC CSKA champion again. I will work very hard”, Musa told the club’s website. Both the CSKA and Leicester City agreed the loan switch today. Musa will be at the club till the end of the season. CSKA said Musa will be included in the squad list for the national league and the UEFA Europa League knockout stage. The 25-year-old Nigeria interna-
tional moved from CSKA to Leicester for a club-record £18.2million fee in 2016. Despite a promising start to his Leicester career, he has made just one appearance this season. Since joining Leicester, Musa has netted five times in 33 outings in all competitions. Musa, who has 67 caps for Nigeria, will be hoping to play a big role in Nigeria’s World Cup campaign this summer.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
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WAFU Cup: Ajibade, 34 Others Hit Falcons’ Camp Falconets’ ace forward Rasheedat Ajibade and veteran midfielder Osas Igbinovia are at the top of a 35 –woman list of players invited to the camp of the Super Falcons ahead of the upcoming WAFU Women Cup of Nations taking place in Cote d’Ivoire, 10th – 24th February 2018. The list, which also has veterans Joy Jegede and Mariam Ibrahim as well as junior internationals Gift Monday, Anam Imo and Mary Ologbosere, was released less than 24 hours after the unveiling in Abuja of new Super Falcons’ Head Coach, Thomas Dennerby. The WAFU Women Cup of Nations provides a first opportunity for Dennerby and assistant Jorgen Petersson, alongside their Nigerian assistants Oni Olanrewaju Wemimo, Maureen Mmadu, Taiwo Omobolanle Tundun and Precious Dede to bond with the players they will
be working with going forward. All the players have been advised to report at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja on Thursday, 1st February 2018 with their international passports. Eight –time African champions Nigeria will tackle Benin Republic, Senegal and Togo in Group B of the WAFU Women Cup of Nations, with host Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic to battle it out in Group A. All The invited players are: Goalkeepers Onyinyechukwu Okeke (Inneh Queens); Rita Akarekoh (Delta Queens); Chioma Nwankwo (Nasarawa Amazons); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Rivers Angels); Oluwaseun Bello (Police Machine). Defenders: Ayomide Ojo (Police Machine); Kemi Famuditi (Confluence Queens); Glory Ogbonna (Ibom Angels); Opeyemi Aiyeniberu (Sunshine Queens);
Mary Ologbosere (Rivers Angels); Sarah Ilodubah (Osun Babes); Joy Jegede (Delta Queens); Lilian Tule (Bayelsa Queens); Uju Okafor (Delta Queens). Midfielders: Osas Igbinovia (Bayelsa Queens); Ihuoma Onyebuchi (Sunshine Queens); Oluwakemi Toriola (Police Machine); Ogechi Ukwuoma (Delta Queens); Folashade Ijamilusi (WAFA League); Peace Efih (Inneh Queens). Forwards: Mary Anjor (Osun Babes); Mercy Amanze (Rivers Angels); Juliet Sunday (Sunshine Queens); Aminat Yakubu (Bayelsa Queens); Chinaza Uchendu (Rivers Angels); Rasheedat Ajibade (FC Robo Queens); Anam Imo (Nasarawa Amazons); Mariam Aluko (Confluence Queens); Rofiat Suleiman (Rivers Angels); Gift Monday (FC Robo Queens); Alice Ogebe (Rivers Angels); Precious Edewor (Ibom Angels); Chioma Wogu (Rivers Angels).
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SPORTS 47
FINAL DAY OF JANUARY TRANSFER NEWS IN BRIEF
Aubameyang Joins Arsenal For Club Record £56m Arsenal has officially announced the signing of Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a club record transfer fee. R eports have it that Arsenal paid the club record transfer fee of £56million to complete the transfer of the Gabon international. Arsenal confirmed the sealed deal on their official website, yestersday. “Welcome to Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang!,” the club stated. “The 28-year-old has joined us from Borussia Dortmund on a longterm contract for a club-record fee. “Our second signing of the January transfer window, Auba is one of the world’s most highly-rated strikers. He scored 98 goals in 144 Bundesliga games for Dortmund
and had a hand in 172 goals in 213 matches in all competitions for his former club. “That works out at an average of 96 minutes per goal or assist. “Auba is the Gabon captain and all-time top goalscorer
Mesut Ozil has ended speculation over his future by signing a new threeyear deal with Arsenal. Ozil, 29, was due to be out of contract at the end of the season but will now be tied to the club until the sum-
mer of 2021. The deal, worth £12 million a year after tax, comes on the same day that Arsenal announced the club-record signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund. The BBC reported on Wednesday that the German, 29, becomes the highest-paid player in the club’s history, earning about £350,000 a week before tax. Ozil had been linked with an Arsenal exit at the end of the season when his previous contract was due to expire, but he has now had a turnaround and decided to stay at the Emirates until he is 32. He joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013 for a then club record £42.4m and has been one of the Premier League club’s top performers since.
Ozil Signs New £350k Per Week Deal
NFF president, Amaju Melvin Pinnick (middle); presiding over a meeting of the CAF Committee on the Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca, Morocco, yesterday. With him are, Dr Philip Chiyangwa (left) and Dr Danny Jordaan (right)
Lagos City Marathon: Kits’ Distribution Starts Today
The distribution of kits, running beeps and transponders for registered participants for the 2018 Ac-
cess Bank Lagos City Marathon will begin on Thursday inside the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. The Head of Communications and Media for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Kayode Thomas disclosed that those that have registered for the February 10 race are only required to come with their confirmation messages and any form of identification to collect their kits and other provided items. “Of course, the kits are free, the interested participants are only
meant to come with their proof of registration (confirmation messages) and their valid ID cards to pick their kits,” Thomas stated. He added that those that would be sending others to collect on their behalf must make available duly signed letters of authorization to that effect. Thomas assured that all hands are on deck to make the 2018 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon an enormous success; even more than the first two editions. He said: “We have been working round the clock to ensure that we raise the standard again this year and hopefully we would have another successful race.”
The 2018 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is slated for February 10, 2018. The full marathon, now an IAAF Bronze Labeled race, will start at 6.30am, at the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos and finish at Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island. The second race, 10km Family Race will start 8.30 at Lekki Roundabout after the Ikoyi-Lekki Bridge and finish at the Eko Atlantic City. Thomas appealed to all Lagosians to follow communications on road closures and alternative roads on race day as roads on the marathon routes will be closed for about seven hours.
Rangers Seek Rejuvenation Against Rivers Utd One of the competitive fixtures of match day 6;of this season’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) will be decided in Enugu on Thursday when Enugu Rangers and Rivers United go toe to toe at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. Rangers go into Thursday’s game on the back of a 1-2 defeat to Nasarawa United in Lafia on Monday and will be looking to bounce back by amassing maximum points at the expense of the Port Harcourt club. The ‘Flying Antelopes’ have won
once and also lost once at home this term but they will fancy their chances against a Rivers United side that have yet to register neither points nor goals on the board, on the road this term. Team Manager of Rangers, Amobi Ezeaku is however full of respect for Rivers United and is adamant that the hosts will be taking nothing for granted at the ‘Cathedral’ on Thursday. “Rangers and Rivers United are two great teams and only 90 minutes will decide (which side comes out tops) on Thursday,” Amobi was quoted to have
said by Rivers United club website, “Rivers United is a team I respect a lot and their determination, even when they are down is next to none. “I believe they have the (qualities) we saw two seasons ago (when they finished as NPFL runners up, losing the title to Rangers on the final day of the season). “It is not going to be an easy game in Enugu,” he concluded. Rangers represent formidable opposition and will look to go for the jugular from the get go on Thursday.
Chelsea Grabs Giroud From Arsenal Chelsea have completed the signing of Olivier Giroud from Arsenal. The France international will join the Blues on an 18-month contract with an option to extend it for another year after the two clubs agreed a deal on Wednesday. The 31-year-old has struggled for playing time at the Gunners this season and has left for their London rivals on the final day of the transfer window. The move comes just hours after Arsenal confirmed the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund, who have just loaned Michy Batshuayi from Chelsea. A triangle of transfers developed between the three clubs over the last few days of the January transfer window, with each move seemingly hindering on one of the others going through.
While Dortmund wanted Batshuayi as Aubameyang’s replacement, Chelsea were reluctant to let him go without bringing in another alternative to Alvaro Morata and turned to Giroud after failing to land Edin Dzeko from Roma. Arsenal, however, were awaiting their club record signing from the German side before relinquishing the France international.
Pep Guardiola sanctioned Manchester City’s signing of New York City winger Jack Harrison to scupper plans by Stoke to seal a deal for the England under-21 international, according to report. Harrison, 21, signed a three-anda-half year contract at the Etihad after impressing for New York, City’s sister club in the MLS, during the 2017 season. The terms of Tuesday’s deal were not disclosed, but sources confirmed to ESPN FC’s Jeff Carlisle that Man City will pay a fee of around $6 million (£4.25m), which
could move higher based on performances. A portion of any fee will go to MLS, and NYCFC will be able to use up to $750,000 of its share as general allocation money toward future signings under MLS salary budget rules. The Stoke-born youngster has been loaned to Middlesbrough by City, but sources at the Etihad have told ESPN FC that he is seen as having first-team potential and Guardiola moved to sign him after he had been given the opportunity to move to his hometown club.
‘Man City signed Harrison To Thwart Stoke’
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AN OPTIMIST IS THE KIND OF PERSON WHO BELIEVES THAT A HOUSEFUL IS LOOKING FOR A WAY OUT.
01.02.18
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY
No. 3,001
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The Thursday Column
A
— George Nathan
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SPACE FOR SALE
The Adamawa Factor In Nigerian Politics
Abba Mahmood
damawa is a unique state. Geographical, historical and socio-cultural factors have combined to make it politically indispensable since the creation of Nigeria. Adamawa is situated right at the centre of every regime since independence. It is one of the most diverse and most heterogonous with over eighty ethnic groups but virtually all Fulfulde-speaking. The people of Adamawa are very proud of their heritage and are also very conscious of their integration process dating back to centuries since there is virtually no family in Adamawa that is mono-ethnic. That is the bond that cements the long existing peace and harmony in that special state. During the late colonial and early post-colonial era, one of the most powerful political figures in the country was the late Alhaji Mahmud Ribadu, incidentally the grandfather of Mrs Aisha Buhari, wife of the president. As Minister of Lagos Affairs he helped to build Nigeria’s capital which has become the commercial hub of the West African subregion. As the first Defence
THURSDAY
08052407030 (SMS only) abba@leadership.ng Minister, Ribadu helped to build the foundation of a modern military for Nigeria. He laid the foundation for the Nigerianization of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and appointed General Aguiyi Ironsi as its first Nigerian Commander. He established the Air Force and the Nigerian Defence Academy after independence to have a strong defence to enable Nigeria play a leading role in Africa and the world. Alhaji Ribadu was also Nigeria’s first and only Deputy Prime Minister of Nigeria at independence. With the advent of the military regime, Adamawa was not left behind. Alhaji Ahmed Joda was one of the super Permanent Secretaries that helped the military to run the country at that time by formulating and implementing all the laudable policies and programmes of national development that people still remember with nostalgia. Being a state with many military officers, the contribution of Adamawa to Nigeria’s unity during the civil war cannot be over emphasized. Adamawa produced not only a substantial number of the officers but
Atiku
indeed a significant number of the fighting soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria as a nation. When General Gowon was overthrown and the Murtala/ Obasanjo regime came to being in 1975, seven new states were created bringing the total to 19. Of the 19 military governors of that era, five were from Adamawa. This was in addition to some key members of the Supreme Military Council and federal officials of that era. That era saw the making of Yola, the traditional capital of Adamawa, as the capital of the then newly created Gongola state. Thus, government was brought closer to the people and development was brought to the grassroots. Today Yola has become a cosmopolitan city that has been attracting people from all over the world who come for knowledge, commerce or other socioeconomic and even political reasons. With the advent of civilian rule and the inauguration of President Shehu Shagari in 1979, Internal Affairs Minister, Alhaji Ali Baba as well as Defence Minister, Prof Iya Abubakar were both from Adamawa as if saying that Nigeria’s security against external aggression and
internal security challenges were entrusted to Adamawa people. In addition, Gen Gibson Jalo was Army Chief and later Chief of Defence Staff in that regime. Also Air Vice Marshal AD Bello was Chief of Air Staff, both of them were from Adamawa. This was in addition to many Adamawa people holding other strategic positions in the public service of the federal government at that time. When the military overthrew President Shagari and installed General Muhammadu Buhari as Head of State in 1984, again, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Ibrahim Alfa was from Adamawa. This was in addition to other military commanders who were members of the Supreme Military Council. One of the most powerful ministers of that era was Commerce and Industry Minister, Dr Mahmud Tukur, also from Adamawa. General Haladu Hananiya from Adamawa was Buhari‘s High Commissioner to the UK, the major diplomatic posting as far as Nigeria is concerned. Ambassador Hananiya was entrusted with that sensitive posting at a time when most of the fugitive politicians were residing in UK. When General Ibrahim Babangida overthrew Buhari
in 1985, Adamawa was still in reckoning. In fact, there was a time the Chief of Air Staff, Ibrahim Alfa, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Murtala Nyako as well as the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta, were all from Adamawa and all were members of the Armed Forces Ruling Council. In that regime, Prof Jubril Aminu was Education Minister and later Petroleum Minister, an era that saw the participation of Nigerians in that strategic sector. Many key appointments were also held by Adamawa people in that regime, both civil and military. During the Abacha era, Alhaji Hassan Adamu, the Wakili Adamawa was Nigeria’s Ambassador to the US. Alhaji Gambo Jimeta was also a powerful Minister in the Abacha cabinet. Even the ADC to General Abacha, when he was Head of State, was from Adamawa. This was in addition to many Adamawa people holding other strategic positions in both military and federal public services of that era. Under President Obasanjo, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar emerged as Vice President for eight years, the longest serving VP in Nigeria’s history to date. Also, the longest serving minister of that era, Mallam Adamu Bello, is from Adamawa state. This was in addition to many Adamawa people holding strategic positions in both civil and military services of that era, such as Mallam Nuhu Ribadu who was the pioneer Chairman of the anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which Obasanjo established and entrusted to him. Even under President Goodluck Jonathan, Adamawa was not neglected. Mallam Hassan Tukur, the Principal Private Secretary to President Jonathan and one of the closest people to him is from
Adamawa. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur who was, for some time, National Chairman of the then ruling party is also from Adamawa. Under the current dispensation, the Minister of FCT, Mallam Mohammed Bello, is from Adamawa; the Secretary to Federal Government, Barrister Boss Mustapha is from Adamawa; and of course the wife of President Buhari, Hajia Aisha, is also from Adamawa, among others. In fact, the Chairman of Buhari’s transition committee, Baba Ahmed Joda, is from Adamawa. Thus, since independence there is no government that has not included Adamawa people contributing to national development at the highest and other levels. Apart from the presidency, there is no single executive position in Nigeria, whether military, paramilitary or civil that someone from Adamawa has not held. And they do not blow their trumpet, partly because they know the power game. In all these years, only Atiku tried to outshine his principal, President Obasanjo, very much unlike the people of Adamawa who are known for loyalty, integrity and powerful influence but always behind the scene. History is on the side of the oppressed.
GHANA MUST GO Let Trump be Trump — Analyst
No, let Trump be the president of the United States!
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